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Post your Mac mini setups

IMG_4526.jpeg
COVID-19 setup. Got a cosmetically perfect late 2014 for $375 off eBay:
2.6 GHz i5, 8GB RAM, 256 GB Apple SSD
BenQ PD2720U
Magic Keyboard 2 (refurb)
Magic Trackpad 2 (open box)
Creative Pebble speakers (love these)
Blue Yeti (I can't even remember when I bought this...)
Logitech C922 webcam
(PS4 Pro standing vertically on the floor 🤣)

I've not had a desktop for years. I can't believe how well a 6 year old Mac runs Catalina- for general every day computing needs, video conferencing and some casual video editing, this is great. I can see why these older minis have such a following! It may not be the fastest, but I love it all the more for how it punches way above where it should for how much I paid for it. Hopefully it will be replaced with an Apple Silicon mini some day! 😀
 
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IMG_2498.jpeg


The highlight here, the 12 year old Dell 3008WFP 30" 1600p monitor that keeps on truckin' 😬

Oh, and Airplay 2 (Airport Express 2nd gen) via optical to the Schiit DAC, and USB to the mini, powering the LCD2 cans.
When hardwired to the LAN, those ageing Airport Express gen 2 pucks are still awesome when it comes to audio.

I also have a Switchbot to power on the HP Laserjet printer using Siri 🤘
This comes in useful when using a mobile device and you want to AirPrint but the printer is off. "Hey Siri, turn on the printer."

Other Switchbots in use around the house are to power on an Espresso Machine in the morning and another to buzz people in by having it hit the door entry button. All controlled using Siri Shortcuts.
https://www.switch-bot.com/products/switchbot-bot
 
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MacMini2018.JPG


Mac Mini 2018: i5 3.0Ghz, 32GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Big Sur Public Beta 1
Apple keyboard (10+ years old), Logitech M535 BT mouse, JBL Flip speaker (1st gen)
Vizio E43-F1, 3840x2160 30Hz

iPad Pro 10.5" (2017): 256GB SSD, connected to Mac via Sidecar.

I use my iPad more often than my mini these days. When I used my mini more frequently, I used it primarily for work; testing mobile apps, grabbing logs from devices using Android Studio, Charles, and Wireshark. Grabbing photos and video using an iPhone SE (2016) and compressing the videos using Handbrake on the mini.

Surprisingly, the Vizio TV running at 30Hz works fine for me, even when watching videos. Who'da thunk? Not me!
 
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C80A5FF1-1157-497B-81CD-8B6589EE25FE.jpeg

CE252144-A719-413B-8891-EB0F249B6F97.jpeg


Mac Mini 2018: i5, 32GB RAM, 256GB SSD
Mac Pro 2013: 8-core, 32GB RAM, 256GB SSD, D700 GPU
Mac Pro 2009: 3.33GHz 12-Core, 32GB RAM, 256GB SSD, RX580, Flashed to 5,1 w/ AC WiFi and BT 4.2
MacBook Pro Mid-2012: 2.9GHz i7, 16GB RAM, 500GB SSD w/ AC WiFi and BT 4.2

Homepods behind 24in Apple Cinema Display
Google Nest Mini
Beats Studio 3 w/ a pair of Studio 2 outside the pic.
 
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Alexis Noel said:
View attachment 944268
View attachment 944269

Mac Mini 2018: i5, 32GB RAM, 256GB SSD
Mac Pro 2013: 8-core, 32GB RAM, 256GB SSD, D700 GPU
Mac Pro 2009: 3.33GHz 12-Core, 32GB RAM, 256GB SSD, RX580, Flashed to 5,1 w/ AC WiFi and BT 4.2
MacBook Pro Mid-2012: 2.9GHz i7, 16GB RAM, 500GB SSD w/ AC WiFi and BT 4.2

Homepods behind 24in Apple Cinema Display
Google Nest Mini
Beats Studio 3 w/ a pair of Studio 2 outside the pic.
Click to expand...

Do you have different use cases for each of the desktops?
 
Cookie18 said:
Do you have different use cases for each of the desktops?
Click to expand...

I've had the 2012 MacBook Pro since 2013, all I did was swap the i5 logicboard with an i7 one I got in a lot from e-bay for about $80 USD. Recently got the AC+ BT 4.2 airport card from one of our forum members to give it some fresh air.
I used this one for photo and video editing for a while.

The 2018 Mac mini came next and it was really a replacement for my 2014 base model Mac mini. I used this one instead of the MacBook Pro for photo and video editing.

Eventually it was replaced, recently, by the 2013 Mac Pro that I got brand new off Micro Center at a good price. Just couldn't pass it up. I began to use the Mac Pro more for my photo and video since the single-core performance was only slightly less efficient than the 2018 mini and multi-core performance was better, and the D700 outperformed the integrated Intel UHD graphics in the mini. The mini essentially became my NAS server and will probably be my Plex Server, too. I changed the RAM from the stock 16GB to 32GB of OEM RAM.

The 2009 Mac Pro is my most recent. Only had it for about 2 weeks. I got it locally from a guy who got it from his church back when they switched over to the 2013s and was still completely stock. It was the dual CPU tray model and it came with the Cinema Display at a really good price and I couldn't pass it up. I took the stock RAM of the 2013 Mac Pro and a friend's stock RAM from his and upgrade the RAM to 32GB total. (Although it is 1886 MHz, it under clocked itself to 1033MHz making it compatible with he 2009). I upgrade the CPUs front he stock 8-core to the 3.33GHz 12-core, upgrade to AC/BT 4.2 airport, Flashed the firmware to the 5,1 and upgraded to High Sierra so I can add he rx580 and then upgraded to Mojave. I reset the NVRAM so that the logic board can read the RAM at 1333MHz since that's the max supported by the new CPUs.

This will be my primary video editing tool, to preserve the life of the D700s in the 2013 Mac Pro, as well as it has better multi-core performance and the RX580 outperforms the D700s anyways. The 2013 Mac Pro will still be my go to for photo since it's not something that requires more than one core and single core performance outperforms the 2009 Mac Pro. My Mac mini will likely remain as my NAS server, or my headless Mac when I'm away from my desk since I have luna Display plugged in so I can use with my 2018 iPad Pros.

The 2012 MacBook Pro is just nostalgia. lol
 
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Alexis Noel said:
I've had the 2012 MacBook Pro since 2013, all I did was swap the i5 logicboard with an i7 one I got in a lot from e-bay for about $80 USD. Recently got the AC+ BT 4.2 airport card from one of our forum members to give it some fresh air.
I used this one for photo and video editing for a while.

The 2018 Mac mini came next and it was really a replacement for my 2014 base model Mac mini. I used this one instead of the MacBook Pro for photo and video editing.

Eventually it was replaced, recently, by the 2013 Mac Pro that I got brand new off Micro Center at a good price. Just couldn't pass it up. I began to use the Mac Pro more for my photo and video since the single-core performance was only slightly less efficient than the 2018 mini and multi-core performance was better, and the D700 outperformed the integrated Intel UHD graphics in the mini. The mini essentially became my NAS server and will probably be my Plex Server, too. I changed the RAM from the stock 16GB to 32GB of OEM RAM.

The 2009 Mac Pro is my most recent. Only had it for about 2 weeks. I got it locally from a guy who got it from his church back when they switched over to the 2013s and was still completely stock. It was the dual CPU tray model and it came with the Cinema Display at a really good price and I couldn't pass it up. I took the stock RAM of the 2013 Mac Pro and a friend's stock RAM from his and upgrade the RAM to 32GB total. (Although it is 1886 MHz, it under clocked itself to 1033MHz making it compatible with he 2009). I upgrade the CPUs front he stock 8-core to the 3.33GHz 12-core, upgrade to AC/BT 4.2 airport, Flashed the firmware to the 5,1 and upgraded to High Sierra so I can add he rx580 and then upgraded to Mojave. I reset the NVRAM so that the logic board can read the RAM at 1333MHz since that's the max supported by the new CPUs.

This will be my primary video editing tool, to preserve the life of the D700s in the 2013 Mac Pro, as well as it has better multi-core performance and the RX580 outperforms the D700s anyways. The 2013 Mac Pro will still be my go to for photo since it's not something that requires more than one core and single core performance outperforms the 2009 Mac Pro. My Mac mini will likely remain as my NAS server, or my headless Mac when I'm away from my desk since I have luna Display plugged in so I can use with my 2018 iPad Pros.

The 2012 MacBook Pro is just nostalgia. lol
Click to expand...

I love it, exactly the kind of thing I love doing. I’m on the look out for a Mac Pro but it doesn’t seem like there are as many good options in Europe.
 
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Mac mini 2018 - Version 10.15.6
Processor : 3.2 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7
Memory : 64 GB 2667 MHz DDR4
Graphics : Razer Core X + Sapphire Radeon NITRO+ RX 5700 XT 8G GDDR6
Storage : Internal : 2TB
Externla : 2TB Solid State PCI-Express Drive(TB3 connect)


Rode MIni USB
M-Audio Code49

LG - 27GL850 Display - Display port from CoreX
XY2400 Display - HDMI from Mac mini
Datacolor Spyder X



For Gaming , video edit, & audio compose and mix
 

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Left is my Mac and the right is my telework setup. I have a cable tray under the desk holds most of my cabling but still need to improve on it. My eGPU is housed in the cabinet behind my Autonomous desk. Looking for a better way, so I can get rid of that cabinet. Need to find a way to mount it to the post or mount it under the desk.

IMG_0266.jpeg


Anyone recognize the movie on the TV?
 
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hagjohn said:
Left is my Mac and the right is my telework setup. I have a cable tray under the desk holds most of my cabling but still need to improve on it. My eGPU is housed in the cabinet behind my Autonomous desk. Looking for a better way, so I can get rid of that cabinet. Need to find a way to mount it to the post or mount it under the desk.

View attachment 944373

Anyone recognize the movie on the TV?
Click to expand...

movie: Aquaman submarine scene near the start.

Mac: where is the Mac? Is this one of them what’s a computer setups lol I see the iPad though :)

not a bad setup at all. Is the power cords on the legs of the desk included in the desk??
 
DeepIn2U said:
movie: Aquaman submarine scene near the start.

Mac: where is the Mac? Is this one of them what’s a computer setups lol I see the iPad though :)

not a bad setup at all. Is the power cords on the legs of the desk included in the desk??
Click to expand...
Mini is right next to the iPad. There is a power strip that runs the length of the desk, under the desktop.

Aquaman is right.
 
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Monotremata said:
6dMoP0rl.jpg


Its in ninja mode, but there's a 2020 i7 Mini hidden underneath the monitor bridge just behind the MPC in the center.. You can barely see the top of the 2010 Mac Pro it replaced underneath the far side of the desk...

Replaced that 32" Samsung TV a month or so ago with a 28" Samsung 4K IPS display.. Much nicer with Logic Pro at QHD...
Click to expand...

Novation Bass Station, Behringer TD3, bong on the floor ... 90s trance/acid head?
 
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Haha tools of the trade!.. Yeah Im an old jungle/drum and bass/60 bpm dub guy here.. That EMU on the shelf is my baby. Theres a Blofeld hidden on the end of the desk and the rack under the mixer is filled with all my old 80s/90s gear too. Never could get into trance hehe. That TD-3 is a whole lot of fun, I might have to get another one in the new iMac grape color they just announced. If they ever come in stock here.
 
dangermuffin said:
View attachment 1676393

m1 - 8gb
alienware 34" ultawide (just got it and probably not going to keep it due to aliasing issues)
Click to expand...

This is my worry. I have a 46" Samsung Ultrawide.

Not sure if I can push this thing to 5120x1440. Some say you can with Switch ResX, others say you can't.

What kind of issues are you seeing and you are absolutely certain you can't get the Mini to properly display on that beautiful monitor?

I may have to consider canceling my order
 
NJRonbo said:
This is my worry. I have a 46" Samsung Ultrawide.

Not sure if I can push this thing to 5120x1440. Some say you can with Switch ResX, others say you can't.

What kind of issues are you seeing and you are absolutely certain you can't get the Mini to properly display on that beautiful monitor?

I may have to consider canceling my order
Click to expand...
So I actually achieve the resolution this monitor is capable of. My issue is with scrolling and blurry/jagged text.

Honestly, I'm starting to wonder if I'm going crazy. I've tried this new Mac in 3 different monitors from this ultra wide, to a 2k 16:9 to a 27" 4k and experience the same scrolling issues on all.

I also tested my normal PC and experienced similar issues, so this is what's causing me to wonder if it's just me? Has this just always been there and I just didn't notice? My iPad Pro doesn't have it nearly as bad, but is slightly there, same with my Chromebook.

I guess the best way I could describe what I'm seeing is the refresh rate doesn't feel like 120hz, it feels more like 50. I have a new cable coming today that I'm going to test out. I'm also going to run over to Best Buy and test out the MacBooks and other computers they have on display to see if I notice it.
 
I don't know if this will help but for my 42" display I am using an expensive Thunderbolt 3 (4k 60Hz, 40Gbps USB-C) cable to a Caldigit dock and from the dock a Display Port connection to the monitor.

Works great with my 16" MBP

Hoping that the Thunderbolt 3 connection will allow the Mini to drive that display.

Maybe you need a Thunderbolt 3 cable with those specs?
 
NJRonbo said:
I don't know if this will help but for my 42" display I am using an expensive Thunderbolt 3 (4k 60Hz, 40Gbps USB-C) cable to a Caldigit dock and from the dock a Display Port connection to the monitor.

Works great with my 16" MBP

Hoping that the Thunderbolt 3 connection will allow the Mini to drive that display.

Maybe you need a Thunderbolt 3 cable with those specs?
Click to expand...
Hmm interesting! I'm going to try the new cable today, it was a bit more expensive and is DP 1.4 (32.4gbps) vs my current cable DP 1.2 (21.6gbps)

Do you happen know what the moshi usb-c to display port is capable of? Or could you link me to the one you're using?

edit: my monitor only has DP 1.2, is it even possible for DP cord 1.4 to produce better results in this case?
 
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