La Tercera describes its 24 GB unified-memory, 512 GB SSD Mac mini M6 running compatible AI models locally. Model compatibility, speed and memory needs vary by model version and workload. For video editing, creator El camionero geek reported much shorter Final Cut Pro export times on an M6 than on an M4 in two specific projects—not a universal performance rating.
What the 24 GB configuration means for local AI
Apple lists the Mac mini M6 with a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU. Apple’s technical specifications establish the chip’s core counts; La Tercera’s review describes using a 24 GB unified-memory, 512 GB SSD configuration and running compatible models locally.
La Tercera names LM Studio and the Llama, Gemma and Mistral model families as options to explore. Whether a particular model runs well depends on its version, workload and memory requirements. Running a model locally also does not automatically make every document workflow private: the application must pass documents to the model, and privacy depends on the app’s settings and integrations. La Tercera’s review discusses those conditions.
What the export times actually measure
El camionero geek reported two Final Cut Pro comparisons between its Mac mini M4 and Mac mini M6. For the same 45-minute 4K/60 fps video, the creator reported an export time of 79 minutes on the M4 and 12 minutes on the M6. For a 2-minute-13-second 4K/60 fps video, the reported times were 75 seconds on the M4 and 48 seconds on the M6.
| Final Cut Pro project | Mac mini M4 export time | Mac mini M6 export time | Difference in that test |
| 45-minute video, 4K/60 fps | 79 minutes | 12 minutes | 67 minutes less |
| 2-minute-13-second video, 4K/60 fps | 75 seconds | 48 seconds | 27 seconds less |
Those elapsed times belong to El camionero geek’s projects. The creator described both systems as having 16 GB of memory and a 512 GB SSD, while La Tercera’s review unit had 24 GB and a 512 GB SSD. The results therefore offer concrete examples for those workloads, not a prediction for every project or configuration. El camionero geek reported the comparisons.
Memory and storage are decisions to make up front
La Tercera says the reviewed configuration does not offer conventional user upgrades to its unified memory or internal SSD. An external SSD can add storage capacity, but it does not expand the internal drive. That makes choosing enough memory and internal storage at purchase especially important if you expect to use demanding models or keep large media libraries on the computer.
The M4 is a useful reference point for owners weighing an upgrade: El camionero geek’s export tests show the times its own systems took on the two projects. Whether those differences matter depends on how often your work resembles those exports; the tests do not settle performance for other applications or workloads.
