Is the new (2012) the best choice for home theater use?

Question

I've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this update because my 2009 model just doesn't cut it any more. Unless I clean the ram (4GB) a couple of times after shutting down the usual ram hogs (Firefox, NZB Vortex, etc.), 1080p delivery is unacceptable, and I certainly can't multitask in the background while watching any HD movie (usually run NZBVortex, sabNZB and Sickbeard in Firefox, And, of course Plex media server and client are also running. Connection between TV and mini is DVI to HDMI.
So, with much-improved decoding and delivery to the player (I do most of my encoding on another machine) and multitasking being my goals (I'm sure the quad i7 and 4 times the ram in the new model will solve the latter), the lack of an independent video card (such as that in the previous model), concerns me. I know nothing about Intel's HD Graphics 4000 chip and how it performs versus an independent video card (again, such as that in the previous model).
I see my option as purchasing the previous model (with independent video card) when it hits the refurb bin and then juicing it up in the same fashion I would with the new model (SSD x2 Raid 0, max out ram, etc.
The only other issue that I know is a factor with my mini performance is my storage array, which I am heavily invested in and can't change until it's my turn in the lottery. Attached to my mini is a 4-bay drobo device, which is not the fastest device known to man as far as read/write goes. At the moment, though, I'm crippling it even more because I have to use a FW400 (mini side) to FW800 (Drobo side) cable. That would go away with either replacement, but I know for sure that array can deliver the read speed required for HD viewing (as long as I clean out the mini's ram first). My second array comprises an 8-bay Drobo device on Gb Ethernet -- which we know is more than capable of streaming HD content. I only mention this as a known factor in my goals with a caveat that (a) it can't change right now, and (b) I have sufficient evidence to believe that this factor can deliver the read speeds required.
I hope I've provided sufficient information to request some "seasoned" advise. Either way, I will purchase a new mini. I guess the ultimate question, given the above scenario, is should I be concerned with the lack of a dedicated graphics card in the new model?
Thanks very much for your consideration and contribution to this thread.
The Doctor of Spin

Answer 1

Yes, you are melting down your 2009 mini.
Presently, you are performance challenged in every dimension due to hardware limitations and your multi-tasking workflow. Unless you are running a graphics application that requires greater than 512MB of VRAM, a 2012 mini with quad-core i7 and the HD4000 should be sufficient, including video streaming. The most shared VRAM that the HD4000 can use will be 512MB, whether there is 8GB or 16GB of ram in the mini.
I just streamed the October 23 Apple presentation to my 2011 mini with just the HD3000. Perfect stream -- no a/v artifacts or pauses.
Here is what I would do in your circumstance. Understand the Apple return policy terms and conditions. Get the 2012 mini in the configuration you plan, and without modifying the hardware or operating system, try it out. The quad-core i7 will give you 8 threads. Test the HD4000 against your normal workflow. Encode and decode video, and do some streaming. Connect the Drobo boxes (FW800/Enet). Based on what I read from your original post, it may be all that you need. If it doesn't meet your needs, then return it. It won't take long to make a decision, either way.
If you decide to go with a 2011 mini with the discrete 6630m graphics, here is a Verge review and 9.0 score.
An Ars Technica review of another 2011 mini w/ Core i5 with 6630m.
And a graphic performance chart reprinted by OSXDaily of work done by macminicolo, that covers entire Mac mini history through the 2011 with Core i7.
Jumping off that Core 2 Duo will be fun. Enjoy.