New to Mac/On1 photo raw?

[RWW53]

Hi, first post here.
At the moment I have not purchased a Mac but have used Windows for many, many years.
I need a Mac Mini because I also need to down size my equipment but it will need to run On1 Photo Raw, it is a very GPU sucking application, on my current system I have Geforce 2060 6GB GPUwith 16GB ram and that just about manages.
Cannot afford the new Mac prices so looking at a used Mac mini, from what I can find out a Mac mini M2 with 512 disc and 16GB ram should do the job but ask anyone here using On1 Photo Raw 2023 and on what system please? Thankyou, Russ.

 

[pigoo3]

...on my current system I have Geforce 2060 6GB GPU with 16GB ram and that just about manages.

How old is this Windows computer? Many times it can be a combination of GPU & CPU power that "powers" the use of high demand applications.

Cannot afford the new Mac prices so looking at a used Mac mini, from what I can find out a Mac mini M2 with 512 disc and 16GB ram should do the job but ask anyone here using On1 Photo Raw 2023 and on what system please? Thankyou, Russ.

Hopefully you realize the M2 Mac Mini is the latest/newest model Mac-Mini (you mentioned new Mac prices were beyond your budget.

Maybe you can find a used M2 Mac-Mini...but in my experience...Craig's List and eBay prices for used M2 Mac-Mini's (and M1 Mac-Mini's)...are still pretty high compared to a brand new model.

The base model M2 Mac-Mini is very affordable at $599 new (sometimes less on sale). It does have 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (less than you mentioned). If you went with the upgraded M2 Mac-Mini with 16GB RAM and 512GBG storage...that's going to run you $999.

Considering the amount of processing power you seem to need (CPU & GPU)...you might be better off getting an M2 Pro Mac-Mini for $1299. I know the price keeps creeping up...that's the way Apple does it. Lol

If you have additional questions...ask away...lots of folks here willing to help.

Welcome to Mac-Forums!

- Nick

 

[pigoo3]

...but it will need to run On1 Photo Raw...

Does this app have a macOS compatible version?

If not...here are some ways to run Windows on a Mac:

Best Ways To Run Windows On a Mac in 2025 (Free & Paid)

Running Windows on your Mac gives you the best of both worlds, allowing you to conveniently use macOS and Windows-only applications side-by-side. However,

machow2.com

Nick

 

[RWW53]

Hi, thankyou for the reply.
In answer to "How old is this Windows computer?" It's really not down to the age more to the requirement of I need to down size my system due to lack of space from a 3 bed to a 2 bed house with not a lot of extra space. Have two desk top computers one for every day and one for image editing so going Laptop for every day and Mac Mini for the image editing.
Does this app have a macOS compatible version? Yes it has both options.
I read that a Mac with the 512 drive is the better option but as all I need is a drive that can take the OS and a couple extra apps, what kind of performance difference is there between the 512GB and the 256 GB drives?
I am working in £ rather than $ and £1000 is about my limit.
Thankyou Russ.

 

[MacInWin]

Russ, get as much as you can afford. (That is the general rule in all computer purchases.) Remember, though, you need a keyboard, monitor, and mouse (or trackpad) to add to the Mini. And to pay for a Mac version of On1.

Yes, the 512 is faster at access to the storage than the 256, but the difference is really small in the general order of things. But I would opt for the 512 because you might be surprised by how much you really need and the Mx Macs are NOT upgradeable after purchase. They are what you bought.

Look at Apple refurbs for a good deal. Typically 10% off, but full warranty and AppleCare elegible. What is there varies all the time, so you just have to keep checking at your Apple website in UK.

Edit: On thinking about it, you might want to look at an iMac instead. Given the Mini needs a monitor, the iMac is the size of a monitor, but has all it needs. It comes with a keyboard, too, so all you need is a mouse, I think.

 

[pigoo3]

In answer to "How old is this Windows computer?" It's really not down to the age more to the requirement of I need to down size my system due to lack of space from a 3 bed to a 2 bed house with not a lot of extra space.

Understand the less space concern.

In post #1 the home space issue was mentioned...but also mentioned/described...the current Windows computer you do the photo editing on as "just about manages".

Thus it would seem replacing this Windows computer isn't just about space-saving...but also due to a performance issue (just barely enough for what you do).

The age of the Windows computer is not super important...was just curious. Most of the Apple computers I use on a daily basis are 10-12 years old...currently newest is 7 years old. Lol

Does this app have a macOS compatible version? Yes it has both options.

Awesome...that makes things much easier!

I read that a Mac with the 512 drive is the better option but as all I need is a drive that can take the OS and a couple extra apps, what kind of performance difference is there between the 512GB and the 256 GB drives?

There are many different Mac model computers...thus it's much better to refer to exact models...just so everyone is "on the same page".

FYI...Different current Mac models include:

* Mac Pro (desktop)
* Mac Studio (desktop)
* Mac Mini (desktop)
* iMac (desktop)
* MacBook Pro (notebook)
* MacBook Air (notebook)

Regarding 512GB vs. 256GB storage. This also depends on the model Apple computer discussed...but if we're talking the M2 Mac-Mini...yes the 512GB is faster than the 256GB.

According to reviews I've read & watched...technically (via benchmarking programs)...the speed is significantly different. But in real world use "human perception"...both are very fast. But if you're targeting the 512GB model...then the point is moot.

I am working in £ rather than $ and £1000 is about my limit.

Good deal. We have lots of members from the UK.

Looking at the Apple Store UK...an M2 Mac-Mini with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage = £1049 (slightly above your max budget).

- Nick

 

[pigoo3]

As Jake (MacInWin) mentioned above...DEFINITELY check out the Apple UK refurbished area. I just did...and there are lots of M1 & M2 Mac-Mini's there to choose from.

Apple refurbs are just like new...and have the exact same warranty as a new Apple computer. No worries with an Apple refurb!

Refurbished Mac - Mac mini

Save up to 15% on a refurbished Mac mini. Tested and certified by Apple including a 1-year warranty. Free delivery and returns.

www.apple.com

Nick

 

[RWW53]

Thank you both for the information, will look at the referb option as it would be worth the extra expense for the g/tee. One additional question. I already have a Benq 27" monitor and use a Wacom tablet so I assume all I need is a Mac keyboard?

 

[pigoo3]

You may/should be able to use your current keyboard (assuming it's USB).

Here's a link how to use/setup a Windows keyboard to better work with the macOS:

OS X Basics: Using a Windows Keyboard With a Mac

Learn how to use a Windows keyboard on a Mac in this free article.

edu.gcfglobal.org

Of course having an Apple keyboard will give better synergy with a Apple computer.

Nick