Here's the thing - my wife has a Mac Mini C2D 1.83 (2007 model) that I upgraded to 2 gigs ram, but even with 10.6.1 things are slow. What I mean is, it takes a while to boot up and load things, expose doesn't slide all the windows out - it just instantly displays them after a second or two of lag. I am using the stock 120gb 5400rpm drive with about 30 gigs free space. Compared to my Macbook C2D 2.0 with 4gb ram and a 320gb 7200rpm drive, our mac mini is a slug. I believe my Macbook has a slightly faster FSB, maybe that makes the difference. What do you all think I can do to MOST effectively give the mini a speed boost? 4GB RAM first or high speed HDD first? Doesn't the Intel Mini address only 3GB RAM? Thanks guys
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Can I make my Mini 1.83 C2D more responsive? Running 10.6.1, 2gb ram, stock HDD
- Thread starter TheNorthWaves
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These little guys only support up to 2gb of ram.
http://support.apple.com/kb/SP7
If there is a way to get them up to 4gb, do please share.
I've also read around how it is possible to upgrade the 1.83 to like a 2.1 or so, and people have noticed a decent little bump in speed, too. But I can't really comment on that since I haven't tried it. I got the same Mini btw. Expose doesn't instantly display all the pics, either. I can't really blame it as these guys do really have the worst video card on the planet and it has to share its memory with main memory, so blaa.
http://support.apple.com/kb/SP7
If there is a way to get them up to 4gb, do please share.
I've also read around how it is possible to upgrade the 1.83 to like a 2.1 or so, and people have noticed a decent little bump in speed, too. But I can't really comment on that since I haven't tried it. I got the same Mini btw. Expose doesn't instantly display all the pics, either. I can't really blame it as these guys do really have the worst video card on the planet and it has to share its memory with main memory, so blaa.
Ssd
Do a search of the forums on SSDs. Solid State Drives. expensive but even a less expensive one would suit your needs and they really improve speeds more than anything today. If not that then the fastest HDD you can put in it.
Do a search of the forums on SSDs. Solid State Drives. expensive but even a less expensive one would suit your needs and they really improve speeds more than anything today. If not that then the fastest HDD you can put in it.
Significant differences:
Mac Mini, 120gb 5400rpm
MacBook 320gb 7200rp
You should get a faster harddrive for the mini
Mac Mini, 120gb 5400rpm
MacBook 320gb 7200rp
You should get a faster harddrive for the mini
I distinctly remember people saying you can actually get 3GB RAM to work in it, but apple doesn't acknowledge it or something. Anybody want to comment about that?
Would a faster hard drive really clear things up, or will I probably get a minute blip in the speed, and still have a slow computer?
I don't plan on upgrading to an entirely new computer, but I am curious if it would be a waste of money or not to do the HDD.
Would a faster hard drive really clear things up, or will I probably get a minute blip in the speed, and still have a slow computer?
I don't plan on upgrading to an entirely new computer, but I am curious if it would be a waste of money or not to do the HDD.
I had the computer you've got. I had 2.5GB of RAM in it, you can put 2x2GB in, and then you get something like 3.3GB usable and dual channel still works. That's the optimum situation, despite what Apple says. A good 7200RPM drive would make a difference too. If you're sticking with it I would be inclined to make these upgrades.
Which first? I'd have a look at the amount of swap used (check it in activity monitor). If its a lot the RAM might help more.
Which first? I'd have a look at the amount of swap used (check it in activity monitor). If its a lot the RAM might help more.
Try going to 4GB. Is it responsive when just finder and one other app are runnng? If it is OK then it probably is memory.
The long boot time is the pathetic drives installed. A fast drive will speed up many things - though not Expose ( if you have enough RAM).
The long boot time is the pathetic drives installed. A fast drive will speed up many things - though not Expose ( if you have enough RAM).
dumb question - what's the "Swap" thing about? I assume you mean looking on istat? I just don't know what percentage/etc I'm looking for.
I think it's both memory and hdd. Boot times (to a stable, normal state) are ridiculous. 1-2 minutes. I have a 1.6 Intel Atom netbook running win XP on one gig of ram and a 4200rpm HDD and I swear it boots faster than my mac mini.
I think it's both memory and hdd. Boot times (to a stable, normal state) are ridiculous. 1-2 minutes. I have a 1.6 Intel Atom netbook running win XP on one gig of ram and a 4200rpm HDD and I swear it boots faster than my mac mini.