Is the 2012 Base Mini a big upgrade over the 2011 Base?

[dvdchance]

OK so with all the talk about the low prices on the 2012 base, I'm just wondering if it's a worthwhile upgrade from my 2011 Base mini?

It sure seems tempting to get one at around $400 or so, but would I notice the difference or should I just bite the bullet and spend more and get the 2014 mid model or even the quad 2012?

I use the mini in a dual role as my HTPC server (Mini and 3 Rokus as clients) and client running Plex using HDMI and as a general duty computer doing browsing, word processing, etc. Nothing to strenuous at all. My storage is via NAS and a Thunderbolt drive so USB3 really wouldn't matter to me much.

 

[talmy]

I use Plex on 2009 base minis and currently have a 2009 server as a server for every thing else in the house. I've also got a 2012 base for Plex and just bought a 2012 i7 to replace my server only to gain USB3 and Thunderbolt while maintaining FW800 to future proof as well as be backwards compatible. Frankly, it wouldn't be worth it to replace a 2011 with a 2012 or 2014 mini since for this use you would not see any difference.