Mac Mini 2014 4gb.

[DonCarlos]

I own an excellent 2012 Mac Mini 16 gb 512 SSD, with no issues. I have the opportunity to buy a lightly used 2014 Mac Mini 4 GB RAM, standard 500 HD.

Some may ask why even bother if the 2012 works great....well my thought is how long will Apple run an OS and things, for such an old unit (2012), they will eventually let it slide the way of previous models. At least the 2014 should carry me over to any future changes in the next few years. But the low RAM is kind of scary.

I am keeping an eye on the 2018 and your reviews and honestly I am not that impressed to shell out the dough for an entry model. I will though, shell out 200 bucks and already have a 254 SSD in a box.

Here is my request for input.........

I can install an SSD in this 2014 (been there done that on the 2012),

Q:Will it really make a difference in the stated abysmal performance of the 2014, since the 4GB RAM is not upgradable?

Q: WWJD, or you ? Buy it or save the $200?

As I said $200 bucks for the little used unit. I would use it for just surfing and everyday things like that...no intense work and very little apps. And it is likely that when Apple upgrades the future couple OS this 2014 will carry this one beyond the 2012. (Boy Wasn’t the 2012 just the best of the Mini’s)

Thanks

 

[Dameatball]

The new models are excellent. Obviously a hike in price but substantially more powerful and portable than the orevious gen. I wouldn’t spend on the 2014 model. I’d wait until you were ready to spend on a new model. The 2012 with quad core processors are significantly better than the 2014. I’d keep using it and not worry about the OS. There’s no rule (or need) that you gave to keep updating.

 

[Boyd01]

See this thread: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/late-2014-mac-mini-is-slow.2165265/

Personally, I would save my $200. And IMO $200 isn't such a screaming good deal, considering that B&H has been blowing out new 2014 base minis (with full warranty) for $379 recently.

 

[Heelpir8]

I'd much rather go without OS updates on my 2012 Mac Mini that's spec'd just like yours than be stuck on a 2014 that will only ever have 4GB RAM. The additional 1-2 years of updates you'd get on the 2014 probably wouldn't run nearly as well as Mojave runs on your 2012. Base model Macs have started at 8GB RAM for several years now. And that's what future OS updates will be intended for.

Save the $200!

 

[Fishrrman]

"Will it really make a difference in the stated abysmal performance of the 2014, since the 4GB RAM is not upgradable? "

YES!
4gb isn't enough any more. What this will do is force the OS to go to "disk swapping" VM files almost continuously. You're not going to like it.

"Buy it or save the $200?"

DON'T buy it! It's one of the most "crippled" Macs ever made!
Save the money.

Keep the 2012 -- it's better!

 

[DonCarlos]

Thanks all..I know I would get some well thought out advice and comments. I will hold off on spending the
$200, bank it, and start saving for the 2018.

Much appreciated

I always told my daughters “Don’t buy something just because a good deal presented itself, buy something if and when you “need it”. “ And my own advice was heading out the window. LOL. Thanks for the wakeup all.