Apple · Mac mini

Mac mini (Late 2009)

Released October 2009

A compact Core 2 Duo desktop with integrated NVIDIA graphics, two display outputs and a built-in DVD drive.

Model history · 6 models, 2005–2009

Type: Compact
Processor: Intel Core 2
Memory: 2 GB – 4 GB
Storage: 160 GB – 1 TB
Screen: –
Weight: 1.31 kg

Compact

What reviewers say

Reviewers appreciated the compact enclosure, useful connections and improved standard memory. Macworld found the faster model offered a modest performance gain and preferred the cheaper configuration for value, while Trusted Reviews considered an iMac better value when a display and peripherals were also needed. Ars Technica found the server variant useful for a small office, but criticised slow drives and some server setup difficulties.

From macworld.com, trustedreviews.com and arstechnica.com

Specifications

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Performance

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8400, Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 or Intel Core 2 Duo P8800
CPU cores: 2
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shared memory)
Memory: 2 GB or 4 GB
Storage: 160 GB to 1 TB
CPU: 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.
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics shares a minimum 256 MB DDR3 memory; available system memory varies with graphics use.
Memory type: Two 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 type: 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 slots: No internal PCI Express expansion slot

Display

Screen: None built in

Connections

Ports: DisplayPort, 5 × USB-A, Ethernet, headphone jack
Ethernet: 1 Gb/s
External displays: Up to 2
Wi-Fi: 802.11n
Bluetooth: 2.1 + EDR
Back ports: 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 displays: 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.
Speakers: Built-in speaker; combined optical digital audio output/headphone minijack and optical digital audio input/line-in minijack
Keyboard and mouse: Display, keyboard and mouse purchased separately; Apple Remote optional

Design and power

Type: Compact
Weight: 1.31 kg
Width × depth × height: 165.1 × 165.1 × 50.8 mm
Operating system: macOS
Power supply: External 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.
Materials: Recyclable aluminium and polycarbonate enclosure; BFR-free and PVC-free internal components; maker limits its external PVC-free cable claim to North America
In the box: 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.

Configurations

Processor	Memory	Storage	Storage type	Graphics
Intel Core 2 Duo P8400	2 GB	160 GB	Hard drive	NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shared memory)
Intel Core 2 Duo P8400	2 GB	320 GB	Hard drive	NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shared memory)
Intel Core 2 Duo P8400	2 GB	500 GB	Hard drive	NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shared memory)
Intel Core 2 Duo P8400	4 GB	160 GB	Hard drive	NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shared memory)
Intel Core 2 Duo P8400	4 GB	320 GB	Hard drive	NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shared memory)
Intel Core 2 Duo P8400	4 GB	500 GB	Hard drive	NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shared memory)
Intel Core 2 Duo P8700	2 GB	160 GB	Hard drive	NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shared memory)
Intel Core 2 Duo P8700	2 GB	320 GB	Hard drive	NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shared memory)
Intel Core 2 Duo P8700	2 GB	500 GB	Hard drive	NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shared memory)
Intel Core 2 Duo P8700	4 GB	160 GB	Hard drive	NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shared memory)
Intel Core 2 Duo P8700	4 GB	320 GB	Hard drive	NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shared memory)
Intel Core 2 Duo P8700	4 GB	500 GB	Hard drive	NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shared memory)
Intel Core 2 Duo P8800	4 GB	320 GB	Hard drive	NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shared memory)
Intel Core 2 Duo P8800	4 GB	500 GB	Hard drive	NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shared memory)
Intel Core 2 Duo P8700	4 GB	1 TB	Hard drive	NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (shared memory)

Pros and cons

Pros

Mini DisplayPort and Mini-DVI support two displays
Five USB ports and FireWire 800
Built-in SuperDrive for reading and writing discs

Cons

No HDMI or Thunderbolt port
Hard drives are limited to 5400 rpm factory options
Display, keyboard and mouse are purchased separately

Closest rivals

Model	Type	Processor	Memory	Storage	Screen	Weight	Released
AppleMac mini (Early 2009)	Compact	Intel Core 2	1 GB – 4 GB	120 GB – 320 GB	–	1.31 kg	Mar 2009
AppleMac mini (Mid 2010)	Compact	Intel Core 2	2 GB – 8 GB	320 GB – 1 TB	–	–	Jun 2010
AppleiMac (20-inch, Mid 2009)	All-in-one	Intel Core 2	1 GB – 4 GB	160 GB – 320 GB	20″	9.1 kg	Apr 2009

Previous model: Mac mini (Early 2009). Newer model: Mac mini (Mid 2010).

Sources

Photo: cdsassets.apple.com

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