Mac mini 2012 i7 2.3ghz which model server or 32bit?

[peterl7777]

Hi,
I posted an earlier thread about using a mac mini as a home media server
still not sure if it is what I need but I think I will get one regardless.

I found on E-bay 2012 I7 2.3ghz (quad core) 1TB HDD 4Gig Ram almost new for Aust$900-00 running OS 10.9 mavericks -Model(C075LOBRDWYM)

or 2012 I7 2.3ghz (Quad core) 4Gig Ram 2x 1TD HDD (2TB total) running as a server -Model(MD389X/A server) for Aust $1300.00

I can upgrade RAM to 16 Gig on either and in turn put in a 512 Gig SSD
as a preferred second drive.

My questions are do I need to get the server model?

Should I wait and try and get a late 2012 I7 2.6Ghz server model as it is faster and just as easy to upgrade RAM and a SSD into the second drive bay?

Is the 2012 2.3GhzI7 quad core (non server model all I need for a home server or do I need the server model to run a home network I can buy a router/gigabit switch to connect my external raid and to my optus cable modem as well as say my apple TV3.

Thanks for ANY advice in advance

 

[marclondon]

My questions are do I need to get the server model?

No - there are various media server options such as Plex I believe and in any case you can buy Apple's Yosemite server now for peanuts on the app store (about A$20 I expect).

Should I wait and try and get a late 2012 I7 2.6Ghz server model as it is faster and just as easy to upgrade RAM and a SSD into the second drive bay?

You don't need a quad core Mini to run a media server. One of the 2014 models will do fine or an older dual core model. The 2.6GHz quad i7s are quite rare now in any case.

M.

 

[Johbremat]

If you decide you're prepared to spend $1300, suggest trying Landmark Computers in Melbourne and buying for less.

http://www.lmc.com.au/products/580589/Apple_Mac_Mini_MD389XA

I've purchased a few, new Mac Mini 6,2 from them in the past few months and had no issues. In particular, their costs for items and shipping are reasonable and the goods are all new as described.

Still to suss out the results of buying RAM and storage for upgrading, having only completed a transaction with http://www.ramcity.com.au/. Bought Crucial RAM and SSDs that are supposed to be suitable for the Mac Minis, per RamCity and Crucial's websites.

The only distinguishing feature of the 6,2 server model versus standard model that I've been able to determine was the software. Otherwise, the hardware is the same. Note that if you upgrade OS X to the likes of 10.10 you'd need to purchase the related version of OS X Server due to compatibility.

 

[illusionx]

There server model hardware is the same as the normal one. The normal one can be upgraded to dual HDD if you want with the purchase of a SATA cable.