The Intel Mac Mini uses on-board graphics... how good are they?

I'm seriously considering getting an Intel Mac Mini and telling all my friends to get one, too. However, there's one problem - the graphics.
The whole reason I'd want an Intel Mac would be so that I could dual-boot into Windows Vista (when it comes out) in order to play the latest games.
How suitable are the on-board graphics for gaming? Would it be able to play Halo and Command & Conquer Generals well?
Basically, I want to know if it's the equivalent of a 64 MB graphics chip in speed, or if having on-board graphics makes it a bit slower. Does it have hardware acceleration? And is it suitable for smooth casual gaming at an average resolution?

I am very uneasy about finding integrated graphics in the new mini too.
When I first saw the new Mini website on Apple's website I was so excited "intel processor", "4 usb ports", "faster drives" but something was missing from the website; the "graphics" sub-category. I instantly wondering what was up with that, thinking right away obviously the graphics weren't good enough to brag about. I was right. On Apple's MacMini website, on the "Intel Core" sub-category page, bottom of the page, right side there's a weee comment on integrated graphics, "oh." was my only thought.
It's really disappointing to see integrated graphics in the new Mini. That AND the increase in price. The price of the Intel iMac dropped by $100 when it got introduced, but the Intel Mini's price goes up $100 upon introduction, further closing the price between the iMac and the Mini and making the iMac looking more and more attractice in terms of features-performance-price-value. I better run out and buy a Intel iMac before Apple removes the miniDVI-out port (which I'm predicting it will be removed in the next iMac revision)
Hopefully some Intel MacMini review tests in the coming weeks will reveal better-than-expected graphics performance.
I'm surprised nobody else has mentioned this but... doesn't anyone here see that Apple has given us a preview of what's to come by putting integrated graphics in the new Intel MacMini? -- Anyone? I'll tell you -- we're going to see the exact same integrated graphics in the upcoming Intel iBooks, that's what.
Mac Mini   Mac OS X (10.4.5)  

Similar Messages

  • HT1430 my IPad 2 has gone off, I have tried all the usual things, it is 3 years old, is it possible the battery has worn out, and if so how expensive are they to replace

    My apple 2  appears to have died ,is ir possible the battery is dead, and how expensive are they to replace?

    I'm adding more information:
    in Finder, my iMovie folders are all visible and accessible.  When I click on a clip from iMovie Events folder, Quicktime opens and plays the clip.  ALL my video is not missing - it just isn't showing up in the Event Library!
    This happened all of a sudden, while I was working on iMovie project (on both computers).
    All my Projects are intact, and play when I open them. 

  • Refurbished iPod Minis. How good are they?

    Hi there,
    I wanted to get a Mini a while back, but by the time I got around to going to look for one, suprise, Apple had cancelled it. So I'm wondering, what are they refurbished iPod minis like? Are the cases new, are they scratched, what is replaced, what is not, general quality, that sort of stuff.
    Also, I live in Canada, but looking at the exchange rate, I can save money if I buy from the Online US store, and I get more options on ipod minis. Is it possible for me to buy from the US? Or do I have to stick to the Canadian Store?
    Thanks in advance

    Um, I'm not exactly sure, but I'll tell you my experience.
    My sister dropped hers one time, probably from a height of about 3 feet. It got a little chip on it (which Apple might actually consider accidental damage and will not cover when it fails, but that's a separate issue), but it still works fine.
    If I was you, I would try not to drop it. If it hits right, it can break. I dropped a glass from 6 inches above a counter and it literally shattered into a thousand pieces.
    I hope this helps!

  • Using two displays simultaneously on an early intel mac mini

    I would like to connect my Apple display and an LCD TV to my early Intel Mac Mini using a DVI-D splitter and DVI-D cable to the DVI input on the TV. I don't know if this Mac Mini's video card has a single or a duel DVI output. I'm assuming it has to have a duel output to be able to have both displays on at the same time. Also, from what I've read previously in the discussions, I assume I'll have hook up the audio output also, assuming the video works. Thanks for any help.

    I'm pretty sure that can't work for a variety of reasons. Primarily the DVI output on the mini has a single digital output, not two. It has been shown that it can output VGA analog and DVI digital simultaneously when booted under Windows, but the OS X driver for the GMA950 does not support that same trick. So I don't think you are going to be able to do what you want unless you run Windows.
    You could try add-on hardware if you really have your mind set on this. There are USB-to-video adapters out there on the market. They are reported to work pretty well with the caveat that they can't be used for things like full screen video which requires more bandwidth than USB can supply. But for a mostly static display, like using a mail reader or a browser without too much animation, or a spreadsheet, etc., they work well enough.

  • Using ADC Monitor with the new Mac Mini

    My husband has an Apple monitor with an ADC connection. I would like to purchase the new Mac Mini, but would like to use his current monitor. I know there is an ADC to DVI adapter, but the new Mac Mini uses the Mini Display...could I use yet another adapter? I am trying to save money, but don't want to the display quality to be really poor. Space is not an issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    I have located that, but my concern is the DVI connection to the Mini Display connection on the Mac Mini. My understanding is that they are different.

  • Dual PowerMac G4 or Core Duo Intel Mac Mini?

    Right now I have a Intel Core Duo Mac mini. I have the following setup and specs on my desk. The mini contains the Duo 1.66GHz processor, 2GB DDR SDRam, 80GB hard drive, OS X & Windows XP, AirPort +Bluetooth, and so on. My problem is that I have always been a tower lover and that is why I purchased the Mac mini because I purchased a 20.1 widescreen HD Dell LCD with DVI-D, VGA, Component, and so on imputs. I wanted this for my Xbox 360 also.
    Here is where it starts to get complicated. I also have four, yes four, external hard drives sitting on my desk, and I still need more hard disc space. I have a 250GB, 120GB, 250GB, and 60GB. Plus remember I have a 80GB in the mini. I am also looking into another 250GB or 500GB external hard drive.
    Now before I had the mini, I had the original iMac G5 which had a 1.6GHz PowerPC G5 processor in it, 160GB hard drive, and 1.5GB of ram. It was showing age and I needed more speed and a bigger display so I ditched it for the Intel Mac mini.
    In addition I am pulling 12 USB ports out the back of my Mac mini. I have a few hubs fulling almost all the ports. I need these for the external hard drives. If I go internal, I can probably live with 6-8 USB 2.0 ports. I will need at least 1 firewire or an iSight camera or my Sony HD handycam, but USB is more needed. In addition I see some PowerMac G4's came with Firewire 800? Is this something I would need, I currently however have no use for it.
    But now I really see the need of a PowerMac G4 Quicksilver tower. I was looking into the Dual 1.42GHz PowerPC G4 models, and really don't know which is faster. I would obviously love the expandability of the PCI cards, and independed graphics memory, but am I willing to transition back to PowerPC after moving over the Intel?
    I don't know so I am posting it all here in the PowerMac G4 section of the Apple forums. I really hope I can get some good advice here. By the way, I am very Apple and technology frantic, so I know the ins and outs of a tower and stuff like that. So a non Apple warrenty would probably not be a problem.
    But one problem is, how much could I get for my Mini which cost me $1099 and how much would a decent G4 tower cost me? I have an extra Nvideo GeForce 4 MX 5400 Ultra with 64MB of ram and DVD-D/ VGA outputs, so that isn't a problem. Plus to replace the AirPort Extreme built into the mini, I have a AirLink 101 Super G (108MBPS) Wireless PCI card. Bluetooth can be added with a simple USB dongle.
    UPDATE: Forgot the mention I already have a DVD Burner compatible with OS X and 3.5inch bays. I would like a Dual Layer, but if its a tower, I can upgrade that anytime.
    UPDATE x2: I would also like to mention that I use Gigabit Ethernet so any PowerMac model I choose would have to acomidate that such as the Intel Mac mini does.
    THANKS EVERYONE!!!!
    Mac Mini 1.67GHz Intel Core Duo, 2GB ram, 1.5TB storage, OS X v.10.4.6, 30GB iPo   Mac OS X (10.4.6)  

    I would like one day to have a tower with 4-8 HD drives
    (120-250GB each) and HD DVD and Blue-Ray burners.
    Good luck Even the Dell towers we have at work have space for 3 HDs, and thats only of you give up one of the CD bays.
    Honestly, I unless a blueray player ships in the CPU, I would get a PS3. 1/2 the cost of a standalone blu-ray player, and a game system too
    Expected street prices from Sony and Toshiba web sites:
    standalone Sony blueray player: 995.
    Toshiba HD-DVD: 599
    Sony PS3 w/ bluray: 499/599
    Is the reason the PowerPC G4 can't handle HD DVD is
    processor speed or what? Cause there is always
    processor upgrade cards up to 1.8GHz and 2.0GHz Dual.
    Thanks.
    One of the Apple support pages says you must have a G5...
    does not give the background behind it.
    On a G4, the OS will not allow HDDVD playback (as HD is defined by FinalCutHD) via the DVD player, BUT it will play back HD video clips (like QT trailers)
    On my 867, 720i clips played back w/o a problem, but 1080 would freeze for 20 seconds at a time, (while audio continued normally)
    on my Dual 1.42, I have no problems with 1080.
    I hesitate to consider or recommend processor upgrade cards b/c for some, the price approaches the cost of a new machine w/o the benefits of faster busses, etc, and, right on the side of the OS X box, it says processor upgrade cards not supported. I would hate to upgrade the OS to find it refused to support my machine.

  • Is the superdrive in the Core duo Mac mini and the G4 mac mini the same ?

    I have a G4 mac mini with a busted super drive and someone is selling a core duo mac mini with ram and a super drive but a bad logic board.
    Is the super drive the same in both machines ?
    How tough is it to swap it to the other ?
    I've done some Hard drive installations and ram installations using the macfixit guide but don't want to bust it I'm certainly not Mr Fix it.
    Thanks in advance.

    They are not the same.
    Compare the PowerPC Mac Mini specs from Archive.org:
    "Optional SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW): writes DVD-R discs at up to 4x speed, writes DVD-RW discs at up to 2x speed, writes DVD+R discs at up to 4x speed, writes DVD+RW discs at up to 2.4x speed, reads DVDs at up to 8x speed, writes CD-R discs at up to 16x speed, writes CD-RW discs at up to 8x speed, reads CDs at up to 24x speed"
    To the Intel Mac Mini specs today:
    "Slot-loading SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW): writes DVD+R DL discs at up to 2.4x speed, writes DVD-R and DVD+R discs at up to 8x speed, writes DVD-RW and DVD+RW discs at up to 4x speed, reads DVDs at up to 8x speed, writes CD-R discs at up to 24x speed, writes CD-RW discs at up to 16x speed, reads CDs at up to 24x speed"

  • Intel Mac mini and widescreen TV output (analog)

    I just replaced my 1.25 GHz mini with a dual-core Intel one, and are really disappointed that the wide-screen resolution options are nowhere to be found. I'm using the Apple DVI-to-Video adapter with an S-Video cable.
    On the G4 Mac mini, I would get 640x480 (NTSC 4:3), 800x480 (NTSC 16:9), 768x576 (PAL 4:3) and 1024x576 (PAL 16:9). Together with Overscan and Best for Video, I got a really nice picture on my 16:9 CRT TV (can display PAL and NTSC in either 4:3 or 16:9).
    With the Intel Mac mini, I only get 640x480.
    (The other available resolutions do not match with the actual NTSC or PAL frequencies or aspect ratios. For example, 720x480 or 720x576 is used as the pixel format for some digital media, but the pixels are not square, and so far, all software expects display pixels to be square. So it's actually quite useless.)
    Is there a trick to get those resolutions to show up in Displays and become usable?

    1.) I am using either 1920x1080 (interlaced) which is the resultion that has the worst problem with text sharpness. Now, I have discovered the Zoom feature in OSX and I can use it to some degree to make things readable. This may be my best option.
    2.) I have done the calibraton and it does look quite a bit better. Those the DVD output is good but not great.
    3.) Apparently, from what I have read, this is a common problem. Maybe a driver upgrade from Apple or Intel could fix?
    I bought a Philips DVI cable. I know it's not the best but it should suffice. Monster cables seem to be overpriced. I plan to hook my PC to my HDTV with the same cable. My ATi card supports HD resolutions as well.
    I also hooked the mini to my CRT that I have on my Dell and it looks very good there. I am impressed that OSX adjusts the resoltions that it can display upon boot. Even which switching displays.
    Intel Mini Duo Core Mac OS X (10.4.5) 512MB RAM

  • Best app for QT on Intel Mac Mini kiosk?

    Hi all:
    I've sent variations of this message off to various folks and fora pertaining to Flash, Director, Livestage, etc., so I thought I'd ask here as well.
    I'm working on a very high profile exhibit here in NYC, which is opening to the public on Sept. 11th (draw your own conclusions). It involves a number of standard definition (not HD) video-based kiosks.
    These are running on bottom of the line off-the-shelf single-core Intel Mac Minis w/ 512MB RAM. No, we cannot change the platform. We have to make it work with what we have.
    We built our prototype in Director. Unfortunately, using QT in Director projects on Intel-based Macs is a non-starter, because Director executables are not Universal Binary yet.
    The app is very simple -- a black background that just waits to trigger the video on a mouse click and returns to the black background when the movie is done playing.
    The key thing is we need to display the highest possible image quality. We had hoped to use H.264. We've also tried 3IVX and Motion JPEG B, all of which play beautifully in the QT Player but stutter noticeably once in Director. This turns out to be a known problem, and a Universal Binary version of Director isn't due until next year.
    I've also tried making a QuickTime Media Link (QTL) file that allows us to "quit when done" so that we can use BuddyAPI to open the program with the QT Player and then drop back to the Director app when done.
    That works great, except for the fact that as of OSX 10.3, you can't hide the menu of an app when switching to another app, which looks terrible. Arrgh.
    Flash's Player v9 (which is Universal Binary) only runs in a Browser, not as a standalone. So unless there's a browser that will run fullscreen with no chrome, that's out for the foreseeable future as well.
    So now I'm thinking about building the whole thing as a self-contained QT movie in Livestage.
    Livestage only runs in Rosetta, so I don't know if the QT file I build run natively in the QT player, so that I can use h.264 or 3IVX or whatever without it stuttering. I'd be perfectly happy w/ 3IVX, by the way...
    Any help or direction appreciated. We have to have this up and running on site by next Monday, the 14th.
    best,
    FBC

    Right -- well, I'm not concerned with editing the video (I use FCP, too).
    I completely understand the role of bitrate in making videos look good, and for the record, I've gotten decent looking videos from Motion JPEG B at the Medium (default) quality settings...
    But that's not my question here. The problem is playing back any QT codec as an asset in a larger application (eg, Flash, Director, Livestage) running specifically on the Intel Mac Minis. At the root of the problem is lack of universal binary projectors.
    At the moment, the best option I have so far is using SAFT to put Safari into Kiosk mode (no title bar, etc.) and using that to play back a Flash SWF file (which give me the needed interactivity) as the default home page.
    We're also going to try to roll our own Cocoa app as a wrapper for a 3ivx file. That will almost certainly look better than even a very high bandwidth FLV/SWF.
    Any other ideas appreciated...

  • Intel mac mini wont boot after system restore

    Hi,
    I ran the system restore on my intel mac mini using the genuine leopard cd that came with it.
    Now it wont boot. When you press power the light comes on but it does not chime and there is not video output to any monitor.
    Anyone know what could be wrong?

    Welcome to Apple Discussions!
    You picked 10.4.1 in your profile.
    Intel Mac Minis at minimum came with 10.4.4.
    If it came with a 10.5 genuine DVD, it most certainly was not running 10.4.1 or 10.4.4. Perhaps you mistook one Mac Mini install DVD for another? Does your Mac Mini have 4 USB ports on back? What does the 10.5 installer disc you used look like?

  • Intel Mac Mini, Firefox and Java

    I'm running an Intel Mac Mini using Firefox; mostly it's fine, but sometimes it behaves as if it and Java Applets have had a falling out.
    I have made sure that I have the very latest version of JRE to go with OSX, but when I go to http://www.f1.com and log on to "Live Timing", the frame comes up, but no steaming teacup, then the bottom LH corner says "Done", but the timing area is still blank. Live timing works in Safari & Opera on the same computer, and on any PC running IE6.
    Going to the help section on the live timing box says to go to download the latest version of JRE from the Apple.com website - if I try to do this, OSX refuses the download saying it is older than the version already installed.
    I have sent questions to both Sun & Mozilla weeks ago, but have received no reply; any ideas?

    Dont really have any solution other than the fact that some browsers act funny on certain sites. I think it is specific to the browser, not the computer itself. I have encountered the same thing with certain applets. Also just wanted to give a shoutout from another F1 fan. Good season so far, I think Alonso has the Chin's number this year.

  • G4 power brick with Intel mac mini?  is this possible just to test?

    A friend gave me an Intel mac mini, 1.60GHz CPU model, but no power supply.
    I tried using my G4 mac mini's 85W A1105 power supply on the intel mac mini but nothing happens. I have to unplug the power supply from the wall to get it to power on my G4 mac mini (it apparently doesn't like being plugged into the intel mac mini).
    Is it possible to use the G4 2005 power supply with the Intel mac mini if only to just test to see if the intel computer works? I don't want to buy a MA407LL/A 110W intel mac mini power supply only to find that the computer he gave me is broken.
    Just wondering if anyone had any tips/ideas how to tell if the Intel mac mini works at all or if I'm just going to have to find someone who has the 110W intel model supply to test it...

    The G4 mini power supply is rated at a significantly lower current capacity than the Intel mini requires, thus while some have had marginal success in using an old supply with a newer system, almost any tolerance variation will mean the Intel box won't run with the G4 supply. Not only that, but since the Intel system will load the G4 supply at a level it was not designed to accommodate, you could damage your G4 supply by trying.
    If you have an Apple store in your area, I would take the Intel mini to the genius bar there where it can be tested, thus avoiding you having to buy a new supply without knowing if it will work.

  • Can't find Laserwriter 4/600 on network from Intel Mac mini

    Problem: Cannot find/print to networked LaserWriter using Airport network.
    Kit: Mac mini 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo, 512 MB running Mac OS 10.4.5; Silver Apple Airport Base Station unExtreme; Netgear 814 combined switch/router/DSL modem; Asanté LocalTalk-to-Ethernet Adaptor; Apple LaserWriter 4/600PS.
    Method: Airport bridges from wireless (Mac mini) side of network to wired (LaserWriter) side via hub/router.
    This setup worked perfectly for many years but did not survive the encounter with Intel Mac mini.
    Resolution attempted: Carried out detailed instructions involving switching devices off and on in strict order, using Printer Setup Utility etc.
    These instructions are posted on Asanté website:
    http://www.asante.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3164
    Getting this to work requires that the Ethernet connection be switched from AirPort to Built-in Ethernet and that the computer be physically connected to the hub by an ethernet cable. The unwanted effect of this is that it denies wireless access to network/internet services formerly enjoyed by Mac & PC computers.
    Running the identical Asanté routine with AirPort rather than Built-in Ethernet as the connection method results in the loss of the LaserWriter to the network.
    Any ideas?

    You can rest assured that printing to a AppleTalk
    printer through wireless network is way down on the
    list of things that is ever going to be tested in the
    labs.
    Point taken. I'm just curious about what might be going on.
    Since I can't test here - the only thing I can do is
    think of possible differences between your two
    networks (wired and wireless)
    I'm not an expert but as I understand it the Intel Mac mini should "see" the network as a single contiguous entity. In other words the AirPort Base Station that bridges between the wireless and the wired parts of the network should be entirely transparent, so I think the answer to your next question is yes.
    Is your network flat (sameIP address range and routes
    wireless as wired)? I could see issues if there were
    a firewall or you had separate networks set up (you
    can have different networks that talk to each other
    through gateways and routing - but things like
    Bonjour/Rendezvous and if my rusty memory is to be
    trusted - Appletalk too - depends on things being in
    the same "network" for broadcast packets to get to
    everyone.)
    Again, I don't know if it proves anything but when I had another computer on network here, the IP address assigned to it by the router was within the specified range. This machine is getting on for three whole years old, has begun to self-destruct and so it's gone for repair under the last gasp of its AppleCare warranty extension.
    The Intel Mac mini can also "see"/print to a Bonjour wireless printer. This may also answer your question about the possibility there being two networks here rather than one. On the other hand, I guess that the ability to print to the Bonjour device does not involve any bridging between the wireless and wired parts of the network, so this may not be relevant.
    If the concept of different networks does not make
    sense - open up the Network Utility application and
    post the results of your "Display routing table
    information" from the netstat section...
    Finally, here's what Network Utility, Netstat comes up with:
    Routing tables
    Internet:
    Destination Gateway Flags Refs Use Netif Expire
    default 192.168.0.1 UGSc 20 55 en1
    127 localhost UCS 0 0 lo0
    localhost localhost UH 17 199665 lo0
    169.254 link#5 UCS 0 0 en1
    192.168.0 link#5 UCS 2 0 en1
    192.168.0.1 0:9:5b:46:64:3 UHLW 19 17 en1 1177
    192.168.0.3 localhost UHS 0 0 lo0
    192.168.0.255 link#5 UHLWb 1 12 en1
    Internet6:
    Destination Gateway Flags Netif Expire
    localhost link#1 UHL lo0
    localhost Uc lo0
    localhost link#1 UHL lo0
    link#5 UC en1
    ray-thomsons-compu 0:14:51:ef:99:b1 UHL lo0
    ff01:: localhost U lo0
    ff02::%lo0 localhost UC lo0
    I hope it makes more sense to you than it does to me!
    Kind regards,
    Ray
    PowerBook G4•1GHz•512MB•15•AirPort unExtreme   Mac OS 9.2.x  

  • Intel Mac Mini & Speedtouch 330 USB

    Ok..
    I was delighted to have my mac mini shipped to me the other day.
    It took nearly three hours to do a migration from my emac.
    Then I tried to connect to the net using my speedtouch 330 usb.
    Doesn't work. Single red flashing led.
    Spoke to wanadoo, and speedtouch, both declare that speedtouch does not work with the intel mac mini (os 10.4.6). Need a router (which one?)
    Fact or fiction? I don't know.......
    Has anybody had the same problems with the same hardware.
    Any feedback would be ace.
    Cheers World..

    It might well be correct in that the driver may not be Intel compatible. What I suggest you do is go to the SpeedTouch web site…
    http://www.speedtouch.com/
    … and download the latest driver for your modem and see how it goes. I just checked and there one for Mac OS X 10.4.
    If it fails to work then you might just be stuck with an Ethernet modem/router. As for which one, the simplest, though not necessarily the cheapest, is to get one from Wanadoo as it will have a profile for easy setup otherwise you can get pretty much any one you like.

  • Intel Mac Mini Noise

    Hi, Can anyone tell me how much noise the Intel Mac Mini should make?
    Mine make a kind of electric buzzing noise which seems quite loud when there is no other noise in the room (i.e. it is noticable, almost off putting)
    Its a lot quieter than my old pcs fans but I've heard other people says that theirs is near silient and that they have to put their ear to the machine to hear it running.
    Everything is working fine so I'll be happy if this is normal - I'm just very aware of it at the moment, probably because I think somethings wrong.
    Thanks
    Dan

    My problem is a bit different from the problem described in your topic, Luca, because in my case I hear a CONSTANT buzzing sound which I (up to now) thought NOT to come from the fan.
    But I am a bit further by now. I just opened my Mac Mini and took a look at the fan. I disconnected the little cable which is used to connect the fan to the temperature monitoring system - this made the fan whirl up - and it also made the annoying noise become higher and higher in frequency. So obviously there is a connection between the fan and the weird noise (although I thought it not to be the fan).
    So I went a step further and blocked the fan with a drinking straw. Then I turned the Mini on (of course only for some seconds...) and guess what - the hard drive started working, the DVD went click/clong, the start gong was there - but the annoying buzz-sound was gone.
    So I now know where this buzzing sound comes from - but I do not know how to fix it

Maybe you are looking for