Apple, please introduce GPU mac mini line

[Crosscreek]

If your a gaming person then Windows PC is your best and cheapest build. The drivers are built for Windows with far fewer choices for OS X.
OS X is not built for really anything but OS X so you might as well stick with a Mac.
I will be moving back to the PC world because Apple has lost interest in building desktop computers with stale designs, lackluster hardware and aging stagnate OS.
Apple does have the best general purpose Laptop on the market though and would not hesitate to own another if I needed one.

 

[poematik13]

Still, this seems a pretty awful level of customizability for a multi-thousand dollar computer.

The demographic for the machine is businesses/creative pros who need a turnkey solution for something powerful out of the box with little setup or build time. That stuff costs time = costs money. After 3 years, they trade them in for the new ones.

In my experience these are leased en masse (usually 5+ per order) and set up in about a day in a facility, and all of them are connected via either TB2 or 10Gbe adapters to a central storage network where everybody works off the same media.

Customizing, building, troubleshooting, playing video games...leave that to hobbyists and home users who don't have deadlines or clients.

 

[StoneJack]

And how much have the others declined?

Bear in mind that we must be entering a mature market for PCs in general. Whereas, not too many years ago there were many new buyers in the market, now many are replacing what has worn out or become obsolete.

If Apple just gave us support for TB3 eGPUs and go back to having a quad-core Mac Mini, then I think most people would be satisfied.

Well

The demographic for the machine is businesses/creative pros who need a turnkey solution for something powerful out of the box with little setup or build time. That stuff costs time = costs money. After 3 years, they trade them in for the new ones.

In my experience these are leased en masse (usually 5+ per order) and set up in about a day in a facility, and all of them are connected via either TB2 or 10Gbe adapters to a central storage network where everybody works off the same media.

Customizing, building, troubleshooting, playing video games...leave that to hobbyists and home users who don't have deadlines or clients.

I would argue this is definition of most casual computer users

 

[poematik13]

I would argue this is definition of most casual computer users

Sure, but it's also the definition of the specific pro users that Apple aims for with that computer.

 

[treekram]

So what type of dGPU would you like? A high-end one, perhaps? We know that won't happen - costs too much, generates too much heat. If you want that, well, I want a $1000 supercomputer but I ain't getting that either.

So perhaps the same dGPU that's in the current 15" MGP's? That would be the AMD Radeon R9 M370X. The thing is that if you look at the Skylake mobile processors (it's pretty much a given Apple will continue to use mobile processors in the Mini), the 6770HQ is a 2.6Ghz quad-core with the Iris Pro 580. According to the following site:
http://wccftech.com/intel-iris-pro-graphics-gamers/
the Iris Pro 580 has a benchmark of 1152 GFlops. The Radeon has a benchmark of 992 GFlops. (OK, I have no idea what configuration of the GPU's generates these numbers - if somebody has specific computers with specific benchmarks, we'd all like to see them.) So, if you're looking to get something like 15" MBP graphics performance, hoping that Apple uses the Iris Pro 580 in the next Mini is a far more realistic goal to dream about. The Iris Pro 580 is supposed to be able to drive a 4096x2304 monitor at 60Hz using DisplayPort, for HDMI it's 24Hz.

I know the popular urban myth as to why there's no quad-core 2014 Mini is because Apple felt it would cannibalize iMac sales, but another reason that I saw floated was that there was there was no common socket between the dual and quad core mobile processors. I don't know if that's true because when I looked at the 2012 Mini processors, I couldn't find a common socket between the i5, i7 2.3Ghz and 2.6Ghz processors that Apple used. Anyway, there is no common socket between the Skylake quad and dual-core mobile processors (so far released). But Intel does have quad-core i5 processors without hyper-threading which uses the same socket as the 6700HQ. There's two processors - the 6350HQ 2.3Ghz with Iris Pro 580 and the 6440HQ 2.6Ghz with HD 530, which has a benchmark of 442 GFlops.

One reason to hope is that the 6770HQ has a "list" price of $434, the non-HT quad-cores list at $306 for the one with the Iris Pro and $250 for the HD 530. The 4278U processor which is the i5 2.6Ghz processor in the 2014 Mini lists for $315.

EDIT: Re-reading the OP, the title would suggest a dGPU like the 2011 5,2 Mini whereas the poster wants a new line of Macs where one could put in a PCIe dGPU of their choice. I think that's as realistic as Apple re-introducing the internal optical disc, as one poster in the MBP forum wants. A USB-C port with either USB 3.1/Thunderbolt 3 where one can attach a GPU is as much as can be hoped for.

 

[awer25]

Is it rock solid. I was advised buy Hackintosh fans to stay away if I don't like constantly fiddling around trying to fix things after every OSX update.

It's gotten way easier. To update nowadays, you just install the update via the App Store and you're done just like a real Mac. If you have one of the newer Nvidia 9xx GPUs, there is an extra step to install the driver, but it's just booting a certain way, installing driver, and rebooting.

There is still the potential for issues, but mine has been amazing - I haven't had to reinstall or fix anything for at least a year.

 

[poematik13]

I haven't had to reinstall or fix anything for at least a year.

I use real macs and I haven't had to reinstall or fix anything ever, lol

 

[Crosscreek]

Here is a 9to5 article on how to build a good Hackitosh for under 1K to those that are interested.

http://9to5mac.com/2016/03/15/building-an-affordable-hackintosh-guide-tutorial/

 

[StoneJack]

My xMac has 16GB of RAM, Nvidia Geforce GTX 750Ti. It got wireless, bluetooth, great video, SSD drive and 1TB seagate drive.
I wish I could have a small mid size mac with similar graphics or better. I still have fond memories of BW G3 350, which served for long time, with mods and additions and was a true workhorse.

 

[awer25]

I use real macs and I haven't had to reinstall or fix anything ever, lol

I think you missed the point for the hackintosh. If a real Mac fits your requirements and you have the money, I always advise people to go that route. However, some people need/want alternative hardware and OS X, and since Apple doesn't have a truly customizable computer anymore (namely a computer with a high-end GPU or way to install one), a hackintosh can be a great option.

 

[poematik13]

nd since Apple doesn't have a truly customizable computer anymore (namely a computer with a high-end GPU

That's funny, my 2013 mac pro has dual workstation GPU's, and the CPU, RAM, and SSD can be removed and upgraded whenever I want.

 

[jpietrzak8]

That's funny, my 2013 mac pro has dual workstation GPU's, and the CPU, RAM, and SSD can be removed and upgraded whenever I want.

Huh. You know what's really funny? With the cheap-o PC box sitting next to me here, I can:

- Remove and upgrade the RAM
- Remove and upgrade the graphics cards
- Remove and upgrade the hard drives / SSDs
- Remove and upgrade the CD / DVD / BD drives
- Remove and upgrade the entire motherboard
- Remove and upgrade the power supply
- Add additional ethernet ports (via expansion card)
- Add a variety of other interface ports (e.g., eSATA, Firewire, USB3, RS232, etc.) via expansion cards
- Support the latest Wifi via an expansion card
- Add any manner of other cards (sound card, TV / Radio tuner, RAID controller, and on and on)

The customizability of the Mac Pro is pathetic in comparison. (At least the 2013 model, that is.)

 

[poematik13]

Huh. You know what's really funny? With the cheap-o PC box sitting next to me here, I can:

- Remove and upgrade the RAM
- Remove and upgrade the graphics cards
- Remove and upgrade the hard drives / SSDs
- Remove and upgrade the CD / DVD / BD drives
- Remove and upgrade the entire motherboard
- Remove and upgrade the power supply
- Add additional ethernet ports (via expansion card)
- Add a variety of other interface ports (e.g., eSATA, Firewire, USB3, RS232, etc.) via expansion cards
- Support the latest Wifi via an expansion card
- Add any manner of other cards (sound card, TV / Radio tuner, RAID controller, and on and on)

The customizability of the Mac Pro is pathetic in comparison. (At least the 2013 model, that is.)

Cool story bro. I use and depend on my macs for work and projects to support my life. I don't really care about tinkering with parts 24/7. The limited (relative to traditional PC towers) customization is fine with me, I configured what I wanted at time of purchase (6-core xeon, d500's, 1TB SSD, 16Gb ram) and it works great. I might put in a 10 core xeon and 128GB ram in a couple years depending on whether or not the newer model is a worthy upgrade.

 

[Micky Do]

Cool story bro. I use and depend on my macs for work and projects to support my life. I don't really care about tinkering with parts 24/7. The limited (relative to traditional PC towers) customization is fine with me, I configured what I wanted at time of purchase (6-core xeon, d500's, 1TB SSD, 16Gb ram) and it works great. I might put in a 10 core xeon and 128GB ram in a couple years depending on whether or not the newer model is a worthy upgrade.

Gotta agree with this…… I have a computer to do things with, not to tinker with, which is why I went Mac. If I wanted to muck around with computers I would be inclined to go for a self build and Linux.

I'm not interested in having bragging rights to the hottest computer in town, with maxed out specs and a geek bench score to match. Something that meets my humble needs is fine.

 

[Synchro3]

We go Hackintosh way.
Not that it is intended result, but just inevitable. Apple could have our money, but just doesn't care.

Or eGPU, as I did. Easier than Hackintosh way.

 

[jpietrzak8]

The limited (relative to traditional PC towers) customization is fine with me

And, to be honest, the Minis I have are fine with me as well, for what I am currently using them for. (Although I think the soldered RAM and limited CPU options in the latest Minis constrain their possible uses a bit too much.)

In any case, I think it's a bit disingenuous for you to first argue that the 2013 Mac Pro is customizable, and then that it isn't really customizable. Choose one side or the other, please.

 

[PFKMan23]

Is it rock solid. I was advised buy Hackintosh fans to stay away if I don't like constantly fiddling around trying to fix things after every OSX update.

It may work, but it takes some fiddling and being hackintosh, the people who would help you are community members. No direct Apple support. To some it's not an issue, but to others who expect it to just work, well that's now how hackintosh is.

 

[Santabean2000]

Or eGPU, as I did. Easier than Hackintosh way.

View attachment 623185

How does one set that up?

Edit: found it

Wish Apple made a first party hot/plug'n'play equivalent.

 

[Synchro3]

How does one set that up?

Edit: found it

Wish Apple made a first party hot/plug'n'play equivalent.

Plug'n'play isn't that important. Had no more patience for waiting for an 'x'Mac.

 

[Santabean2000]

Plug'n'play isn't that important. Had no more patience for waiting for an 'x'Mac.

I was thinking more for a MacBook. Love the idea of sleek and light - and powerful when at home on the desk.

 

[Synchro3]

MacBook works with eGPU like Mac Mini.

 

[Santabean2000]

MacBook works with eGPU like Mac Mini.

Yep. But hot plug 1st party accessory would be sweet; MacBooks mobility a factor of course.

 

[StoneJack]

I would call it (xMac) Mac mini Pro . Would not mind a small case like this Cube. Or original Cube as well.

 

[awer25]

That's funny, my 2013 mac pro has dual workstation GPU's, and the CPU, RAM, and SSD can be removed and upgraded whenever I want.

The GPU is the main reason I built a hackintosh, and you're proving my point. The "dual workstation GPUs," even the D700's, are only mid-range GPUs and are rather weak for gaming. I realize that gaming is not the selling point for the Mac Pro, but nonetheless it doesn't do it well. Like it or not, there is no current-gen Mac option with a high-end GPU. Apple's CPU/RAM/SSD are fine, so the fact that you can change them doesn't matter much. You can't change the GPU which is the bottleneck for me.

I'm not saying everyone should build one, but a hackintosh definitely has it's place given the gap in Apple's current line up.

I use real macs and I haven't had to reinstall or fix anything ever, lol

FWIW, I do the IT in a Mac-only office and am fixing them all the time. There's a reason why the Genius bar is always busy

 

[DesertSurfer]

409135"]Huh. You know what's really funny? With the cheap-o PC box sitting next to me here, I can:

- Remove and upgrade the RAM
- Remove and upgrade the graphics cards
- Remove and upgrade the hard drives / SSDs
- Remove and upgrade the CD / DVD / BD drives
- Remove and upgrade the entire motherboard
- Remove and upgrade the power supply
- Add additional ethernet ports (via expansion card)
- Add a variety of other interface ports (e.g., eSATA, Firewire, USB3, RS232, etc.) via expansion cards
- Support the latest Wifi via an expansion card
- Add any manner of other cards (sound card, TV / Radio tuner, RAID controller, and on and on)

The customizability of the Mac Pro is pathetic in comparison. (At least the 2013 model, that is.)[/QUOTE]

And, you could also remove all of it and put it in a new case if you get tired of the old one.