History
This page referrers to the Intel based Mac mini computers. It does not cover the earlier PowerPC G4 based models, which are dealt with here.
Announced in February 2006, these joined the iMac Core Duo and the MacBook Pro in Apple's new range of Intel powered Macs.
Available in both Intel Core Solo and Intel Core Duo versions, these tiny machines garnered immediate praise for their impressive benchmarks compared to the Mac mini G4. Apple specs for the original Intel Mac mini can be found here.
In September 2006 Apple introduced a speed bump and dropped the low-end Core Solo version, but kept with the Core Duo despite moving the iMac range to the Core 2 Duo processor. Apple specs here.
In August 2007 the Mac mini finally went to the Core 2 Duo, other specs and upgrade compatibility remained unchanged. Apple specs here.
The next update to the Mac mini was in March 2009 and moved the mini to a 1066Mhz front side bus, taking up to DDR3 1066Mhz memory. The FireWire 400 port was replaced with FireWire 800 and an extra USB 2.0 port was added. Graphics are provided by an NVidea 9400M, using 128MB or 256MB of shared system memory and with a mini-DVI and mini-DisplayPort outputs. The optical drive changed to a SATA interface. Apple specs here.
A further update in October 2009 was mainly a bump to the processor speed,
but it also allowed the machine to take up to 8GB of RAM in 2
x 4GB modules. Also a new version was released with 2 x 500GB
hard drives (the second one replacing the SuperDrive optical
drive) and Mac OS X 10.6 Server installed - designed as a server
for a small business or group, it also makes a nice high-end
home server. Specs for the standard model are
here, and the server model here.
In June 2010 a new model was launched with a redesigned, smaller case.
The external power adapter from earlier models was also done
away with. The redesign of the case also allows much easier access
to the memory sockets than earlier models - RAM is replaceable
by the home user now rather than requiring professional fitting.
Maximum memory capacity was upgraded to 8GB (2 x 4GB DDR3 PC8500)
a SD card slot was added, and the graphics card was upgraded.
Apple specs here (server
version here).
In July 2011 a new model based around the Core i5 CPU was released.
Along with general upgrades to CPU and graphics card and the
addition of a thunderbolt port, the memory speed was increased
to 1333MHz (PC10600) - maximum RAM upgraded to 16GB inn 2 x 8GB
modules. This model was also notable with the dropping of the
DVD drive, making this the first non-server Mac apart from the
MacBook Air to be sold without an internal optical drive. The
space can be used to fit a secondary hard drive or SSD, although
unless the model is supplied with a drive in the second bay there
will not be a mounting bracket for one. Apple specs here.
Server version here.
In October 2012 introduced a new model of the standard and server Mac
mini. The standard version was released with a 2.5GHz Core i5
or 2.3GHz Core i7 (with a 2.6GHz build to order option). The
server in a 2.3GHz Core i7 (with 2.6GHz build to order option).
The memory type was upgraded to take DDR3 1600MHz PC12800 memory,
with a maximum of 16GB in 2 x 8GB modules. Apple specs here for
the standard model and here for the server.
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How to Identify these Machines
The Mac mini form factor is instantly recognisable due to its small size (about the size of two CD jewel cases stacked on top of each other).
This Intel Mac mini does look similar to the previous PowerPC G4 based Mac mini, and the easiest way to tell them apart is to use Apple System Profiler and check the CPU type. Also the PowerPC Mac mini has only two USB 2.0 ports, whereas the Intel version has four.
The first major change within the range regarding upgrades was in March
2009, which changed the type of RAM and the type of optical drive used.
The models can be distinguished by opening system profiler (Apple menu > About
this Mac, then click the "More Info" button). The March 2009
model has a bus speed of 1066MHz, earlier machine have a slower speed.
Then in October 2009 a revision that was mainly a speed bump allowed the
machine to run 8GB in 2 x 4GB modules.
The third notable change was June 2010, a redesigned case makes memory
a user installable part.
The forth major change was July 2011, where memory type was changed from
PC8500 (1066MHz) to PC10600 (1333MHz). This model dropped the DVD drive and
has a thunderbolt port.
The next change is in October 2012, where the memory type was upgraded to
DDR3 PC12800 1600MHz memory.
Memory Upgrades
Mac mini's produced up to March 2009 can accept up to 2GB of memory. There is are two slots available which take PC2-5300 SODIMM RAM. RAM in this machine must be installed in matched pairs - i.e. you can have 2 x 256MB, 2 x 512MB or 2 x 1GB configurations. Suitable for Mac minis with a bus speed less than 1066Mhz.
The March 2009 revision can take up to 4GB of RAM in 2 x 2GB DDR3
PC8500.
In October 2009 the Mac mini moved to taking up to 8GB of DDR3
PC8500 memory in 2 x 4GB modules.
The model released June 2010 is the same, but the redesigned case
makes user memory installation a much simpler task.
The July 2011 model - the model where the DVD drive was dropped - can
use 16GB of PC10600 (133MHz) memory in 2 x 8GB modules. Memory should
be installed in pairs.
The October 2012 model can use up to 16GB of PC12800 (1600MHz) memory
in 2 x 8GB modules. Memory should be installed in pairs.
| 1 | Should be installed in pairs. Suitable for the October 2012 model - Core i5 or i7 processor, thunderbolt port, no optical drive, with a memory speed of 1600MHz. |
| 2 | Suitable for the October 2012 model - Core i5 or i7 processor, thunderbolt port, no optical drive, with a memory speed of 1600MHz. |
| 3 | Should be installed in pairs. Suitable for the July 2011 model - Core i5 processor, thunderbolt port, no optical drive, with a memory speed of 1333MHz. |
| 4 | Should be installed in pairs. Only suitable for models after March 2009 but before July 2011, so suitable for all Mac minis with a bus speed of 1066MHz. |
| 5 | Should be installed in pairs. Only suitable for models after October 2009 - and before July 2011. |
| 6 | Should be installed in pairs. Only suitable for models prior to March 2009, so suitable for Mac minis with a bus speed slower than 1066MHz. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 5 / 5 - Difficult (pre June 2010). Difficulty 3/5 Fairly Easy
(post June 2010)
For models prior to June 2010, Apple recommends professional installation
for the RAM - to protect you and your investment. Improperly
fitting the RAM or damaging the insides by doing this yourself MAY invalidate
your Apple warranty.
We can sell you the RAM but cannot support you through the installation.
For models after June 2010 we recommend user installation. Instructions
can be found in chapter 3 of your user guide - downloadable
here (pdf).
CD & DVD Drive Upgrades
The Mac mini came with either a slot loading Combo or Superdrive optical mechanism. We offer internal upgrades, and we also sell a range of external optical drives for use with the Mac mini.
| 1 | Only suitable for Mac minis sold from March 2009 which have a SATA optical drive - models with a bus speed of 1066MHz or faster. |
| 2 | Only suitable for models prior to March 2009, so suitable for Mac minis with a bus speed slower than 1066MHz. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 5/5 - Very Hard (internal)
The optical drive on the Mac mini is not classified by Apple as a user installed part. Mac Upgrades can install drives for you, please contact us for details.
You can purchase the drive for installation yourself, but Mac Upgrades cannot provide instructions or support for the install process.
Internal Hard Drive Upgrades
The Mac mini uses a SATA laptop 2.5" hard drive for its internal storage. This means that they have a much lower capacity, and higher cost, than those for a normal desktop computer.
You can also fit an additional hard drive or SSD into Mac minis. Earlier
models can replace the DVD drive with another hard drive or SSD.
Later models can either take two drives by default (server models)
or can fit a second hard drive using a mounting kit.
Professional installation is highly recommended as your warranty may be voided by an incorrect installation.
If you don't want to fit a new hard drive yourself, you can take advantage of the MacUpgrades Installation Service. Add the installation service from the list below to your cart along with your chosen hard drive. We can also clone your existing hard drive onto the new one, simply add the Clone Original Hard Drive service below to your cart.
Once you have booked the service, send your machine to us, we will carry out the work and return it to you. Alternatively, we do offer a Collection Service with our courier, please see here for details.
| 1 | Professional installation recommended. |
| 2 | Only suitable for models prior to March 2009, so suitable for Mac minis with a bus speed slower than 1066MHz. |
| 3 | Only suitable for Mac minis sold from March 2009 which have a SATA optical drive - models with a bus speed of 1066MHz or faster. |
| 4 | For July 2011 and later Mac minis sold without a second hard drive already installed. Professional installation recommended. WARNING Correct procedure MUST be followed to avoid data loss when adding an SSD to some 2012 Mac minis with this kit - see here. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 4 / 5 - Difficult
Apple recommends professional installation for the hard drive - to protect you and your investment. Improperly fitting the HDD, or damaging the insides, by doing this yourself MAY invalidate your Apple warranty.
We can sell you the HDD but cannot support you through the installation. If you like we can install the drive for you.
Graphics Card Upgrades
The Mac mini has all of its components on one logic board. Consequently it is not possible to upgrade the graphics cards on these machines.
There are no graphics card upgrades available for these Macs
Expansion Card Upgrades
The Mac mini does not have any expansion slots, therefore the only expansion card it can take is an Airport Extreme card - which is fitted by default on all models but can be upgraded.
| 1 | Only suitable for models with a Thunderbolt port. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Keyboards & Mice
The following keyboards and mice are compatible with this Mac.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 1 / 5 - Very Easy
Keyboards plug into the relevant port on your Mac. Mice can either be plugged into your keyboard, or they can be plugged directly into your Mac.
Power Supplies & Batteries
Listed below are power supplies, batteries and related products
we supply for this Mac.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Cables & Tools
Listed below are power cables, tools and related products
we supply for this Mac.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
External Hard Drive Upgrades
This Mac can use any of the following external hard drives.
NB: The March 2009 revision of the Mac mini replaced the FireWire 400 port with a FireWire 800 port. Therefore to use a drive which has FireWire 400 only you will need an adapter or a 6pin - 9pin FireWire cable.
| 1 | Requires Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) or later. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 1 / 5 - Very Easy
Install any supplied software and connect the new device.
You will need to format the drive before use. This is done with the "Drive Setup" utility, which can be found in Applications > Utilities.
