2014 positives outweigh 2012?

[vincenz]

I have a chance to get a 2014 mini with 2.6 GHz, 16 GB RAM, and 256 PCIe SSD for $650 here on local CL.

Been doing a lot of research about the 2012 quad cores and how they stack up, but I know there's a bunch more differences other than the CPU. If you don't necessarily need the quad core, the 2014 seems like a decent deal at this price range no?

2x Thunderbolt 2, ac wifi, TRIM support for SSD, Iris graphics over HD4000, PCIe SSD over SATA III

Even if you were lucky enough to get a 2012 refurb, regardless of the specs, the parts are still an additional 2 years old. Plus I want the ability in the future to drive 2x 2560x1440 displays, which I don't think would be achievable on the 2012, even with an active HDMI-DisplayPort adapter. For conparison, a refurb 2012 base quad core, would have to upgrade myself for RAM and SSD and adapter. 580+70+80+80+tax is around 850ish.

Should I just jump on this 2014 deal for 650? Same price on Apple BTO is 1100+tax new. Any thoughts?

 

[Fishrrman]

Before you buy, the question to ask is:
"Did this come with the 256gb SSD already installed from the factory?"

You want one that HAS NOT been opened by the previous owner...

 

[vincenz]

Understand the concern. Do I have the right information here?:

2014 mini with HDD config only has SATA III interface.

2014 mini with fusion drive config has both SATA III and PCIe interfaces.

2014 mini with PCIe SSD config has both SATA III and PCIe interfaces.

Looking at ifixit teardowns, seems like some configs don't have some interfaces built in. Could be wrong.

EDIT:
Pretty sure I'm wrong. Looked closer and the interface is still there, but just not filled. So if the mini comes with just a PCIe SSD, the HDD interface and tray would still be there, but would be empty?

 

[Algus]

Haswell has very modest performance gains over Ivy Bridge. It's primary claim to fame is that it significantly improved battery life in mobile devices. This is a nonissue in desktop machines. That is a pretty good price for a unit with 16 GB RAM however. If the 256 GB on board is sufficient storage for you, it is probably worth considering.

the 2012 could drive your monitors over thunderbolt but the Intel Iris is a fairly good improvement over the older HD 4000 so if you're looking to push your integrated chip, the Iris will be a nice upgrade.

 

[vincenz]

Thanks for the input! I went for it. 256 GB is enough for me as that's the capacity of my 2013 MBA at the moment, which I will clone over to the mini and then sell off. If I ever need more space I guess I can add another SATA III drive into the mini, which is great-- seems I would just have to get the drive and the correct cable to connect to the logic board.

The issue is I have 2 LED Cinema Displays, one 24" and the other 27" so I wouldn't be able to daisy chain them, but would have to use both Thunderbolt ports. Previously, I had my 24" running off of one of those USB-powered external video cards connected to my MBA and even though it works, the frame rate wasn't ideal and kind of ruined the experience for me so I went looking for a cheap(ish) Mac with 2 Thunderbolt ports.

If I had gone for the 2012, I would have had to try either of these:

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-...51168330&sr=1-23&keywords=hdmi+to+displayport

(seems it supports 4K, but I don't know if the DisplayPort 1.2 standard would be compatible if I tried to convert it from the mini DisplayPort on the cinema display)


http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-...78&sr=1-4&keywords=hdmi+to+displayport+active

(max resolution is 1920x1200, which is perfect for the 24", but if I wanted to get another 27" in the future, I'd be SOL)

I don't want to go through the hassle/money of swapping for 2 Thunderbolt Displays either at this point. Too many unknowns in the equation for the 2012 with my set up and the IO beginning to show its age decided it for me.

 

[Celerondon]

If you don't necessarily need the quad core, the 2014 seems like a decent deal at this price range no?

Correct! You scored!

2014 mini with PCIe SSD config has both SATA III and PCIe interfaces.

Yes but, All Three configurations have both interfaces available on the logic board. The only thing missing is cables and mounting hardware.

If I ever need more space I guess I can add another SATA III drive into the mini, which is great-- seems I would just have to get the drive and the correct cable to connect to the logic board.

Yes! I disagree with the idea that you shouldn't consider that computer if you need more storage. Adding storage is easy and you can control the cost as well.

 

[Celerondon]

If you don't necessarily need the quad core, the 2014 seems like a decent deal at this price range no?

Correct! You scored!

2014 mini with PCIe SSD config has both SATA III and PCIe interfaces.

Yes but, All Three configurations have both interfaces available on the logic board. The only thing missing is cables and mounting hardware (for unused interfaces).

If I ever need more space I guess I can add another SATA III drive into the mini, which is great-- seems I would just have to get the drive and the correct cable to connect to the logic board.

Yes! I disagree with the idea that you shouldn't consider that computer if you need more storage. Adding storage is easy and you can control the cost with your choices. With 16GB of RAM, PCIe, and two Thunderbolt ports, that particular mini seems more expandable than my 2012. Doesn't it?