Hey everyone. My wife and I are relatively old geezers and we are going to buy a new mac Mini to replace our venerable 2009 model. I am trying to decide what configuration to purchase. We don't do much of anything at our desktop: some internet surfing, a little spreadsheet work, web-based budgeting, bill paying, etc. Pretty pathetic, actually. We pretty much use our iPads 90% of the time. I started out thinking about an i5 with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD (we do need the 512). So, can we go down to 8GB of RAM? Should we go up to i7 or down to i3 for any reason? After years of living with slowish computers I wouldn't mind something that was "blazingly fast" in comparison, but I just don't know where the sweet spot is in terms of price vs. performance vs. what (relatively) light pounding we are going to do on it. I also don't know if the specs have anything to do with download speeds. We are paying for Cox's mythical 940Mbps download capability, but getting about 320Mbps. Is the Mini a factor in that? I am ignorant in the ways of the tech world. Thx!
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Non-techie wants advice
- Thread starter RufusTYeti
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I think your spec would be perfect for you. You may get away with 8GB ram, but you will notice a small improvement with 16GB. That will run rings around your 2009 mini.
I think just go with the stock mid i5 model with 512gb ssd with 8gb ram. I don't think 16gb will benefit you much from the tasks you listed. Also if you really do need to upgrade next time, buying ram and doing yourself or outside is cheaper than Apple.
Kaida hit the nail right on the head. Base model i5 is perfect for you, and you can always upgrade RAM for a lower cost vs getting that configuration at apple.
@RufusTYeti has stated he's a "non-techie". I doubt that he would want to attempt a memory upgrade himself, the new Mini was not designed to be user-upgradeable and requires disassembly. IMO, you should get the 16gb Mini and avoid any potential problems in the future. The built-in graphics use 1.5gb of system memory, only leaving 6.5gb for everything else on an 8gb Mini.
Start checking the Apple Refurb store regularly. It may take awhile to find what you want, but you will save about 15% and the computer will be the same as new with the same warranty as new. You have to be determined and patient, sometimes it will be a week or more with nothing available. Be prepared to buy immediately if you see one you want because they don't last long.
forums.macrumors.com
Start checking the Apple Refurb store regularly. It may take awhile to find what you want, but you will save about 15% and the computer will be the same as new with the same warranty as new. You have to be determined and patient, sometimes it will be a week or more with nothing available. Be prepared to buy immediately if you see one you want because they don't last long.
Updated 8/29: Lots of Mac Minis available in US refurb store
Grab 'em while you can! https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/mac/mac-mini
forums.macrumors.com
Your config is perfect for you. 8GB of RAM is probably fine for right now. However, looking at how long you kept your previous Mini and assuming you won't want to upgrade the RAM yourself, I'd go with the 16GB. It's very likely that during the lifetime of your Mini 16GB will become the new baseline for Macs.
I’d agree with this. The I five with 16 GB of RAM would be perfect. I would not recommend upgrading the RAM yourself unless you’re familiar with taking apart laptops and doing work like that. If you’re not careful you can damage something.@RufusTYeti has stated he's a "non-techie". I doubt that he would want to attempt a memory upgrade himself, the new Mini was not designed to be user-upgradeable and requires disassembly. IMO, you should get the 16gb Mini and avoid any potential problems in the future. The built-in graphics use 1.5gb of system memory, only leaving 6.5gb for everything else on an 8gb Mini.
Start checking the Apple Refurb store regularly. It may take awhile to find what you want, but you will save about 15% and the computer will be the same as new with the same warranty as new. You have to be determined and patient, sometimes it will be a week or more with nothing available. Be prepared to buy immediately if you see one you want because they don't last long.
Updated 8/29: Lots of Mac Minis available in US refurb store
Grab 'em while you can! https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/mac/mac-mini
The 2018/2020 Mini NEEDS 16gb of RAM (instead of 8).
1.5gb is "roped off" for graphics use. That means with the 8gb model, you're left with 6.5gb RAM to "handle the rest". It sounds like a lot, but these days, not so much.
i5/16gb RAM/512gb SSD should be fine.
Aside:
Since you admit up front that you're not "techy", I WOULD NOT recommend trying to add RAM to the 2018/20 Mini yourself. It's a modestly complex procedure with the risk of breaking something "while you're in there"...
1.5gb is "roped off" for graphics use. That means with the 8gb model, you're left with 6.5gb RAM to "handle the rest". It sounds like a lot, but these days, not so much.
i5/16gb RAM/512gb SSD should be fine.
Aside:
Since you admit up front that you're not "techy", I WOULD NOT recommend trying to add RAM to the 2018/20 Mini yourself. It's a modestly complex procedure with the risk of breaking something "while you're in there"...
Apple charges USD$200 for 8GB to 16GB upgrade. Amazon sells the 32GB for USD$125. I would say to just get the 8GB now and upgrade later elsewhere (for a small fee) when it's needed (it will be even cheaper then).
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Sorry, I just can't agree with this. The OP said he was a "non-techie" and the memory upgrade is not so simple, OWC rates it as "involved". Before deciding on this approach, @RufusTYeti should watch this video and determine his comfort level
eshop.macsales.com
Apple doesn't consider the RAM to be user-upgradeable. Have a look at the warranty. If you have any sort of problem requiring warranty service, Apple might claim it was the result of damage that your did or the use of non-Apple parts. IMO, it's not worth the long-term risk to save $75... and it won't really cost that much anyway if you purchase a refurb Mini.
________________________
This Warranty does not apply:
(c) to damage caused by use with a third party component or product that does not meet the Apple Product’s specifications
(f) to damage caused by service (including upgrades and expansions) performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider
Upgrade/Install Memory in a Mac mini (2018 - 2019)
The Mac mini is upgradeable again! The new powerful Mac mini from Apple features upgradeable memory. This new model is easier to upgrade than previous gene
eshop.macsales.com
Apple doesn't consider the RAM to be user-upgradeable. Have a look at the warranty. If you have any sort of problem requiring warranty service, Apple might claim it was the result of damage that your did or the use of non-Apple parts. IMO, it's not worth the long-term risk to save $75... and it won't really cost that much anyway if you purchase a refurb Mini.
________________________
This Warranty does not apply:
(c) to damage caused by use with a third party component or product that does not meet the Apple Product’s specifications
(f) to damage caused by service (including upgrades and expansions) performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider
Legal - Mac Warranty Us - Apple
www.apple.com
Agreed. I’ve replaced motherboards on laptops and upgrading the RAM on my mini made me a little nervous. Mainly because the cost of the machine but it was a bit tedious and there was a few points where it’s very easy to damage connections that you have to unplug.Sorry, I just can't agree with this. The OP said he was a "non-techie" and the memory upgrade is not so simple, OWC rates it as "involved". Before deciding on this approach, @RufusTYeti should watch this video and determine his comfort level
Upgrade/Install Memory in a Mac mini (2018 - 2019)
The Mac mini is upgradeable again! The new powerful Mac mini from Apple features upgradeable memory. This new model is easier to upgrade than previous gene
Apple doesn't consider the RAM to be user-upgradeable. Have a look at the warranty. If you have any sort of problem requiring warranty service, Apple might claim it was the result of damage that your did or the use of non-Apple parts. IMO, it's not worth the long-term risk to save $75... and it won't really cost that much anyway if you purchase a refurb Mini.
________________________
This Warranty does not apply:
(c) to damage caused by use with a third party component or product that does not meet the Apple Product’s specifications
(f) to damage caused by service (including upgrades and expansions) performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider
Legal - Mac Warranty Us - Apple
www.apple.com
Sorry, I just can't agree with this. The OP said he was a "non-techie" and the memory upgrade is not so simple, OWC rates it as "involved". Before deciding on this approach, @RufusTYeti should watch this video and determine his comfort level
Upgrade/Install Memory in a Mac mini (2018 - 2019)
The Mac mini is upgradeable again! The new powerful Mac mini from Apple features upgradeable memory. This new model is easier to upgrade than previous gene
Apple doesn't consider the RAM to be user-upgradeable. Have a look at the warranty. If you have any sort of problem requiring warranty service, Apple might claim it was the result of damage that your did or the use of non-Apple parts. IMO, it's not worth the long-term risk to save $75... and it won't really cost that much anyway if you purchase a refurb Mini.
________________________
This Warranty does not apply:
(c) to damage caused by use with a third party component or product that does not meet the Apple Product’s specifications
(f) to damage caused by service (including upgrades and expansions) performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider
Legal - Mac Warranty Us - Apple
www.apple.com
I'm not asking him to change them on his own, he can bring it to a shop to have it done for a small fee if he is not confident.
And it's $75 lesser for double the ram amount. And you can always put back the original 8GB if you need to service the mini (provided you don't break other stuffs opening up the mini of cos).
sharing these thread
forums.macrumors.com
Upgrading RAM in Mac Mini
OWC has a discount on 2018 + Mac Mini ram. I just purchased the set for 32GB. $119.76 and I will send back my Apple 16GB for a additional $40 rebate. You wont find this discount on Amazon. https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/owc/apple-mac-mini/2018
forums.macrumors.com
sharing these thread
Upgrading RAM in Mac Mini
OWC has a discount on 2018 + Mac Mini ram. I just purchased the set for 32GB. $119.76 and I will send back my Apple 16GB for a additional $40 rebate. You wont find this discount on Amazon. https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/owc/apple-mac-mini/2018
I upgraded the RAM on my Mini myself and it was a piece of cake, I’ve also taken the screens off iMacs to upgrade the RAM and SSD, disassembled MacBook Pro’s completely etc. I frequently recommend people on here to do the upgrade themselves too.
However, it isn’t an appropriate recommendation all of the time and it isn’t in this case either. Someone who is a “non-techie”, as OP described themselves, should be recommended something that will provide as little hassle as possible. Even buying the RAM and taking it to a shop can be daunting for many people. And while they can certainly get more RAM for their money it’s incredibly unlikely that they will ever need 32GB of RAM, even if it is a better value.