An 8GB M2 Mac mini can feel cramped for always-on use
A 2023 M2 Mac mini with 8GB of memory and 256GB of storage has become noticeably slow on macOS 26.5.1. Chrome often pushes the machine into swap, so the Mac struggles when only about four apps are open.
AirPods audio sometimes glitches, and devices randomly disconnect. Wi-Fi is not being used; the Mac is connected by wired LAN, so the issue is less likely to be wireless internet.
Internal storage is almost full, and alone is taking 83GB, making it unclear what is using the space. A 1TB external is connected through a dock, but the practical need is to move folders such as Downloads to that drive so the small internal disk has more room.
Key points
- The Mac mini is an M2 model with 8GB of memory and 256GB of storage.
- Chrome often causes swap, and the Mac struggles with around four apps open.
- is using 83GB, leaving very little internal storage free.
- A 1TB external is attached through a dock, but key folders still need to be moved there.
- AirPods glitches and random disconnects are also happening.