I have heard many people to wonder about, what are the differences between the two 2009 models of the Mac Mini – early 2009 and late 2009. So here I will show the differences about this two models and even with their predecessor the 2007 Mac Mini – you may wonder why I am writing this, but again some people are wondering if there is a meaning to get a second hand 2007 Mac Mini or to go with the newest one.
| Late 2009 Mac Mini | Early 2009 Mac Mini | 2007 Mac Mini | |
| CPU | 2.26GHz, 2.53GHz and 2.66GHz is optional, Intel Core 2 Duo, 1066MHz FSB, 3 MB L2 cache | 2.0 GHz and 2.26GHz optional, Intel Core 2 Duo , 1066 FSB, 3 MB L2 cache | 1.83GHz (T5600) with 2MB L2 cache and 2.0GHz (T7200) with 4MB L2 cache, 667MHz FSB Intel Core 2 Duo |
| Memory | 2GB for the basic model and 4GB for the second model, DDR3, 1066MHz, expandable to 8GB | 1GB for the basic model and 2GB for the second model, DDR3, 1066MHz, expandable to 8GB | 1GB 667MHz DDR2 memory, which you can expand to 4GB, but only 3GB will be addressable |
| Hard Disk | 160GB drive in the basic model and 320GB for the second model | 120GB in the basic and 320GB for the second model | 80GB, 120GB and optional 160GB (in all Minis the drives are Serial ATA and working at 5400rpm) |
| Video Card | nVidia GeForce 9400M with 256MB shared with the main memory | same as late 2009 | Intel GMA950 using 64MB shared with main memory |
| Ouput | 5 USB ports, 1 FireWire 800, 1 ethernet, Mini displayPort and mini-DVI ports (meaning two monitors can be attached), power input | same as the late 2009 Model | 4 USB ports, 1 FireWire 400, 1 ethernet, DVI port(only one monitor can be attached, more only with appropriate adapter) |
| Other | OS X version is Snow Leopard 10.6, model in system profiler is Macmini3,1 | OS X version is Leopard 10.5, model in system profiler is Macmini3,1 | OS X version is Tiger 10.4, model in system profiler is Macmini2,1 |
Conclusion
This are the differences between the different models of Mac Mini, as you can see even the 2007 models is very capable machine if you want to use it for something different from main computer, such as web server, home theater or backup computer. But if you want to experience the full power of this tiny computer get yourself one of the late 2009 models, mainly because of their powerful processor.
