Will the 2014 be a big improvement over my 2011 Base Model?

[dvdchance]

I know its another one of those threads, but bear with me.

I have a 2011 base mini running with 8gb RAM.

Will the new base model be an improvement for me? More important, will it be a worthwhile improvement?

My main uses for it are general purpose browsing etc, running as a Plex server to a couple of Roku boxes, and being a Plex client as well.

 

[BeatCrazy]

The USB 3.0 alone should be a noticeable difference, if you're regularly transferring files.

Put a nice SSD in your current 2011 (that's what I did) and you'll get 90% of the way there, for your uses.

If you can pick up a Thunderbolt dock for cheap, you can have your USB 3.0 on your old 2011 model.

I updated my base 2011 with the CalDigit dock, added RAM (8GB total) and the Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD. It is pretty quick. I'd be looking at $900 for a comparable 2014 mini. Not sure I want to pull the trigger, yet.

 

[RKilbane20]

I bought the middle 2011 Mac Mini when it came out with the discreet Radeon HD 6630M 256MB, 2.5 Ghz i5 and put my own 8 gigs in it for cheap. I don't see how these new mac minis are better then the 2011 and 2012 models. I don't think you'll see much improvement at all. The 2011 models have room for another hard drive or SSD you just put one of those in and it will be nearly as fast.

 

[dvdchance]

Thanks for the replies.

In my situation the USB 2 to USB 3 isn't a big deal at all since my external storage is a Synology NAS and a Thunderbolt drive. All I have connected to the USB ports is my mouse/keyboard wireless dongle, my UPS control connection and my iPhone.

Since I connect via HDMI to my HDTV will the newer HD5000 graphics make any difference vis-à-vis 24fps content, or does the HD5000 still output the same 24fps rather then true 23.976fps to match my display?

On the other hand, I could probably get a better amount back by selling my 2011 now rather then keeping it and waiting for next years hopeful mini update.

Maybe my best move would be to get a quad core 2012 model then a 2014? Just not sure either way.