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2012 Mini - Upgrade RAM/HDD or no?

N

noahmateen1234

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 2, 2008
45
0
I am waiting for my 2012 Mini base model refurb in the mail and I plan on using it as a HTPC running Plex Server and XBMC. I am wondering if you guys think it is worth upgrading the RAM from 4gb to 8gb? If so what RAM have you guys used?

Also I plan on adding a 60-128gb SSD to install the OS and software on. Then use the 500gb as a second drive to store my music/photos and any random downloads. What SSD's have you guys used? I was thinking a 128gb Samsung 840 Pro
 
Not only worth it, but recommended on both accounts.

Have enjoyed good experiences with the following:
Corsair Vengeance Memory 2x4GB
Samsung Pro Series 120GB SSD
Samsung 840 EVO-Series 120GB SSD

All the above can be had for decent prices on Amazon. I've also ordered used memory from them with good experiences.
 
sorryiwasdreami said:
Not only worth it, but recommended on both accounts.

Have enjoyed good experiences with the following:
Corsair Vengeance Memory 2x4GB
Samsung Pro Series 120GB SSD
Samsung 840 EVO-Series 120GB SSD

All the above can be had for decent prices on Amazon. I've also ordered used memory from them with good experiences.
Click to expand...

If you had to recommend one of the upgrades which would you do first? Money is tight as of now.
 
I went with the Samsung 840 Pro 128GB as that is cost-effective and the Crucial 16GB memory. I am using mine as a server and a HTPC...also I have a 10TB G-Raid Pro external array.

Newegg has the Crucial Memory 16GB for $139.99 now, and I bought mine this morning as well as the SSD over the weekend. I am planning to install over the coming weekend.

If money is an issue for you now, I would say do the SSD first as it's more difficult than doing the memory.
 
Here's the crux of the situation; it's recommended to do it all at once since you will already have the machine open and parts out everywhere.

However, replacing the memory is quicker and more of a novice upgrade, while you will experience a much higher speed yield in your applications from the SSD upgrade.

I want to say for serving video as you mentioned, the memory upgrade might prove to be a more lucrative choice since in all likelyhood, your movie files would reside on the HDD in either case.

If you can wait to save up for both, that would be the optimal choice. You would need about $200 for everything.
$75 for memory
$90 for SSD
$29 for OWC data doubler for mac mini upgrade kit
 
sorryiwasdreami said:
Here's the crux of the situation; it's recommended to do it all at once since you will already have the machine open and parts out everywhere.

However, replacing the memory is quicker and more of a novice upgrade, while you will experience a much higher speed yield in your applications from the SSD upgrade.

I want to say for serving video as you mentioned, the memory upgrade might prove to be a more lucrative choice since in all likelyhood, your movie files would reside on the HDD in either case.

If you can wait to save up for both, that would be the optimal choice. You would need about $200 for everything.
$75 for memory
$90 for SSD
$29 for OWC data doubler for mac mini upgrade kit
Click to expand...

I have 15 years of experience building computers, so opening it up and everything is no problem for me. I just want to hear what has given the more noticeable performance boost in your experiences.
 
Do the SSD first. 4GB of memory is theoretically fine for the uses you intend to have the mini for...so upgrading the memory to 8GB will have little to no effect until you start using it. An SSD will have a drastic effect from the word 'go.'
 
sorryiwasdreami said:
Not only worth it, but recommended on both accounts.

Have enjoyed good experiences with the following:
Corsair Vengeance Memory 2x4GB
Samsung Pro Series 120GB SSD
Samsung 840 EVO-Series 120GB SSD

All the above can be had for decent prices on Amazon. I've also ordered used memory from them with good experiences.
Click to expand...

Im on the fence regarding getting a 128gb Pro model or a 250gb Evo model from Samsung. I'm thinking bigger is better, but I can't really see all of my programs use more than 60-80 gb. I'm fine with storing images, music, movies etc on the 500gb hdd or even a NAS in the future.

Is the pro model much better than the evo, and do you consider a 128 Pro model as "good enough" ?

Thanks!
 
Pierrel said:
Im on the fence regarding getting a 128gb Pro model or a 250gb Evo model from Samsung. I'm thinking bigger is better, but I can't really see all of my programs use more than 60-80 gb. I'm fine with storing images, music, movies etc on the 500gb hdd or even a NAS in the future.

Is the pro model much better than the evo, and do you consider a 128 Pro model as "good enough" ?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Larger the SSD the faster read and write speed. Evo is consumer grade with 3 year warranty , Pro is pro grade with 5 year warranty. They are fairly equal in speed.
 
From what I gather, the PRO is more stable and durable that the EVO because the PRO uses an older technology. The EVO uses the newer TLC NAND technology that is cheap to produce.
 
nollimac said:
From what I gather, the PRO is more stable and durable that the EVO because the PRO uses an older technology. The EVO uses the newer TLC NAND technology that is cheap to produce.
Click to expand...

This is also true. The Evo included software allows for manipulation of the data and how it is written from what I have read.
 
Anyone tried putting 2 128gb Evo's in RAID in the mini? I feel that would be sweet and real fast.
 
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