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Apple Store has refurbished 2012 Minis!
- Thread starter ZipZilla
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Exactly!
With this particular platform (the 2012 mini) and a heavy multi-core workload the quicker CPU should get the job done in a bit less time.
It seems odd that we tend to fixate on fan noise from minis equipped with these i7 processors. After all, they only make noise when they are performing tasks that lesser chips cannot accomplish (in the same time)! This seems like complaining about the poor gas mileage of a loaded F350 Ford work truck compared to an otherwise similar F150 that is used for a freeway commute to and from work.
The clock difference is only 10%. You're not likely to notice the difference. If you want a 2012 Mini i7, I'd grab what whichever shows up first at a reasonable price.
Yes but the server is the one to get anyway since it already has all the OEM hardware needed to run two drives. And, adding an SSD to the lower bay is a snap.
True, but you're paying almost a $100 premium over the certified refurb of the same model to get that. If you can get it direct from Apple cheaper, then do that. And for the single-drive model, the iFixIt kit is only $30.00:
"All Mac Minis support two hard drives — don't pay the Apple premium for an expensive Mac Mini server when you can use our kit to make one yourself and save money."
https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Mac/Mac-Mini-Dual-Drive-Kit/IF171-005
Well the last of the 2012's seem to be going away. Shame. The small form factor is nice vs the iMac's.
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-- No, the 2.6 does more work in less time and should run cooler compared to the 2.3.
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I'd guess they both do a fine job. I think the most important thing is getting a SSD "Fusion" version and adding more memory. That gives you the most bang for the buck and would speed things up on both the 2.3 and 2.6
Don't forget, there are still brand new 2012 Mini servers at B&H:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/897214-REG/Apple_md389ll_a_Mac_mini_Desktop_Computer.html
It's more expensive than the refurb, but $50 cheaper than before it was discontinued. Replace one of the drives with a small and cheap 256GB SSD and make your own fusion drive, then bump the RAM to 16GB, and you're good. Heck, if you want to be cheap, you could use a 128GB SSD and only bump the RAM to 8GB, making it pretty equivalent to the Apple BTO fusion config.
And it comes with a free copy of Parallels, not just Parallels Access, but the actual VM software (you won't see the option until you go to checkout). That's worth at least another $50.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/897214-REG/Apple_md389ll_a_Mac_mini_Desktop_Computer.html
It's more expensive than the refurb, but $50 cheaper than before it was discontinued. Replace one of the drives with a small and cheap 256GB SSD and make your own fusion drive, then bump the RAM to 16GB, and you're good. Heck, if you want to be cheap, you could use a 128GB SSD and only bump the RAM to 8GB, making it pretty equivalent to the Apple BTO fusion config.
And it comes with a free copy of Parallels, not just Parallels Access, but the actual VM software (you won't see the option until you go to checkout). That's worth at least another $50.
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The thing I like about the Mini is that the small form factor fits in my entertainment setup. I know iMacs are faster, but I'll still even pay a bit more to have a beefy 2012 Mac Mini over the iMac just because of the tiny size.
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Here's some helpful threads talking about the Mac Mini as an Entertainment Setup:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1472041/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1556618/[/QUOTE]
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Here's some helpful threads talking about the Mac Mini as an Entertainment Setup:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1472041/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1556618/[/QUOTE]
isn't this one more powerful ?
http://store.apple.com/us/product/G0NP1LL/A/refurbished-mac-mini-26ghz-quad-core-Intel-Core-i7
if it was in stock
That is a refurb that is no longer available. The point of the current discussion is that the 2012 refurbs have dried up, and there most likely won't be any more coming from Apple. Please go back and catch up with the flow of the conversation in this thread. That is why I am mentioning the server model at B&H.
One more time, the 2012 refurbs are GONE. They won't be coming back. Read the thread to see how their availability has dwindled to zero. If they do come back, then it will be sporadically and only a few will be lucky to get one. It's time to face reality.
This one chart (below) clearly shows the reason the 2012 Mac Mini's are so popular. In cases where people use a program that uses multiple processors the 2012 machines kick the butt of the new 2014 machines. I understand Apple isn't concerned about the entry level machines and high performance, so it's best to get a 2012 Mac Mini i7 quad core machine while you can. It's the last of the higher performance entry level models, at least for now.
![macmini-october-2014-multicore.png]()
There are still many refurbs on eBay that are only going for just a bit more than the Apple new price. There's a sealed Apple stock Fusion drive one up there now that is going for a reasonable price. And because it's stock the warranty is guaranteed. I noticed many eBay sellers opening up and starting the Mini's and installing aftermarket parts and still selling it as new. That's debatable. Because these upgrades are NOT done by certified Apple Technicians they could be setting buyers up for a disappointment if their parts cause issues for the Mini. Apple certified technicians can display an Apple certified logo. None to be found by these sellers. Go ahead and ask if they are certified, most are not. If I would have any upgrade work done it would be by Otherworld Computing because they are certified.
There are still many refurbs on eBay that are only going for just a bit more than the Apple new price. There's a sealed Apple stock Fusion drive one up there now that is going for a reasonable price. And because it's stock the warranty is guaranteed. I noticed many eBay sellers opening up and starting the Mini's and installing aftermarket parts and still selling it as new. That's debatable. Because these upgrades are NOT done by certified Apple Technicians they could be setting buyers up for a disappointment if their parts cause issues for the Mini. Apple certified technicians can display an Apple certified logo. None to be found by these sellers. Go ahead and ask if they are certified, most are not. If I would have any upgrade work done it would be by Otherworld Computing because they are certified.
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Yes, however it is a lot easier to install an SSD in the lower bay than to move the lower bay HDD to the upper bay and then install an SSD in the lower bay.
There is also the possibility that in the event of a mainboard or power supply failure one might have a lot less trouble convincing Apple that the repairs are an Apple defect rather than being caused by the user disassembling the mini entirely. Just a thought.
First, most of what is now for sale on eBay and Craigslist is overpriced in relation to it's condition. I saw no deals the last time I looked, but I'll check again.
Second, you can get something that is literally brand new from B&H, so unless you can point me to something that beats the $899 (the price was $849 until a day or two ago, but it just went up) price for the 2012 dual-drive quad server model, there's no point.
Third, my refurb 2.6GHz 1TB Fusion Mini with 8GB RAM cost $929+tax direct from Apple. If I bought the $899 2.3GHz server model from B&H and bumped the RAM to 8GB and swapped in a 128GB SSD, the cost would be comparable, since B&H only charges tax in NY. The only difference would be the 0.3GHz.
Fourth, you have no idea what the heck you might get via eBay or Craigslist. Unless it's literally sealed, I will take the brand new machine from a legit retailer or a certified refurb direct from Apple, over something from anywhere else.
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Please don't insult us.
My soon to be son in law isn't using his 2012 mini much according to my daughter. I think I'll try to buy it from him.
Yes, Apple and dealers first. B&H is great, but they didn't have the machines I wanted. I've gotten plenty of deals on eBay buying sealed refurbs for less than $100 over what Apple charges. Just watch for the sales ending midweek at late night. Also look at their rating and how long they've been on eBay and the amount of their sales.
I wouldn't touch Craigslist for electronics.
Solid Reasoning
I think I see your point. If a processor finishes the heat generating task first, then it will be cooler sooner. The 2.6 was the fastest 2012 CPU. Therefore, the 2.6 i7 should spend more time running cool (idling) than the slower 2.3 and perhaps even the i5 options.
I think I see your point. If a processor finishes the heat generating task first, then it will be cooler sooner. The 2.6 was the fastest 2012 CPU. Therefore, the 2.6 i7 should spend more time running cool (idling) than the slower 2.3 and perhaps even the i5 options.
I don't buy it. The difference in task completion time would be seconds or fraction of a second between 2.3i7 and 2.6i7. However, heat transfer from CPU to heatsink to air to out of the computer takes many minutes. In the end, any seconds of millisecond time gains are made irrelevant by the time it takes to cool down.
That difference is an issue that forum users could test and debate. I tend to agree that it won't be very large.
Do you think that there is any substance behind those claims that the 2.6 i7 "runs too hot" compared to the 2.3 i7? Again the real question is one of magnitude between those two similar chips.