The Mac mini M4 changed the game for desktop computing. You get Pro-level performance in a box smaller than most lunch containers, but that compact size creates a new challenge: keeping your desk clean without sacrificing functionality.

I'm going to walk you through three essential upgrades that transform a Mac mini M4 from a capable computer into a truly minimal desktop setup. These aren't just accessories—they're the foundation of a workspace that stays organized even when you're deep into a project.

Affiliate disclosure: some links in this article are Amazon Associate links. If you buy through them, Next Level Mac may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and we only recommend products that genuinely bring value to your Apple setup.

Get the ports you need without the clutter

The Mac mini M4 has solid connectivity, but most setups need more than what's on the back panel. You plug in a keyboard, mouse, external drive, SD card reader—suddenly you're reaching around constantly and dealing with a tangle of cables.

The Satechi Mac mini M4 Hub & Stand solves this by elevating your Mac mini and adding front-facing ports. You get two USB-A ports at 10Gbps, a standard USB-A at 2.0 speeds, and an SD card reader that handles UHS-II speeds up to 312MB/s. The stand also includes an M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure that supports drives up to 4TB with 10Gbps transfer speeds, so you can expand storage without adding another box to your desk.

The aluminum design matches the Mac mini's aesthetic, and the elevated position improves airflow around the device. Instead of cables snaking around your workspace, everything connects to one central point that sits right where you can reach it.

This is where to buy the Satechi Mac mini M4 Hub & Stand (Amazon Affiliate Link): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DV6WJ88D?tag=nextlevelmac-20&gbOpenExternal=1

Hide the power strips and transformers

Even with a clean hub setup, you still have power cables, USB-C chargers, and all the adapters that come with modern computing. They end up on the floor, tangled together, collecting dust.

The VIVO Under Desk Cable Management Tray mounts underneath your desk and holds everything off the ground. It's a simple metal basket that clamps to the edge of your desk—no drilling required. The tray measures 17 inches long and supports up to 11 pounds, which is plenty for a power strip, a few wall adapters, and your Mac mini's power supply.

The partially open design makes adding or removing cables straightforward, and the black finish keeps it invisible unless you're looking for it. Your power strip stays accessible but out of sight, and you can finally vacuum under your desk without unplugging everything first.

Where you can get the VIVO Under Desk Cable Management Tray (Amazon Affiliate Link): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089B4XZM4?tag=nextlevelmac-20&gbOpenExternal=1

Route the remaining cables

Once your power situation is handled, you still have the cables running from your Mac mini to your monitor, keyboard, and any other peripherals. These need a path that doesn't drape across your desk.

Cable management channels give you options. You can run them along the edge of your desk, down the legs, or underneath the surface. The key is to create a single, intentional path for all your cables rather than letting each one find its own route.

Most cable channels use adhesive backing, so you stick them where you need them and feed the cables through. They keep everything organized without permanent modifications to your furniture, and they make it easy to add or remove cables as your setup evolves.

Put it all together

Start with the Satechi hub on your desk. Connect your Mac mini to it, then run a single cable to your monitor. Mount the VIVO tray underneath your desk and place your power strip inside. Use cable channels to route the remaining wires along clean paths.

You'll end up with a setup where every cable has a purpose and a place. Your desk surface stays clear for actual work, and when you need to add something new, the infrastructure is already there.

The Mac mini M4 deserves a setup that matches its capabilities. These three essentials get you there without turning your workspace into an organizational project that never ends.