Rumor: Only low-end model soldered?

[aajeevlin]

I also have GSX access. I'll expand upon this comment.

Removing the bottom of the new Mini requires a suction cup, it does not twist-off like the 2012's did. I wouldn't say they're tamper-proof screws like a previous poster did, they're just blind screws with grommets in the bottom cover that "snap" over the screws.

Unlike what another poster commented about the high-end having replaceable RAM, the high-end model DOES have soldered RAM, I saw part numbers for i5 and i7 CPU logic boards.

Drives could be upgradeable, except they removed one of the SATA connections to replace it with the PCIE connection for the SSD, the SSD also occupies the "lower" drive location if the build diagram is to be believed. So, you only have one available SATA connection, and that would be used with the upper drive bay.

How much more definitive information than that from Apple's service site do you need to have in order to understand the setup? (I posted VERY similar info in another topic the other day)

Nah, don't get all worked up about it. People will believe whatever they want to believe in. Just let them wait for a more picture oriented proof if that's what they want to see.

 

[hallux]

Nah, don't get all worked up about it. People will believe whatever they want to believe in. Just let them wait for a more picture oriented proof if that's what they want to see.

I wish I could provide more visual proof, but I'm not sure it's legal for me to screen-cap Apple's service page (likely not).

 

[philipma1957]

I also have GSX access. I'll expand upon this comment.

Removing the bottom of the new Mini requires a suction cup, it does not twist-off like the 2012's did. I wouldn't say they're tamper-proof screws like a previous poster did, they're just blind screws with grommets in the bottom cover that "snap" over the screws.

Unlike what another poster commented about the high-end having replaceable RAM, the high-end model DOES have soldered RAM, I saw part numbers for i5 and i7 CPU logic boards.

Drives could be upgradeable, except they removed one of the SATA connections to replace it with the PCIE connection for the SSD, the SSD also occupies the "lower" drive location if the build diagram is to be believed. So, you only have one available SATA connection, and that would be used with the upper drive bay.

How much more definitive information than that from Apple's service site do you need to have in order to understand the setup? (I posted VERY similar info in another topic the other day)

So if I get the 699 model .

with no add on's and I buy an aftermarket flash ssd what is the largest that connects. does this fit?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...147317&cm_re=msata_ssd-_-20-147-317-_-Product

my thoughts are making a fusion by adding a larger ssd/pcie. so my interest is in what pcie type ssd fits.

the large pcie will allow ram swapping and extra storage . So I would not mind this machine with a really big fusion setup , just a really big pcie or pull the hdd and add a big ssd.

Apples ssd options are just too small. More then any other thing I will most likely boot with an external t-bolt ssd.

 

[giggles]

My "dream storage setup" for the 2014 mini is 1TB pcie flash + 2TB 2.5" 9.5mm hdd...basically ordering a maxed out 16gb ram + 1TB pcie 3rd tier...(which incidentally is not too far from a used 2013 MacPro in terms of price, but with just 256gb pcie flash)...and then adding a 2.5" hdd in the upper bay.

If I understand correctly, it appears to be possible, at least in terms of available SATA port. Hopefully OWC or others will come up with a mounting bracket adapter kinda thing to populate the upper bay, if necessary. (basically the bracket that will be present in the Fusion drive configs....)

 

[hobbie]

Apple use "onboard memory" to describe soldered memory on specs page,
including macbook air and low-end iMac:
http://www.apple.com/macbook-air/specs.html
http://www.apple.com/imac/specs/

They don't use "onboard" to introduce low-end mac mini's memory:
http://www.apple.com/mac-mini/specs/

But all of above memory-soldered macs have 1.4GHz dual-core i5 and HD Graphics 5000. Confusing! So low-end mac mini could have soldered "onboard" memory. I hope none of models use soldered memory, or 8GB soldered memory is acceptable in low-end model.

 

[giggles]

So low-end mac mini could have soldered "onboard" memory. I hope none of models use soldered memory, or 8GB soldered memory is acceptable in low-end model.

See above posts from people with access to service manuals.
It's 100% soldered on every model.
The base requires a suction cup and screws are hidden = not meant to be user serviceable.
While they could in theory use different motherboards on different models (as in iMacs), they certainly won't manufacture 2 kinds of plastic base.
The base losing screwability and "thumb domes" puts a nail in the coffin of user upgradeable ram.

 

[VirtualRain]

Apple use "onboard memory" to describe soldered memory on specs page,
including macbook air and low-end iMac:
http://www.apple.com/macbook-air/specs.html
http://www.apple.com/imac/specs/

They don't use "onboard" to introduce low-end mac mini's memory:
http://www.apple.com/mac-mini/specs/

But all of above memory-soldered macs have 1.4GHz dual-core i5 and HD Graphics 5000. Confusing! So low-end mac mini could have soldered "onboard" memory. I hope none of models use soldered memory, or 8GB soldered memory is acceptable in low-end model.

It was clear from the specs the moment they were published that the memory was soldered. LPDDR3 = soldered.