As renewed desktops become an increasingly popular choice for budget-conscious buyers, selecting the right Mac Mini in 2026 requires understanding the tradeoffs. The Apple 2023 24-inch iMac with M3 Chip stands out for its powerful M3 processor and sleek design, making it ideal for creative professionals. Meanwhile, the HP EliteDesk 805 G6 Mini PC offers excellent multitasking with its Ryzen 5 Pro chip and is a compelling option for those wanting Windows flexibility. Both are renewed, so considerations include cosmetic imperfections and longevity, but each provides a distinct experience tailored to specific needs.
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Key Takeaways
- The Apple iMac offers superior performance for creative tasks but may have minor cosmetic flaws due to renewal.
- The HP EliteDesk provides great multitasking power with Windows and a smaller footprint, ideal for professional use.
- Both options include 16GB RAM, but storage capacities differ, affecting use cases.
- Renewed products can have slightly reduced lifespan or cosmetic imperfections but include manufacturer testing and support.
- Choosing between these depends on whether you prefer macOS or Windows, and your specific performance needs.
| Apple 2023 24-inch iMac with M3 Chip, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Blue (Renewed) |  | Best Overall for Creative Professionals | Operating System: macOS Sonoma | Color: Blue | Processor: Apple M3 Pro 8-core | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| HP EliteDesk 805 G6 Mini PC with Ryzen 5 Pro 4650GE, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Windows 11 Pro |  | Best Value for Windows Users | Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 4650GE 6-core | RAM: 16 GB DDR4 | Storage: 512GB SSD | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| renewed mac mini desktop | Operating System | Processor | Storage | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple 2023 24-inch iMac with M | macOS Sonoma | Apple M3 Pro 8-core | 1 TB SSD | Ethernet, HDMI, Thunderbolt, Wi-Fi |
| HP EliteDesk 805 G6 Mini PC wi | Windows 11 Pro | AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 4650GE 6-core | 512GB SSD | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Apple 2023 24-inch iMac with M3 Chip, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Blue (Renewed)
This renewed 24-inch iMac distinguishes itself with the powerful M3 chip, delivering fast performance for demanding creative tasks like video editing, graphic design, and software development. Its 16GB RAM and large 1TB SSD make it suitable for multitasking and storage-heavy workflows. The sleek blue design adds aesthetic appeal, and thorough professional testing ensures reliability. Compared to the HP Mini PC, this model offers a more integrated, all-in-one experience that appeals to those who prioritize performance and design. However, minor cosmetic imperfections and a slightly below-new battery capacity are tradeoffs for its premium performance.
Pros:- Powerful M3 Pro processor with 8 cores
- Large 1TB SSD for ample storage
- Sleek, modern design in blue
- Professionally inspected and tested
Cons:- Renewed product may have minor cosmetic flaws
- Accessories might not be original
- Battery capacity slightly below new standards
Best for: Creative professionals and power users seeking a compact, stylish machine with high-end specs.
Not ideal for: Those preferring Windows or needing extensive port options for specific professional peripherals.
- Operating System:macOS Sonoma
- Color:Blue
- Processor:Apple M3 Pro 8-core
- Memory:16 GB DDR4
- Storage:1 TB SSD
- Connectivity:Ethernet, HDMI, Thunderbolt, Wi-Fi
Our verdict“This model provides top-tier performance in a stylish package, ideal for those who prioritize creative work on a macOS platform.”
HP EliteDesk 805 G6 Mini PC with Ryzen 5 Pro 4650GE, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Windows 11 Pro
Compared with the Apple iMac, the HP EliteDesk 805 G6 offers a compact, Windows-based desktop with a Ryzen 5 Pro 4650GE that excels in multitasking and demanding office tasks. Its 16GB RAM and fast 512GB SSD ensure quick data access and smooth operation, making it a practical choice for professional environments. The device’s small form factor saves space, but it may have fewer ports and upgrade options compared to larger desktops. The renewal process by a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher provides confidence in quality, though the unit’s longevity might be less than a new model.
Pros:- Powerful Ryzen 5 Pro processor with 6 cores
- Fast 512GB SSD for efficient data handling
- Compact form factor saves space
- Refurbished with manufacturer support
Cons:- Limited port options due to small size
- Renewed product may have a shorter lifespan
- Less upgrade flexibility than larger desktops
Best for: Office professionals and users needing a reliable Windows system with compact size and strong multitasking capabilities.
Not ideal for: Creative professionals requiring high-end graphics or extensive port configurations.
- Processor:AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 4650GE 6-core
- RAM:16 GB DDR4
- Storage:512GB SSD
- Operating System:Windows 11 Pro
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Our verdict“This refurbished mini PC delivers strong multitasking performance and space efficiency, suitable for professional environments with Windows preference.”
How We Picked
Our selection process focused on analyzing the performance, build quality, and suitability of renewed desktops in the Mac Mini category. We prioritized models with recent processors, ample RAM, and trustworthy refurbishment standards. We compared features, user reviews, and support options, making sure to include options fitting different use cases—from creative work to professional multitasking. Price-to-value ratio and the condition of the renewed units also played key roles in our decisions.
| renewed mac mini desktop | Operating System | Processor | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple 2023 24-inch iMac with M | macOS Sonoma | Apple M3 Pro 8-core | Ethernet, HDMI, Thunderbolt, Wi-Fi |
| HP EliteDesk 805 G6 Mini PC wi | Windows 11 Pro | AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 4650GE 6-core | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Renewed Mac Mini Desktops
Choosing the right renewed Mac Mini desktop involves balancing performance, design, and longevity. Consider your primary use—whether creative work, professional multitasking, or general use—and match it with the hardware capabilities and form factor that best fit your environment. It’s also important to evaluate the condition of the renewal, warranty, and support options, as these influence long-term satisfaction and reliability.Performance Needs
Assess what tasks you’ll prioritize. For intensive creative projects or software development, a model with a recent Apple M3 chip offers unmatched power. If your work revolves around office tasks, multitasking, or light creative work, a more modest but still capable processor like the Ryzen 5 Pro will suffice. Matching your workload to the processor and RAM ensures smooth operation without overspending.
Design and Size
The iMac provides a sleek, all-in-one design with a larger display, ideal for those who want an integrated aesthetic and minimal clutter. The HP Mini PC, however, saves space and is portable, making it better suited for environments where desk space is limited or mobility is a factor. Your workspace layout influences which form factor works best.
Refurbishment Quality and Support
Always check the refurbishment standards—professional testing, warranty, and support are vital. Both options on our list are renewed but come from reputable sources, with the Apple unit tested thoroughly and the HP device supported by a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher. These factors help mitigate concerns about longevity and cosmetic imperfections.
Operating System Preference
Your choice between macOS and Windows significantly affects the decision. The Apple iMac runs macOS Sonoma, offering a seamless experience for creative software and Apple ecosystem integration. The HP Mini PC runs Windows 11 Pro, providing flexibility and compatibility with a broad range of software, especially in business environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are renewed desktops reliable?
Renewed desktops undergo testing, repair, and certification by manufacturers or authorized refurbishers, which ensures they meet certain quality standards. While they may have minor cosmetic imperfections, their core components are typically in good working condition, making them a reliable choice for most users when purchased from reputable sources.
How long can I expect a renewed Mac Mini to last?
The lifespan of a renewed Mac Mini depends on usage and maintenance, but generally, with proper care, you can expect it to last 3-5 years. The renewal process often involves replacing or refurbishing key parts, but it may not match the longevity of a brand-new unit, especially in terms of battery health or hardware wear.
Is it worth buying a renewed Mac Mini over a new one?
Buying a renewed Mac Mini can offer significant savings while still delivering high performance, especially if you select a well-maintained unit with recent hardware. However, it might lack the latest features or have cosmetic imperfections. For those on a budget or seeking value, a renewed model makes a compelling choice, but for maximum longevity and the newest tech, a new device could be preferable.
Can I upgrade the hardware in these renewed Macs?
Most Mac Minis, especially the newer models like those with the M3 chip, are not designed for user upgrades. RAM and storage are usually soldered or integrated, so future upgrades are limited. For the HP Mini PC, some components like RAM may be upgradeable, but it’s best to verify the specific model’s upgrade options beforehand.
What warranty or support do renewed Macs come with?
Reputable refurbishers typically offer warranties ranging from 90 days to one year, providing support for hardware issues. The Apple unit, if purchased through authorized channels, may include AppleCare or equivalent support, while the HP device comes with support from a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher. Always review warranty terms before purchasing to ensure coverage and support.
Conclusion
For buyers prioritizing creative work or high performance in a sleek design, the Apple 2023 24-inch iMac stands out as the best choice. If you need a space-saving, cost-effective Windows machine with strong multitasking capabilities, the HP EliteDesk Mini PC offers excellent value. Those seeking maximum longevity and support might lean toward new units, but both refurbished options provide substantial savings and reliable performance for their respective uses.
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