Apple Introduces New Mac Mini With Faster Processors and Quad-Core Option - Page 8

RaceTripper · Oct 25, 2012, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by statenine

Is the hard drive and memory user replaceable in these things? I am thinking about picking up the mid range mini but would like to upgrade to an SSD and 16GB of ram myself from OWC.

I am doing exactly that. I ordered the CPU bumped mid model with 4GB RAM and 1 TB drive. I ordered a 240 GB Extreme Pro SSD , data double kit (so I'll have both SSD and HDD installed), and 16 GB RAM from OWC. I have those already (doubler kit arrives today). The Mini will come next week.

AppliedMicro · Oct 25, 2012, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linkgx1

Shouldn't the i5 be better than the i7 for graphics in most cases.... Especially since the ghz is higher and most apps still aren't quad core optimized.

Even with apps that aren't multithreaded (i.e. optimized for multiple cores) the dual-core i5 CPU is virtually never better than the quad-core i7. If your applications use less than four cores, the quad-core i7 "overclocks" to run at a higher clock speed. In effect, the quad-core i7 should be at least as fast as a comparable dual-core i5. On the other hand, quad-core

Intel calls this "Turbo Boost".

Broadly speaking, the quad-core is going to be at least as fast in applications that only use one or two cores, while being significantly faster in applications that are multithreaded. On the other hand, quad-core i7 aren't necessarily faster than comparable (same generation, similarly clocked) dual-core i5 in non-multithreaded applications, as evidenced by benchmarks comparing MacBook Pro 13" and 15".

linkgx1 · Oct 25, 2012, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AppliedMicro

Even with apps that aren't multithreaded (i.e. optimized for multiple cores) the dual-core i5 CPU is virtually never better than the quad-core i7. If your applications use less than four cores, the quad-core i7 "overclocks" to run at a higher clock speed. In effect, the quad-core i7 should be at least as fast as a comparable dual-core i5. On the other hand, quad-core

Intel calls this "Turbo Boost".

Broadly speaking, the quad-core is going to be at least as fast in applications that only use one or two cores, while being significantly faster in applications that are multithreaded. On the other hand, quad-core i7 aren't necessarily faster than comparable (same generation, similarly clocked) dual-core i5 in non-multithreaded applications, as evidenced by benchmarks comparing MacBook Pro 13" and 15".

So should i get an i5 or i7? Note that I'll probaly use lots of Photoshop and programming.

banemicic · Oct 25, 2012, 10:33 AM

What is the best 2.5", 1TB, 7200rpm hard disk suitable for new Mac Mini as a second drive with OWC Data Doubler Kit? Hard disk will be used mainly for audio/video work with Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro X projects.

AppliedMicro · Oct 25, 2012, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linkgx1

So should i get an i5 or i7? Note that I'll probaly use lots of Photoshop and programming.

I am by no means familiar with Photoshop but from what I read and know, it has increasingly multithreaded and will surely be going further in this direction. "Programming" is really a broad term. Compiling should benefit from a quad-core machine.

Personally, I'd definitely go with the quad-core i7.
If doing "lots of Photoshop" isn't a good reason to opt for the higher Mac mini, I don't know what is..?

Keep in mind, though, that the memory upgrade is probably a better upgrade than the CPU (as might even be getting an SSD). You can also do the memory upgrade yourself.

BingClawsby · 11:55 AM

Adobe has the HD P4000 as being mercury engine capable, but what's confusing is that the P4000 is the xenon workstation version whereas the plain 4000 is its mobile counterpart.... question is, is the HD 4000 mercury engine capable as well?

I've been looking to upgrade from my 2007 macbook C2D 2ghz with its intel 950 that not open gl capable so I can't take advantage of some of PS CS5's viewing options like rotation.

I was hoping to grab a new mini but now I don't know. I also use Logic 9 and Ableton Live, so unless I'm going to see some sort of huge performance boost, I guess I'll wait it out.

However, I don't do games so that is of no concern... I do need it to handle graphics for PS, DAW's and Mainstage though

Wren Zero · Nov 3, 2012, 06:29 PM

Could it be that they're just relying on TB technology for users needing a better graphics option? I guess I don't see the negative side here. I'm am pleased with the faster processing, the (slightly) less expensive SSD option than previous minis (I might be remembering incorrectly), and USB3.

I plan to only use the mini for recording audio with Pro Tools, though. So, these improvements are A+ in my book! I get to keep the FW for the recording interface and use USB3 for recording to external HD (or routing through FW as previously handled... or utilize TB if/when those drives come down in price).

If I really wanted to use the mini for gaming/graphics intense whatnot...etc., I'd just wait for an affordable TB option to come about.

I don't see what all the fuss is about, honestly.

Cheers,
Wren

Westyfield2 · Nov 3, 2012, 06:32 PM

Are there actually any thunderbolt enclosures with GPUs that have Mac drivers on the market?

Wren Zero · 07:44 PM

No idea, but I'd be willing to bet they'll be around soon enough if not already. I'd still wait for an appropriate price either way. I have a PC for games... The mini, in my opinion, is perfect for a small recording studio as is. Upgradeable in the not too distant future, graphically speaking.

KenAF · Nov 3, 2012, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xyzedd

2 & 4. My ex PC laptop had switch able video HD4000 and an Nvidia. The videos and photos were horrendous on the HD4000 (artefacts galore), I could only edit in video/imaging apps switching to the NVidia.

Hence why I bought a 17" i7 QC Mac soon after - with a discrete GPU. Though it had a 5400rpm drive that kept throwing up speed problems with video work. So took out the ODD and added an SSD and made the 5400 for storage only.

There is hope yet for Mini fans...

Intel will reportedly introduce its next-generation "Haswell" (4th generation Core) architecture in April. "Haswell" is expected to improve performance per MHz by about 10%, enable higher MHz designs that consume less power, and double the performance of Intel's current integrated HD4000 GPU. The Haswell's GPU also adds support for OpenCL 1.2 and OpenGL 4.0 like the latest nVidia and ATI solutions. Extremetech and Anandtech have good articles below.

More information:
http://m.extremetech.com/extremetech...be7169236e79/1
http://www.anandtech.com/show/6355/i...l-architecture

Balooba · Nov 4, 2012, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strapontin

Price is a scandal.

599 dollars for the US market (461 euros)

629 euros for the European Market (777 US dollars).

It's not even 1:1 parity !
Here, Apple is really taking its (european) consumer for an idiot.

The list price in the US does not include sales tax.

Oct 26, 2012, 11:46 AM	#181
BingClawsby macrumors member Join Date: Mar 2010	Adobe has the HD P4000 as being mercury engine capable, but what's confusing is that the P4000 is the xenon workstation version whereas the plain 4000 is its mobile counterpart.... question is, is the HD 4000 mercury engine capable as well? I've been looking to upgrade from my 2007 macbook C2D 2ghz with its intel 950 that not open gl capable so I can't take advantage of some of PS CS5's viewing options like rotation. I was hoping to grab a new mini but now I don't know. I also use Logic 9 and Ableton Live, so unless I'm going to see some sort of huge performance boost, I guess I'll wait it out. However, I don't do games so that is of no concern... I do need it to handle graphics for PS, DAW's and Mainstage though Last edited by BingClawsby; Oct 26, 2012 at 11:55 AM.
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Nov 3, 2012, 06:29 PM	#182
Wren Zero macrumors newbie Join Date: Nov 2012	Thunderbolt Could it be that they're just relying on TB technology for users needing a better graphics option? I guess I don't see the negative side here. I'm am pleased with the faster processing, the (slightly) less expensive SSD option than previous minis (I might be remembering incorrectly), and USB3. I plan to only use the mini for recording audio with Pro Tools, though. So, these improvements are A+ in my book! I get to keep the FW for the recording interface and use USB3 for recording to external HD (or routing through FW as previously handled... or utilize TB if/when those drives come down in price). If I really wanted to use the mini for gaming/graphics intense whatnot...etc., I'd just wait for an affordable TB option to come about. I don't see what all the fuss is about, honestly. Cheers, Wren
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Nov 3, 2012, 06:32 PM	#183
Westyfield2 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Bath, UK.	Are there actually any thunderbolt enclosures with GPUs that have Mac drivers on the market? __________________ iPhone 5 64GB on 4GEE iPad 3G+WiFi 64GB 13" MacBook Air (2.13GHz, 4GB, 256GB) - 15" MacBook Pro (2.4GHz, 4GB) Mac Mini (2.6GHz quad i7, 16GB, 256GB SSD)
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Nov 3, 2012, 06:50 PM	#184
Wren Zero macrumors newbie Join Date: Nov 2012	No idea, but I'd be willing to bet they'll be around soon enough if not already. I'd still wait for an appropriate price either way. I have a PC for games... The mini, in my opinion, is perfect for a small recording studio as is. Upgradeable in the not too distant future, graphically speaking. Last edited by Wren Zero; Nov 3, 2012 at 07:44 PM.
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Oct 25, 2012, 10:33 AM	#179
banemicic macrumors newbie Join Date: Apr 2011	What is the best 2.5", 1TB, 7200rpm hard disk suitable for new Mac Mini as a second drive with OWC Data Doubler Kit? Hard disk will be used mainly for audio/video work with Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro X projects.
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