Thoughts on Mac Mini as server?

[thurstmw]

I am thinking about getting a last intel generation 2018-2020 Mac Mini to use as my server. They are going for about $140usd. I already have a have a hard drive enclosure that I have been using as a shitty plex server without any parity. 

I am sure there are much better ideas for a simple small prebuilt under $150... so what are they?

[sunny_raven]

Hello!

Getting a used Mac Mini in the current market with a limited budget may be best, especially, if you're not looking to drive it pretty hard. 

If a raspberry pi can eke out 4k, then a decent-spec mac will do great! So if you're looking to just host files and media, that should do great!

 

If you're looking for a (slightly) better upgrade path than a mac, though, you could even look into some pre-owned office PCs like ones from Free Geek here: https://www.ebay.com/str/freegeekportland/Desktops-All-In-Ones/_i.html?_sacat=171957