This 3D-Printed Case Turns Your M4 Mac Mini into a Mac Pro Lookalike
Apple’s M4 Mac Mini is a powerful and compact desktop computer, but what if it could look as impressive as its high-end cousin, the Mac Pro? That’s exactly what I set out to do with this 3D-printed enclosure, giving my Mac Mini a new identity.
The Printing Process
Armed with my Bambu A1 3D printer, I downloaded the files and got to work. The print job consisted of several parts: the main shell, a back plate, and add-ons like the handles and wheels. There are also flat feet you can print, but I felt this model deserved a faux version of Apple's $700 Mac Pro add-on wheel kit.
For filament, I chose a bone-white PLA for the body, which gives it a modern, slightly off-white finish, different from the real Mac Pro’s aluminum aesthetic. The handles and wheels were printed in a mix of silver, black and red.
Assembly and Fit
The assembly process was (mostly) straightforward. First, I placed the Mac Mini inside the 3D-printed shell. It fit perfectly -- no modifications or sanding needed. The backplate required some extra maneuvering, as I initially tried to install it after inserting the Mac Mini, but I quickly realized that it needed to go in first. Once everything was aligned, I slotted the handles and wheels into place, securing the final look -- although the wheels are made up of several smaller parts and need to be carefully snapped together.
A small but thoughtful addition to the design was the red power button, positioned to line up with the Mac Mini’s actual power button on the bottom. This makes turning the system on and off seamless, despite the new enclosure.
The Final Result
Once fully assembled, the Mac Mini looked like a shrunken version of the Mac Pro -- a fun desktop conversation piece that adds personality to an otherwise minimalistic Apple product. Plugging it in was simple: just a power cable and a video connection, and I was up and running.
Where to Find the Files
For those who want to try this build themselves, the original model is available on MakerWorld here. The creator has also designed other Mac Mini cases, including ones resembling an iMac and older Mac Pro models, offering plenty of options for Apple fans looking to customize their setups.
@danacknyc I 3D printed one of the great M4 Mac Mini cases designed by Jerrod H at Maker World -- you can find the design here: https://makerworld.com/en/models/756063#profileId-857742. More cool maker projects at microcenter.news!
♬ original sound - Dan Ackerman
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Micro Center Editor-in-Chief Dan Ackerman is a veteran tech reporter and has served as Editor-in-Chief of Gizmodo and Editorial Director at CNET. He's been testing and reviewing laptops and other consumer tech for almost 20 years and is the author of The Tetris Effect, a Cold War history of the world's most influential video game. Contact Dan at dackerman@microcenter.com.
