Low or Mid?

[jdryyz]

Storage is not a concern, so I'm wondering what benefit I will see with a quad-core processor for the following things I will be doing with the new mini:

1) EyeTV recording and editing.

2) HandBrake encoding.

3) Running Windows 7 64-bit via BootCamp.

I think I would see the most benefit with handbrake, but would it be worth another $200?

And now for a non-model specific question:

I plan on taking my existing 128GB SSD and using it as the primary drive for Mac OS X. The 500GB (or 1TB) HD would be then become the secondary drive for storage of large data. Can the BootCamp partition be stored on the secondary drive also? I seem to recall there was a restriction at some point but hope that is no longer the case. Of course, I know I will need to get the dual drive kit to make these changes. I'm willing to bet the same kit used for the 2011 minis will work with the new models.

Glad to read the minis are shipping NOW!

 

[milkmandan]

I think I would see the most benefit with handbrake, but would it be worth another $200?

Cost wise, it is a close one. But in my opinion, it is probably not worth it. There is no direct PC comparison, but for PC CPUs, the difference between an ivy dual-core w/ HT @ 3.3Ghz than an ivy quad-core w/ HT @ 3.4Ghz is only $130. I am not sure if the remaining $70 justifies the 1TB 5400rpm drive. Keep in mind you're getting 2.3Ghz if you opt for the quad core.

But yes, you will see substantial improvements in handbrake encoding on the quad core.

It's really up to you. If you think the performance gain justifies you spending the premium for it.

I bought the base mini 2012 model today.

 

[jdryyz]

The word "substantial" in my mind translates into something in the neighborhood of 50% or greater improvement over the dual core. Do you think that is accurate? Guess I need to see some benchmarks...specifically using HandBrake.

The most important result, of course, would be the reduction in encoding time. If I could expect to reduce this by one half on average, now that would be substantial!

Cost wise, it's probably not worth it. There is no direct PC comparison but even the difference between an ivy bridge dual-core w/ HT @ 3.3Ghz is only $130 cheaper than an ivy bridge quad-core w/ HT @ 3.4. I am sure an additional 500GB didn't cost $70 to Apple.

But yes, you will see substantial improvements in handbrake encoding on the quad core.

It's really up to you. If you think the performance gain justifies you spending the premium for it.

I bought the base mini 2012 model today.

 

[philipma1957]

if you hand brake you need the quad core. it will be 1.5 to 2x the speed of the dual core. you don't need any tests. they were done last year on the quad core 2011 mini and it was far faster then any other mini.

 

[jdryyz]

Sounds good.

Do you have any thoughts on my BootCamp question?

if you hand brake you need the quad core. it will be 1.5 to 2x the speed of the dual core. you don't need any tests. they were done last year on the quad core 2011 mini and it was far faster then any other mini.