Mac Mini Server

[Gman021]

Can you guys explain to me the uses for a mac mini server?

I've been looking at one because it has better hardware. I also have a few websites that I am making (I can make them but I still need to learn how to upload them and maintain them). Also, could I setup a server for counter strike?

If you can't tell, I know little about servers and how they work.

 

[jav6454]

If you don't know much of servers, then buying a Mac Mini Server edition is not worth it. Go read on servers and then evaluate if you need it. Also, any computer can be a Counter Strike server. All you need is a decent connection to the internet.

 

[paulrbeers]

Unless you have a dedicated Internet connection (ie fiber) then you are better off using a hosting company (ie godaddy)

 

[blevins321]

Unless you have a dedicated Internet connection (ie fiber) then you are better off using a hosting company (ie godaddy)

This. That said, the Mini Server has the extra server software features, which you wouldn't need for your purposes. It is, however, the most powerful Mini available. Its processor is the fastest. One thing to consider is if you'll be gaming on the system, the mid-level base model with the discrete graphics would do best for gaming.

 

[Omnius]

Indeed, the discrete graphics card is specifically why that mid level model is so popular.

 

[Gman021]

So what are the mac mini servers used for?

 

[Lance-AR]

CPU intensive tasks.

 

[paulrbeers]

So what are the mac mini servers used for?

They are used as servers, but generally not as webservers at least not in the home (businesses yes). They can be great workgroup servers, wiki servers, central time machine server,VPN server, contact server, etc.

Edit: Most home users just buy them because they are the fastest with the most built in storage.

 

[analogkid]

What? The Mac Mini Server can be used as a server? And here all this time I was just buying them because they've always been the Mac Daddy of the Mini line. You can have your 6630's, I'll take my quad core I7 with raid 0 Samsung 830's.

 

[bAdNitro]

What? The Mac Mini Server can be used as a server? And here all this time I was just buying them because they've always been the Mac Daddy of the Mini line. You can have your 6630's, I'll take my quad core I7 with raid 0 Samsung 830's.

 

[valdikor]

I have the 2011 Mac Mini Server and bought it "just" because it has the biggest and fastest internal storage and by far the best CPU of the lot. I'm a musician - a Logic Pro user and a regular consumer in all the other computer tasks and it performs beautifully. Right at the start I just wiped the system and installed the regular Lion (now on Mountain Lion, of course). But the Server app shouldn't get in your way even if you don't.

An amazing machine, this MMS. Go for it even if you're a little more demanding consumer. If you don't know what a server is for, you're not going to need a server. Heck, even I don't know too much about what a server is for!

 

[valdikor]

So, Gman, are you going for the Mac mini Server?

 

[Gman021]

I want to during the iphone presentation if they mention anything about a mac mini, or if there is anyway to find out in the next month if there will be an update or not.

Due to the much better processor, odds are I will go with the mac mini.

 

[cvaldes]

The most likely scenario is for the Mac mini to be silently updated, mentioned in a written press release, but nothing more. Basically, it would show up on Apple's website as "new."

Apple does not mention all new products at their media events. They keep the attention on key points.

The Mac mini typically would not merit a mention by an Apple exec in a media event. Trust me, I enjoy using my Mac mini, but it's essentially a headless 13" MacBook.

Updates to the Mac mini product line are adequately served by press releases.