Installing Mavericks on new model Mini?

[indychris]

I need to pick up a Mm to run worship slides/video/presentation for our church. I personally can't stand the look of Yosemite, and love the glitch-free performance I'm getting out of Mavericks right now.

So would I be able to take a new model Mm out of the box and start by installing Mavericks on the machine rather than Yosemite, or will firmware/hardware prohibit that?

 

[Lefty21]

typically Apple makes it difficult/impossible to install a version of OS X older than the one that came with the machine. I haven't heard anything definitive for Yosemite, but that has been my experience in the past at least.

 

[indychris]

typically Apple makes it difficult/impossible to install a version of OS X older than the one that came with the machine. I haven't heard anything definitive for Yosemite, but that has been my experience in the past at least.

My experience as well. It's likely too early to ask the question as it's likely that no one has the new model Mm in hand at this point.

 

[hallux]

The reason you can't run an earlier version of OS X than the computer originally shipped with is that the earlier version of the OS will never see a driver package for the new model. Since there are no drivers, the system won't run right, if at all.

 

[blanka]

It should be. It is basically a headless MBA. So the drivers are there. Was the same back in 2011: mini came with lion, but was a shrunk MBP that came out just before Lion.

 

[mullet]

I would agree with the last poster.

The way I've done it in the past is to use a 2nd Mac to do the install. For instance you'd use the Mini in FireWire target disc mode. Then install to the Mini. Not sure if that still works.

I'd think you'd need a Thunderbolt to FW800 adapter to do this if you are using an older Mac or Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt with a newer Mac. Also, if you're new Mini is a Fusion drive, only connect to it with a 10.8.5 or newer machine.

 

[Rodster]

I need to pick up a Mm to run worship slides/video/presentation for our church. I personally can't stand the look of Yosemite, and love the glitch-free performance I'm getting out of Mavericks right now.

So would I be able to take a new model Mm out of the box and start by installing Mavericks on the machine rather than Yosemite, or will firmware/hardware prohibit that?

Have you tried making a bootable Mavericks USB drive? I don't see why you couldn't install Mavs on the 2014 model.

 

[indychris]

Have you tried making a bootable Mavericks USB drive? I don't see why you couldn't install Mavs on the 2014 model.

I have Mavericks already on a USB drive, but it's all for nought at this point as there's no way in hades that I'm going to be buying the new 'pay more for less' mini that was released.

 

[potatis]

any update on this...? it was possible to install 10.6 on mac mini 2011 (that came with 10.7) due to hardware similarities with mbp 2011 that came out just before 10.6. So has anyone tried installing with a thunderbolt cable from another mac?

 

[Ebenezum]

I am curious is it possible to install Mavericks to 2014 Mac Mini?

Since Macbook Air 2014 is based on same components and it works with Mavericks in theory it should work.

I cannot test installing with thunderbolt cable since i have only Mac Mini.

If Thunderbolt won't work would it be possible to take relevant drivers from Macbook Air and hack them to Mac Mini?

I wish i could get rid of ***** Yosemite and replace it with Mavericks which is much more reliable.