Mac mini (PowerPC) Upgrades

This page refers to the PowerPC G4 based Mac mini computers. It does not cover the newer Intel based models, which are dealt with here.

Announced in January 2005. the Mac mini was Apple's attempt to build on the popularity of the iPod by releasing a lower end consumer machine. Internally the Mac mini is essentially an iBook without an LCD, presented in a fantastically small white perspex case.

The machines were targeted at Windows PC users in an attempt to tempt them to try the Mac platform.

The Mac mini was introduced as a 1.25 and 1.42 GHz configuration. They had USB, FireWire, Ethernet and DVI - they did not ship with Gigabit ethernet or FireWire 800.

Apple's specifications for the Mac mini G4 can be found here.

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 PowerPC Mac mini does look similar to the subsequent Intel 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 two USB 2.0 ports, whereas the Intel version has four.

The Mac mini can accept up to 1GB of memory. There is only one slot available, so remember when upgrading that you are going to lose your existing chip.

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.

The Mac mini uses a 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.

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.

The Mac mini has all of its components on one logic board and has no PCI or PCMCIA sockets. Consequently it is not possible to upgrade the connectivity on these machines.

The following keyboards and mice are compatible with this Mac.

Listed below are power supplies, batteries and related products we supply for this Mac.

Listed below are power cables, tools and related products we supply for this Mac.

This Mac can use any of the following external hard drives.

Any complete machines of this type or similar that we have for sale are listed here. Please note that these are refurbished models with a 3 month warranty, and that delivery is likely to take 3 - 5 working days. These can be purchased online with the standard website courier delivery charge for the mainland UK only. Please contact us for a quote on shipping to other areas.

Here are the various repair services we offer for this Mac. You can have us take the machine in for evaluation, or book a fixed-price repair if you already know what the fault is and the service is listed below (for services without parts, please see the relevant tab on this page for compatible parts that we sell). If you know what the fault is, but we don't have a fixed-price repair listed below, please contact us for a quote.