Help me to choose right mac mini

[alaki200]

I want to get a mac mini as a server/media hub/normal everyday use. Should I get cheap one and add 2 tb hdd by hand or get server with 2 * 1 tb and better cpu? i'm looking to use it for 4 years before upgrade. Is there going to be heat problem that cause low life cycle if I get server?

I know I can wait for new one but i'm sure new guys make it worst. Please help me choose the best one.

 

[thesimplelogic]

I want to get a mac mini as a server/media hub/normal everyday use. Should I get cheap one and add 2 tb hdd by hand or get server with 2 * 1 tb and better cpu? i'm looking to use it for 4 years before upgrade. Is there going to be heat problem that cause low life cycle if I get server?

I know I can wait for new one but i'm sure new guys make it worst. Please help me choose the best one.

By using it as a server - what do you necessarily mean by that?
If you aren't going to be doing any hardcore video editing or photo editing, the first model would probably be fine for you.
However, if you want more oomph and you want to use it as a server (please clarify) then the second base model would be fine, however getting a Fusion drive would be hugely beneficial. You can upgrade RAM later.

 

[alaki200]

By using it as a server - what do you necessarily mean by that?
If you aren't going to be doing any hardcore video editing or photo editing, the first model would probably be fine for you.
However, if you want more oomph and you want to use it as a server (please clarify) then the second base model would be fine, however getting a Fusion drive would be hugely beneficial. You can upgrade RAM later.

i'm sorry by server i mean home server. for media devices file sharing printer etc.
I always struggling with video editing but if that thing doesn't turn off or burn something I don't have a problem with that. About the hard drive the most important thing for me is capacity so ssd's can't be an option here. I'll upgrade ram later

 

[thesimplelogic]

i'm sorry by server i mean home server. for media devices file sharing printer etc.
I always struggling with video editing but if that thing doesn't turn off or burn something I don't have a problem with that. About the hard drive the most important thing for me is capacity so ssd's can't be an option here. I'll upgrade ram later

Okay, then you have two options really. You unfortunately cannot upgrade the drive in a Mac mini to above 1TB - a Fusion drive is also 1TB, which is the same capacity but is faster and will make your life a lot easier. If it is basic video editing, then the i7 chip will work fine for you.

You could buy a mac mini server however it is probably cheaper and easier to buy an external drive for the 'normal' mac mini. The mac mini server (where I live) is $250 dollars more than the the top specced normal mini.

I would recommend then that you get the 2.3 Ghz i7 Mini, upgrade to a Fusion drive, and then buy an external drive. You can get quite a few with 2TBs for under the price of the server mini, and I can give you the name for a very good external if you like.

Hope this helps

 

[Crosscreek]

Get a refurb I5 from the Apple online refurb center and add your own HD's to it for what your needs are.
You don't need the 4core I7 for what you are going to use it for and you don't need fusion or SSD.
Stock RAM will work fine.
It will run 24hrs a day no problem and it will easily last 4 years.

 

[alaki200]

Okay, then you have two options really. You unfortunately cannot upgrade the drive in a Mac mini to above 1TB - a Fusion drive is also 1TB, which is the same capacity but is faster and will make your life a lot easier. If it is basic video editing, then the i7 chip will work fine for you.

You could buy a mac mini server however it is probably cheaper and easier to buy an external drive for the 'normal' mac mini. The mac mini server (where I live) is $250 dollars more than the the top specced normal mini.

I would recommend then that you get the 2.3 Ghz i7 Mini, upgrade to a Fusion drive, and then buy an external drive. You can get quite a few with 2TBs for under the price of the server mini, and I can give you the name for a very good external if you like.

Hope this helps

I read in mac mini specs that mac mini server has 2 tb hdd(1+1). I really need 2 tb at least and my desk is messy enough it's better if I don't get it messier with external hdd. What if I remove 1 tb hdd and replace it with 2 tb i think there is 2.5 inch hdd with that capacity. about cpu if I max it out is it going to work under heavy load for a long time?

 

[brdeveloper]

I read in mac mini specs that mac mini server has 2 tb hdd(1+1). I really need 2 tb at least and my desk is messy enough it's better if I don't get it messier with external hdd. What if I remove 1 tb hdd and replace it with 2 tb i think there is 2.5 inch hdd with that capacity. about cpu if I max it out is it going to work under heavy load for a long time?

How about a 2011 Mini, then upgrade it with 2 x 2TB internal HDDs? It will be probably cheaper than a base-2012 Mini and you'll get a lot bigger capacity.

 

[hfg]

The HGST 1.5 TB hard disk is 9.5 mm thick and fits in the mini, two of those would give you 3 TB. It is a 5400 rpm drive. I don't know if the current 2TB drives will fit due to the thickness.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EDIU5IW/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I currently have a 1.5TB hard disk and a 1TB SSD in my 2011 Mini being used as a media server. I keep the photo library on the SSD, and music, video, and movies on the hard disk.

 

[Fishrrman]

If you're looking at "medium- to long-term" usage from it (4-5 years), I'd suggest spending the extra money for the 2.3 i7 with 1tb drive (then add your own SSD or another HDD if you wish)....

The cost difference isn't really that much, when averaged out against 4-5 years of usage -- after which the i7 Mini may still remain quite usable for a few years' more....

 

[JohnPi314]

That's the specs that I ordered....an i7 2.6. I plan to use it for a good 4-5 years, and will upgrade the SSD myself.