Mac Mini Newbie Question

[keeftone]

Let me begin this by saying that I have been reading the numerous threads on the 2014 Mac Mini since Thursday.



I used to be a Windows user, but several years ago after a Dell desktop bit premature dust, I bought a used PowerMac G4 MDD, upped the RAM to 2 GB, put in a DVD drive and have got good use of it. My wife and I are empty nesters and use it for web surfing, occasional word processing, and I use it for bit torrenting and burning CDs/DVDs, etc.



But it's more than past time to put it out to pasture. I just got an iPhone 6 and can't sync it because I can't install the newest iTunes, etc.



I get that even an entry level 2014 MM will likely blow my old machine out of the water, performance wise, but will it be enough for several years, or should I buy the second tier 2014, OR, spend a little more on a late 2012 quad core?



Thanks!

 

[ymarker]

The whole argument about dual core VS quad core is of no consequence in your usage scenario you mention. As you say, either 2012 or 2014 will blow your old system away.

Though why not get a laptop or an imac?

 

[keeftone]

We would both prefer a desktop. Have considered an iMac, but already have a good monitor, etc.

 

[Micky Do]

The whole argument about dual core VS quad core is of no consequence in your usage scenario you mention. As you say, either 2012 or 2014 will blow your old system away.

Though why not get a laptop or an imac?

People get a Mac Mini because they don't want an iMac or a laptop for a variety of reasons…….

Choice of monitor and other peripherals to suit preferences, for a start.

 

[keeftone]

Right now I'm leaning toward a 2012 quad core that's being held for me. It's priced at $799, it's either that or a $699 2014 second tier.

 

[dotme]

IMHO given your usage description, you'll get more bang for the buck from a RAM upgrade than you would out of cores. And of course, a late 2012 lets you install Crucial RAM, which is considerably less than BTO RAM via the Apple store...

 

[keeftone]

Would the ability to upgrade the RAM myself on the quad core outweigh the speed the improved graphics capability on the second tier 2014?

 

[keeftone]

Now leaning toward the $699 2014, not sure I will ever need 8 GB of RAM.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Would the ability to upgrade the RAM myself on the quad core outweigh the speed the improved graphics capability on the second tier 2014?

I would like to know this, too. I am wondering if the PCIe storage via a 256/512GB SSD on a 2014 model will be substantially faster than a near top of the line SATAIII SSD that you can buy today and install in the pre-2014 minis.

 

[keeftone]

Went with the 2012 quad and will bump the RAM to 8GB.

 

[dotme]

Went with the 2012 quad and will bump the RAM to 8GB.

Good for you. I bought another i7 quad yesterday too. Need it for some virtualization. Scored a 16GB Crucial RAM kit on Amazon for about $135 and it will arrive Friday. I already own one i7 quad for my workstation and picked up an i5 2012 for my better half last week. Threw 16GB RAM in that too. She's a very happy camper.