Can a Mac Mini Server do EVERYTHING a Mac Mini can?

[HappyDude20]

Seller on Craigslist is selling a 2010 Mac Mini Server. I don’t really need to utilize the Server portion of this 2020 model, just really want a desktop Mac and am wondering if the Mac Mini Server (2010, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) can act/work as a regular Mac Mini? The price is right at $200 so wanna know if I should jump on this.

 

[Boyd01]

That sounds like this

Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 (Server) Specs (Mid-2010, MC438LL/A, Macmini4,1, A1347, 2364): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 (Server). Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.

everymac.com

That's a ten-year-old, slow, core 2 duo computer. I have a 2008 15" MacBook Pro with about the same specs that I stopped using about 5 years ago. The core 2 duo is really slow by today's standards. But I don't really know what you expect. It could run older software that is still usable. And I suppose having a SSD and 8gb of memory is a plus. The fact that it's a "server" is pretty meaningless IMO. Just means it was originally bundled with the server software, slightly faster CPU, two hard drives and more memory than a standard Mini.

IMO, you'd be much better off with something like this, the CPU is more than twice as fast and the graphics will be compatible with current software.

Is This still a good Mac?

Mac Mini Core i5-4278U 2.6GHz 8GB RAM 1TB HDD Mac OS Late 2014. I'll be using for photoshop and light final cut and I'll be replacing with a SSD drive. Thanks

forums.macrumors.com

 

[glenthompson]

I have that exact model. Main difference in the server version was having 2 hard drives instead of one drive and a DVD drive. Sounds like someone replaced a drive with a SSD. Came with 2 500gb drives. Mine works as a file/media server and does fine. I have 8tb of external disk via FireWire.

Unless are doing very light work it may be a bit underpowered.

 

[wardie]

Would not bother personally. I have same old model gathering dust now. I suppose I may resurrect it for a project. I had a hybrid drive in one of the slots for boot and another large 2.5 HDD in the other. Worked OK. Was running very old OS now too re lack of updates and iCloud integration etc. But replaced with a 2018 MM refurb I got off Apple store which is way better obviously. It’s better than nothing obviously but you’ll end up spending more time try to keep is less obsolete and waiting waiting.

 

[Fishrrman]

Even for $200, a 2010 Mini is just getting to be "too old".
Spend a little more, and don't buy one earlier than a 2012 (which has USB3).