Apple Mac mini (Early 2009) vs Apple Mac mini (Late 2009)

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Mac mini (Early 2009) compared with Mac mini (Late 2009)
AppleMac mini (Early 2009)AppleMac mini (Late 2009)
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2009October 2009
Performance
ProcessorIntel Core 2 Duo P7350 or Intel Core 2 Duo P8400Intel Core 2 Duo P8400, Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 or Intel Core 2 Duo P8800
CPU cores22
GraphicsNVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shared memory)NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shared memory)
Memory1 GB, 2 GB or 4 GB2 GB or 4 GB
Storage120 GB to 320 GB160 GB to 1 TB (better)
CPU2.0 GHz dual-core Core 2 Duo P7350, configurable to 2.26 GHz P8400; 3 MB shared L2 cache and 1066 MHz frontside bus. Exact identities are cross-checked with EveryMac; optional unpublished chip thread and launch figures are omitted.2.26 GHz Core 2 Duo P8400 or 2.53 GHz P8700; the lower consumer model offers a 2.53 GHz upgrade, and the higher model offers 2.66 GHz P8800. The server has a 2.53 GHz P8700. Each has two cores, 3 MB shared L2 cache and 1066 MHz frontside bus; exact chip identities cross-checked with EveryMac. The factory matrix keeps the higher model's 4 GB memory and minimum 320 GB drive with the 2.66 GHz option.
GPUNVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics shares at least 128 MB DDR3 memory with a 1 GB system configuration, or at least 256 MB with 2 GB; available system memory varies with graphics use.NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics shares a minimum 256 MB DDR3 memory; available system memory varies with graphics use.
Memory typeTwo SO-DIMM slots for 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, with 1 or 2 GB standard and maker factory upgrades up to 4 GBTwo SO-DIMM slots for 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, 2 or 4 GB in consumer configurations and 4 GB in the server; maker-supported maximum 4 GB
Storage type120, 250 or 320 GB 5400 rpm Serial ATA hard drive and slot-loading 8x SuperDrive with double-layer DVD support. The launch press release also mentions an 80 GB order option, which the current support sheet omits; that conflicting option is not listed in configurations.Consumer model offers 160, 320 or 500 GB 5400 rpm Serial ATA hard drives and an 8x SuperDrive with double-layer DVD support. Server has two 500 GB 5400 rpm drives, totalling 1 TB, and no optical drive; the 1 TB configuration represents those two drives, not one 1 TB drive.
Expansion slotsNo internal PCI Express expansion slotNo internal PCI Express expansion slot
Display
ScreenNone built inNone built in
Connections
PortsDisplayPort, 5 × USB-A, Ethernet, headphone jackDisplayPort, 5 × USB-A, Ethernet, headphone jack
Ethernet1 Gb/s1 Gb/s
External displaysUp to 2Up to 2
Wi-Fi802.11n802.11n
Bluetooth2.1 + EDR2.1 + EDR
Back portsFive USB 2.0 ports up to 480 Mb/s, FireWire 800, Mini DisplayPort, Mini-DVI, Gigabit Ethernet and combined optical digital/analogue audio input and output minijacks. The main DisplayPort count represents Mini DisplayPort; Mini-DVI, FireWire and audio input are described here because the main port list has no fields for them. Optional external Apple USB Modem.Five USB 2.0 ports up to 480 Mb/s, FireWire 800, Mini DisplayPort, Mini-DVI, Gigabit Ethernet and combined optical digital/analogue audio input and output minijacks. The main DisplayPort count represents Mini DisplayPort; Mini-DVI, FireWire and audio input are described here because the main port list has no fields for them.
External displaysExtended desktop and mirroring; Mini-DVI up to 1920 × 1200 for DVI/VGA, Mini DisplayPort up to 2560 × 1600 using an optional dual-link DVI adapter. Mini-DVI to DVI adapter included; VGA and Mini DisplayPort adapters optional.Extended desktop and mirroring; Mini-DVI up to 1920 × 1200 for DVI/VGA, Mini DisplayPort up to 2560 × 1600 using an optional dual-link DVI adapter. Mini-DVI to DVI adapter included; other display adapters optional.
SpeakersBuilt-in speaker; combined optical digital audio output/headphone minijack and optical digital audio input/line-in minijackBuilt-in speaker; combined optical digital audio output/headphone minijack and optical digital audio input/line-in minijack
Keyboard and mouseDisplay, keyboard and mouse purchased separately; Apple Remote optionalDisplay, keyboard and mouse purchased separately; Apple Remote optional
Design and power
TypeCompactCompact
Weight1.31 kg1.31 kg
Width × depth × height165.1 × 165.1 × 50.8 mm165.1 × 165.1 × 50.8 mm
Operating systemmacOSmacOS
Power supplyExternal 110 W adapter; AC input 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz single phase; maximum continuous power 110 WExternal 110 W adapter; maximum continuous power 110 W, 50–60 Hz single phase. The UK support sheet publishes 100–120 V only for the US, Japan and South America, so no UK input-voltage figure is inferred.
MaterialsRecyclable aluminium and polycarbonate enclosure; BFR-free and PVC-free internal cablesRecyclable aluminium and polycarbonate enclosure; BFR-free and PVC-free internal components; maker limits its external PVC-free cable claim to North America
In the boxMac mini, Mini-DVI to DVI adapter, 110 W power adapter and cord, install/restore DVDs and documentation. Mac OS X Leopard and iLife '09 included.Mac mini, Mini-DVI to DVI adapter, 110 W power adapter and cord, install/restore DVDs and documentation. Consumer model includes Mac OS X Snow Leopard and iLife '09; server includes Mac OS X Server 10.6 Snow Leopard.

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