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Mac Mini 2.0MHz

S

skipriverstone

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 27, 2010
30
0
Hello Everyone,

I have a:

Model Name: Mac mini
Model Identifier: Macmini 3,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 3 MB
Memory: 4 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz

and

I want to upgrade it's hard drive to a Western Digital Scorpio Black WD3200BEKT 320GB 7200 RPM 2.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Notebook Hard Drive - Bare Drive and add Mushkin Enhanced 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Dual Channel Kit Memory.

Questions:

Can the processor handle this upgrade? (If not)
Can I upgrade the processor?
Or should I just buy a new Mac Mini!

Thanks
 
Mac Mini 2.0MHz

Thanks DannySmurf

I currently have:
2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory

Will the new Hard Drive and the added Memory help my performance?
Because the cost is an issue. The upgrade will cost $320.00 and a new Mac Mini will cost $1,200.00.


Mac Mini 2009 - 2.0GHz or 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
Mac Mini 2010 - 2.4GHz or 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor

Mac Mini 2009 - NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory
Mac Mini 2010 - NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory
 
The RAM might help. Depends how much you have now and what you use it for. The hard drive will definitely speed things up. The switch from a 5400 to a 7200 RPM drive is very noticeable.

If I were in your position, I would upgrade what I had. The new machines are nice, but they're not SO much better than the last generation that a $1200 hardware upgrade is justified.
 
Cave Man said:
It will only take 2x4gb RAM sticks with about 3.2 gb available (32-bit memory controller).
Click to expand...
BS, they just boot into 32Bit-Mode by default, but 64Bit Applications can use more then 3.2GB even on 32Bit kernel.

skipriverstone said:
I want to upgrade it's hard drive to a Western Digital Scorpio Black WD3200BEKT 320GB 7200 RPM 2.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Notebook Hard Drive - Bare Drive and add Mushkin Enhanced 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Dual Channel Kit Memory.
Click to expand...
Hard drive: No, you don't want to. You want to put the 500GB one in there. - Or wait 2 Weeks until Seagate's 750GB 7200RPM drive is available on NewEgg, because you only want to open the Mini up once.

RAM: You want make sure to put in one of these or OWC
 
Mac Mini 2.0MHz

Sweat! Thanks Guys, this is really helpful.

Does anyone know if this will work?

Do I need to do anything else to help in the upgrade?

The total upgrade cost is $520.00 through Amazon.com

Going from:
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor 2 GHz 1067MHz 3 MB

FUJITSU 120GB SATA

4 GB (2x2GB) DDR3 SODIMM 204 pin 1067MHz PC3

Going to:
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor 3 GHz 1333MHz 6 MB LGA775 CPU

Seagate Momentus XT 500 GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s 32 MB Cache 2.5 Solid State Hybrid Drive - Bare Drive

8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 SODIMM 204 pin 1333Mhz PC3 10600 8GB
 
Mac Mini 2.0MHz

Thanks Caveman,

Can I change the processor at all?

Should I not worry about the processor and just change the hard drive & memory?

Cheers
 
skipriverstone said:
Thanks Caveman,

Can I change the processor at all?

Should I not worry about the processor and just change the hard drive & memory?

Cheers
Click to expand...

the previous poster just said -

"You cannot replace the cpu because it's epoxied. In addition, it wouldn't take a 775 chip."

And my advice is, if you are desperate to have a machine with a bit more beef up it's kilt, flog the mini and buy an iMac. Simple.
 
Mac Mini 2.0MHz

So true Doctor,

Those iMac's are SICK!!! I wish I had the cash.

At $1,600.00 for a basic 27". OUCH

Here is what I found:

I can not upgrade my Mac Mini's processor. OH WELL : (

But, I will upgrade my Hard Drive to a 500GB 7200 RPM 2.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s and my Memory to 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 SODIMM 204 pin 1067MHz PC3 for a total cost with shipping on amazon.com $295.00

Thanks everyone for their input.

If anyone has used the above upgrade on their Mac Mini, please give feed back regarding anything good or bad.

Cheers
 
Mac Mini 2.0MHz

Morning, Afternoon or Good Evening everyone,

Well I pulled the trigger and bought the following for $295.00 (including S/H):

Western Digital Scorpio Black 500GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive

and

KomputerBay 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 SODIMM 204PIN 1333Mhz PC3 10600 Memory

The problem I'm having now is I can't see anything on my monitor. I hear the HD spinning. I have a wireless keyboard and mouse.

I also used Super Duper to transfer my old 120GB HD to a LaCie external HD for a bootable HD. I still have the old HD with all it's original apps.

Do I need a USB keyboard and mouse to activate my new HD?

I'm stuck any advise would help.

Thanks in advance for any in put...
 
Mac Mini 2.0MHz

I found my error:

Komputerbay 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 SODIMM 204 pin 1333Mhz PC3 10600

Komputerbay 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 SODIMM 204 pin 1066Mhz PC3 8500

I ordered the wrong Memory. DUH

Anyways, I took out the new memory 1333Mhz and installed the old memory 1066Mhz. Bingo it works, the wireless keyboard & mouse.

So now I'm waiting for response from KomputerBay. I need to exchange my original order of 1333Mhz to the 1066Mhz. Crossing Fingers

If anyone has 2 cents add it...
 
Mac Mini 2.0MHz

Cave Man said:
Recent Macs have been sensitive to RAM timings. You can get the "right" sticks on paper, but they still won't work. My advice is to buy RAM specifically for the 9400m Macs, such as from OWC or NewEgg.
Click to expand...

Thanks Caveman,

Not sure what to look for 9400m Macs?

Here is Newegg:
CORSAIR 8GB (2x4GB) 204 Pin DDR3 SODIMM 1066Mhz PC3 8500
Crucial 8GB (2x4GB) 204 Pin DDR3 SODIMM 1066Mhz PC3 8500
Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 8GB (2x4GB) 204 Pin DDR3 SODIMM 1066Mhz PC3 8500
G.SKILL 8GB (2x4GB) 204 Pin DDR3 SODIMM 1066Mhz PC3 8500

Here is Amazon:
KomputerBay 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 SODIMM 204 pin 1066Mhz PC3 8500 for Apple 8 GB
Komputerbay 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 SODIMM 204 pin 1066Mhz PC3 8500 for Apple 8 GB with SODIMM Heatsink for extra cooling
Axiom AX 8GB (2x4GB) SODIMM 204 pin DDR3 1066Mhz PC3-8500 unbuffered non-ECC
EDGE 8GB (2x4GB) SODIMM 204 pin DDR3 1066Mhz PC3 8500 unbuffered non ECC

Here is OWC:
SDRAM Two 4GB (4096MB) 8GB 204-pin DDR3 1066 PC3 8500
 
Mac Mini 2.0MHz

Cave Man said:
9400m Minis are 2009-2010 models.
Click to expand...

Caveman,
Still not sure where you're getting 9400m from. Please be more helpful...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...00032360&IsNodeId=1&name=DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500)

I just upgraded my Mac Mini 3,1 from:

Model Name: Mac mini
Model Identifier: Macmini 3,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 3 MB
Memory: 4 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz

TO:

Model Name: Mac mini
Model Identifier: Macmini 3,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 3 MB
Memory: 8 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz

By using:

WD Scorpio Black Hard drive 500GB internal 2.5" SATA 300 7200 rpm buffer: 16 MB $82.00
Komputerbay 8GB (2x 4GB) DDR3 SODIMM (204 pin) 1066Mhz PC3 8500 for Apple 8GB $218.00
Total with S/H $300.00

I have ONE question.
Does anyone know why the new Mac Mini is freezing up?

Thanks
 
skipriverstone said:
Caveman,
Still not sure where you're getting 9400m from. Please be more helpful...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...00032360&IsNodeId=1&name=DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500)

I just upgraded my Mac Mini 3,1 from:

Model Name: Mac mini
Model Identifier: Macmini 3,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 3 MB
Memory: 4 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz

TO:

Model Name: Mac mini
Model Identifier: Macmini 3,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 3 MB
Memory: 8 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz

By using:

WD Scorpio Black Hard drive 500GB internal 2.5" SATA 300 7200 rpm buffer: 16 MB $82.00
Komputerbay 8GB (2x 4GB) DDR3 SODIMM (204 pin) 1066Mhz PC3 8500 for Apple 8GB $218.00
Total with S/H $300.00

I have ONE question.
Does anyone know why the new Mac Mini is freezing up?

Thanks
Click to expand...
I guess because you didn't listened and installed some non-brand RAM instead of the branded ones, which are widely tested and cost the same.

You could try to repair permissions if you cloned the hard drive, insert the Install-DVD, hold the "C"-key on the keyboard while powering on, wait until the installer came up, select your language, go Utils->Disk Utility from the top-menu, select your Macintosh HD and click the "Repair Permissions"-button. (I need copy and paste for this one…)
 
Mac Mini 2.0MHz

Giuly said:
I guess because you didn't listened and installed some non-brand RAM instead of the branded ones, which are widely tested and cost the same.

You could try to repair permissions if you cloned the hard drive, insert the Install-DVD, hold the "C"-key on the keyboard while powering on, wait until the installer came up, select your language, go Utils->Disk Utility from the top-menu, select your Macintosh HD and click the "Repair Permissions"-button. (I need copy and paste for this one…)
Click to expand...

Guily,
What do you mean by (I need copy and paste for this one…)? Can you explain? Thanks
And, by the way the memory is what Apple approves. (Hynix Semiconductor Inc.)Cheers
 
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