M4 Cube: A Modern Homage to the Power Mac G4 Cube

The M4 Cube: a Modern Homage to the Power Mac G4 Cube (2024 M4 Mac mini)

11/17/2024 UPDATE

• I have begun offering commercial licenses for sale of physical prints of these and other related prints. You can find more information on my Patreon page. Currently the only licensed reseller is Mandarin3D – all other prints you may see on Amazon, Etsy, Shopify and others are unauthorized uses of this intellectual property.
• Personal prints for non-commercial use, are, of course, still 100% free as normal.

11/15/2024 Update: 

• Added an optional version with a hole in the louvers for power button access.

11/13/2024:  - Test prints in progress.

Howdy! This is a companion to my recent Mac mini Pro Enclosure and Mini Pro Display XDR MagSafe/StandBy iPhone Stand projects, recently featured in PC Gamer, Tom's Hardware, The Verge, and Matt Talks Tech. The response to these models has been tremendous, and I'm excited to keep trying new ideas.

The M4 Cube is takes a slightly different approach to the projects linked above, as its reproduction is less literal. This is, in part, due to the M4 mini's short stature and obvious challenges with printing optically-clear plastics.

This design maintains the original proportions and shape of the Power Mac G4 (though >70% smaller by volume), elegantly elevating the M4 Mac mini off the desk. Underneath its base, in the area previously occupied by the remainder of the G4 Cube's body, is a generous pattern of ventilation louvers, providing unrestricted airflow to the Mac mini's intake and exhaust vents.

Want a more dramatic effect on your desk aesthetics? Use the Bambu LED Lamp Kit to turn M4 Cube into a lamp! Simply fix the LED module to the underside of the Mac mini with 3M double-sided tape or Command Strips.

The default profile provided uses an 0.6mm nozzle, 5 walls, supports on the port openings only, and adhesion pads using the new feature in the latest version of BambuStudio. If you choose to use an 0.4mm nozzle instead, be sure to retain the custom settings (supports, walls, concentric infill, etc.). Also be sure to follow Bambu's guidance below to achieve the best-practical optical clarity. Hot, slow, and dry are the general rules.

Thanks!

(from Bambu) Printing Tips for PETG Translucent

• PETG Translucent must be dried before use and moisture protection is required for the printing process, otherwise the quality of prints will be low due to bubbles. Recommended drying condition is 65 ℃ for 8 hours. For more details please refer to: Filament drying instructions on WIKI.

• Printing PETG Translucent with the appropriate print parameters can achieve an appearance ranging from tinted translucent to tinted transparent. Learn more about Printing tips for transparent PETG on WIKI.

• Please note that the transparency of the prints may vary depending on such factors as size, thickness and structure, as well as printing parameters (including speed, nozzle temperature, and infill density).

Related models for M4 Mac Mini:

• "Mac mini Pro" enclosure, (à la 2019+ Mac Pro)
• “Mac mini Trash Can” enclosure, (à la 2013-2019 Mac Pro)
• “Mac mini G5” enclosure, (à la 2003-2006 PowerMac G5 or 2006-2013 Mac Pro)
• "M4 Cube" enclosure, (à la PowerMac G4 Cube, modernized)
• Nintendo NES enclosure
• Mac App Icon and Logo “Hats” 
• "Gridfinity Hats”
• Santa Hat

Related models for Mac Studio and M1-M2 Mac mini:

• “Mac Studio Pro” enclosure, (à la 2019+ Mac Pro)
• Gridfinity Hats"

Related models, other:

• “iPhone XDR” - for MagSafe and StandBy mode
• Mac Pro Desk Model - standalone 3D printable display model