What to get to max out 2009 Mac Mini

[MitchellY]

I just purchased a 2009 Mac Mini and am wondering what the the max I can get for a processor and graphics card. I'm assuming not but I'll ask anyway. Can I use the core i7 processor used in the current Mac mini in it? And can I use the Intel HD Graphics 3000 in it?

I'm guessing it's more cost effective and over all better to just purchase the new Mac mini, but just thought I'd ask and see what can be done.

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[Intell]

The 2009 Minis can only have their ram, hard drive, and optical drive upgraded replaced. Everything else is soldered to the logicboard and non-upgradable.

 

[MitchellY]

Ok, I guess I'll just use it for now and when needed, I'll upgrade to the newer Mac mini. Is there a new Mac mini due this year?

 

[mdgm]

Ok, I guess I'll just use it for now and when needed, I'll upgrade to the newer Mac mini. Is there a new Mac mini due this year?

Probably will be Ivy Bridge Minis released sometime in the second half of this year.



With the 09 Mac Mini you could replace the hdd with a SSD and even replace the optical drive with a SSD. The RAM can be upgraded to 8GB (2x4GB). Note that the early 09 Mini requires an EFI update (should have been installed long ago) before it will support 8GB RAM.

 

[MitchellY]

8gb of ram would definitely be something I would get for it. Any recommendations on what ram to get? The reason I want a little bit better specs is for the occasional COD 4. Is the graphics card on it decent enough to allow for smooth gameplay at lower settings or is it just not worth it?

 

[Maui19]

I just upgraded my Late 2009 Mini to 8gb RAM (from 2gb) and it is amazing how much faster it is. It had been sloooooow ever since I upgraded to Lion, and this upgrade fixed that and more. I think I paid $47 for the RAM.

 

[philipma1957]

it will not be very good for gaming.

8gb ram is good. you could drop in a better hdd.


if you plan on selling it leave the dvd player in.

a lot of people like it for dvds/cds.

 

[adddictedtomac]

it will not be very good for gaming.

8gb ram is good. you could drop in a better hdd.


if you plan on selling it leave the dvd player in.

a lot of people like it for dvds/cds.

You can also get LaCie external HD that fit perfectly underneath. These give you even more USB/FireWire (like a hub) and they can be connected to your Mac mini by FireWire800 for good data transfer.

See here this video:

http://youtu.be/0KIb9n1_IvY