Mac Mini and Gaming under XP

Hi. I haven't installed XP yet because I only need it to play games on my Mac Mini. I was wondering if anyone has tried using some recent racing games on the Mini, for example, GTR2, Colin McCrae Rally 2005 and TOCA Race Driver 3. Has anyone experienced these on a Mini? Mine is 1.66ghz with 2gb ram. Thanks for any help.

I have this same Mac mini and you will find the gaming experience is similar to a similarly spec'd PC laptop that uses the GMA950 integrated GPU. The GPU is not particularly special when it coes to 3D processing although does hand 2D quite well.

Similar Messages

  • Mac Mini and gaming

    I have an iMac G4 (fist generation). It still serves our needs admirably while looking stylish. Some of the new games my son would like to play require a faster CPU and a newer graphics card. Is there some way that I could connect or network a Mac Mini so that the games run on the Mac Mini, but the keyboard and monitor used are the iMac G4?

    The Mac Mini will be MUCH better than your first rev. iMac G4. I'm I'm not mistaken, your iMac is 700-800 MHz with a 32MB GeForce2 MX videocard. With a 133MHz system bus. The Mini is 1.25 or 1.42GHz (or if you're lucky and order a 1.42, then 1.5) with a 32MB Radeon 9200. Processor isn't that bad (no G5, but plenty fast), but the videocard, although better than the one in your iMac, may not have the juice to run the more demanding modern games out there. Halo, Unreal Tournament, all the Blizzard games, those will run fine. Just don't expect to run Doom III on it.
    My last computer was a 1GHz Aluminum Powerbook G4... 1GHz and 64MB Radeon Mobility 9600, and I was never hurting for speed, except on the really, really intense games. For light gaming, the mini should absolutely rock for how much you'll pay for it.
    As for networking the mini like that, sorry, there's no way. You're going to have to find a monitor and swap the keyboard between the computers, or find a monitor and keyboard.
    Don't let that deter you from a Mini though. It'll run circles around your iMac in anything you do with it.

  • Bridging the gap between Mac Mini and iMac

    Does anyone agree that Apple needs to add another model between the Mac Mini and the iMac? I think they need something like a Mac Mini Plus. Two models, one with the 1.83GHz Core Duo and one with the 2.0GHz Core Duo. The unit itself would be slightly larger than the standard Mini and include a PCI Express slot with several video card options and a faster (7200RPM) hard drive. Personally, I hesitate to buy an iMac because of the built in monitor. I would prefer to buy a separate LCD flat panel monitor that I could keep for years and use with different Mac models as I upgrade. As for the current Mac Mini, it's video and processor options are on the low end, albeit perfect for the casual user, but for someone that wants to do some gaming or video editing, they don't quite cut it.
    Don't get me wrong here, I love the elegant design of the iMac, but I think Apple needs to offer something that allows us to have the iMac equivalent computing power without the built in monitor and without having spend a thousand more on a PowerMac.
    Athlon XP 1800+   Windows XP Pro  

    Yes, I'd love something in the form of a Mac Mini that was closer in spec to the iMac.
    Honestly, the only reason I won't buy an iMac CoreDuo is the built-in monitor.
    And, the only reason I won't buy a new Mac Mini is that they are underpowered.
    I have owned two iMac G5 systems, and both had serious faults with their built-in LCD panel.
    The first would permanently etch in anything on the screen for every hour of intensive use.
    It wouldn't etch it in in normal use. But, if I did any of my audio work, it would heat up the system so hot that the image on the screen would literally cook into the LCD panels plastic surface.
    It literally looked like you took a razor blade, and precisely carved the exact image into the surface of the screen. Pretty nasty looking. Nothing would get rid of it, and it would happen every time I did my audio editing / processing work for an hour.
    Naturally, the more work I did, the worse it got. I only got two editing sessions out of an LCD panel before having it replaced.
    After going through that for a while, I sold the system after having a fresh panel installed under warranty.
    I got tired of damaging the screen after every hour of work.
    The second iMac G5 was purchased a year later. That one also suffered permanent damage to it's LCD panel. But, not quite as noticeable.
    I know that there are a bunch of people getting ready to hit me with the "Image Persistence" explanation. But, trust me, I know about Image Persistence, and this wasn't it.
    I was seeing actual permanent screen burn-in (which is not supposed to happen on LCD panels).
    The service tech was absolutely amazed at the appearance of my screen. And, yes we verified it was the actual panel that was damaged. He wouldn't replace it without verifying that it was the panel itself.
    Anyway, I called to arrange service on the second system again, and before I could get it in there, the backlight started flickering. And, I had already had tons of other stuff fixed on the machine. So, I sold it and bailed-out.
    Now, after all the problems I've had with the built-in screens on the iMac G5 systems, I don't want another Apple product with a built-in screen. I want to use my own LCD panel.
    I have an LCD panel that I'm using now. It's about 3 years old, and only cost me $200. And, it doesn't have even the slightest indication of image burn-in or image persistence. I use it every day, and use it just like I did the iMacs.
    So, what I want now, is a machine comparable to the iMac CoreDuo, but without the built-in screen.
    The current Mac Mini's cost way too much for their very low specifications.
    I already have a Mac Mini G4. It's underpowered as well. But, no worse-off than the current Mac Minis.
    Now, if Apple produced a Mac Mini with identical specs to the iMac, I'd gladly buy it.
    Even better for them, I'd pay the same price as the current iMac to get it without the built-in monitor.
    Yes, that's right, I'd pay the full price of the iMac to get a Mac Mini without a monitor if it was of the same specifications otherwise.
    The current Mac Mini is obviously stripped-down to prevent competition with the iMac. But, I think they'd find that they would simply expand their user base if they offered a better Mini.
    With their product line as it is, the current Mac Mini is not a compelling machine, and the iMac is not an option because of it's built-in monitor.
    Get me a high-end Mac Mini and you've got a sale.

  • I upgraded to Lion on my Mac Mini and I'm wondering if I have to pay 29.99 again to upgrade to Lion on my Mac book pro?

    I upgraded to Lion on my Mac mini and I'm wondering if I have to pay 29.99 to upgrade it on my Macbook pro also. Or since both computers are registered under the same account, is there a way to share the program?

    You can download it from the mac app store again on the other computer free of charge. Just go to purchases in the mac app store on the other computer and log in with the same account you used to purchase lion. Then you should see lion listed as a purchase along with a gray box that says INSTALL.

  • Airport Express problems with new MAC MINI and DLINK router SOLVED

    Hi just thought I would post this as it may well help others experiencing similar frustrations with new core duo mac mini and wireless connection or quality problems across the network / internet etc
    I have a 3 week old, new mac mini core duo 1.8ghz 2gig ram, 120gb disk - First Mac, connecting to my exisiting wireless network via DLINK ADSL Router 2MB Broadband also one windows laptop and pc also wireless on the network and two airport express potins to stream itunes to
    Problem was briefly
    Mac worked fine, but the network connection just far too slow, laptop and pc, 1800+ kbps downstream mac mini 90 - 150kbps (http://www.adslguide.org/tools/speedtest.asp)
    also if i ping the router directly from terminal (ping -c 20 192.168.1.1) average response 12+ ms with 20% packet loss, yet laptop and pc avg 2ms no losses
    Spent 2 evenings on frustrating calls of more than 1 hour each (due to being cut off , then ring back and closed etc etc) and carrying out a the helpdesk troubleshooting (I am an IT consultant I think I am above this level), eventually an archive and install of the os as well
    last night I call for the third time, insisting I dont wish to carry out any further troubleshooting, and want it replaced and resolved or my money back
    I receive a call back from product specialist (not sure if thats mac mini specialist or airport) but we resolved the issue (his knowledge far superior to the help desk do this do this attitude)
    between us we carried out the folowing and resolved the problem and I am now very happy
    mac now downstreaming also in excess of 1800kbps (as expected for 2mb broadband)and no packet loss
    This problem was resolved by switching off the turbo option hidden away in the routers settings, under wireless configuration
    Supposed to improve performance, but its rubbish and will make hardly any difference under mac os to the speed but will certainly affect your mac mini performance(you may have a similar setting switched on in your routers and mac os dont like it)
    We stumbled across this by first disconnecting one of the airport express devices from my dlink network, and using it on its own default apple wireless settings, effectively making it a standalone wireless network, and not via the dlink router
    we then carried out the same ping with the ip address of this device (from airport admin utility default 10.0.1.1) and the results were fantastic 2ms avg no package loss
    this established it was something with the router, and how we then interrogated the routers settings and found the turbo on option within wireless configuration
    you may not be able to replicate this if you dont have an additional network you could join (such as airport express), but probably worth checking your own router settings for something similar
    Hope that may be of assistance to others, sorry that its a bit long winded and garbled, but I'm just so excited to finally get my new mac working as i would expect it to
    Also perhaps insist on speaking to a product specialist immediately that the helpdesk are unable to help you

    Hello macfar14. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
    For just streaming iTunes and/or for sharing a USB printer, the AirPort Express Base Station (AX) just needs to be configured as a wireless client ... which you already attempted to do.
    Just to be sure nothing was missed, here are the basic steps to do this:
    Either connect to the AX's wireless network or connect directly, using an Ethernet cable, to the Ethernet port of the AX, and then using the AirPort Utility in "Manual Setup" mode, make the following changes:
    AirPort > Wireless
    o Wireless Mode: Join a wireless network
    o Network Name: <existing wireless network's Network Name or SSID>
    o Wireless Security: <select the encryption type of the existing wireless network>
    o Wireless Password: <enter the existing wireless network password>
    o Verify Password: <re-enter the existing wireless network password>
    Music
    o Enable AirTunes (checked)
    o iTunes Speaker Name: <enter desired speaker name>
    o iTunes Speaker Password: (optional)
    o Verify Password: (optional)
    o Click Update to write the new settings to the AX
    In iTunes:
    iTunes > Preferences... > Advanced > General
    o Look for remote speakers connected with AirTunes (checked)

  • KVM, Mac Mini, and iMac

    I think I may have made a mistake by not doing sufficient research and by relying on an Apple retail store supplied answer. To expand, I've purchased a Mac Mini and was told that I could use a KVM switch to share the keyboard and monitor of my iMac G5. Now that I have it home, it looks as though that is impossible. Can anyone confirm this?

    Programs in the VNC family are useful for remote control between Macs and any other OS (Linux, Windows, OSX).
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    Keep in mind that you will need a full, unregistered copy of Windows to install -- unless you plan to run (a limited few) programs in Mac OSX via Crossover. Except for Crossover, Windows programs will need Windows, running either via Bootcamp or Parallels Desktop.
    While a 512 Meg RAM mini would be fine to run WinXP under Bootcamp, you would need at least 1 Gig (preferably 2 Gig) to run Parallels + WinXP. For Windows Vista I think a 2 Gig RAM Mini running via Bootcamp is the only possibility.

  • Mac Mini and WoW???

    Hi all,
    Will a Mac mini run World of Warcraft smoothly?

    My son has been running World of Warcraft on his 1.83 Intel Mac Mini and it runs good for the most part. The Wrath of the Lich King expansion seems to tax it a lot more in major cities but we have been in raids together and it is acceptable enough with the settings lowered. The mini is a great machine but I would not recommend it for gaming.

  • Just installed Mac OS X 10.8 in Mac Mini and cant find iLife

    Hi
    I just bought a couple days ago a Mac Mini, I upgrade to Mac OS X 10.8.3 and now I want to use the Apps like Imovie o Garrage Band but I cant find it....I tried to download form the App Store, so I juct create a Apple ID for myself but I cant download the App for free (since this computer includes the iLife pack Apps)
    Anyone can help me?
    Thanks
    - H.

    I bought this from a guy in New Jersey-USA.
    I bring to my country (Peru) and I realized that there was nothing about the Ilife apps (imovie, garageband, etc).
    So I reinstall the OS (Mas OS 10.8.3 muntain lion) assuming that the apps would came pre installed..but nothing.
    through Email, Apple latin support tried to help me and suggest me go to the folder ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.appstore  and delete the file "adoption.plist", move it to the desktop, open the AppStore and go to Purchased to download my Apps.... but I´m not able to find the "adoption.plist" file
    Btw, the Mac Mini still is under warranty, but I dont know if I can make warranty claim in my country

  • Mac min and i movie

    When i launch i movie it says my mac mini does not contain an quartz extreme compatible graphics card & quartz extreme is not working in i movie. Any suggestions of the source of the problem and how to fix would be appeciated..thanks..

    Its nice that this problem was solved, but it would be even nicer if we knew what solved it.
    I am looking at either a Mac Mini (2g/2g) or the iMac 2.4g/24", and have been perusing the Mini forums for info on how well the Mini runs iMovie, or even FCE. I have used FCP 3.0 for years on my G4 / 900 m, but don't need the power of FCP (or the hefty upgrade price).
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    Many comments on the Mini address "great for everything but 3D graphics gaming" This is perfectly fine, but I noted a warning about "quartz extreme" regarding FCE, so am interested in the same problem with iMovie.
    The real question I am asking, tho, is whether iMovie or FCE editing is as the upper edge of chanllenge for the Mac Mini, and I should go for the iMac, or is the editing just a middle-of-the-road challenge for the Mac Mini.
    I am intrigued with saving hte $1000 on the iMac by reusing my Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse, bu tnot at the risk of finding that the Mac Mini only "almost" does the job.
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  • Mac Mini and DVI to ADC adapter

    I have an old Apple Cinema Display with an ADC port. I have the DVI to ADC adapter, which I have been using to connect to an old Power Mac which is on its last legs. I want to replace the Power Mac with a mac mini and connect it to the display from the HDMI-DVI cable (included) to the DVI-ADC adapter, and then connect on to the Display. The Apple sales representative (after laughing for a while, which I thought was fairly insensitive) said that I won't have audio with this setup, and I will have to get a whole new display. Is this true?

    when you say "Mac flat screen LCD", do you mean this:
    http://www.ares-woo.com/christmas2005/images/pc_cine.jpg
    if it is, you might wanna try this:
    http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB570Z/A?mco=MTY3ODQ5OTY

  • Mac Mini and thunderbolt/vga to LCD TV

    Hi All,
    Here is an interesting one......
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    In this config, if I start a Mac Mini the display will not route through the Thunderbolt/vga adapter to any of the TVs (even though I have selected them on the switch). The display seems to want to go through the default HDMI port.
    If I connect a standard PC monitor to the tb/vga adapter and reboot, the screen shows correctly on the monitor.  If I then change cables without a reboot, the LCD TVs show correctly!
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    Hey Spost!
    You have explained exactly what happened to me last night.  I was afraid it was part of the 10.8.3 update or the latest ATV software update that hit this week.   I tried from my macbook pro and the airplay from 10.8.3 and the atv software worked fine.  
    Previously my mac mini was connected to a monitor in my basement but last night i made it "headless" and moved it to my "server closet"  airplaying prior to the move worked great ... then last night 4:3 Green Screen. 
    My guess is the computer needs to be connected to a external display in order for airplay resolution to figure itself out.   Via Logmein i could see that the Mirror mode wanted to use the resolution that fit the mac and not what was best for the Apple TV ... Even forcing the change made the setting go right back to this mac. 
    Looks to be a bug in a plist file that apple would need to fix as many people run headless mac mini's and now wish to AirPlay to their Apple TV's without the need for a external cable run. 

  • I have a Mac Mini and I can't get it to work with my Ricoh Aficio MP 161.  Any ideas?

    I have a Mac Mini and I can't get it to work with my Ricoh Aficio MP 161.  Any ideas?

    The latest Apple driver support begins with the MP 171.
    Here is Ricoh's official driver download page specifically for the Afico MP 161. Note that new drivers for this device were released on Aug 2, and include Lion and Mountain Lion.
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  • I have a new Mac Mini and I found AdWare called TakeOverSearchAssetsMac and SearchProjects on it. I have been unable to remove it. Does anyone have any ideas on how to remedy this?

    I have a new Mac Mini and I found AdWare called TakeOverSearchAssetsMac and SearchProjects on it. I have been unable to remove it. Does anyone have any ideas on how to remedy this?

    Please review the options below to determine which method is best to remove the Adware installed on your computer.
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    If you are comfortable doing manual file removals use the somewhat more difficult method:
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    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-7471
    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-8071

  • I have a new MAC MINI and I want to install a second monitor.  I have one connected to the HDMI and it works.  I can't get a signal to the other one.  It is connected from the thunderbolt to its HDMI port.  How can I make it work?

    I have a new MAC MINI and I want to install a second monitor.  I have one connected to the HDMI and it works.  I can't get a signal to the other one.  It is connected from the thunderbolt to its HDMI port.  How can I make it work?

    Could be a bad cable or bad Thunderbolt port.
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  • I have a new Mac Mini and a 7 year old Mac monitor. The connectors don't match. What to do?

    I have a new Mac Mini and a 7 year old Mac monitor. The connectors dont match. What to do?

    I suspect the monitor has an ADC connector
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Display_Connector
    If so you need one of these:
    http://www.amazon.com/Apple-DVI-ADC-Display-Adapter/dp/B00011KHT2/ref=cm_cr_pr_p roduct_top
    Otherwise what connector is on the monitor?

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