New 2011 Apple Mac Mini - Let's Configure (Discussion)

The new Apple Mac Mini (mid-2011) features the Intel Sandy Bridge dual-core i5 and i7, plus a super fast quad-core i7. Also new is Thunderbolt ports across all machines and some new SSD options.

Great entry level Mac or a Mac for the living room home theater (HTPC). Here I walk through the various options that hopefully will help you decide what Mini to purchase.

New 2011 Mac Mini - Lets Configure "Mac Mini" 2011 Mac Mini Thunderbolt HTPC Lion Server OS X sandy bridge i5 i7 wwwinsanelygreatmac IGM

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Mac Mini
• 2011
• Apple
• Mac
• Mini
• SSD
• Thunderbolt
• HTPC
• Lion
• Server
• OS
• sandy
• bridge
• i5
• i7
• wwwinsanelygreatmac
• IGM

[HammerJohnM]

Great video. Just one thing to add: The discrete graphics card doesn't just take a load off the processor and prevent system RAM from being used for graphics. It is way WAY better for video and 3D graphics. In fact, some games will refuse to run if the computer has only integrated graphics. Having a discrete card as an option in a non-server Mini makes it much more appealing. And lacking that option in the server model makes it far less appealing for the casual HDTV/HTPC user.

[wwwinsanelygreatmac]

Discrete is better and faster, my comments were more for value and memory options. We'll have to wait for benchmarks, but I think the Intel is respectable enough for many users who aren't too concerned with 3D graphics/gaming.

[joshascott]

Was so looking forward to buying an i7 mini, but Apple's configuration makes it almost impossible.

In 2011, quad core should be the minimum possible spec, but if you go with the quad core configuration the best graphics they offer is s***. On the other hand if you choose the model with a half decent decrete graphics, the processor is s*** dual not quad. Might go for broke and get a macPro

[wwwinsanelygreatmac]

@joshascott There's always an iMac, which if you're really interested in CPU and GPU performance is probably a better choice. But it does suck Apple doesn't offer the quad i7 w/ Radeon CPU.

[iamcurtis123]

For gaming witch graphics processor is bettter?

[wwwinsanelygreatmac]

@iamcurtis123 Radeon. Discrete is always better for gaming.

[XxbanconandbeanxX]

Can someone explain this to me! If i have a macbook pro with 8gb RAM and then plug a mac mini with 8GB RAM does that mean i have 16Gb RAM???

[natevideos1234]

Thanks

[JOHNNYSschool]

it will pump 2560x1600 a**hole mine is pushing a 30in screen right now and a 50 in 1080p tv!!!!!!!!!

[TWSceptic]

@Fall3nELiTE People are way too fixated on upgradability and specs. First of all, you're not going to notice the difference in speed between a 2.8 GHz or a 3.2 GHz unless you're doing benchmark testing, ok? So the question we need to answer is: what makes a great computer? Most people will say usability. + it needs to do what I want it to do, easy and quickly. It needs to be convenient. Macs do that for you. You also get more money for them if you decide to sell and upgrade. PC's not so much.

[Fall3nELiTE]

@TWSceptic They are nicely built computers and much better than most/ all pre-built PCs in quality at least imo but they just are not nearly as flexible. The Mini and iMacs are also limited with low power mobile graphics and CPU chips. You can make a more powerful PC at the same price in a somewhat similar footprint unless you absolutely need to use Mac OS X or need extremely low power consumption (not counting the expensive Mac pro). I like Macs just not for anything more than more casual use.

[TWSceptic]

BTW the Mini with all the upgrades (which are cheap to do yourself) is a very powerful machine for its size. You'd be surprised how many Dell & HP PC's it leaves in the dust.

[TWSceptic]

@Fall3nELiTE I know everything about PC's, I used Windows for 10 y before getting a Mac. I still use Windows with clients, but never at home. I disagree a Mac isn't flexible at all regarding upgrades. You can change memory, hard drive, you can even change the logic board if you can find a cheap one and upgrade it that way. But Macs are just nice computers, it's not like they are entirely different from PC's though. I don't know where people get that idea. If you don't like it don't buy it.

[Fall3nELiTE]

@TWSceptic Except it's not because a PC can do everything a Mac can with the same hardware while being cheaper too. They can be more powerful, are more affordable, and fully upgradable. You can't say the same about Mac computers. Still I see the appeal of a small computer like the Mac Mini if you are someone who doesn't know much about computers or want something small, easy, and power efficient without caring about performance.

[TWSceptic]

@spikeman316 That's like saying 'just buy this crappy car' to someone who already drives a Bentley.

[TWSceptic]

Good review, but you talk too fast after a while.