If you are wondering is the Mac Mini worth to be bought, what are its specs, or how its performing, compared to other Mac models, you are at the right place. Just read this article and you will know everything about it.
Model: Mac Mini late 2009
This current model was introduced 20.10.2009
Photo Credit: JaredEarle

There are two models available, the differences are:

• 2.26Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB DDR3 Ram, 160GB hard disc drive, price 599$
• 2.53Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB DDR3 Ram, 320GB hard disc drive, price 799$

Both of the models include: internal NVIDIA GeForce 9400M video card, 8x double-layer SuperDrive ( more detailed specs bellow ).
The first model’s CPU can be upgraded to 2.53GHz and 4GB of ram, while the second can go up to 2.66 Ghz processor, both models can be upgraded to 500GB hdd. The prices, without the upgrades are 599$ for the model with 2.26 Ghz processor and 799$ for the model with 2.53Ghz processor.

Before we go further in the guide, here are the main pros and cons of the Mac Mini late 2009 models

The Good

• The most affordable Mac
• Really small and can fit almost everywhere without taking place
• Very small levels of noise, the Mini has only one fan, and its really quiet
• Very power effective ( Power consumption: idle mode: 13W, CPU max: 110W, sleep mode: 2W, normal PC consumption vary from 80W in idle to 180W in CPU max )
• Performs really well, when used for home/web server or home theater

The Bad

• The Mac Mini doesn’t come with Apple Keyboard or Apple Mouse ( like the iMac or Mac Pro )
• You need to purchase monitor separately
• The Mac Mini doesn’t have good performance (compared to the other Macs)
• CPU, Video, MotherBoard cannot be upgraded

Pictures

Description of the model

The Mac Mini was firstly introduced in 2005, and after that almost every year ( excluding 2008 ), was getting speed bump, while the design remained the same, with only small changes. The goal for this computer was (and still is) to attract “switchers” ( newly users, who prior to now, doesn’t owned a Mac ), but later this little machine, became perfect for Home Theater Center and also performed really well when used for web or home server, due to its little size and low power consumption.

Full Specifications

Processor:
The late 2009 Mac Mini comes with 2.26Ghz (P7550), 2.53Ghz(P8700) or 2.66Ghz(P8800) Inter Core 2 Duo processors with 3MB Level 2 cache. The socket of the processor is Socket P and the processor cannot be upgraded after the purchase of the machine, because its soldered to the motherboard. Also everyone of the processors are 64-bit, have 1066 Mhz Front Side Bus, and besides the speeds doesn’t have other major differences. For detailed compare of the this three models view this page on Intel official site
Memory:
The memory used in the Mac Mini is DDR3 SO-DIMMs ( the same type of memory used in laptops and Macbooks ) working at 1066Mhz. There are two slots for the memory on the motherboard supporting up to 4GB ( 8GB after the EFI Firmware Update 1.2, but with the current price for 4GB kit, it’s not worth it), both of them are used in the late 2009 Mini, in the 2,26Ghz model there are two 1GB banks of ram, and in the 2,53Ghz two 2GB banks used. The memory can be somewhat easily upgraded, but you need some tools to do that ( more of the possible upgrade options later )

Hard Disk Drive and Optical Drive
The Mac Mini is using 2.5 inch Serial ATA hard disk drive ( the laptop’s type ) working at 5400 RPM and size from 160GB to 500GB. This will be least performing thing in your machine, so if possible upgrade the hdd with some faster model ( 7200RPM ), although the 2.5 models are slower than the 3.5. Like the memory the hdd can be upgraded with the proper tools.
The Optical Drive is the standard for Apple slot loading SATA drive, it reads and writes both DVDs and CDs, so you will not have problem with that.

Video Card
The video card using this model Mac Mini is NVIDIA GeForce 9400M with up to 256MB DDR3 memory. This video card is internal, and its taking memory, up to 256, from the system ram. In the early 2009 Mac Mini models, which came with 1GB of ram, the video memory was limited to 128MB, and only when there are 2GB or more installed the video memory increases up to 256MB. For detailed specifications see NVIDIA’s site. The performance of this adapter is decent – older games like Doom 3 and Quake 4 can be run in full level of details, but some of the new ones can run only with medium or lower level of details. Here are some results from games:
Note: The scores below are for FPS(frames per second). For normal play, the FPS need to be at least 20. The scores are not 100% accurate and may vary.

• Crysis. 1024×768, medium settings, AA/AF off: 13.2 FPS
• World in conflict. 1024×768, medium settings, AA/AF off: 11 FPS
• Quake 4: 1024×768: 58.7 FPS
• Call of Duty 4: 1280×800, optimal settings: 23.9 FPS, falls to 11 in complex scenes
• Team Fortress 2: 1280×800, max settings, AA 2x, HDR lighting, no motion blur, Vertical Sync on: smooth, around 35 FPS
• Half Life 2: 1280×800, max settings, AA 4x: always smooth

Score in 3DMark 2006: 2207 points.
For detailed specifications see NVIDIA’s site
The 2009 Mac Mini models come with two video outputs and two monitors can be hooked.

Audio, Communications and Peripherals
The Mini comes with standard Audio Outputs/Inputs and integrated speakers, but the microphone port is line-level audio input. This means that the typical microphones will not work (basically because there is not enough power coming from the computer to power up the microphone). Your options are either to purchase adapter like iMic or buy USB or Bluetooth headset.

For its small size, the Mac Mini is equipped with nice selection of goodies, like built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) wireless technology and also build-in 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet. At the back of the machine, there are: Power Input, Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800, Mini-DVI, Mini DisplayPort, five 2.0 USB, Audio output, Microphone Input.

What is in the box

Just like the Mini, its box is mini too and every space inside is used at maximum. The things which you can find inside are: Mac Mini (of course ^^), Power Adapter and Power Cord, Mini-DVI to DVI adapter (to hook up your monitor), Install/Reinstall DVD-s (Snow Leopard) and Documentation.
Remember if your monitor doesn’t have DVI output then you must purchase Mini-DVI to VGA adapter, but if your monitor is no-more than 3 years old, its certain that it will have DVI.

Upgrade Options

Like some other Macs, the upgrade options are limited. The only things that you can upgrade are CPU(but only when purchasing, afterwards the changing of the processor is hard work), ram and hard disk. Compared to upgrading the Ram and HDD to other Macs, upgrading the Mini is the most hard. To perform it, you will need: a putty knife (nothing serious, you will used to open the case of the machine), medium sized screw driver and small flat head screw driver.
Here are some really helpful videos, for changing the memory:
and changing the hard disk:
When I was upgrading my Mac Mini, I watched these videos. But of course, if you are not certain in your skills, its better for someone with experience to do the upgrade.

Performance Comparison

And here is very important part from the guide, how the Mac Mini is holding against other Macs and PCs. The scores are measured by GeekBench software, CPU and Ram are tested, higher scores are better

As you can see, the Mac Mini is holding like a MacBook Pro, and compared to the generic computers is somewhat in the middle, this is due to the fast CPU, good amount of Level 2 cache, the 1066MHz Front Side Bus and fast DDR3 memory. There must be noted that all of the Windows machines are using DDR2 memory and if we want the results to be more accurate, then we can add around 100-200 points to the PCs. But compared to the Apple desktop computers the Mini is showing the lowest scores, but this can be expected because the iMac and Mac Pro are real monsters with theirs Quad processors. After seeing this results, you can be assured that even tiny, the Mac Mini is showing average performance which will be enough for your home/work (but if you are working as audio or video editor it won’t be sufficient) computer.
Note: I am using my 2.0Ghz Early 2009 Mac Mini with 4GB of ram, for work station (web development) and I am pleased.

For what can be used

So for what the Mac Mini can be used for?

• Home station: yes, nobody is surprised by the fact, that the Mini can be used in home, still this is what the machine was build for. But due to its small size, little levels of noise and build in WiFi and Bluetooth the Mini exceeds many of the generic home computers. You can stuff it in some corner, use wireless keyboard, mouse and router and the only cables coming from the computer will be the power cord, monitor and audio cable. The specifications are ideal for browsing, watching movies, basic photo and video manipulation or even playing some games ( yep, there are some games available for the Mac ^^ ).
• Work station: same as above, just replace playing games with “playing” with MS Office. If you need desktop space, hook two monitors to the Mini and you will have plenty of it (I am using it this way). Also there is no need to power off the machine, just put it to Sleep at the end of the work day, the power consumption is 2W, and the next morning, just resume from where you were.
• Home/Web Server: this is something new, but again due to its small size and low power consumption, the Mac Mini is ideal for a server machine, working 24/7 in some closet. If you are using other machine or more than one, in home or for working, you can easily setup the Mini for server, when you can store your audio and video files, important documents from all of the machines and then backup the data with TimeMachine thus making your life easier.
• Home Theater Center: many people, which think the hardware of the Mac Mini is too slow for work, purchase it, hook it to a big LCD TV and use it as media center. Again mainly because of the machine little size, WiFi and bluetooth( for wireless peripherals ) abilities and the Apple remote (which, must be purchased separately ). There are some really good programs for media management like Plex, XBMC, Boxee and OSX’s Front Row.

Accessories:

Like every Apple product, there are tons of accessories for the Mac Mini (not so many like for the iPhone though, but sill). In this section I will recommend some, which I think are the most important.

• Buy an external hard disk – this must be in the first place of your accessories shopping list. The explanation is simple (for me that is) – with the integrated backup software in the OSX – TimeMachine, the HDD backup process is made as easier as it gets and if you have, like me some precious data you don’t want to lose, the backup is a must. With TimeMachine you will be able to restore the OS, if somehow it crashed. There is a saying: If you don’t backup your data, then this data its not important for you
• Max out the hard disk and memory – maybe its a good idea, to buy the basic 599$ model, and replace the CPU with the 2.53GHz option
• Consider using wireless keyboard and mouse – even not top priority, eliminating the cables around your machine will make your space look more tidy, more productive and hell good looking. There are plenty of options for wireless keyboards and mice, choose what suit your needs, but I recommend to get an Apple’s keyboard, its really beautiful, compact and endurable
• Mounting case – for the people who don’t want nothing except monitors at their desk or for the Media Center Mini, place the computer in the case (like this one) and mount it somewhere where you can’t see it

Conclusion:

The Mac Mini is a fine machine, perfect for the casual user and an option to consider for the powerful one. Before buying it you must think what is of bigger importance for you:
- Performance ?, consider iMac, Mac Pro or some Windows machine
- Curious about OSX ?, get a refurbished Mini and you will experience Apple’s OS in the cheapest way available
- Tiny ?, with dimensions like width: 6.5 inches(16.51 cm) depth: 6.5 inches(16.51 cm) height: 2 inches(5.08 cm) weight: 2.9 pounds (1.31 kg), the Mac Mini will not bring attention to itself and will be nice addition to your desk.

If you have made your mind, you can buy the Mac Mini from Amazon

Resources:
To calculate your PC power consumption go here
Apple’s computers power usage here
More info about performance here