So I can't wait any more for the 2014 mac mini , So I want to get the i7 2.3ghz mac mini but the only thing stoping me is the fact it has a Hd4000, is there a way to avoid it.
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Is there a way to avoid Hd4000
- Thread starter MacHaris
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What do you want to avoid? It's a perfectly acceptable GPU for day to day tasks and older gaming.... Not sure why you are trying to avoid it?
You have two choice, buy an older model that doesn't use it, or buy a newer (yet unreleased) model that will have a newer GPU. Other then that, there's no getting around the HD4000
May I ask why you don't want a Mini equipped with the HD4000?
No not really. Marginally better. Only advantage is you can use 2 thunderbolt displays AND an hdmi display. Otherwise speed is only a bit better
So if the OP can't wait he'd be fine with an inexpensive 2011 with 6630 as a placeholder?
The one I have works fine. I don't play games much with it but seems to be ok. Added SSD and 1TB 7200rpm drive. I don't see replacing it anytime soon.
Cheers,
Question is two fold: 1. Could he still find a mid-mini from 2011? 2. Due to only slightly slower GPU, but much slower processor (compared to 2012 mid-mini) why would he?
The answer to 1. is yes.. and very easily. Ebay, craigslist, and probably more sources.
as for 2.. now I might be reading this wrong. but the chip specs for the 2011 2.5 and 2012 2.5 appear to me - identical.
though I realise they're not.. Ivybridge/Sandybridge
from apples website.
2011 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 with 3MB on-chip shared L3 cache
2012 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 with 3MB L3 cache
both have identical turbo boost support.
looking at everymac and comparing the geek bench results they provide, the difference between the two seems slight to me.. yes.. the 2012 gets higher scores.. but not outrageously higher. incremental rather than a profound 'step change'.
I do wonder if anyone would actually notice the difference. would running a 2011 2.5 be an instant handicap? Is it already redundant and not worth buying?
I think not. in fact if my 2011 2.3 were to die tomorrow.. I'd more likely than not replace it quite happily with a 2011 2.5 and consider that.. a nice upgrade.
Just looking at 2nd hand prices here in the UK... they are a bit of a bargain!
The mid range cpu did go from dual to quad core. The 6630m isn't very good. If he's concerned about the gpu, it should also rule that one out. Aside from it being a weak option, many 2011 macbook pros using similar chips have experienced problems. If the OP is interested in games, it still won't run the newest ones well without using the smallest texture sizes. 256MB isn't very much.
Except that he asked about the 2.3ghz which is the QUAD CORE mid-mini where as the two you are talking about is the mid-mini from 2011 and the entry of 2012.
Ok Paul... I read your reply and got muddled.
Lets make it simple.
Because, he doesn't want (for whatever reason) HD4000. So... His choices are limited. 2011 2.5 or the rather less common 2011 server.
As a stopgap until the next mini appears.. That's his option.
The other is to buy what he specifically says he doesn't want... Or wait. And wait. And wait. And for all we know.... Wait some more.
I know what I would do... Go for a cheap stop gap. Take the hit on the slower processor... Which for all I know. Might not even be crucial to his needs. I manage quite well with an even slower machine. (it seems quick to me) and see what happens over the next few months.
But maybe he should buy the current mini. Isn't it possible that having bought that... He might not be able to move up? Cash is tight for some of us. And be left dissatisfied with a machine he never really wanted in the first place?
If he went for the 2011 server, he would be stuck with HD 3000 rather than HD 4000. I can't see how that solves the problem.
Your arguments make no sense. He states he wants the 2.3ghz which means he wants the current Mini but doesn't want the HD4000. The question that the OP still Hasn't stated is "why"... Most do not want Intel graphics because of some of their previous GPUs like the 950. The current Intel GPUs are quite adequate for most people.
And if his reason for not wanting the HD4000 GPU is because it is an Intel GPU then unfortunately waiting for the next mini probably won't yield anything different right?
As for your "cheap stop gap", I don't know what prices are like where you live, but Minis around here hold their value so buying a used 2011 mid-mini isn't a lot cheaper than buying a new base mini....
He certainly doesn't want the HD3000 then of 2011 server!
You make some good points, indeed the 6630 based 2011 is somewhat elusive (they are infrequently available as refurbs @ $509) and it appears to hold its value well if ebay is any indication. However, the i7 the OP desires is $799. Perhaps locating a 2011 @ $509 that is holding it's value well until the 2014 is available (if ever) will suffice. If and when the 2014/15 models come out he could sell the 2011 and make most of his money back.
Of course you could argue for $90 more he could buy the base 2012 and do the same. I personally like the 2011 6630 when bootcamp'd but at this point it's probably mostly personal preference.
The point is moot if the OP's application requires a quad core. Id so, best to find a refurb 2012 i7 quad and resell upon 2014/15 mini release.
Cheers,
Of course there will be always a way 
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.54.rcQiFh&id=15736701613
This seller from Chinese website claims to be able to mod the Mini and even able to put an i5 Haswell chip inside (with HD4600). I am personally not sure if this is actually possible, but just want to share this with you guys.
Edit: it seems the machine does not run OSX though.
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.54.rcQiFh&id=15736701613
This seller from Chinese website claims to be able to mod the Mini and even able to put an i5 Haswell chip inside (with HD4600). I am personally not sure if this is actually possible, but just want to share this with you guys.
Edit: it seems the machine does not run OSX though.
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Why are you trying to avoid the HD4000? I'm fairly critical of integrated graphics, but unless you are playing games the HD4000 is fine. I use my mini for everything from Photoshop to VMware and everything is good. If you are wanting something for the latest games then a mini isn't going to cut it. Personally I keep a PC for games, but each to their own.
Im not a huge gamer by any means. But my 2012 i7 does well enough running some heavy load games like Deus Ex. Although, they tend to run hot...
I would say either stick with the mac mini, buy something else or build a mackintosh mini. My next project will be just that. A mini mac that has independent graphics and no cooling issues, under $800.
I would say either stick with the mac mini, buy something else or build a mackintosh mini. My next project will be just that. A mini mac that has independent graphics and no cooling issues, under $800.