Need Help with Selecting RAM and Dual Monitor Setup

[mertyz]

Hi everyone!

I've been using my Acer laptop (Dual Core i5 processor, 4GB RAM, NVIDIA GT320M with 1GB RAM) running Ubuntu with an external monitor for the last 3 months but I'm now thinking of getting the base 2011 Mac Mini to use as a development machine. I'm switching to OS X because I'm tired of dealing with NVIDIA's Linux drivers and trying to fix the way fonts are being rendered which hurts my eyes badly, I love the simplicity of OS X and I also want to improve my knowledge in UNIX systems. I used OS X before so I'm not a complete newbie.

I have two questions for you:

1) I will replace the RAM that comes with it with 2 x 4GB Kingston 1333MHz DDR3 204-pin CL9 RAM (KVR1333D3S9/4G). Someone around here claimed that CL9 RAMs wouldn't work, is that true? This is the only RAM module meeting Mac Mini's requirements I can easily purchase so could you please tell me whether it would work or not? (It should, I think)

2) I will use it with dual monitors and my setup will be:
HDMI Port -> HDMI Cable -> Monitor 1 (1920x1080)
Thunderbolt Port -> Mini DisplayPort to VGA Cable -> Monitor 2 (1680x1050)
Could you please confirm this would work?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Lokheed]

I bought 8 GB of Mushkin memory with a CAS of 9 and it works flawless. They even advertise it as "Apple RAM."

I don't know who said CL9 RAM won't work, but they might be out to lunch. But you know, with the price point these days, it's better to get 8 GB. Modest difference for double the RAM makes sense... no matter how inconvenient it is to pick it up.

 

[mertyz]

I bought 8 GB of Mushkin memory with a CAS of 9 and it works flawless. They even advertise it as "Apple RAM."

I don't know who said CL9 RAM won't work, but they might be out to lunch. But you know, with the price point these days, it's better to get 8 GB. Modest difference for double the RAM makes sense... no matter how inconvenient it is to pick it up.

Great, then! As I said, I will be getting 8GB (2 x 4GB sticks) which will be more than enough I think.

One more question: Are you satisfied with the overall performance of Mac Mini and do you recommend it as a replacement to the Laptop+Monitor combo I've mentioned?

 

[rokey]

for the second monitor, use mini displayport to either HDMI or DVI and then run the same 1920 x 1080 resolution (the resolution requires monitor support of course)

 

[mertyz]

for the second monitor, use mini displayport to either HDMI or DVI and then run the same 1920 x 1080 resolution (the resolution requires monitor support of course)

The maximum resolution my second monitor supports is 1680x1050 unfortunately. I have to use a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter because that's the only interface it supports :/

 

[mertyz]

Just took the plunge and ordered it. I'll have it by Tuesday I guess. Now I will order the RAM sticks I've mentioned.

I hope this wasn't a bad decision

 

[xraydoc]

Just took the plunge and ordered it. I'll have it by Tuesday I guess. Now I will order the RAM sticks I've mentioned.

I hope this wasn't a bad decision

I should think you'll like your mini very much.

I have one at the office - 2.5GHz i5 (w/ AMD graphics), 8GB RAM, stock 500GB HDD plus a 120GB OWC SSD boot drive and two Apple 20" Cinema displays (1680x1050). Easily as fast as my '06 Mac Pro was, if not faster, in 1/20th the amount of space. And 1/100th the noise.

 

[mertyz]

I should think you'll like your mini very much.

I have one at the office - 2.5GHz i5 (w/ AMD graphics), 8GB RAM, stock 500GB HDD plus a 120GB OWC SSD boot drive and two Apple 20" Cinema displays (1680x1050). Easily as fast as my '06 Mac Pro was, if not faster, in 1/20th the amount of space. And 1/100th the noise.

I really hope so

I'm also thinking of throwing in an SSD when I find one cheap but it's not a must for me right now. Since I am not doing anything resource intensive and will upgrade its RAM and HDD, I think I will be happy with it for a long time as a desktop machine.