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Mac Mini Server + Aperture

R

redkamel

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Aug 29, 2006
437
34
I couldn't find too much info on this...anyone using the current gen MacMini Server for Aperture and Adobe Photoshop? Any feedback on the Server in general?

I had an imac 2.4 ghz C2D with 4gig RAM, I imagine the mini would run slightly faster with an additional 4 gigs of RAM. I'd like to buy it now; I don't if the i3 would make much of a difference.

I would call myself a "serious hobbyist" and "unable to control spending" ;-)
 
I'm using a Mini Server (2010) with internal drives on stripped array, 8GB RAM. No issues with Photoshop CS5. Performance wise I doubt you'll hit the CPU limit as from my observation the CPU usage is pretty moderate.

p/s: My RAW files are 10MP.
 
Hmmm if you under 12-15MP A Mini should handle it - as a test, Aperture handles 8MP images just about ok on my Intel X3100 Equipped C2D 2.1 MacBook (Obv. I have my Mac Pro if I want to go higher, but 8MP runs on it).
 
I use a Mac mini server as a server (shock!). It's an older (white) unit which had the slower drives. I've got them set up as RAID 0, but it is still no match for my iMac. The slower graphics will be the biggest problem. Also, the server version of the OS has some difficulties (file, printer, and screen sharing work differently for starts). If you are truly unable to control spending, get a 27" iMac with the i7. :)
 
does Aperture 3 really tax on your gpu? :confused::confused:

I have over 250GB of RAW files in my mac mini server yet I don't have a problem with its performance.
 
yrh0413 said:
does Aperture 3 really tax on your gpu? :confused::confused:

I have over 250GB of RAW files in my mac mini server yet I don't have a problem with its performance.
Click to expand...

Aperture 3 definitely taxes older Macs with the Integrated Intel X3100 GPU. Obviously on my ATI Radeon HD5770 Equipped Mac Pro its just fine....
 
Shoot...sounds like 5d MKII 20mp files might not work too hot on a mini server...and I think the update is going to have a worse, if not equal integrated graphics.

OTOH it don't think it could be that much worse than my 2007 imac. I'll wait and see. If it ends up happening I'll post a detailed review. Thanks. If anyone else has info, let me know....
 
TuffLuffJimmy said:
Why would you buy a Mac Mini SERVER if you're not using it as a server? I would much rather have bought an iMac.
Click to expand...

1. size
2. RAID0 stripped array on dual 7.2k rpm drives
3. freedom to pair with other high quality screens out there (Eizo, Dell Ultrasharp)

those are the top 3 reasons why I got a mac mini and installed SL client on it. :p
 
TuffLuffJimmy said:
Why would you buy a Mac Mini SERVER if you're not using it as a server? I would much rather have bought an iMac.
Click to expand...

I have an ACD and I use an Air for my real job. This computer is only for my photo editing hobby. I live in a small apartment so 2x27in is not feasible. I don't like the imac form factor personally, and I didn't want to deal with "target display", USB hubs etc etc to use it as an external display. The server has 7200 rpm HDs, more HD space, and is higher clock (a little) than the base mini. It can easily be repurposed as a simple home server or HTPC and put on a bookshelf, whereas the imac will always be a full-size computer or at least take up a lot of space. Frankly, I don't care that it even comes with SL Server, it just performs better than the mini in the same package.

I agree, for most an imac would be better, but not me!
 
Sorry for raising a zombie thread, but I thought I should just post this for anyone else who goes forum searching.

I got my mac mini server, and its all loaded up with Aperture and Nik. I thought I’d leave some info so anyone in my situation can get a feel for it. This is for the 2010 C2D 2.66 Mini server, 8 gigs ram.

In short, it works great. Aperture is definitely a 1 bounce program. Everything is very snappy. I was honestly afraid it would be a dog when I was getting it all sorted out and programs loaded, but after a few minutes, I felt a lot better.

In term of editing, the performance is certainly great, esp for a hobbyist or anyone on a budget. My 5dmkII RAW files load within a second. Editing does have a slight lag; you have to be deliberate and you can’t just go adjusting willnilly 10 things at once. The performance is totally acceptable, zippy is the right word, and I have no qualms about editing for a few hours on it once or twice a month, even once a week. If it was daily, I would strongly consider something more powerful; if you have any sort of impatience/drive to own a fast computer, as I do, you would go nuts.

I got the refurb for 850. Totally worth it in my book. An imac was off my list, a MBP was considered (dedicated photo editing, fast, “small”) and so was a MacPro (splurge once, buy once)…but then you get in the 2k range. I am happy with the Server overall. It’s no speed demon, but its faster than I thought it would be, and gets the job done. I would say you get about 80-85% of the performance for 50% of the cost of any of the “Pro” Macs.

Not to mention that for a 1000 dollars, it’s a great return on investment. If I get 2 years out of it, I will be ahead of the usual 3-4 year life span of a 2500 dollar hi-performance mac, not to mention the Mini server works great as a server, computer for mom, HTPC, or just left on a shelf “in case I need a computer”. I would say its versatility was the real selling point to me. Maybe I should have waited for i3….nah, screw it, this thing is good enough.
 
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