Inherited Mac Mini 2010 (Server). What now?

[GimmeSlack12]

I received a slightly used Mac Mini (model A1347) with these specs (http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...ni-core-2-duo-2.66-mid-2010-server-specs.html).

I'll probably set it up as an HTPC with Plex on it at home, but it does have the 10.6 Server software on it. I am tempted to just wipe that and put El Cap on it. Overall I do plan on this thing being a headless mac (connected to my TV). I do have an SSD at home too that I think I may stick in it.

Any input from anyone? Other ideas?

 

[jpietrzak8]

I'll probably set it up as an HTPC with Plex on it at home, but it does have the 10.6 Server software on it. I am tempted to just wipe that and put El Cap on it. Overall I do plan on this thing being a headless mac (connected to my TV). I do have an SSD at home too that I think I may stick in it.

This is a fine machine, in my opinion. (In fact, I'm writing this message from a 2010 server Mini.) If you're not planning on using any of the special features of OS X server, there's really no reason not to immediately upgrade to El Cap. (Except for RAM -- El Cap is a lot more resource intensive than 10.6, so you may find 4 GB somewhat limiting for certain applications.)

A few HTPC caveats: the Plex server can do "on-demand transcoding", which requires a whole lot of CPU power. It'd probably kick the crap out of the 2010's processor; I'd try to avoid that if possible. Second, the GPU on the 2010, while very nice in its day, is now more than 6 years old; as such, it isn't going to have support for modern codecs, so again the CPU is going to get hit pretty hard when decoding videos compressed with modern codecs. Finally, the max resolutions for this machine are 2560 x 1600 on the Mini DisplayPort port, and 1920 x 1200 on the HDMI port. So, you're not going to be able to plug a modern high resolution TV directly into this machine.

The SSD is a nice addition; but, if you're only planning on streaming media from the Mini, it seems kind of a waste. Any old hard drive can stream media just fine...

 

[dogslobber]

I received a slightly used Mac Mini (model A1347) with these specs (http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...ni-core-2-duo-2.66-mid-2010-server-specs.html).

I'll probably set it up as an HTPC with Plex on it at home, but it does have the 10.6 Server software on it. I am tempted to just wipe that and put El Cap on it. Overall I do plan on this thing being a headless mac (connected to my TV). I do have an SSD at home too that I think I may stick in it.

Any input from anyone? Other ideas?

I run a 2010 Mini with 4gb and spinner for HTPC. It's a fine machine for running VLC.

 

[adam9c1]

At work I have two 2010 mini servers.

First one HD died without a backup. The machine was sent out for repair. He setup the other one... No backup too. Within months that HD died too.

When I took over I setup Time Machine and CCC.

IMHO heat killed the drives.

 

[Gudi]

I do have an SSD at home too that I think I may stick in it.

Do it and the SSD will make you forget the age of all the other specs, except for the USB 2.0 ports when copying large movie folders.