I am going to buy a new Mac Mini. With the two configurations, the only difference is the graphics card. The 2.3 vs 2.5 ghz isn't a huge jump. Also the 2gb vs 4gb of ram isn't a big deal since I'm just going to upgrade the ram to 8 gb myself anyway. Is the AMD graphics card worth the extra $200 over the intel one?
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Which Mac Mini to buy?
- Thread starter SexyBeast
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It really depends on what you're going to be using it for? Is this going to be your primary computer or are you going to hook it up to your TV as a HTPC? Are you going to be using it for work or at home? Are you going to be playing games on it much at all?
Like you said, the biggest difference between the two models is the dedicated graphics. If you're going to be doing any gaming then the dedicated graphics is a no brainer. If you won't play games on it or use it for other GPU related tasks then you probably won't miss the dedicated graphics much.
Like you said, the biggest difference between the two models is the dedicated graphics. If you're going to be doing any gaming then the dedicated graphics is a no brainer. If you won't play games on it or use it for other GPU related tasks then you probably won't miss the dedicated graphics much.
I would go for the base mini.
Yes, the AMD graphics is ... well "better"
for gaming but if you really are a serious high end gamer the mini isn't for you anyway IMO. AMD graphics or not.
Seriously I don't understand why people want to game on these things.
If you want to play games keep a big windoze box with high end upgradable graphics card(s) to keep on top of the latest games and to play them all on high settings.
Yes, the AMD graphics is ... well "better"
for gaming but if you really are a serious high end gamer the mini isn't for you anyway IMO. AMD graphics or not.Seriously I don't understand why people want to game on these things.
If you want to play games keep a big windoze box with high end upgradable graphics card(s) to keep on top of the latest games and to play them all on high settings.
That inclines me towards saying get the cheaper Mini with just Intel HD graphics 3000. If you don't game you won't care for a good graphics card. It'll only cost you a fair bit more and you won't get maximum use out of it at all.
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I would go for the base mini.
Yes, the AMD graphics is ... well "better"
Seriously I don't understand why people want to game on these things.
If you want to play games keep a big windoze box with high end upgradable graphics card(s) to keep on top of the latest games and to play them all on high settings.
Any Mac with AMD graphics will suit most people for gaming actually. i.e.-the higher end Mini, any iMac, the Mac Pro or the 15/17 " Macbook Pros. I mean I've only got Intel HD Graphics 3000 and i can play Civilization 5 well enough. With an AMD graphics card from any of the Macs I mentioned it'd be a seamless experience.
I would go for the base mini.
Yes, the AMD graphics is ... well "better"
Seriously I don't understand why people want to game on these things.
If you want to play games keep a big windoze box with high end upgradable graphics card(s) to keep on top of the latest games and to play them all on high settings.
Not everyone who games is a serious high end gamer.
Not everyone can afford to keep a big windows gaming pc up to date on top of buying a new mac every few years.
Not trying to hi-jack this thread. Sorry to the OP.
As far as the mini goes, it sounds like the low end one will suit your needs. Use the $200 you'll save to upgrade the RAM. You can even add a second hard drive if you need the extra space.