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,
and upgrade compatibility remained unchanged from the March model.
However 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).
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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.
The second notable change was June 2010, maximum memory was upgraded from
4GB to 8GB and the redesigned case makes memory a user installable part.
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.
After 2009 the Mac mini moved to taking up to 4GB or DDR3 PC8500 (1066MHz) memory. This is taken in two slots, with the maximum being given by 2 x 2GB. Memory should be installed in pairs. Suitable for Mac minis with a bus speed of 1066Mhz.
The new model released June 2010 can take up to 8GB of memory in
2 x 4GB DDR3 PC8500 modules. Memory should be installed in pairs.
For the first time, the redesigned case allows easy memory upgrades
by home users.
| 1 | Should be installed in pairs. Only suitable for models after March 2009 (includes June 2010 revision), so suitable for all Mac minis with a bus speed of 1066MHz. |
| 2 | Should be installed in pairs. Only suitable for models after June 2010 - these have the redesigned case (easy user memory installation) and have no external power adapter, unlike earlier models. |
| 3 | 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.
| INSTALLATION - Internal CD/DVD Drive in an iMac, eMac or Mac Mini | £34.00 + vat (£39.95) | |  |
| Internal Combo Drive for Aluminium PowerBook, G4 Cube, iBook G4 or Mac Mini | £85.00 + vat (£99.88) | 1 | |
| Internal DVDRW for Al PowerBook, iBook G4, G4 Cube, iMac G5 or Intel, Mac Mini and MacBook Pro | £119.00 + vat (£139.83) | 1 | |
| REFURB 8x Internal DVDRW for Al PowerBook, iBook G4, G4 Cube, iMac G5 or Intel, Mac Mini and MacBook Pro | £59.00 + vat (£69.33) | 1 | |
| 1 | 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.
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. |
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 the pre-March 2009 models (bus speed less than 1066MHz) since the later machines have 802.11n built in. |
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.
| 1 | This product is only needed if you want to run an ADC monitor from a DVI graphics card. |
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 | Can only use this product via USB 2.0, not FireWire 800. |
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.
