Apple Mac Mini Modified for USB-C Power Supply

Key Takeaways

1. Apple launched the latest Mac mini with an M4 Pro version featuring Thunderbolt 5 ports.
2. The only official way to power the Mac mini is through the AC power port.
3. A YouTuber demonstrated that the Mac mini can also be powered via a USB-C PD board module.
4. Both the AC power port and USB-C PD board can supply power simultaneously, allowing the system to function even if one is unplugged.
5. While the standard AC port meets most user needs, adding USB-C passthrough could have been an easy enhancement for Apple.

Apple has launched the latest Mac mini, a small but powerful PC that offers some flexibility. The M4 Pro version includes Thunderbolt 5 ports, but it’s worth noting that the only way to turn on the system is via the AC power port.

A Surprising Discovery

Interestingly, a YouTuber named Saad OUACHE demonstrated that it’s possible to power the Mac mini using a USB-C cable. To achieve this, he needed to add a USB-C PD board module. This board connects to the chassis ground and the “plus” port on the motherboard, allowing Saad to power the mini PC with a PD-compatible power bank, like the 140 W Anker 737 which is currently priced at $87.99 on Amazon.

Dual Power Options

What’s quite fascinating is that Saad proved power can be supplied through both the AC port and the extra USB-C PD board simultaneously. The mini PC continues to function even if one of the power sources is unplugged. Furthermore, the system boots up normally from a powered-off state when it starts receiving power through the additional board. This indicates that Apple could have easily implemented USB-C passthrough on the Mac mini.

User Needs Considered

However, the standard AC power port on the mini PC works well for the majority of users, and Apple might have considered adding USB-C passthrough as unnecessary. Nevertheless, based on Saad’s demonstration, it appears that incorporating this feature isn’t overly complicated for someone with the right electrical engineering knowledge. Be sure to check out Saad’s video linked below for more information on this modification.

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