Mac Mini Upgrade Options

Greetings All,
I've been thinking about upgrading my Mac Mini, and am curious to know what options exist for somebody wanting to improve their RAM, and/or chipset/motherboard, and/or video card.
At present, my system is using the original 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo, with 1GB of 667MHz DD2 SDRAM. I'd be looking to maximize my system now, so that I'm able to more than adequately run future applications, (such as Leopard or Spore).
So if anybody has any ideas, by all means, let me hear them.

There's very little you can officially do to your mini to upgrade it, but a fair bit you can do if you're prepared to get stuck in with putty knives, screwdriver and a bit of time. It is possible, in addition to maxing out the RAM to 2Gb in that model, to upgrade the CPU, swap out the original hard drive for a larger/faster one and replace the optical drive with a DVD burner if it doesn't already have one. However, you can't do anything about the video card since that's integrated into the logic board, and while you could theoretically replace the logic board with one from a newer model, it would still have the same GMA950 graphic chipset.
Your system, even as it is currently, will run Leopard very nicely, though maxing the RAM would be wise. Otherwise, if you have needs that the current system doesn't meet, it may be better to put your plans for upgrading the current mini on hold, and instead look at replacing the system. A logic board, for example, would have a cost that is not far behind that of a complete new mini!

Similar Messages

Audio issues on Mid-2010 Mac mini upgraded to Lion

I'm using a Mid-2010 Mac mini that came with Snow Leopard but I recently upgraded it to Lion. Every app works pretty well except for audio playback. Whenever I play a game or play a movie, audio stutters every 8 to 10 seconds for like a sec and it comes back in. Video keeps playing fine. It's pretty annoying since I can't properly play games or watch movies anymore. The rest of my apps are working very well except for Boxer which seems to have taken a performance hit.
Currently, the hardware hasn't been upgraded in any other way - meaning it still has the original 2 GB RAM memory. It's connected to my HDTV via HDMI. It didn't manifest this issue until the upgrade to Lion.
I've tried closing every app but it doesn't seem to help. Hope you can help me out. Thanks!!

You need a newer model Mac to use AirDrop between an iOS device (e.g. iPad) and a Mac
System Requirements
To see if your Mac works with AirDrop, make sure you’re in the Finder by clicking the desktop (the background area of your screen), or by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock. Then, check to see if AirDrop is listed as an option in the Go menu. If you don't see AirDrop listed, your Mac doesn't support this feature.
In order to transfer files between a Mac and and an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch
your iOS device needs to include a lightning connector
your iOS device needs iOS 7 or later installed
your Mac needs to be a 2012 or later model with OS X Yosemite installed
Your Mac and iOS device both need bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on. You do not have to be connected to a specific Wi-Fi network.
To transfer files between two Mac computers, you need the Mac models listed below with Wi-Fi turned on and OS X Lion or later installed.
MacBook Pro (Late 2008 or newer)*
MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
MacBook (Late 2008 or newer)*
iMac (Early 2009 or newer)
Mac Mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
Mac Pro (Early 2009 with AirPort Extreme card, or Mid 2010)
Mac Basics: AirDrop lets you send files from your Mac to nearby Macs and iOS devices - Apple Support

Airdrop - Mid 2010 Mac Mini - Upgraded to OS X Yosemite

I upgraded my Mid 2010 Mac Mini to Yosemite yesterday and thought I'd try using Airdrop to send a file to my almost brand new IPad with OS 8. Airdrop is listed in Finder on my Mac Mini but when I open it it doesn't find my iPad but the screen states "Airdrop let's you share instantly with people nearby. To share with someone using a Mac, ask them to go to Airdrop in the Finder". If alternatively I right click on a document in Finder and select 'share' the Airdrop option is there but greyed out and if I click on Airdrop a message appears stating "To share with someone using a Mac, ask them to go to Airdrop in the Finder" - no mention of what to do if you want to share with an iPad. I have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi switched on on both devices and have the Airdrop status set to Everyone on the iPad. On the Mac Mini in settings - extensions - share menu, the Airdrop box is white with black tick whereas other tick boxes are blue with a white tick. Does all this mean that my Mac Mini even with Yosemite can't operate Airdrop at all or maybe only with another Mac (maybe it's too old)? Or maybe I'm missing something?

You need a newer model Mac to use AirDrop between an iOS device (e.g. iPad) and a Mac
System Requirements
To see if your Mac works with AirDrop, make sure you’re in the Finder by clicking the desktop (the background area of your screen), or by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock. Then, check to see if AirDrop is listed as an option in the Go menu. If you don't see AirDrop listed, your Mac doesn't support this feature.
In order to transfer files between a Mac and and an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch
your iOS device needs to include a lightning connector
your iOS device needs iOS 7 or later installed
your Mac needs to be a 2012 or later model with OS X Yosemite installed
Your Mac and iOS device both need bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on. You do not have to be connected to a specific Wi-Fi network.
To transfer files between two Mac computers, you need the Mac models listed below with Wi-Fi turned on and OS X Lion or later installed.
MacBook Pro (Late 2008 or newer)*
MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
MacBook (Late 2008 or newer)*
iMac (Early 2009 or newer)
Mac Mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
Mac Pro (Early 2009 with AirPort Extreme card, or Mid 2010)
Mac Basics: AirDrop lets you send files from your Mac to nearby Macs and iOS devices - Apple Support

Mac Mini, HDMI option problem

On my Mac Mini,In sound output options I cant select HDMI for my TV since upgrading to Mountain Lion

I was able to get sound form my VIZIO GL47L after a reboot when using it as the only display. However, audio does not work for me when running dual displays.
I am thinking I will most likely break down & buy an AppleTV and Airplay mirror it.

Mac Mini Display Options

Hi,
I currently have a lte 2009 Mac Mini with a mini dvi port connected to one monitor with DVI and a mini display port connectedted to my TV with VGA. All good and works nice. I'd like to upgrade the Mac Mini soon but looking at the rear I see HDMI and thunderbolt. I can't see how I can connect my two current displays up to the new mac mini. I could connect my monitor with HDMi- DVI I would expect but can I connect the TV with Thunderbolt- HDMI? Or could I do HDMI-HDMI for the TV and Thunderbolt-DVI for the monitor?
Both the TV and monitor are pretty good so I don't really want to change either, certainly don't want to spend £900 on an Apple Thunderbolt display.
Thanks,
Gaz.

The new Mini includes a HDMI->DVI adapter. And you can use the Mini-Displayport adapter in the Thunderbolt port.

Mac mini upgrades causing problems?

Hi, I had the RAM and hard drive in my mac mini (PowerPC) upgraded to 1GB DDR (PC2700), and a 100GB, 7200 RPM ATA6 Hitachi Hard drive. I reinstalled Mac OS 10.4 on the new drive. The machine runs, but it continually (at random intervals) freezes and displays the "Your computer muster be restared" window ... you know, the one with multiple languages. I ran the Apple Hardware test that came w/ the machine, and it passed .... so any ideas what's causing it to freeze?

You're experiencing kernal panics, which are typically due to memory problems, often with memory that, while meeting Apple specs, just doesn't work well with the Apple architecture. Crucial, Kingston (not their valueram), and Samsung are 3 brands that are pretty consistent in working, and if you scan the discussions you'll find some other brands that work in the mini. I used Crucial when I upgraded to 1GB, and have had no issues.
Other reasons that can cause kernal panics are discussed in http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/kernelpanics.htmld

Mac mini wireless options

I have a pre-Intel Mac mini, early 2005 vintage, without an Apple Extreme Card pre-installed. My iBook G4 (and the MacBook I plan to purchase soon) both have the Card, and I want to get my Mac mini ready for both high-speed Internet use and a potential wireless network within my space. Is the only option to have the Extreme Card installed into my Mac mini, or is there an adapter of some sort that will accomplish the same thing? And if there is such an adapter, will it work with the AirPort Base Station or AirPort Express Station?
iBook G4 12-inch screen, Mac mini Mac OS X (10.4.6)

There are not a lot of supported USB wireless adapters for OS X (I think I've seen one, and it was well over $100). You could buy a wireless bridge, like the kind often used for game consoles. They can be had for $60 or so. Less if you don't mind 802.11b only:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16873999101
Inelegant compared with getting the airport installed, but cheaper.

HT1338 Mac Mini upgrades? 10.5.8 to 10.7?

I am currently running 10.5.8 on my mac mini. I want to upgrade to 10.7, but it looks like I've got to get 10.6.8 first. Is this even do-able on my machine?

As Allan suggested, you need full details to give an appropriate answer.
Those you give now seem okay to move to 10.6.8. at least.
Before buying anything you should first make sure your machine will accept the upgrade you have in mind.
Minimum specs for Snow Leopard. Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard -Read the Technical Specifications
From the USA go to http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard
In Europe or otherwise substitute your national code in place of /us above.
In the UK … the last known price was £14.
Before you start upgrading, back up your files.
Once you have upgraded to Snow Leopard you will need to apply the Combo updater. Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1 and follow with a software update to pick up any later improvements.

2010 Mac mini CPU options

Does the new Mac mini have a user upgradeable CPU?

The processor of the new mini is most definitely soldered in. Thus, it is not upgradeable.
Minor point of accuracy: Mac Pro and current iMac models have socketed processors, and thus can be upgraded. This procedure is not endorsed by Apple, and would thus void your warranty (if your example still carries a warranty). On the Mac Pro it is a fairly straightforward process, but certainly not so easy on the iMac.

Mac Mini - best option for adding video streaming to existing HDTV setup?

Hello, new to the Forum but not to Macs - currently enjoying my 1yr old iMac, far cry from original 128k Mac I bought in 1984...
I am interested in adding streaming video capability to my home theatre setup, which consists of a Pioneer PRO-FHD1 50" (full 1080p) monitor, Rotel RSX1057 receiver driving 5.1 surround, and Samsung BD-P1200 BluRay DVD player that is not internet-capable. Options are: replace the Samsung with an internet-capable BluRay player, add an Apple TV, or go for a Mac Mini altogether. I am leaning towards the Mac Mini as I might as well have a full-fledged computer that does what I want, and a lot more. However in reading some of the posts here I see that some people are having all kinds of screen resolution and signal issues, others seem to have it sorted out. Any advice appreciated.

Welcome to  Discussions!
The mini as a media center is an excellent idea in general. You've already gathered that the most critical concern is the compatibility of your particular TV, although it isn't really as bad as it may seem here. Remember, judging based purely on the threads here is like making an assessment of the viability of the human race by looking at patients in hospitals.
If you can research a little to see if anyone has tried hooking your model of TV up to a mini already, you may find out if it should work smoothly or not. Once that matter is addressed, I can attest to the great results of using a mini as a media center. I Strongly suggest Plex as a great application to enhance the mini as a media center.

New User to Mac Mini - upgrades

I am about to purchase a Mac Mini from an acquitence whom I trust. He has only bought this a few months ago, and is upgrading his system.
The one he has is the smallest of the models and I am wondering if I would like to upgrade it, is it possible? Also, if not suggested, can someone give me layman terms on what it would be capable of as far as storage of music or pictures, and how fast it would be? Sorry, I am being very generic in questions, I just don't know too much about hardware. I appreciate the feedback.
Thank you.

Well, those are better specs than my Mac mini, which is a couple of years older. You can get by on 2GB of memory, but you may experience faster performance with more, particularly if you have several applications open simultaneously. The hard drive is not super large, but it should also be fine unless you are going to store a ton of videos and/or big graphics files.
You can upgrade the memory and the hard drive - those components are not terribly costly, and if you are slightly handy, you can do the job yourself. You have to pry the two halves of the Mini to get inside, but once you are in, it is an easy matter to replace RAM (up to 8 GB) or the hard drive (which, by the way, is the smaller 2.5" size used in most laptops. Here are some how-to videos: http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/macmini2009/

Mac Mini Upgrade to Server

As I have ordered myself one of the new 27" icore7 - 8gig 1TB systems (eagerly awaiting delivery), I have decided to convert my mac mini into a server, OSX servier is now quite reasonable for unlimited client licence. So I have purchased
4 gig to go into my mac mini Identifier:Macmini3,1 2ghz (8 gig just too expensive yet) and want to also upgrade the HD to a larger and faster unit.
I have been looking at the Seagate OEM 1.5TB Barracuda 7200.11 Internal Hard Disk Drive (7200RPM, 32MB Cache).
Question will the Mini support this size and speed. ?

mmm 2.5"
I would rather not use the firewire 800 port for the OS drive.
how about a Seagate Momentus 7200.4 Laptop 2.5 inch Hard Disk Drive 500GB SATA 7200rpm 16MB (Internal)
I feel that the HD is slow in the mini and needs to be speed-ed up.
I suppose there is a possibility of bringing the sata cable out through the back and attaching a 3.5" drive in an external case... food for thought.

Mac Mini Upgrade to Leopard

I have a mac mini on tiger at the moment, and have the leopard install discs from a macbook pro, one of which is the macbook pro driver CD (which I obviously would not use)
My question is do I need a driver disk for the mac mini, or can I just install leopard on it with the CD and it will be ok? Can't seem to find this anywhere on the internet, and I would've naturally thought I would require a driver CD, but others have said you don't need one to upgrade to leopard...
Thanks in advance

Sure, I understand that I can't use the leopard one I have - Thanks
But what I mean, is that there is a driver CD also given with the leopard disk for the macbook pro, so you can install the drivers afterwards - my question is, how does this work with the Mac Mini if I used the retail version of OS X 10.5, - do I need a drivers CD like you get with a mac computer when you buy it to install Leopard to the mac mini, or can you purely JUST install leopard retail and it will work?

Mac Mini Upgrade to Lion with USB: can't download Server Add On

I have a Mac Mini on Snow Leopard and I bought the Lion USB key to upgrade to Lion. I have a weak internet connection. Unfortunately, the first thing that happens when I insert the USB key and start the upgrade is that it needs to download the Server Add On. What is very bad is that it says to look on the App Store app to monitor the download but there is nothing happening here. My ADSL box shows no activity. Why do I have to download this? how many Mb is it? can I skip it somehow? If I cancel, it cancels the installation...
I am very disappointed and unhappy by this, I thought I would upgrade to Lion easily, especially after buying the USB key for 69 euros (I live in France).

annmamac wrote:
The only solution I found is wipe the hard drive, install Lion then install the server part. I am not really interested in a drastic solution as this one which takes time and careful backup and is stressful.
At the very least, were I upgrading like you, I'd clone what I have to an external -- either bootable or in a disk image -- in case you need to roll back.
I've never upgraded any version of Server before, but that drastic measure I take all the time with major OS upgrades. And Snow Leopard to Lion is a major OS upgrade.
It's too bad that Apple doesn't make a straight Lion Server OS "bundle" available for purchase for the price of Lion client + server add on. That way you wouldn't have to do a two-step install to get to Lion Server. It certainly exists, I've downloaded it for my Mac Mini Server, which shipped with Lion Server, when I wanted to reinstall Lion Server.

Mac Mini upgrade to 8gb RAM?

Can Mac Mini (2009 model) 2.0GHz/1GB 1066MHz DDR3 upgrade ram to 8gb (2x4GB)?

Not sure how you can say something is not possible purely based on the fact that OWC doesn't sell a kit. You have to admit that is pretty ridiculous. If you had some technical knowledge backing your statements they would hold more merit. I think the guy doesn't believe you because you don't have any real information and you are not offering any expertise.
Does anyone with real knowledge of such things know if the Mini can be expanded beyond 4GB?
Someone above commented that OWC has tried unsuccessfully to upgrade the Mini. Is there a link to this info?

Mac Mini Upgrade Options

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for