Mac Mini .. slowdown with multiple users

[monty77]

Noticed this last night. If I have 2 users logged in (using fast user switching) no matter how few apps each user is using the system becomes much slower.

- Takes longer to open apps
- Expose is choppy
- Graphics when switching users are choppy

I'm running a 17" TFT @ 1280x1024 res

Also noticed a slowdown when burning a CD in Toast, never had slowdown issues while burning on my PC. Memory or CPU limitation? Or, OSX - hope not.

Is this a graphics 'card' limitation? Or would more memory help? I'm running 512Mb currently.

Thanks!
Adam

 

[Chaszmyr]

It's really a combination of everything (CPU, RAM, and GPU). It's not surprising, really. Some of OSX's stuff is fairly intensive on the machine, and the Mac mini is nice for the price, but it's still a great deal slower than some of the other machines running OSX these days. Adding more RAM may help, but it wouldn't solve the problem, and at this point for you to switch from a 512 DIMM to a 1gb DIMM wouldn't be cheap.

 

[monty77]

It's really a combination of everything (CPU, RAM, and GPU). It's not surprising, really. Some of OSX's stuff is fairly intensive on the machine, and the Mac mini is nice for the price, but it's still a great deal slower than some of the other machines running OSX these days. Adding more RAM may help, but it wouldn't solve the problem, and at this point for you to switch from a 512 DIMM to a 1gb DIMM wouldn't be cheap.

Thought as much.

The Mini is just a tester Mac for me anyway, just wanted to see if I'd get on with OSX - I'm loving it so far so and I'm selling my PC but thought I'd try and wait for a revised iMac/Tiger before upgrading.

I may try the memory thing anyway, I'm over in the US in a couple of weeks and can pick up a 1Gb stick that's known to be Mac friendly for ~£80 ($140)

I think the mistake I (and others) are making is comparing the Mini to a desktop PC when in fact it's much more like a laptop in a desktop casing.

Thanks!
Adam

 

[Chaszmyr]

The current iMac G5 is an awesome machine, and I'm sure the next revision (equipped with Tiger, of course), will be as well. If you decide to get one when they come out, enjoy it!