Can you downgrade a Late 2009 Mac Mini to OSX 10.5?

[bruce.abbott]

Hey everyone,

I just purchased a 2.26Ghz Mini with 10.6.1 preinstalled. Wondering if it's possible to downgrade to 10.5 or will there possibly be hardware issues since the hardware was likely built with 10.6 in mind?

Haven't see any threads with this particular issue/question.

Thanks!

 

[Hellhammer]

It should be possible because Mini uses the same hardware as early '09 Minis. May I ask you why would you do that?

 

[fhall1]

Clone your 10.6 drive.....try installing 10.5...if it works great! If not, go back to 10.6

 

[killerrobot]

I always thought the firmware prevented installation of any earlier version than that with which the mac shipped.

However, in the above mentioned thread, it looks as though someone got it working. Apple must not have updated the firmware since last revision.

 

[Eidorian]

I always thought the firmware prevented installation of any earlier version than that with which the mac shipped.

However, in the above mentioned thread, it looks as though someone got it working. Apple must not have updated the firmware since last revision.

The only difference appears to be the hardware ID. Otherwise retail 10.5.6 or cloning is all you need. The hardware didn't change to require new drivers.