In the market for a Mac mini to replace my 2011 model that I was using as a media server. I found two on Craigslist that seems like they could be a good deal. Both are 2012 models with the 3.6Ghz i7 CPU. One has 16gb ram and a 1tb drive for $400. The other has 8gb ram and a 500gb fusion drive for $300. Is either of these an especially good deal? As a side note, I have a 256gb SSD I had planned on swapping in as a system drive.
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Good deal?
- Thread starter smurray
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I don't think those prices are terrible, since they are the last generation of decent Mac mini. If you're just looking to buy one, I'd get the second model since you intend on replacing the hard drive. 8GB of RAM isn't terrible, depending on your use, but you would always be able to upgrade that at a later time. The only other question would be which one looks more well-cared for. I'd rather not buy a used model from the guy that appeared to spill a Coke and a box of roofing nails on his mini.
I know I am in the minority on this, but whenever I consider buying a second hand/used computer, which I have done only twice in my life, I always consider the cost of replacing the hard drive.
Having said that, I think they are good offers if they are in good condition.
Having said that, I think they are good offers if they are in good condition.
If these are really 2.6 ghz quad 2012 mini's, then the prices are very good. In fact, I'd say they might be too good. Maybe the owners just don't know what they are really worth... or maybe worse. This particular model is the fastest mini ever made with a geekbench rating over 12,000 which is about 50% faster than the current top of the line Mini. I have one and really like it - I use it for video editing. IMO, it would be overkill for a media server - I have a base 2014 mini for that.
So I'd be careful. I'd expect them to cost maybe twice that much if they're in good condition. OWC sells used Mini's that are checked over and have a 90 day warranty. They currently don't have any 2.6 2012 quads, but their cheapest 2.3 quad is $720 for a 4gb model.
So I'd be careful. I'd expect them to cost maybe twice that much if they're in good condition. OWC sells used Mini's that are checked over and have a 90 day warranty. They currently don't have any 2.6 2012 quads, but their cheapest 2.3 quad is $720 for a 4gb model.
From talking to the guy, he bought a handful of them from a real estate office that recently closed. The only negative with the systems is there is some cosmetic damage on the underside due to security cables the office had gorilla glued to the aluminum base. They got a little gouged up when he was removing those. No impact on performance however, and it can’t be seen when set right side up.
Maybe they were damaged when he stole them? 
But seriously, if you're happy with the condition and think the seller is honest, sounds like a good deal. I suspect you could flip them at a nice profit since this model is still very popular.
But seriously, if you're happy with the condition and think the seller is honest, sounds like a good deal. I suspect you could flip them at a nice profit since this model is still very popular.