Mac mini RAM vs. CPU

[macaco74]

Where is the best place to spend my extra $100 - on 4GB ram or the increase from 2.0Ghz to 2.26? I intend to use this machine primarily as a HTPC but some recreation broaswing. I used my imac 3.06 Ghz to rip and encode videos.

Appreciate the feedback.

 

[Eidorian]

Get the RAM unless you plan on encoding 24/7.

 

[Durandal549]

I use my current mini as an HTPC and will be upgrading soon. Here is what I am doing.

Base Mac mini ($600)
2.26Ghz ($150)
4GB (new egg $50)

In my case I already have a bunch of external firewire HDD so the smaller internal is of no concern. Even if you don't already have externals they are not to expensive and can be added later.

 

[macaco74]

the base model is losing 128MB ram on the video card - right?

 

[cleric]

the base model is losing 128MB ram on the video card - right?

Supposedly I've seen no hard evidence but since its shared memory are we sure its not just an option somewhere?

Btw I ordered:
Base Mac Mini ($550) student discount
4gb of Crucial $60 NewEgg

 

[macaco74]

if you visit the page for mac mini in the store and click "compare" - it highlights the differences in the memory card there.

 

[macaco74]

oh and thanks for the responses - I would order memory separately but have ZERO confidence that I will not scratch the case to hell.

 

[Eidorian]

oh and thanks for the responses - I would order memory separately but have ZERO confidence that I will not scratch the case to hell.

It's on the underside of the case and you'll never see the small nicks. It's tough even with a razor thin putty knife.

 

[Durandal549]

if you visit the page for mac mini in the store and click "compare" - it highlights the differences in the memory card there.

Yes but all indications are that the 128mb limit is because the lower mini only ships with 1gb of ram total. If the graphics stole 1/4 then that would be a much bigger hit to total system ram. The consensus seems to be that the graphics are the same on both. Adding more ram should allow the lower end unit to go to 256mb.

 

[macaco74]

ah - makes sense. Not that familiar with the inner workings - thanks for the explaination.

For all intent and purposes - it seems that I shoul djust invest in the memory and make so with 2.0Ghz. I mean how much difference would I notice with .26ghz?

 

[Eidorian]

ah - makes sense. Not that familiar with the inner workings - thanks for the explaination.

For all intent and purposes - it seems that I shoul djust invest in the memory and make so with 2.0Ghz. I mean how much difference would I notice with .26ghz?

Like I said before do you plan on encoding 24/7? Doing a lot of CPU intensive tasks on the Mini? Get the RAM.