Mac Mini 2012 with two Thunderbolt Displays and Thunderbolt SSD

[mac007b]

Hello,

I've one question concerning the new 2012 Mac mini. Can it handle two Thunderbolt Displays and additionally an external Thunderbolt SSD?

Is the graphic processor Intel HD 4000 fast enough to handle Lightroom in full screen?

Thanks,
Marcus

 

[The-Pro]

Do you allready have the thunderbult displays?
If not id suggest getting an imac and an extra TBD.
The mac mini should be able to handle it just fine but the iMac definetly will.
If a current generation 27" iMac isnt affordable get a last generation refurbished model. They should be pretty cheap.

 

[mac007b]

I currently have the 2011 iMac 2,7. I want to send it back because it has a pixel error. I also dont like the "chin" of the iMac. If a buy an additional TBD, the two dont look the same.

 

[iPhil]

I would upgrade the ram from 4 GB to 8 GB to max out HD4K video ram to 512MB .. Yes 1 TB port can n will handle up 6 TB devices via daisy-chain..

 

[mac007b]

Thank you! Do you think that it will run smoothly? I've seen some older Mac Mini at my local Apple store with a Thunderbolt Display and some UI transitions (mission control, flip between desktops, launchpad) were sometimes not so smooth.

 

[philipma1957]

Thank you! Do you think that it will run smoothly? I've seen some older Mac Mini at my local Apple store with a Thunderbolt Display and some UI transitions (mission control, flip between desktops, launchpad) were sometimes not so smooth.

I think you are asking too much of the 4000 graphics but it is more of an educated guess then anything else.

if you do buy this and set it up let us know if you like it.

(ie be a guinea pig for mac rumors).

I do agree the tbd should match the imac. 2 chins or no chins. apple is form form form. except in this case. I do sympathize with you. But I still think it work work well. Maybe haswell and 5000 graphics will do it correctly.

 

[mac007b]

Hmm - its not easy. I just tried to run the MacBook Air from my grilfriend together with the 27" display of the iMac.

Interface seems to be fluid. But the screensaver were choppy ... the MacBook Air has the same Intel 4000 HD graphic chip... Dont want to spent that much money on a set-up that cannot handle a screensaver...

 

[Poki]

Hmm - its not easy. I just tried to run the MacBook Air from my grilfriend together with the 27" display of the iMac.

Interface seems to be fluid. But the screensaver were choppy ... the MacBook Air has the same Intel 4000 HD graphic chip... Dont want to spent that much money on a set-up that cannot handle a screensaver...

Can't imagine the HD4000 couldn't handle 2D animations ... After all, every OS animation seems to be fluid with a 9400M and a 27" Cinema Display.

And don't forget that the HD4000's speed is CPU dependent, meaning the Air has worse graphics power than the Mini.