[sonicxtc]

Hi,

I wrote a PM to John, and he asked me to post it here for everyone's benefit. Thanks for any input Apple gurus. Please offer me some direction. Thanks.

I’ve been using the mini on my main system for a couple of years, but did not delve into really understanding the parameters of computer audio. And, I have ZERO experience with Macs. 

Here is my mini.

Intel Core 2 Duo
1.83 GHZ
1 processorc
2 cores
L2 cache   2 mb
Memory   1 gb
Bus speed   667 mhz
OS = 10.5.8

I have a single 1 gig Mushkin RAM new in case.


Questions:

Basically, I am trying to evaluate if this mini is worth keeping, tweaking or upgrading and how “limited” it is in function for audio performance. I use it strictly as a music server.

• Is it worth it to upgrade the memory to 2 GB?
  Can it be taken beyond 2gb ram and is that worthwhile?
  Do I need to upgrade the OS?
  Can this work with Audivarna ?  [I read that’s a good improvement].

Do you know “approximately” what this would be worth on the used market? I’m asking to balance factors and determine if it’s worth it to keep it as is, keep it and tweak it, or sell it and put the funds toward a newer mac mini, but I’d have to wait a bit as I just bought speakers and a sub.

Thanks for any input.

[saisunil]

With my limited mac mini experience - I'd consider doing the following:

1. If I decide to keep it - I'd upgrade RAM - reasonable price
2. If I wanted the best performance I'd sell this or gift it for someone as get the most current mac-mini in used market with 8G RAM

Again I am not a mac expert - but have had two mac minis ...

Above all is how you will use it ... usability is so big! If you can;t use it - does not matter how good it sound - it'd not be very useful.

[ted_b]

Sonicxtc,
That Mac Mini is a mid 2007 model (aka Mini 2,1).  It has the capability to go to 4 GB (only 3 GB is addressable) and has an external power supply (I believe).  The external ps is a good thing cuz then you could later upgrade it and not have to do huge mods (like 2010+ models require).  The processor is on the slower side but no real issues with Audirvana Plus (aka A+). 

First, do an upgrade to 4 GB RAm if you can afford it, but 2GB is the absolute minimum you'd want for A+  Then update the OS to Snow leopard, at least (Mountain Lion is latest and two major revisions past Snow Leopard but your Mini can only go to Lion, the one past Snow Leopard).

i imagine that Mini is worth $275 or so on the open market, as seen by Ebay.

[lokie]

+1 on Ted B's comments.

Go to 4 gigs of Ram and keep it.

Unless you have some super revealing system and money burning a hole in your pocket, your current Mini should be fine.

[mcgsxr]

My old mini has 1gb of RAM, and Snow Leopard.

My only music server issues are remote related.

[saeyedoc]

I've read that the older Mac Minis make better music servers, a combination of factors including DC power, slower processor with faster USB board. I'd keep it and max out the RAM.
Anyone know how you can upgrade to Snow Leopard from Leopard? They no longer sell the upgrade on the Apple online store.

[sonicxtc]

Thank you everyone.  BTW, my mac DOES have an outboard power supply, like a little white brick.

For those suggesting max out the RAM, can you please specify what/which RAM you might use and/or why?

Also, I found this info. enlightening. Can anyone confirm or elaborate on this point?

I've read that the older Mac Minis make better music servers, a combination of factors including DC power, slower processor with faster USB board. I'd keep it and max out the RAM.
Anyone know how you can upgrade to Snow Leopard from Leopard? They no longer sell the upgrade on the Apple online store.

[saeyedoc]

Thank you everyone.  BTW, my mac DOES have an outboard power supply, like a little white brick.

For those suggesting max out the RAM, can you please specify what/which RAM you might use and/or why?

Also, I found this info. enlightening. Can anyone confirm or elaborate on this point?

Look on the Audiogon forums for posts by Steve@ empirical. His handle is audioengr.

[lokie]

can you please specify what/which RAM you might use and/or why?

http://www.macsales.com

I would call these folks up and ask them to get you the correct RAM. They also have tutorials to DIY or they can install. I have bought numerous stuff from them over the years and have always been happy with their service and items. Good place to get external hard drives as well.

[JohnR]

Look on the Audiogon forums for posts by Steve@ empirical. His handle is audioengr.

Or here... http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=105944.msg1123026#msg1123026

[JohnR]

This looks like the OWC page for your machine:

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/mac_mini/intel

However, you say you have an unused 1GB stick? I would say put it in and use it. Otherwise you'll be paying $60 just to go from 2GB to 3GB...?

I have a single 1 gig Mushkin RAM new in case.

.

[applesource]

I had the same mac mini at one stage and increased the ram and added the free version of Audirvana. In tandem that made a good improvement using the hog mode feature in Audirvana. Also made sure I turned off as many preferences etc and deleted all the applications I didn't need, to slim down the OS (I think it was Tiger) and used it just as a music machine.

[sonicxtc]

Hi,
I just wanted to thank everyone for the replies. I am going to tweak the existing unit as soon
as TIMEallows.

I had the same mac mini at one stage and increased the ram and added the free version of Audirvana. In tandem that made a good improvement using the hog mode feature in Audirvana. Also made sure I turned off as many preferences etc and deleted all the applications I didn't need, to slim down the OS (I think it was Tiger) and used it just as a music machine.

Makes sense to me. Thanks.