Mini 2.5 ghz i5 dual core vs Mini server 2.0 ghz i7 quad core?

[Nikomanz]

Hey all

Recent Mac convert here. Love the integrated system in OSX, and how everything just works with lion. I still use windows, but it's just not the same.

I have a question that I'm sure you guys can help me with, my friend recently purchased the low end Mac Mini, 2.3 ghz dual core i5 2011. Even though it was only around 600$ the machine is great, I absolutely love it, and the mini design is just beautifull, small and amazing.

So I myself have decided to purchase a Mac Mini next week, but I'm torn between buying the mid level or the server mini. Which one is better the 2.5 ghz dual core i5 or the 2.0 ghz quad core i7 server. I will be upgrading the RAM to 8gb as soon as I purchas it, and I plan to use it mostly for web design, photoshop, logic and GarageBand, word processing, and maybe some video editing.

So which mini is better, I already have a 24' display in my room and my friend is going to sell me his magic trackpad.

Thanks for the help!

Niko

 

[Ccrew]

If you get the i5 2.5 you get the AMD Graphics, which is better than the Intel 3000 which is in the 2.3 base model or the i7 Server.

Best bang from the performance standpoint is probably the Mid level with the i7 upgrade, but that said, when you get to that level you really should hold it against the 21.5" iMac from the refurb store. $899 for the Mini new, versus $999 for the iMac, and while the imac isn't i7, it's i5 quad core instead of dual core. When you're getting a keyboard/mouse/monitor for essentially $100 more it starts to become hard to justify the Mini.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/FC309LL/A

 

[the read]

Hey all

Recent Mac convert here. Love the integrated system in OSX, and how everything just works with lion. I still use windows, but it's just not the same.

I have a question that I'm sure you guys can help me with, my friend recently purchased the low end Mac Mini, 2.3 ghz dual core i5 2011. Even though it was only around 600$ the machine is great, I absolutely love it, and the mini design is just beautifull, small and amazing.

So I myself have decided to purchase a Mac Mini next week, but I'm torn between buying the mid level or the server mini. Which one is better the 2.5 ghz dual core i5 or the 2.0 ghz quad core i7 server. I will be upgrading the RAM to 8gb as soon as I purchas it, and I plan to use it mostly for web design, photoshop, logic and GarageBand, word processing, and maybe some video editing.

So which mini is better, I already have a 24' display in my room and my friend is going to sell me his magic trackpad.

Thanks for the help!

Niko

You should review this thread lower down the list.
'Which Mac Mini, mid or server for Graphics and Video Apps'