Need Help with Selecting RAM and Dual Monitor Setup

Hi everyone!

I've been using my Acer laptop (Dual Core i5 processor, 4GB RAM, NVIDIA GT320M with 1GB RAM) running Ubuntu with an external monitor for the last 3 months but I'm now thinking of getting the base 2011 Mac Mini to use as a development machine. I'm switching to OS X because I'm tired of dealing with NVIDIA's Linux drivers and trying to fix the way fonts are being rendered which hurts my eyes badly, I love the simplicity of OS X and I also want to improve my knowledge in UNIX systems. I used OS X before so I'm not a complete newbie.

I have two questions for you:

1) I will replace the RAM that comes with it with 2 x 4GB Kingston 1333MHz DDR3 204-pin CL9 RAM (KVR1333D3S9/4G). Someone around here claimed that CL9 RAMs wouldn't work, is that true? This is the only RAM module meeting Mac Mini's requirements I can easily purchase so could you please tell me whether it would work or not? (It should, I think)

2) I will use it with dual monitors and my setup will be:
HDMI Port -> HDMI Cable -> Monitor 1 (1920x1080)
Thunderbolt Port -> Mini DisplayPort to VGA Cable -> Monitor 2 (1680x1050)
Could you please confirm this would work?

Thanks in advance!

Lokheed said:

I bought 8 GB of Mushkin memory with a CAS of 9 and it works flawless. They even advertise it as "Apple RAM."

I don't know who said CL9 RAM won't work, but they might be out to lunch. But you know, with the price point these days, it's better to get 8 GB. Modest difference for double the RAM makes sense... no matter how inconvenient it is to pick it up.

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Great, then! As I said, I will be getting 8GB (2 x 4GB sticks) which will be more than enough I think.

One more question: Are you satisfied with the overall performance of Mac Mini and do you recommend it as a replacement to the Laptop+Monitor combo I've mentioned?

rokey said:

for the second monitor, use mini displayport to either HDMI or DVI and then run the same 1920 x 1080 resolution (the resolution requires monitor support of course)

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The maximum resolution my second monitor supports is 1680x1050 unfortunately. I have to use a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter because that's the only interface it supports :/

Just took the plunge and ordered it. I'll have it by Tuesday I guess. Now I will order the RAM sticks I've mentioned.

I hope this wasn't a bad decision 🙂

xraydoc said:

I should think you'll like your mini very much.

I have one at the office - 2.5GHz i5 (w/ AMD graphics), 8GB RAM, stock 500GB HDD plus a 120GB OWC SSD boot drive and two Apple 20" Cinema displays (1680x1050). Easily as fast as my '06 Mac Pro was, if not faster, in 1/20th the amount of space. And 1/100th the noise.

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I really hope so 🙂

I'm also thinking of throwing in an SSD when I find one cheap but it's not a must for me right now. Since I am not doing anything resource intensive and will upgrade its RAM and HDD, I think I will be happy with it for a long time as a desktop machine.