How to keep my Mac mini 2012 alive

[alainlevy]

I have a late 2012 Mac mini, 1 Tb SSD, 16 Gb RAM.
My whole professional life depends on this machine and I would upset my customers if it is down for more than 24 hours - except during summer holidays etc.
It is working perfectly fine and doing its job perfectly well. It is a work horse. However, it is almost 10 years old and I am getting a bit anxious to rely on it. Note that all my files are in iCloud and I also use time machine. So it would purely be a hardware snafu. Last detail, I must run some 32 bit apps, so need to stay on Intel/Mojave.

Questions:
1. What usually goes wrong on these machines? or do they just last forever?

2. What would be the best scenario:

1. Buy a similar Mac mini to keep in the drawer and do a time machine restore the day sh*t happens
2. Get it serviced (clean the fan? check power supply...? I have no idea...)
3. Wait and see...

Ideas appreciated, thank you.
Alain

 

[Miat]

Have the same hardware myself.

You can do some stuff to help the hardware hang on for a while. Like a basic clean inside (especially the fan and the heat sink), fresh thermal paste for the CPU, replacing the PRAM battery, using a UPS to help keep the power supply stable and clean.

But...

That 10 year old hardware is going to fail, and statistically it will be sooner than later.

Mojave does not get security updates any more (as of last month, I think). I would have been quite happy to stay on Mojave, but recently updated to Catalina just because of security updates.

32 bit is now dead in the Apple ecosystem, and is never coming back.

If your 32 bit stuff doesn't have to be done online, then you could have a seperate offline machine just for that.

You could go to a 2018 Intel Mini, which would buy you some time on the hardware front. But that doesn't solve the problem of the current versions of Apple OS no longer supporting 32 bit.

Another possible option is to run a Linux OS, if they still support 32 bit, as they get security updates for much longer than the Apple OS does. But that depends on the software you need, there might not be a Linux equivalent for it.

But ultimately the answer is that you are going to have to find a 64 bit equivalent to the software you are using. 32 bit is on its way out across the IT world. Only a matter of time.

 

[Boyd01]

You could go to a 2018 Intel Mini, which would buy you some time on the hardware front. But that doesn't solve the problem of the current versions of Apple OS no longer supporting 32 bit.

Sure it does, I have some very expensive 32-bit apps and run them all on my 2018 Mini in Mountain Lion and Sierra virtual machines with Parallels. This works perfectly for me and the apps actually run much faster than they ever did on my old Macs. I suppose there are some apps that won't run in VM's (like old versions of Final Cut Pro and iWork) but my apps all work fine.

As for the original question, if "my whole professional life depended" on a 2012 Mini, I would have gotten some sort of backup computer long ago. Just getting a spare would be quick, easy and probably not too expensive. I would also start thinking about moving to newer hardware that Apple still supports.

 

[Rich B22]

I have a late 2012 Mac mini, 1 Tb SSD, 16 Gb RAM.
My whole professional life depends on this machine and I would upset my customers if it is down for more than 24 hours - except during summer holidays etc.
It is working perfectly fine and doing its job perfectly well. It is a work horse. However, it is almost 10 years old and I am getting a bit anxious to rely on it. Note that all my files are in iCloud and I also use time machine. So it would purely be a hardware snafu. Last detail, I must run some 32 bit apps, so need to stay on Intel/Mojave.

Questions:
1. What usually goes wrong on these machines? or do they just last forever?

2. What would be the best scenario:

1. Buy a similar Mac mini to keep in the drawer and do a time machine restore the day sh*t happens
2. Get it serviced (clean the fan? check power supply...? I have no idea...)
3. Wait and see...

Ideas appreciated, thank you.
Alain

I agree with some of the other responses, in terms of upgrading the hardware. Did you know that you can have multiple macOS's on the newer operating systems without using VM software? It is easy to set up, but a bit more work booting in and out of the different OS's but it works well for occasional use. I currently run Big Sur on my 2017 iMac, but have a Mojave volume for a couple of 32 bits I occasionally want to run.

Besides a hardware upgrade, I would suggest that you use cloning software routinely, so that you can be up and running as quickly as you can plug in an external hard drive. If your files are all resident in the cloud, if you have a lot, that can take weeks to download. Reinstalling everything from Time Machine can take days. The software, such as Carbon Copy Cloner (CCC)(my preferred), Super Duper or others, make an exact copy of your hard drive to an external drive and can be set to run automatically at whatever time frame you want.
With this cloning scenario, you could run your current machine until it drops (not recommended), then get a new unit and after setting up the Mojave volume, be off and running.
Note: I have no connection with CCC or any other company.

Good luck

 

[Miat]

Sure it does, I have some very expensive 32-bit apps and run them all on my 2018 Mini in Mountain Lion and Sierra virtual machines with Parallels.

Ah, yes, forgot about that. Mainly coz I never use VMs or Parallels. ?

 

[throAU]

2. What would be the best scenario:

1. Buy a similar Mac mini to keep in the drawer and do a time machine restore the day sh*t happens
2. Get it serviced (clean the fan? check power supply...? I have no idea...)
3. Wait and see...

Ideas appreciated, thank you.
Alain

I'd say option 1 (a spare in a drawer) would not be a terrible idea with the following caveats:

• until/unless your current one dies, it is a waste of money
• if it is left in a drawer for extended period of time, the battery in it for battery backed up clock, etc. may leak and take out the motherboard (eventually).

I'd suggest to try and migrate your workload to supported applications, but keep an eye on eBay for a later model Intel machines just in case.

Maybe also consider just upgrading to the last of the Intel Mac minis as they're still supported and will be for a while (and I believe they run/can run Mojave?).

This will give you time (a few years from now?) to formulate a migration plan to modern software. Additionally, it should speed up your workload due to the more modern components.

2019 intel is still much faster than 2012 intel.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:
"My whole professional life depends on this machine and I would upset my customers if it is down for more than 24 hours"

Anyone whose "whole professional life" depends on a single computer is asking for trouble.
You need "a backup machine" for emergencies.

No computer lasts forever.
I still have a 2012 Mini, but it now does service "on the back table" since I got the 2018 Mini.

Which is what I'd suggest for you.
Either an Apple-refurbished 2018 Mini
or...
Pick up one of the upcoming m1pro Minis when they get released. You would have to upgrade or replace the 32-bit software for this, however.

So a 2018 Mini might be the best choice.
But... DON'T WAIT... get these while they're still available from Apple.

"Move your stuff over" to the new Mini, but keep the 2012 in good repair and ready to use "for emergency service" if that ever arises...

Hmmm... another option:
A 2019 27" iMac. This is the last version of the iMac that still runs 32-bit software.
DO NOT get the 2020 iMac if you need 32-bit compatibility -- it is 64 bit only, I think.

 

[alainlevy]

Thank you all for your input! It helped me to make a decision.
First of all, I installed a temperature monitor so I can see how cooked my 2012 Mac mini already is and how urgent this is.

Then I am soon going to get a 2018 Mac mini and will run a Mojave VM with my 32 bit app when I occasionally need it. I am already using Parallels for a Windows VM so it won't be a big deal to have 2 VMs - as long as I have enough RAM I guess. They will hardly ever need to run together as these are 2 different projects.

Once that's is done, I will give the 2012 Mac mini to my son so he can run it to the ground. I am curious to see how long it will last. And I 'll do a big party when it dies (you are all invited!).

 

[Neodym]

And I 'll do a big party when it dies (you are all invited!).

Awww man - that’ll be a long wait …

 

[weirdsmith]

Then I am soon going to get a 2018 Mac mini and will run a Mojave VM with my 32 bit app when I occasionally need it.

Sorry if I've missed something, but the 2018/2020 Mac Mini will run Mojave natively, so no need to use a VM. I am writing this on one and I put Mojave on it shortly after I got it. There are a few steps involved, but it's not super difficult. There is a tutorial here.

 

[Boyd01]

What you might be missing is that Mojave is no longer supported with security updates, so running it in a VM allows you to have a properly supported computer but still use your old software when you "occasionally need it", as @alainlevy said.

 

[MBAir2010]

These are great computers!
last Tuesday i saw one for $125 that has a i7 processor and 16GB of ram.
there was a 2014 one too, but i did not even give that a tought, they are disposable and not fun!
the unit needs another fan and a ssd drive, but I'm very happy and lucky to have found this mac Mini.
Mojave is a great OS that still works with many devices, programs and supports iCloud.
When Mojave turns into Mountain Lion 21, i guess i will switch to firefox and another iCloud source for me.

I would keep that mini running until the solar flare!

 

[EugW]

These are great computers!
last Tuesday i saw one for $125 that has a i7 processor and 16GB of ram.
there was a 2014 one too, but i did not even give that a tought, they are disposable and not fun!
the unit needs another fan and a ssd drive, but I'm very happy and lucky to have found this mac Mini.
Mojave is a great OS that still works with many devices, programs and supports iCloud.
When Mojave turns into Mountain Lion 21, i guess i will switch to firefox and another iCloud source for me.

Personally I chose the 2014 over the 2012 or other pre-2014 models. I don't need hardcore performance, since I'm just running business applications, but with the 2014, installation of an NVMe drive is dead simple (literally a 5 minute install, leaving the hard drive in place), and you get full Monterey support. Plus it is likely it will get macOS 13 as well since this model was discontinued only in 2018.

It depends on what you need the machine for, but IMO, having somewhat more CPU speed is less important than OS support, if the CPU speed is already fast enough. Note though, I'm talking about the 8 GB 2.6 GHz i5 model, not the 1.4 GHz 4 GB model. I paid US$145 plus shipping, and then added a US$45 500 GB NVMe SSD with $10 adapter.

As for the OP, I agree with the decision NOT to buy another 2012 as it's a decade old now. A 2018 is a reasonable replacement, if CPU performance is a concern. However, since this is the primary work machine, if the software the OP is using is supported, I might consider getting an M1 Pro when it comes out. Or even an M1 16 GB refurb now. However, if 32-bit Intel software support is mandatory, then get the 2018.

 

[MBAir2010]

I don't need hardcore performance, since I'm just running business applications, but with the 2014, installation of an NVMe drive is dead simple (literally a 5 minute install, leaving the hard drive in place), and you get full Monterey support. Plus it is likely it will get macOS 13 as well since this model was discontinued only in 2018.

nice comment, and you made valid points as always!

personally Mojave is my final destination and i need that in my computers due to my extra devices and programs.
i might dual boot Catalina for some silly reason, but that OS does not like me, personally!

as far as simplicity, the 2012 is easy as well, Ifixit went overboard with my model and took out things i did not need,and happy i stopped at the metallic grid that connects the bluetooth, wifi and dropped in the ssd drive.

 

[fricotin]

My 2012 mini 16 Gb is and has been alive and well 6+ hours a day for close to 10 years now. I -may- consider buying a new one this year... or the next.

 

[richmlow]

I have a late 2012 Mac mini, 1 Tb SSD, 16 Gb RAM.
My whole professional life depends on this machine and I would upset my customers if it is down for more than 24 hours - except during summer holidays etc.
It is working perfectly fine and doing its job perfectly well. It is a work horse. However, it is almost 10 years old and I am getting a bit anxious to rely on it. Note that all my files are in iCloud and I also use time machine. So it would purely be a hardware snafu. Last detail, I must run some 32 bit apps, so need to stay on Intel/Mojave.

Questions:
1. What usually goes wrong on these machines? or do they just last forever?

2. What would be the best scenario:

1. Buy a similar Mac mini to keep in the drawer and do a time machine restore the day sh*t happens
2. Get it serviced (clean the fan? check power supply...? I have no idea...)
3. Wait and see...

Ideas appreciated, thank you.
Alain

I would highly recommend a back-up computer, even if your current Mac mini is running OK. You should also have back-ups of your essential data, both in the cloud as well as on external storage device(s).

Best of luck in your decisions.


richmlow

 

[MBAir2010]

1. Get it serviced (clean the fan? check power supply...? I have no idea...)

doing that might damage a wire or component.
spraying compressed air would help along with routine maintenance with dusk utility with the hard drive(s)

 

[fricotin]

I turn mine off every 10 days or so, run the Onyx utility every 2 or 3 months followed by a spray of compressed air (not full blast!) in and around the fan area. Not one problem in 10 years.

 

[raymanster]

My i7 2012 has been running 24/7 for almost 10 years now. I did upgrade to SSD about 4 years ago when I also did a clean out of the fans etc.

My previous 2006 Mac Mini Core 2 Duo ran for over 10 years with no issues except a failed hard drive which was easily replaced. It’s now retired but still fully functions if needed.

 

[dazey]

I am actually in the process of weighing this one up too. Have a 2012 i7 quad core, dual Ssd in a g4 case with 4 thunderbolt attached HDDs, it has run 24/7 since new. Looking for a new machine for a second location. Between buying a new (to me)2012 and waiting for a M1 max/pro. Would miss the VMware flexibility but do generally run windows apps on dedicated hardware (but still useful for simulators, Linux etc)
suspect it will be a new 2012 with 1TB+ ssd upgrade but stuck till Feb as out of the country.

 

[Freeangel1]

I have 2 Mac mini 2012 Model 2.6 GHZ i7 QUAD that I am rehabbing with SSD's and running Catalina.

I bought them to use as 24/7 file servers

Have more modern equipment like A DELL 7920 workstation but I like that the mini uses not much power.

Never owned a mini before. If these work out I may upgrade to A Mac mini M1 Max when they come out.


My 2019 iMac i9 with 72GB of memory and a Vega 48 video card is DOG SLOW on Monterey and Big Sur. Ran fine on Catalina due to the 3TB Hybrid drive

I dislike iMacs. Never get another after this. Now with the M1 you really can't upgrade or change anything so this statement does not really matter

 

[Adarna]

I have a late 2012 Mac mini, 1 Tb SSD, 16 Gb RAM.
My whole professional life depends on this machine and I would upset my customers if it is down for more than 24 hours - except during summer holidays etc.
It is working perfectly fine and doing its job perfectly well. It is a work horse. However, it is almost 10 years old and I am getting a bit anxious to rely on it. Note that all my files are in iCloud and I also use time machine. So it would purely be a hardware snafu. Last detail, I must run some 32 bit apps, so need to stay on Intel/Mojave.

Questions:
1. What usually goes wrong on these machines? or do they just last forever?

2. What would be the best scenario:

1. Buy a similar Mac mini to keep in the drawer and do a time machine restore the day sh*t happens
2. Get it serviced (clean the fan? check power supply...? I have no idea...)
3. Wait and see...

Ideas appreciated, thank you.
Alain

buy the same SKU or newer that runs Mojave.

You can buy a lot of these in junk shops for ~$100?

A decade from now you can probably get it for ~$10

Of course I'd air gap it from the internet. It wouldnt run on 2030 Internet

 

[dazey]

Think I have worked out for me. If I size up a current M1 mini with a 2TB SSD, 16GB ram its €2000! Can't imagine the new being cheaper. Crazy price to me for a mini. The 2012 didn't cost anything like that back in the day (but I wasn't forced to take overpriced SSDs and RAM from apple becase of the no-upgrades)

A 2017 i7 quad core I can get for roughly €400, some with 8GB, some 16GB, mostly small SSDs. Dual drive cable €7 from china, Samsung 870 EVO 2TB €230

 

[Boyd01]

If I size up a current M1 mini with a 2TB SSD, 16GB ram its €2000! Can't imagine the new being cheaper. Crazy price to me for a mini. The 2012 didn't cost anything like that back in the day

In 2016, I got a used 2012 2.6ghz quad i7 Mini Server with 16gb RAM and original Apple 256gb internal SSD (I think that was the only SSD available back then) from MacSales, which included 90-day warranty. I believe it cost about $3000 at the time.

The alternative I was considering was a new top-spec 2014 dual core i7 Mini 16/256 which I remember was $3400 at the time (about €3000). I went with the 2012 because it was about 50% faster and $400 cheaper.

The current M1 Mini doesn't interest me, but considering how performance compares with the 2014 and the SSD is 8x bigger, it doesn't seem like current prices are out of line (from Apple's point of view).

 

[MBAir2010]

seems to me i will spend more on the Mini than i paid for, just dropped $13.75 on a second drive kit.
along with MBA pentalobe screws for the same ebuyer!.