I think I will buy the server version, add 16GB RAM and replace one of the 1TB drives with SSD. I already have Thunderbolt display. This should make one excellent little work computer.
I went to a lot of trouble to configure my 2011 Mini to be the best it could be. I ordered the fastest processor, with the optional GPU, loaded it with RAM, stuck in an SSD and a secondary 750 and voila, a truly, almost adequate, mobile solution.
So I was excited that the new Mini would include more processing power, and of course, a better GPU solution. Well, guess again.
Is it really just a handful? or is Apple turning its PC using audience into a handful by giving up such poor choices?
Minecraft works fine on the 4000 chip - I have the base model - happy to run any test/benchmark for you.
No dedicated GPU = no buy
I can't believe how good this system performs. i replaced my iMac with it and its a much better performer than the iMac and that was a Core 2 Duo 2.93Ghz. The first thing that I did to it however is to get the second drive kit from OWC and installed a 240GB SSD. The system now has the original 1TB drive and the SSD. Some one to told me that I could turn the two into a Fusion drive but I looked I up and it doesn't look to easy. I also dropped in 16GB of memory.
I just got the "Late 2012" 2.6 GHz quad-core Mini. I put in the 240 GB OWC SSD, too. I put in a WD Black 750 GB 7,200 RPM drive and I think the 1 TB drive will become backup for it. (I also got one of the USB 3 miniStacks for a 3.5" expansion drive.) I've only had it up and running a few days now, but there is a lot to like about it. I still wish there was an available discreet GPU though.
As critical as I have been of Jon Ive's thermal design on other products, I have to say this one runs very cool and quiet, though I suspect the SSD helps somewhat in this regard. The rotating drive is "extra storage". I am trying to configure my iTunes files there at the moment. They're 112 GB music/video and I don't think there is a need to clutter up the SSD boot drive with them or the archived Photoshop files.
I originally installed the SSD and rotating drive without having formatted them. The shipping version of Disk Utility (OS 10.8.2 (first version)) made a real mess of it. Disk Utility, by default, treated it as a Fusion Drive and merged them, but the resulting drive was unusable. I had to take the drives out and format them on a different machine and reinstall them. I don't know how Disk Utility in the second version of OS 10.8.2 would treat them and I don't intend to find out. Anybody contemplating this combination should be forewarned. Otherwise you may wind up becoming more familiar with disassembling a Mini than you intended.
Cheers!
Does putting an SSD in void the warranty? I have an incredible PC desktop that I use with dual monitors, but I use a MBA for school. I'd love to be able to dual OS Windows (on my PC) and OS X side by side using my two monitors and Synergy... but I can't downgrade to a slow 5400 rpm HDD when I have 2xSSD on my PC. I'd pop one in if it didn't affect AppleCare. Any idea??