Mac Mini - Min Spec Needed

[mattd8]

Hi everyone,

My first post and I'm asking for some advice...

I'm getting frustrated having to have my MacBook open to stream stuff to my Apple TV and was thinking about getting an old Mac Mini to act as an iTunes server. I'm not after one to connect to the TV, just something to act as a central access point for my Apple TV, MacBook and (come wifi syncing) iPhone and iPad.

So the question is, what's the lowest spec I can get away with? I'm assuming it won't need to be too powerful if all it has to do is read from the NAS and stream to other devices.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Matt

 

[Hellhammer]

Any Intel Mini should be sufficient.

 

[Gav2k]

Where will the files be stored? On USB drives?

I'd go for a c2d 2.0ghz with plenty of ram. Hdd not important as you really don't want the files sitting on the mini itself.

 

[mattd8]

Thanks both. The files will be on a Qnap TS 119 NAS. Both the NAS and the Mini will be wired to my Time Capsule which acts as router.

 

[mangrove]

Since I got a 2010 Mini, I have scrapped my Apple TV since the HDMI interface on the Mini is way easier for me to use than that stupid little remote that comes with the Apple TV.

The whole family is so much more happy with the Mini with its latest 320M.

Keep your eyes open for a refurb'd 2010 unit. They had some on 10 days ago for $599. I see the server is now on tonight for $849.