How much RAM do I need to run Plex and playback 1080p MKV's with a bit of headroom? I don't want to buy excessively more than I need.
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2009 Mac Mini for HTPC: How much RAM?
- Thread starter VirtualRain
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4 gb is overkill for a Plex box. It only uses a couple hundred megabytes, even for 1080p content.
Completely unfounded and lacking any real evidence of being true.
As stated, Plex runs on 1 GB smoothly and loves 2GB but never really makes use of it. 2GB can work without issue, even using iTunes. I've done all of this but opted for 4GB just to ensure I could make the most of the machine for other tasks if I wanted.
My 1.86 gHz, 2 gb, 9400m MacBook Air plays straight Blu-ray rips using Plex without any problems. Since the 2009 Mini is effectively the same (but with faster cpu and hard drive), it can only be better with 2 gb. Certainly, 4 gb is overkill for a Plex box.
Thanks for the replies.
So, if I buy a base model mini with 1GB, I assume I can just add another 1GB CAS7 stick like this?...
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produc...8477&cm_re=ddr3_sodimm-_-20-208-477-_-Product
So, if I buy a base model mini with 1GB, I assume I can just add another 1GB CAS7 stick like this?...
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produc...8477&cm_re=ddr3_sodimm-_-20-208-477-_-Product
If you're going to open up a Mini - spend a few extra bucks on 4GB. Whether you *need* 4GB or not for Plex is irrelevant. The price difference between 2GB and 4GB is just not worth NOT putting in 4GB.
Actually this isn't true...just picked up a new mac mini about a month ago and it only had a single 1 GB stick installed.
When my 1gb Mini comes in, I think I am just going to buy a 2gb stick and use the extra $50-70 on HD storage 
But another part of me says opening the Mini looks like a PITA so might as well make it 4gb and be done with it
But another part of me says opening the Mini looks like a PITA so might as well make it 4gb and be done with it
When my 1gb Mini comes in, I think I am just going to buy a 2gb stick and use the extra $50-70 on HD storage
While I wouldn't want to have to do it on a regular basis, opening up and working on a mini (at least the new ones) isn't really that difficult--and I certainly am no tech pro. It's actually good that reading about everyone else's trials and tribulations can tend to make one a bit nervous about doing the work oneself but I'd guess that most mistakes are made because either someone wasn't prepared for what they'd encounter or they rushed.
As long as you take your time, it's actually pretty simple--had my RAM and HDD replaced in about 30 minutes and I was paranoid I was going to screw it up. A single clean/smooth, reasonably stiff putty knife is all you need to get the case apart--watch the videos over at OWC and mimic their technique and it's a piece of cake. Other than watching the videos and taking your time, best advice I have is use a magnetized screwdriver to remove the screws as they are pretty small and in some spots, sunken inside holes.
or instead of a mac mini, get a ps3. Actually when it comes to home theater, I go PC for their support of blu-ray. The second apple supports it, I'm there, but it looks like it'll be a while.
It would conflict with Steves interests of course, and he'd just hurl ice cream at you.
It would conflict with Steves interests of course, and he'd just hurl ice cream at you.
That's good to know... I might try running it as is (1GB) and see for myself before I get carried away.