Mac Mini Server: Upgradeable with dedicated graphics

[DeepPurple]

I wanted a relatively good computer with high bang-for-the-buck, so I ordered a Mac Mini server. I could have gotten a cheaper mac mini, but I convinced myself the quad core processor was the one I needed to have for the best, longest life. I don't mean that the quad core's will last longer, but rather that in 5 or 6 years the computational power of the quad core will still be moderately reasonable for year 2017 computing. whatever... I spent a grand.

I don't play video games. I will be doing some video editing. Nothing professional, just family videos. I bought the stock memory. I can and will add some aftermarket RAM. I'd like to get Handbrake, and use this for some home theater applications.

Can a dedicated graphics card be added to the mac mini server?

It is weird to me that Apple markets the top model in the lineup with a superior processor and WITHOUT the top graphics processor.

 

[mr.steevo]

My understanding is that video editing and Handbrake don't benefit from a dedicated graphics card but more memory does.

 

[deafgoose]

It is weird to me that Apple markets the top model in the lineup with a superior processor and WITHOUT the top graphics processor.

The server was not designed for gaming or graphics processing.

 

[shortcut3d]

I wanted a relatively good computer with high bang-for-the-buck, so I ordered a Mac Mini server. I could have gotten a cheaper mac mini, but I convinced myself the quad core processor was the one I needed to have for the best, longest life. I don't mean that the quad core's will last longer, but rather that in 5 or 6 years the computational power of the quad core will still be moderately reasonable for year 2017 computing. whatever... I spent a grand.

I don't play video games. I will be doing some video editing. Nothing professional, just family videos. I bought the stock memory. I can and will add some aftermarket RAM. I'd like to get Handbrake, and use this for some home theater applications.

Can a dedicated graphics card be added to the mac mini server?

It is weird to me that Apple markets the top model in the lineup with a superior processor and WITHOUT the top graphics processor.

Your best hope is to wait for an external Thunderbolt PCIe enclosure. A couple have been announced.

 

[AuroraProject]

I use a mini server in a home theater setting, and I don't see a need for an upgrade to the graphics. Handbrake is cpu intensive, not gpu. Playback is handled by the gpu and it works fine in a home theater setting.

 

[scenemissing]

It is weird to me that Apple markets the top model in the lineup with a superior processor and WITHOUT the top graphics processor.

It's all about the heat generated and a small space to dissipate it in.

 

[paulrbeers]

It is weird to me that Apple markets the top model in the lineup with a superior processor and WITHOUT the top graphics processor.

You do get that a server is generally designed to run "headless" right? Heck if you go and order the Mac Mini server from apple, you will notice they don't even give you the option to add a monitor from it's ordering page. The other two mac mini's, you can order a monitor right from there configuration page. It just happens to be the fastest mac mini (processor) with the most storage therefore many are buying solely for that reason alone.

As already stated, what you are asking: Handbrake, video play back, etc can all be done with the Intel graphics in the Mac Mini Server so there is no need to add a dedicated graphics chip (which is technically possible unless thunderbolt video chips come out).