Mac Mini vs G5 for Sims2?

My wife plays Sims2 all the time. She is currently using a G5 2Gig Ram and 250gig HD. It is starting to slow down and I think it is time for a new machine. She has an Apple 20" monitor.
I was wondering, would a Mac Mini be enough machine for Sims2? I am worried about the limited graphics of the Mini mostly. I could get an iMac and sell everthing, but I don't think she will like the glossy display. I wish Apple made a turbo Mini for times like these.
Kevin

The most likely causes of the G5 slowing down are:
1) the hard drive is too full -- try to keep at least 10% of the drive as free space, preferably more (click on Macintosh HD icon once, then File > Get Info, to see how much space is "available" (ie free))
2) you need to do some "housekeeping": try a system maintenance program like Yasu:
http://jimmitchell.org/projects/yasu/

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Hi Tom,
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6) Add music effects after the looks are taken care of
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Thanks - TZ

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

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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.
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Mac Mini GeekBench score for 2.26, 4GB and 320 HD

I just got my new Mac mini.
People have been asking about "is it worth it to get the upgrades", I won't comment on that as its really a personal perspective thing, but here is the score for my machine (all factory upgrades).
Proc Int Perf: 2483
Proc Float Perf: 4331
Memory Perf: 2448
Memory Bandw: 1840
Geekbench score : 3058
My decision was based on wanting a replacement for my Dual G5 1.8, 3GB Power Mac. This new mac mini is very fast (in my opinion) even with the "slow" 5400 RPM disk. The idea is that I'm waiting for Leopard to come out to replace the Power Mac fully, this Mac Mini will then replace my AppleTV for Media Center using Plex. I wanted as much flexibility so I went 2.26 and 4GB memory. I also think this thing is an incredible piece of art, I couldn't bring myself to crack the case
Platform: Mac OS X x86 (32-bit)
Compiler: GCC 4.0.1 (Apple Inc. build 5484)
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5.6 (Build 9G2030)
Model: Macmini3,1
Motherboard: Apple Inc. Mac-F22C86C8
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU P8400 @ 2.26GHz
Processor ID: GenuineIntel Family 6 Model 23 Stepping 10
Logical Processors: 2
Physical Processors: 1
Processor Frequency: 2.26 GHz
L1 Instruction Cache: 32.0 KB
L1 Data Cache: 32.0 KB
L2 Cache: 3.00 MB
L3 Cache: 0.00 B
Bus Frequency: 1.06 GHz
Memory: 4.00 GB
Memory Type: 1067 MHz DDR3
SIMD: 1
BIOS: Apple Inc. MM31.88Z.0081.B00.0812030802
Processor Model: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU P8400 @ 2.26GHz
Processor Cores: 2
Integer (Score: 2483)
Blowfish single-threaded scalar -- 1477, , 64.9 MB/sec
Blowfish multi-threaded scalar -- 3254, , 133.4 MB/sec
Text Compress single-threaded scalar -- 1575, , 5.04 MB/sec
Text Compress multi-threaded scalar -- 3204, , 10.5 MB/sec
Text Decompress single-threaded scalar -- 1426, , 5.86 MB/sec
Text Decompress multi-threaded scalar -- 3070, , 12.2 MB/sec
Image Compress single-threaded scalar -- 1607, , 13.3 Mpixels/sec
Image Compress multi-threaded scalar -- 3081, , 25.9 Mpixels/sec
Image Decompress single-threaded scalar -- 1322, , 22.2 Mpixels/sec
Image Decompress multi-threaded scalar -- 2579, , 42.1 Mpixels/sec
Lua single-threaded scalar -- 2382, , 917.2 Knodes/sec
Lua multi-threaded scalar -- 4822, , 1.85 Mnodes/sec
Floating Point (Score: 4331)
Mandelbrot single-threaded scalar -- 1546, , 1.03 Gflops
Mandelbrot multi-threaded scalar -- 3259, , 2.13 Gflops
Dot Product single-threaded scalar -- 2889, , 1.40 Gflops
Dot Product multi-threaded scalar -- 6285, , 2.86 Gflops
Dot Product single-threaded vector -- 2313, , 2.77 Gflops
Dot Product multi-threaded vector -- 5399, , 5.61 Gflops
LU Decomposition single-threaded scalar -- 645, , 573.9 Mflops
LU Decomposition multi-threaded scalar -- 1307, , 1.15 Gflops
Primality Test single-threaded scalar -- 2932, , 438.0 Mflops
Primality Test multi-threaded scalar -- 4739, , 879.6 Mflops
Sharpen Image single-threaded scalar -- 4158, , 9.70 Mpixels/sec
Sharpen Image multi-threaded scalar -- 8603, , 19.8 Mpixels/sec
Blur Image single-threaded scalar -- 5454, , 4.32 Mpixels/sec
Blur Image multi-threaded scalar -- 11114, , 8.74 Mpixels/sec
Memory (Score: 2448)
Read Sequential single-threaded scalar -- 2967, , 3.63 GB/sec
Write Sequential single-threaded scalar -- 2587, , 1.77 GB/sec
Stdlib Allocate single-threaded scalar -- 1833, , 6.84 Mallocs/sec
Stdlib Write single-threaded scalar -- 2493, , 5.16 GB/sec
Stdlib Copy single-threaded scalar -- 2364, , 2.44 GB/sec
Stream (Score: 1840)
Stream Copy single-threaded scalar -- 1785, , 2.44 GB/sec
Stream Copy single-threaded vector -- 1995, , 2.59 GB/sec
Stream Scale single-threaded scalar -- 1934, , 2.51 GB/sec
Stream Scale single-threaded vector -- 1922, , 2.59 GB/sec
Stream Add single-threaded scalar -- 1619, , 2.44 GB/sec
Stream Add single-threaded vector -- 2127, , 2.96 GB/sec
Stream Triad single-threaded scalar -- 1748, , 2.42 GB/sec
Stream Triad single-threaded vector -- 1597, , 2.99 GB/sec

Just to compare... a Mac Mini 2007 with 2.0GHz and 667 DDR2 memory:
Proc Int Perf: 2189
Proc Float Perf: 3879
Memory Perf: 1786
Memory Bandw: 1479
Geekbench score : 2628

Mac Mini - strong enough for design and coding software?

Hi everyone,
I apologize if this question has already been asked, but I couldn't find anything like it in the forums, so hopefully I haven't missed anything.
I'm looking to replace my (old) G5. While I'd love to buy a Mac Pro, I think it might be a little out of my price range. However, I plan to install (and use frequently) the Adobe CS4 suite, with all of its different programs - in addition to using iPhoto and the usual Mac apps.
My question is - can the Mac Mini handle this kind of software (PS, DW, Illustrator, InD) effectively, or is it not powerful enough?
Advice appreciated.
Thanks!
Torie

littlemissfoggy,
Considering the tremendous upgrades that the Mac Mini has acquired in the past years, if you upgrade the memory to a 4GB channel, then iPhoto would run flawlessly, and as for the Adobe CS4 suite i think that the Mac Mini would handle it, but if your wanting raw power meaning you want everything to go really smoothly, my best bet would be an iMac

Mac Mini max resolutions for 2 screens?

Hi all. I have the latest Mac Mini and I'm currently running a Samsung 24" at 1920x1080 from the Mini Displayport socket via a DVI adaptor, and also a second display at 1280x1024 from the HDMI socket via DVI adaptor.
I'm looking to upgrade the Samsung to a screen that's 1920x1200 resolution - I'm assuming the Mini can handle this slight increase but I can't find specs anywhere for this. Would it even run a 2560x1600 screen alongside the 1280x1024 one?
Many thanks in advance.

The > Mac mini (Late 2012) - Technical Specifications doesn't clearly state what the maximum resolution for each output is.
Funny part is, that the Spec's for the previous Mac Mini 2010 and 2011 models does.
One would think that they are the same? Unfortunately that would be pure speculation and contrary to the ASC Terms of Use.
On that note: Your best bet might be to > Contact Apple Support and get some clarification.

Which Mac Mini is best for Editing in Final Cut Pro X i5 or i7 ?

Hey guys plz suggest me a good mac mini machine for editing in Final Cut Pro X. Is there any difference in i5 mac mini or i7 in terms of rendering or editing, and what is the use of an SSD drive in terms of editing in mac mini either than its 5400rpm HD, or should i buy imac i5 with ssd ?
Lets see if i buy mac mini i5 with 16gb ram and a ssd drive, Will it work better than mac mini i7 with 16gb ram but without ssd drive ?
So guys plzz suggest me the best mac specs for video editing
Thanks in advance

Your budget?
Take a look at this: http://www.barefeats.com/minivmp.html
The 2012 Quad-Core i7 Mac mini is a real contender when it comes to CPU power compared to our examples of a Quad-Core Mac Pro and Quad-Core iMac. We plan to add some other examples of Quad-Core desktop Macs (including a faster Mac mini) to these graphs in the days ahead but the point is made.
However, the GPU in the 2012 Quad-Core i7 Mac mini is weak in comparison to the Mac Pro (and iMac) as you can see from the "Heaven" graph.
That's going to affect its ability to handle advanced Pro Apps that make use of the GPU for certain types of effect rendering.
These apps include Apple's Final Cut Pro and Motion as well as Adobe's Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects.
The Mac mini's Intel HD 4000 GPU will also hamstring hard-core gamers.
The Mac mini is also weak in support of OpenCL as you can see from the "LuxMark" graph.
It is forced to render the model using only CPU while the iMac and Mac Pro GPUs are able to render the model.
Why does this matter? Because apps like Final Cut Pro, Motion, and Photoshop use OpenCL acceleration for rendering certain effects.
http://www.barefeats.com/imac12p1.html
Even a Mac Pro (refurbished special 4-core 2.8 is $1819 and can be upgraded to more RAM, 4x4TB w/o going into Thunderbolt storage) and have multiple SSDs as the choice or need arises.)
Fusion drive + Thunderbolt but I think you are asking too much out of the mini. It is fine for a lot of uses.

Which Mac Mini Configuration Recommended for Leopard??

I'm about to purchase a new Mini to replace my (beautiful!) G4 Cubes, and would appreciate any comments/recommendations on which configuration to order. I'm planning to get the upgraded 2GB of memory (more is always better!, and my guess would be that the 2.0 GHz processor with a 120 GB HD + SuperDrive should be a nice ticket - or would you recommend a bigger HD? (I don't do intensive graphics or any gaming, but I want to be able to run OS X and MS Windows simultaneously (with Parallels?).
Also... I currently have 2 G4 Cubes networked to run on a single DSL service using a FriendlyNet Ethernet Hub and 2Wire modem. Any problems simply substituting the Mac Mini for one of the Cubes in this network?
Final question, please: With Leopard plus Parallels on the new Mini, what is the minimum Microsoft package I would need to buy in order to open and work with basic Excel, PPS, and Word documents?
With your comments/recommendations, I'm ready to add my contribution to Apple's gross and net income for the current quarter!!..... Thanks!... CaptDenny

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
The requirements for Leopard are sufficiently low that even an old Mac mini should run it well, let alone one of the new Core 2 Duo models. As such, the 2.0 model with 2Gb RAM should be more than adequate. Leopard's only notably heavier demand is drive space, now requiring close to 10Gb. Clearly the 120Gb drive standard in the 2.0 model would be adequate to that task, plus allow for use of Windows also. As such, a larger internal drive wouldn't really be recommended, though you may wish to consider adding a good sized external, preferably a firewire connected drive, for extra storage and backup.
Where running Windows is concerned, Leopard comes with BootCamp, so you could use that as opposed to Parallels. The downside is that while BootCamp is free, it doesn't permit the running of MacOS and Windows side by side. At boot, you have to select one or the other. If that meets your needs, then it's a better bet in many ways, since it allows the entire system, memory and processor to be dedicated to whichever OS you need at any given time, rather than shared.
On the other hand, if you need or want to run both MacOS and Windows simultaneously, and switch between them, Parallels is the option that would allow that, though both MacOS and Windows will suffer in terms of absolute performance since RAM and CPU are shared between them.
You should have no problem substituting a new mini into your home network using the same setup as you presently have on the soon to be retired Cube.
To run Excel, PowerPoint and Word, you'll need a copy of MS Office. The current version for Mac is still 2004, which is not Intel native. The updated version to closely match MS Office 2007 for Windows will not be out for Mac until 2008. If you buy a copy of MS Office 2004 for Mac however, you'll get an upgrade to the new version when it is released. Upgrading at that point would be advised since while the current version is not Intel native, the new version due is. If you are a student or teacher, you will qualify for the Academic version at around $150, otherwise it's a little expensive $400 list price.

Mac mini i5 good for aperture?

Is anybody using one of the new minis for aperture?
I currently have a 2.26 GHz C2D Mini (the last one with "cookie box" case) with 8GB RAM and a 7.2krpm HD and a 2.4 GHz MBP. Both run aperture3 o.k. but performance is not really snappy with 21 Megapixel RAWs. Would an upgrade to a new i5 mini be a real improvement? I recall something about aperture using the graphics card a lot for offloading and that with big Images you need a lot of VRAM. Are the 256 MB enough or do I need 512MB (which as far as I know is not possible in the mini). Unfortunately an iMac ist out of the question because I cannot stand glossy displays and I already have a 27" screen that ist better than the iMacs integrated screen.

I am using a Mac Mini to do all sorts of things in GB-2. I would recommend getting the 1.42Ghz model. I would also recommend the Firewire Solo as your input device. Because it is Firewire, it will not rob any of the valuable CPU resources.
Note also the the Mac Mini has a slow hard drive, but for two inputs, I doubt this will be a problem. Just be aware of it.

Mac Mini..PC for Mac??

Hello all,
I've had my iMac for about 3 years now, and have been considering updating. I will never get rid of this machine as it is my digital media center, but have been considering buying a new Mac mini 1.5 GHz Intel Core Solo. The idea of this is to phase out my Sony Vio laptop. I work at an architecture firm and run CAD based programs such as, Achitectural Desktop and Auto Cad. If I get the Mac mini and load PC for Mac, will it run my CAD software smoothly? Also is PC for Mac the best software to buy for running Windows on a Mac? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers

The Mini's base configuration has insufficient RAM for moderate multitasking, much less CAD. By the time you max out the Mini with 2GB RAM, and a roomier hard disk, and the Core Duo (which i'd reccomend over the Solo in your case), you're approaching the price of the base line iMac 17". You may want to consider the iMac instead. Better CPU, better GPU w/ more memory, bigger/faster hard disk, and a Superdrive.
I bought my Core Solo as a "test platform" for dual booting Windows and testing the Intel Mac waters. My only complaint so far is the woefully inadequate RAM config on the base Mini models.

Mac Mini and ipads for the family

In the near future, I would like to replace my older PowerPC G5 with a Mac Mini. Then, I would like to purchase a couple of ipads for my wife and two kids, who primarily use the G5 for email, web surfing, and light-duty work such as organizing (ical), filing documents, and using spreadsheets/word processing software, with occasional photo-editing. Essentially, we would set up accounts for each user on the Mac Mini where all of the files/photos/organizing would be stored, and then just tap into them via housefhold wifi with the ipads as needed. Any major computing could still be done directly on the Mini (and I also have a newer MacBook), as needed. An added bonus would be that we would also use the Mini as our household media hub for streaming music to entertainment center and video/movies to the TV. I really like this scenario, as it would allow for greater flexibility and portability, while still serving the needs of the family. I think this can be easily done, and suspect the experience could be enhanced by a few apps, but I haven't researched that end of things yet. First, I wanted to ask the folks here if this is a realistic plan? Also, would I be better off with the Mac Mini or Mac Mini Server? Any and all input is welcome, as well as helpful suggestions from those who have already done this. Thanks in advance!

It sounds realistic, I haven't done it though, & I don't think there'll be much diff between the Server & Client models for what you want to do.

Mac Mini vs G5 for Sims2?

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