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Connecting 2018 Mac mini to 2017 iMac for iTunes server

Apple_Robert

Apple_Robert

Contributor
Original poster
Sep 21, 2012
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In a van down by the river
i need a iTunes server and was thinking of getting the new base MacMini. I have (2) 10TB drives to connect to it. Is there a way to connect the mini to my iMac and use it as a display when needed? If so, what components do I need, and is this a practical solution? I am very limited on desk space.
 
BasicGreatGuy said:
i need a iTunes server and was thinking of getting the new base MacMini. I have (2) 10TB drives to connect to it. Is there a way to connect the mini to my iMac and use it as a display when needed? If so, what components do I need, and is this a practical solution? I am very limited on desk space.
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You could just use screen sharing, but a 2018 Mini is an awfully expensive and overpowered iTunes server.
 
chrfr said:
If iTunes sharing is all the computer is doing, any 2012 or 2014 Mac Mini is more than sufficient and both will run Mojave, if that matters.
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OR loads of cheap NAS drives will act as an iTunes server too
 
BasicGreatGuy said:
How do I go about setting up the mini tomorrow without a separate monitor? Will connecting it to my 4K tv work for initial setup?

Thanks for the reply.
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Yup. Not sure about your iMac, recent ones don’t support target display mode and that’s more complex than just plugging your 4K telly anyway. Notwithstanding that, if you’ve just spent loads of your hard earned $ on a new MacMini just to be an iTunes server you could save yourself a lot by returning it and for example buying these, even just a WD My Cloud drive, or a QNAP/Synology NAS if you want to go large as it sounds:
https://appleinsider.com/articles/1...storage-options-for-mac-iphone-and-ipad-users

Full disclosure... I don’t think it’s a bonkers idea, as I run an iTunes server on a headless Mac Mini, but a very old and cheap 2008 MM server one which also runs as a file / print / email / backup / cache server etc It’s just if that is all you need, a MM is overkill.
 
wardie said:
Yup. Not sure about your iMac, recent ones don’t support target display mode and that’s more complex than just plugging your 4K telly anyway. Notwithstanding that, if you’ve just spent loads of your hard earned $ on a new MacMini just to be an iTunes server you could save yourself a lot by returning it and for example buying these, even just a WD My Cloud drive, or a QNAP/Synology NAS if you want to go large as it sounds:
https://appleinsider.com/articles/1...storage-options-for-mac-iphone-and-ipad-users

Full disclosure... I don’t think it’s a bonkers idea, as I run an iTunes server on a headless Mac Mini, but a very old and cheap 2008 MM server one which also runs as a file / print / email / backup / cache server etc It’s just if that is all you need, a MM is overkill.
Click to expand...
After making the purchase, as the refurb store was out of stock, I decided that I can make use of the mini outside of using it as a server, even if it will be limited in scope for the moment. At the very least, if something happens with my iMac and it needs to go in for service, the mini will keep me going.

It is a shame the 2017 iMac doesn't;t support target mode. That would have made life a lot easier.

Thanks for the feedback. I can't deny I spent more than was absolutely. At the same time, there is something to be said for buying new from Apple, not to mention the few extra ports my iMac doesn't have.
 
They look like great machines so if you have one I’d certainly use it to the full extent you can. I normally connect to mine using apple remote desktop. Good luck!
 
You can screen share over WiFi or dedicated Ethernet cable. But if you’re getting a new mini and have a tv, it probably makes more sense to leave it hooked up to the tv.

Setup iTunes and everything else you want in the background then run browsers and video in the foreground. Turn you tv into its own media PC setup. Just enable HiDPI so you can see without squinting.
 
ElectronGuru said:
You can screen share over WiFi or dedicated Ethernet cable. But if you’re getting a new mini and have a tv, it probably makes more sense to leave it hooked up to the tv.

Setup iTunes and everything else you want in the background then run browsers and video in the foreground. Turn you tv into its own media PC setup. Just enable HiDPI so you can see without squinting.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply. I don't see HIDPI option listed under display options on the mini
 
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