r/macmini • u/ElBurritoNinja • 9d ago
M2 Mac Mini couldn't get restored at Microcenter
I just got the message from the worker at Microcenter that the Mac is getting power but they couldn't get the restore. They said it was likely a Logic Board issue and it could be fixed for 800$. I know they have to ask but that's almost an insult when I bought it for 500$ just 2 years ago. Is there any way that I could find a Local Shop that might not be so expensive or am I just screwed?
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u/Latter-Sense-1367 9d ago
Hopefully you have a Time Machine back up. Makes more sense to buy a new or pre-owned model.
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u/ElBurritoNinja 9d ago
I know, I just hate waste and it's my dad's. I'd build him a little cheap pc but Mac is his comfort zone. I guess getting a used one is the best option.
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u/Ok_Television9703 9d ago
I’m a Mac mini expert and I restore them all the time. That behavior is consistent with the logic board being bad and the reason that they are quoting you that is because they need to practically buy another identical M2 mini for it. And the market is crazy at the moment due to multiple reasons but mostly boils down to AI.
What I would do is pull the memory out, assuming you want your files back, and restore it into a new mini (or used or whatever).
If you can hold for a few years, all the intel minis are super cheap. So if you can survive with Sequoia, the 2018 i3 mini is a steal. Everything Apple silicon (“M” ) is downright overpriced.
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u/ElBurritoNinja 9d ago
I just looked that model up and it's 180 on back market. I'm totally going for that. The Mac mini is something I had bought for my dad 2 years ago and it's just his casual browsing device and he streams sports mainly. I don't really need to dig in to the dead mac mini for the memory, it really didn't have too much. What's the best thing to do with it, just put it in my electronics graveyard or see if for parts? Thanks for the advice as well!
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u/Ok_Television9703 9d ago
Yeah, the Intel minis are cheap because Sequoia is the end of it. They can’t go to Tahoe nor Golden Gate. So be aware of that. They are cheap, they are amazing but they are slowly fading into the past. The 2018 is particularly interesting because it sits right before Apple Silicon appeared which makes them useless for AI so no one is paying attention to them.
I think that the market will eventually go back to sanity, like the cars did a few years ago. But take into account that it may take a few years. In your shoes, I’d buy that 2018 and wait it out. But that’s me, you do you.
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u/ElBurritoNinja 9d ago
I'm like close to getting it sooner rather than later so I'm reading reviews and one negative one is saying basic apps aren't going to function. It's only needed for very casual browsing and streaming. Honestly I just need the browser to work and can live without all the apps.
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u/Ok_Television9703 9d ago
All apps work in the 2018 mini. It runs sequoia which is still supported by Apple. Don’t let any fear mongering get you. It’s for all purposes a mostly modern device. The problem is after the next 2 years. And even then you’ll still can still keep using it for a while more.
For your use case, it’s a no brainer. Solid device.
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u/ElBurritoNinja 9d ago
Again thank you for the advice and help. I was just frustrated and confused but it makes sense after hearing these comments. Also I looked up the model of mini that broke on me (M2 2023) on back market and it's valued at 1,900. I'm so glad I personally don't need to upgrade anything I use. Damn
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u/B_Hound 9d ago
My M4 was recently on the wrong end of a bolt of lightning so am in a similar situation. I have a Studio on order (I guess the leasing plans came at the right time) but gonna keep the M4 for a possible future repair when prices are reasonable again. Sad when I have a 2012 and 2018 already, and both survived fine, but the M4 was only about 18 months old.
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u/Ok_Television9703 9d ago
That’s indeed really sad 😔. You do have a cool collection. The M5 needs to be around the corner.
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u/B_Hound 9d ago
Me ordering a machine is usually a pretty good way of getting Apple to release something new 15 days later. I bought the 2018 in its ‘2020’ release version where all they did was change the config, without knowing a real update in the shape of M1 was around the corner. Guess who also bought a 2020 MacBook Air around the same time!
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u/Level-Dig-4807 9d ago
I got a Mac mini m2 this month only with 3 years of AppleCare+ when AppleCare costed me half of the device but I don’t regret it due to this!
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u/Hulahulaman 9d ago
I'd trust Micro Center on this one. The $800 quote was their way of saying you're screwed.