[butterfly0fdoom]

I'm looking at upgrading the processor and the hard drive of my Mac mini.

1) Will a Core 2 Duo work in the Mac mini? Apparently, Core Duos and Core 2 Duos cost about the same.

2) What kind of hard drive does the Mac mini use?

[cherry su]

1. Yes
2. 2.5" SATA

[danangdoc]

While the Core 2 Duo may work, is there any advantage to be had in performance? What about heat? In other words, can the circuitry and logic (bus, etc.) in the mini make use of the capabilities of the Core 2? If so, wonder why Apple wouldn't just start using them in production if they are the same price (or very closely priced). Just curious.

[dowNNshift]

I've mentioned this in other related threads, you want to keep the original thermal design in mind when considering a processor upgrade. Meaning, don't shoe horn a small block V8 into the engine space of a four-banger. The mini's SMC will make the fan kick on more, and if the voltages are mis-matched it could starve other key components energy.

Depending on the model you're starting out with, the thermal design can accomidate from 28 - 34W of heat efficiently. All the Yonah Intel Core Duos fit easily within that spec. The new Merom Intel Core 2 Duos under 2.16 GHz fall within that specification as well. Do your homework and compare the "sSpec" of the original processor to the one you want to upgrade to on Intel's website.

Going above 2 or 2.16 GHz in the mini is a waste of money because of the limited graphics, bus speed, and lap-top hard drive -- you'd be better off getting a iMac or MacPro for the money.

[stwain2003]

Originally Posted by butterfly0fdoom 

I'm looking at upgrading the processor and the hard drive of my Mac mini.

1) Will a Core 2 Duo work in the Mac mini? Apparently, Core Duos and Core 2 Duos cost about the same.

2) What kind of hard drive does the Mac mini use?

While the Core and the Core 2 both cost about the same, I wouldn't recommend upgrading the little mini to a C2D, for heat reasons. The mini with a Core Duo gets hot enough as it is, and then you stick a C2D in and I'm guessing that wouldn't be too good. You might want to consider saving up for an iMac if you are upgrading, because a) monitary amount to upgrade might not be that much in difference and b

[mduell]

Originally Posted by stwain2003 

While the Core and the Core 2 both cost about the same, I wouldn't recommend upgrading the little mini to a C2D, for heat reasons. The mini with a Core Duo gets hot enough as it is, and then you stick a C2D in and I'm guessing that wouldn't be too good.

The TDP for the CD and C2D chips is very close (within 10%), and at idle I think the C2D may actually burn a little less. There's no problem putting a C2D in a Mac mini.

[butterfly0fdoom]

Thanks guys, but an iMac (or a Mac Pro, even) is out of the question. The Mac mini is just going to be used as a secondary computer in a college dorm designed for 2 people that will instead accomondate 3 people, and I already have a monitor. I'm just planning on putting a lower-speed Core 2 and a larger hard drive.

[danangdoc]

Thanks for all the input guys. Still wondering why you would do this? Is there a measurable performance edge? Coolness factor? (no pun intended) Improved graphics?

thanks,

"Pending purchase" and want to know as much as I can before I open the wallet.

[dowNNshift]

If you're upgrading from a 1.5 Core Solo, then sure you're gonna see a performance increase.

In reality, unless you're running Parallels or some other VMWare that utilizes VVT technology (virtualization improved in 'Merom' Core 2 Duo processors), or 64-bit applications (capability only available with 'Merom' Core 2 Duo processors), you're not going to see that much difference in performance. Just your wallet will be lighter after spending nearly 300 bucks and a completely voided AppleCare warranty.

You'll get more performance ("snappiness") out of a 7200RPM hard drive and maxed out RAM, than a 200 or 400 MHz jump in processor speed.

The graphics are soldered on... so you're stuck with Intel GMA graphics (which aren't that bad).

[danangdoc]

Thanks for the explanation. This certainly shows why Apple will not likely upgrade the mini to Core-2-Duo - they'd have to charge $899 or more for it. There may be some users who will spend the extra to do their own upgrade based on their needs, I'm sure. I agree a faster drive and more ram is the way to start, though.

[mduell]

Originally Posted by danangdoc 

Thanks for the explanation. This certainly shows why Apple will not likely upgrade the mini to Core-2-Duo - they'd have to charge $899 or more for it.

Huh? Core 2 Duo costs the same or less than Core Duo at every clockrate step.
The new C2D chipset (Crestline) is also reportedly cheaper than the older chipsets.

[dowNNshift]

Apple surely will eventually upgrade the Mini to an Intel Core 2 Duo -- obviously Apple is waiting until the component prices come down enough to fit the Mini into the price point.

Keep in mind that the purpose of the Mini is an entry level Macintosh and they are keeping its price point far enough away from the iMac, which is the flagship of the Home desktop line.

The current two Yonah processors that are offered in the Mini work great for the consumer base they are intended for -- it's an added bonus that end users can "bolt-on" an upgrade... Sure you can mod the Mini to run with the top of the line iMacs, but you'd be fiscally smarter to have just purchased an iMac in the first place (and have a warranty intact).

If you want to mod your Mini, more power to you -- but when the receipts add up, you could have bought a 20 or 24 inch iMac for that.

[mduell]

Originally Posted by dowNNshift 

Apple surely will eventually upgrade the Mini to an Intel Core 2 Duo -- obviously Apple is waiting until the component prices come down enough to fit the Mini into the price point.

Core 2 Duo and the chipset to go with it are the same price as, or cheaper than, Core Duo and it's chipset.

[butterfly0fdoom]

I've got another question, is it possible to swap the Combo drive for a Superdrive?

[mduell]

Yes. Although it's becoming increasingly difficult to find slim slot-loading DVD burners, they're still available some places.