Mac mini late 2012 i7 2.3 GHz - Is it worth a buy?

[Andrea Filippini]

Hi everyone,
I'm going to purchase a Mac Mini late 2012 with these specs:

CPU: Intel i7 2.3 GHz quad-core (i7-3615QM)
Memory: 16 GB RAM 1600 MHz
GPU: Intel HD Graphics 4000
Storage: Crucial MX500 500 GB SSD

Main use: browse internet, mail, YT videos, office suite, iTunes, adobe photoshop, 1080p mkv videos on vlc player...

Quick questions:
With these specs can I run 1080p YT videos at 60 fps without problem?
Is the integrated graphic card so bad? (I have a dedicated GPU in my iMac 21.5-inch late 2009 but it stutters on YT 1080p 60 fps videos)
Has this model manufacturing defects?
I will use the machine with an external Monitor/TV LED 1080p through HDMI port.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

 

[frou]

Depends on how much you're paying for it. The obvious competitor is finding a good price on a used 2018 i3 model.

 

[4sallypat]

Sierra OSX or higher:
HDMI video output

• Support for 1080p resolution at up to 60Hz
• Support for 3840-by-2160 resolution at 30Hz
• Support for 4096-by-2160 resolution at 24Hz

 

[Andrea Filippini]

Depends on how much you're paying for it. The obvious competitor is finding a good price on a used 2018 i3 model.

584 €

 

[wellander1]

Keep in mind that unit can not run the latest os.

 

[coldsweat]

For that price, you could get a 2014 model with similar ish specs

 

[Andrea Filippini]

Keep in mind that unit can not run the latest os.

Yeah I see that it can run up to Catalina.
Are there many differences between High Sierra and Catalina (boot up, ram usage, apps...)?

 

[Andrea Filippini]

For that price, you could get a 2014 model with similar ish specs

Yeah I see 2014 models but they all have 2 cores.
I've already two machines with Intel C2D with 2 cores so I would like to upgrade to a machine with 4 cores (virtually up to 8 cores).
What about Intel HD Graphics 4000? Is it so bad? I've seen a comparison with the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4670 (mac edition) and the result is awful.

ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4670 Mac Edition Specs

ATI M96, 680 MHz, 320 Cores, 32 TMUs, 8 ROPs, 256 MB GDDR3, 790 MHz, 128 bit

www.techpowerup.com

Intel HD Graphics 4000 Mobile Specs

Intel Ivy Bridge GT2, 1000 MHz, 128 Cores, 16 TMUs, 2 ROPs

www.techpowerup.com

Can I run YT 1080p 60 fps videos without problems?

 

[robotica]

You can get a 2018 i3 for that kind of money

 

[Andrea Filippini]

You can get a 2018 i3 for that kind of money

Range price here in Italy 869 € - 877 € for 2018 i3 3.6 GHz, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB of onboard PCIe-based SSD storage.
A little bit expensive for an entry level i3 that doesn't support Turbo Boost or Hyper Threading.
With the 2012 model I have also two storage slots.
My main preoccupation is about the performance of the integrated graphic card (almost all mac mini have it).
Can it work well for my main use (browse internet, mail, YT videos, office suite, iTunes, adobe photoshop, 1080p mkv videos on vlc player...)?

 

[robotica]

The 2018 i3 still performs a lot better than the 2012 i7! The i3 is quad core and 6 years newer with 4 thunderbolt 3 ports.I picked up 2 a couple of months ago brand new. £500 for one and £450 for the other. Both on eBay sealed in box. It’s worth cheating out. Oh and both of mine were older 128gb models. Not a problem though as with external SSD the SSD speed is about the same. I would not buy that 2012 model.

 

[MacCheetah3]

Hi everyone,
I'm going to purchase a Mac Mini late 2012 with these specs:

CPU: Intel i7 2.3 GHz quad-core (i7-3615QM)
Memory: 16 GB RAM 1600 MHz
GPU: Intel HD Graphics 4000
Storage: Crucial MX500 500 GB SSD

Main use: browse internet, mail, YT videos, office suite, iTunes, adobe photoshop, 1080p mkv videos on vlc player...

Quick questions:
With these specs can I run 1080p YT videos at 60 fps without problem?
Is the integrated graphic card so bad? (I have a dedicated GPU in my iMac 21.5-inch late 2009 but it stutters on YT 1080p 60 fps videos)
Has this model manufacturing defects?
I will use the machine with an external Monitor/TV LED 1080p through HDMI port.

I have the i5-equipped model upgraded to 16GB of RAM and an SSD, running the latest/last version of macOS Catalina, connected to a 1080p monitor via HDMI.

Using the latest versions of Chrome and Safari with two different videos at 1080p/60, the playback was completely fine.

Basically, your use cases shouldn't be a problem. However, obviously, as the 2012 version is no longer supported, its longevity will vary -- depending on if your needs significantly change.

 

[mdgm]

The main reason to get a 2012 would be if you have significant investments in older software that won't run on Mojave or newer (or will require an expensive upgrade to a new licence or subscription) and it won't work well in a VM, or you can get the 2012 significantly cheaper than the 2018 Mini.

 

[Andrea Filippini]

The 2018 i3 still performs a lot better than the 2012 i7! The i3 is quad core and 6 years newer with 4 thunderbolt 3 ports.I picked up 2 a couple of months ago brand new. £500 for one and £450 for the other. Both on eBay sealed in box. It’s worth cheating out. Oh and both of mine were older 128gb models. Not a problem though as with external SSD the SSD speed is about the same. I would not buy that 2012 model.

Thank you very much for your reply.
On eBay I've seen prices from 700 € (item with exchange rate and shipment) but I don't know nothing about the sellers. Can you tell me some reliable sellers?
I've already bought previously from my supplier and the item was in excellent state.
My main concern is about the possibility to have two internal storage with 2012 model.
Do you think it's better to avoid the purchase?

I have the i5-equipped model upgraded to 16GB of RAM and an SSD, running the latest/last version of macOS Catalina, connected to a 1080p monitor via HDMI.

Using the latest versions of Chrome and Safari with two different videos at 1080p/60, the playback was completely fine.

Basically, your use cases shouldn't be a problem. However, obviously, as the 2012 version is no longer supported, its longevity will vary -- depending on if your needs significantly change.

Thank you very much man!
Your answer has cleared my doubts.
My main use is basically light maybe only photoshop could be stressful but I don't think (I use 2020 version on C2D E8600 and it runs fine only loading time to launch app but it's the SATA II limitation for SSD).
What about OS? Does Catalina run fast with your hardware (boot up, launch apps, etc...)?

The main reason to get a 2012 would be if you have significant investments in older software that won't run on Mojave or newer (or will require an expensive upgrade to a new licence or subscription) and it won't work well in a VM, or you can get the 2012 significantly cheaper than the 2018 Mini.

Thank you man for your reply.
I don't think to have actually apps that won't run on Mojave or Catalina. (maybe photoshop 2020?)
I can purchase 2012 model with significantly less money so I think it could be a good idea.
The configuration offered is boost to maximum so I don't need to use extra cash for upgrade.

 

[Boyd01]

I suspect you will be OK with video. I have the same model, but with the slightly faster 2.6ghz quad core processor. I used it for a number of years editing 1080p30 video in Final Cut Pro and audio with Logic Pro. The HD4000 is definitely weak, did not give very good performance on the Final Cut Pro timeline with un-rendered video, but it was certainly usable.

I got a 2018 Mini in June and only use my 2012 as a file server now. As others have said, the base model i3 2018 Mini is a much better computer. Given the choice, I would buy one of those even if it were a bit more expensive. An 8-year-old Mini is approaching the end of its life IMO.

I wouldn't get too excited about having two internal disk slots. They are slow on the 2012 Mini and you have to do a lot of disassembly to get at them, which has the risk of damage - especially with a computer that old. My 2012 had an original internal Apple 256gb SSD, here is how it performed.

I did not want to take it apart, so I booted it from a 1TB external USB 3.0 Samsung T3 SSD. It is a bit slower, but I did not really notice the difference, even when using Final Cut Pro.

584 € is $712, I certainly wouldn't buy one for that price here in the US, but I can appreciate that prices are higher in your country. I loved my 2012 quad Mini but would not buy one today, regardless of the cost. I would try to find a cheap 2018 Mini, it will be a much better investment.

 

[MacCheetah3]

Thank you very much man!
Your answer has cleared my doubts.
My main use is basically light maybe only photoshop could be stressful but I don't think (I use 2020 version on C2D E8600 and it runs fine only loading time to launch app but it's the SATA II limitation for SSD).
What about OS? Does Catalina run fast with your hardware (boot up, launch apps, etc...)?

Not bad,

From boot chime to login: ~1 minute, 10 seconds, full boot ~1 minute, 40 seconds
Most apps: ~1 - 3 seconds (Photos, Music, Contacts, Messages, VLC, App Store, News)
OpenOffice: ~4 - 5 seconds
Mail: ~6 - 7 seconds
Safari: ~5 seconds (to home/dashboard, no Web page)
Firefox and Chrome: ~10 seconds (includes loading a Web page, and other left open tabs)
Mactracker: ~10 seconds
Affinity Photo: ~1 minute, 30 seconds (first launch after a fresh boot), ~7 seconds subsequent launches -- I'm not sure as to why

I think, you get the gist.

 

[Andrea Filippini]

I suspect you will be OK with video. I have the same model, but with the slightly faster 2.6ghz quad core processor. I used it for a number of years editing 1080p30 video in Final Cut Pro and audio with Logic Pro. The HD4000 is definitely weak, did not give very good performance on the Final Cut Pro timeline with un-rendered video, but it was certainly usable.

I got a 2018 Mini in June and only use my 2012 as a file server now. As others have said, the base model i3 2018 Mini is a much better computer. Given the choice, I would buy one of those even if it were a bit more expensive. An 8-year-old Mini is approaching the end of its life IMO.

I wouldn't get too excited about having two internal disk slots. They are slow on the 2012 Mini and you have to do a lot of disassembly to get at them, which has the risk of damage - especially with a computer that old. My 2012 had an original internal Apple 256gb SSD, here is how it performed.

View attachment 1695417

I did not want to take it apart, so I booted it from a 1TB external USB 3.0 Samsung T3 SSD. It is a bit slower, but I did not really notice the difference, even when using Final Cut Pro.

View attachment 1695426

584 € is $712, I certainly wouldn't buy one for that price here in the US, but I can appreciate that prices are higher in your country. I loved my 2012 quad Mini but would not buy one today, regardless of the cost. I would try to find a cheap 2018 Mini, it will be a much better investment.

Thank you very much for your detailed answer!
I have found it very helpful!
About prices with 877 € I can purchase a new Mac Mini 2018 i3, with 819 € I can buy a new 2020 Mac Mini M1.
What about new M1 performance?

Not bad,

From boot chime to login: ~1 minute, 10 seconds, full boot ~1 minute, 40 seconds
Most apps: ~1 - 3 seconds (Photos, Music, Contacts, Messages, VLC, App Store, News)
OpenOffice: ~4 - 5 seconds
Mail: ~6 - 7 seconds
Safari: ~5 seconds (to home/dashboard, no Web page)
Firefox and Chrome: ~10 seconds (includes loading a Web page, and other left open tabs)
Mactracker: ~10 seconds
Affinity Photo: ~1 minute, 30 seconds (first launch after a fresh boot), ~7 seconds subsequent launches -- I'm not sure as to why

I think, you get the gist.

Thank you very much for the detailed infos!
I assume that the performance are related to a fusion drive storage because my iMac late 2009 with SSD (SATA II limitation, macOS High Sierra) boot up in about 25 seconds.
Can I expect similar performance with SSD on Catalina?

 

[Boyd01]

My 2012 quad booted to the desktop in 15 seconds from the internal SSD. But I did that timing with its original operating system, Mountain Lion. Took about 30 seconds to boot from the external T3 SSD with Sierra. I suspect it would take longer with Catalina.

 

[Boyd01]

From boot chime to login: ~1 minute, 10 seconds, full boot ~1 minute, 40 seconds

That was the 2012 i5 model though, right? That is completely different from the i7 quads, I also had one. It was actually a very nice computer for the price but much slower all-around.

 

[MBAir2010]

i vote YES!
I had a 2012 which ran Mojave and i added 8gb of ram, the mac mini was great! Except the bluetooth even with an all wood room with no metal settings. You can always get a patch that runs Big Sur online.

 

[4sallypat]

Thank you very much for your detailed answer!
I have found it very helpful!
About prices with 877 € I can purchase a new Mac Mini 2018 i3, with 819 € I can buy a new 2020 Mac Mini M1.
What about new M1 performance?



Thank you very much for the detailed infos!
I assume that the performance are related to a fusion drive storage because my iMac late 2009 with SSD (SATA II limitation, macOS High Sierra) boot up in about 25 seconds.
Can I expect similar performance with SSD on Catalina?

M1 Mini base is now my 2012 Mini (i7 2.6Ghz quad core 16GB) replacement.

M1 is much better than the 2012 and runs very cool.
Compared to my 2012 that was so warm with the fans whistling, I had to use a cooling fan underneath the i7- OTOH the M1 is super cool and runs without fan noise.

I used a LaCie SSD 1TB Thunderbolt 2 external for my main shuttle drive which runs the Catalina OS and apps on the 2012 - much faster than the internal drives.

My 2012 is currently on sale at eBay for about 400 Euros...

Orange shock resistant LaCie SSD:

 

[Andrea Filippini]

M1 Mini base is now my 2012 Mini (i7 2.6Ghz quad core 16GB) replacement.

M1 is much better than the 2012 and runs very cool.
Compared to my 2012 that was so warm with the fans whistling, I had to use a cooling fan underneath the i7- OTOH the M1 is super cool and runs without fan noise.

I used a LaCie SSD 1TB Thunderbolt 2 external for my main shuttle drive which runs the Catalina OS and apps on the 2012 - much faster than the internal drives.

My 2012 is currently on sale at eBay for about 400 Euros...

Orange shock resistant LaCie SSD:
View attachment 1695467

Very nice configuration man!
My main concern is about ram usage. M1 is sold with 8 gb not further upgradable (only at the time of purchase).
Sometimes on High Sierra with my late 2009 iMac I have used more than 8 gb (peak 11 gb).
I'm searching a new device to avoid bottlenecks in my daily routine and 16 gb ram are necessary especially with newer OS. (I have searched in this forum about Catalina ram usage and it seems need more ram)
Is Big Sur (OS, apps, third-party apps) so efficient with ram usage?
In Italy the M1 16 gb version is sold for 819+230 €.

 

[4sallypat]

Very nice configuration man!
My main concern is about ram usage. M1 is sold with 8 gb not further upgradable (only at the time of purchase).
Sometimes on High Sierra with my late 2009 iMac I have used more than 8 gb (peak 11 gb).
I'm searching a new device to avoid bottlenecks in my daily routine and 16 gb ram are necessary especially with newer OS. (I have searched in this forum about Catalina ram usage and it seems need more ram)
Is Big Sur (OS, apps, third-party apps) so efficient with ram usage?
In Italy the M1 16 gb version is sold for 819+230 €.

If RAM is a concern, then get the 16GB but I am fine with my setup with 8GB.

The Intel Macs can not be compared to M1 Macs with RAM - they are not the same.

Intel Macs run memory slower and uses more clock cycles including latency due to the Intel CPU design and separate RAM bus.

M1 Macs run memory faster, less clock cycles, efficient, and does not take up much at all due to the SOC RISC design.

I came from a 16GB 2012 Mini and now the base M1 with 8GB runs much faster than the 16GB.

It appears that Apple is using the M1 design from iPhone/iPad A14x and it's efficiency coupled with the iOS apps that can also run on a Mac.

 

[Populus]

I feel you on the RAM thing, it sucks to be stuck with what you get. That being said, keep in mind that the machines with RAM slots are the 2012 and the 2018, while the 2014 allows you to change the Hard Drive for an SSD but not the RAM.

I have a 2014 mini, and it is a great machine even today, although with the huge release of the M1 Macs, I know it's not going to age well. But as of today, the 2014 is an excellent device (with the HDD replaced with an SSD). I have only 8GB of RAM on the 2014 and even tho it gets a bit short, due to the SSD, I don't notice the swapping too much. But I understand your concern so if RAM is important to you, go get a cheaper 2018 if you find it on the second hand market. Or look for a stock clearance sale. Or just buy it new, along with the RAM sticks.

Now, about the 2012 model. Don't. At least for those almost 600€, just don't! Yeah, my cousin has it, he bought it almost 7 years ago, and has been a great machine, but it is clearly near the end of life (it doesn't get Big Sur and believe me, it is a great change). I'm going to sell my 2014 mini for less than those 600€ (with a 1TB SSD) so go figure!

My recommendations are this two:
- 2018 Mac mini (plus some RAM sticks) if memory RAM is your main concern
- 2020 Mac mini if performance and future proof are your concerns.

Keep in mind that, regarding RAM, although the M1 Macs with 8GB won't magically perform like 16GB machines, due to the ultra-fast NVMe SSD, you will barely notice big performance drops when using the storage to swap from there. Maybe at the expense of the disk lifespan, but I don't think that will become a major issue.

 

[TPadden]

I have a 2014 mini, and it is a great machine even today, although with the huge release of the M1 Macs, I know it's not going to age well.

My 16gb dual internal TB SSD mini has been ageing well with CURRENT native OS Windows 10 boot for the last 4 years .

Wouldn't trade it for an M1 as no native Windows compatibility... but that opens the whole OS can of worms .

Tom