2012 Mac Mini server - Power

[Ifti]

I have a 2012 Mac Mini Server - spec in sig - with a Drobo 5D connected to it via Thunderbolt. The server is connected to my main HDTV for Plex, but is otherwise run headless and accessed via Screen Sharing the majority of the time.
The Drobo isnt an issue as its usually off until I need it anyways.

The Mac Mini Server used to sleep every 15 mins. I changed this to 3 hours, but Im now considering leaving it to never sleep so that its always available when I want to access it remotely (its connected to my network via wifi n, and remotely accessing it doesnt wake it from sleep).

If I leave it to never sleep, how much power does it take when idle, in comparison with when its in sleep? SInce its built specifically as a server machine, Im assuming this will not cause any long term harm anyways, even though its left on 24/7....?

 

[justperry]

I know this is not w you are asking but maybe the following is an idea.

I also have a Mini which I control using Apple Remote Desktop with my Powerbook, the powerbook is connected by WIFI to the router, the mini is connected with a Powerline Network adapter with a patch Cable, on the routers side a patch Cable is connected to the other Powerline Network Adapter.
This works and the Mini wakes up on Lan without a problem, takes a few seconds but works well.

You can get them for as low as $20 on Ebay.

 

[Ifti]

I know this is not w you are asking but maybe the following is an idea.

I also have a Mini which I control using Apple Remote Desktop with my Powerbook, the powerbook is connected by WIFI to the router, the mini is connected with a Powerline Network adapter with a patch Cable, on the routers side a patch Cable is connected to the other Powerline Network Adapter.
This works and the Mini wakes up on Lan without a problem, takes a few seconds but works well.

You can get them for as low as $20 on Ebay.

Thanks.
Yes Ive had powerline adapters before but dont really want to use them. Its more convenient in my situation to use wifi.
Looking at Apple's documents, the 2012 Mac Mini 2.3GHz Quad Core uses 13w when idle, so I cant see the 2.6GHz Quad being much more then that, which is pretty low usage considering!
I may set the sleep to never and see ho things go

 

[justperry]

Thanks.
Yes Ive had powerline adapters before but dont really want to use them. Its more convenient in my situation to use wifi.
Looking at Apple's documents, the 2012 Mac Mini 2.3GHz Quad Core uses 13w when idle, so I cant see the 2.6GHz Quad being much more then that, which is pretty low usage considering!
I may set the sleep to never and see ho things go

The server uses 13 Watt when idle.

Mac mini: Power consumption and thermal output (BTU) information

 

[Ifti]

The server uses 13 Watt when idle.

Mac mini: Power consumption and thermal output (BTU) information

Thanks, thats what i was looking at also.

Would the 2.6 Quad be the same as the 2.3 Quad?

 

[justperry]

Thanks, thats what i was looking at also.

Would the 2.6 Quad be the same as the 2.3 Quad?

Don't think it will use much more when idle, might be 1-2 Watts, that's it.

 

[jerrah]

That's impressive!

 

[famous600]

I have a 2012 Mac Mini Server - spec in sig - with a Drobo 5D connected to it via Thunderbolt. The server is connected to my main HDTV for Plex, but is otherwise run headless and accessed via Screen Sharing the majority of the time.
The Drobo isnt an issue as its usually off until I need it anyways.

The Mac Mini Server used to sleep every 15 mins. I changed this to 3 hours, but Im now considering leaving it to never sleep so that its always available when I want to access it remotely (its connected to my network via wifi n, and remotely accessing it doesnt wake it from sleep).

If I leave it to never sleep, how much power does it take when idle, in comparison with when its in sleep? SInce its built specifically as a server machine, Im assuming this will not cause any long term harm anyways, even though its left on 24/7....?

Just wanted to comment on your excellent 5D review! Still don't think it is worth $800 but great review!

 

[Omnius]

One of my favorite things about my minis is that while idle, they're using minimal power.

 

[opinio]

The Intel Power Gadget App is really good as it shows your power consumption (wattage usage) on the fly.

http://software.intel.com/en-us/articles/intel-power-gadget-20

It is interesting to see the difference between idle wattage (negligible) and when the Turbo Boost kicks in (45W max)