What's the earliest Mac Mini that supports 4k@60Hz and HDR over HDMI (for an HTPC)?

Hardware
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My current home theatre PC is a Pi4 running LibreELEC. The latest builds of it can support HDR10 and 4k (although at a low refresh rate). LibreELEC/Kodi is alright. I can sync my content using emby server (which I run off my Linux NAS in a Docker container), but I really just prefer having a PC hooked up to my TV without the Kodi/UI. Just give me a plain file explorer.

I want to use a Linux box, but HDR support on x86_64 Linux seems non-existent for amdgpu, Intel or nvidia/noveanu graphics! There is kernel support for amdgpu, but neither Linux mpv nor VLC support it yet (VLC supports HDR10, but only in Windows/Mac it tseems). My video programming background is non-existent, so I’m not sure if I want to try to pick up either of those and working of them.

I was thinking of just using an older Mac Mini. I have one from 2012, but it obviously can’t do 4k on HDMI (and it can only do 30Hz on DisplayPort and doesn’t do HDR). Shelling out $500~$600 for a used M1 seems like a lot. If I wanted to go for a used Mini, what’s the best option for being about to 4k@60Hz+HDR10 onto an LG OLED TV screen?

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I believe the earliest model with support beyond 2560x1600 is the 2018. Unless there’s some hack around getting 4K working on Iris 5100, you need UHD to drive 4K/60. Sadly you won’t find many options from that range that are selling for cheap yet, as it’s technically only the previous generation before the M1 transition.

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Yea, I’m starting to think a more appropriate solution would be Minisforum nuc-style device. The UM270 is currently under $400, has Vega graphics and can do 4k/HDR over HDMI. ~$200 cheaper than a used current gen Mac and does what I need it to do.

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