[rydenfan]

I am about to pull the trigger on a Mac Mini for a server. I have heard grumblings that I want to buy the last gen model as it has Firewire 400 while the new ones have Firewire 800. Would love to hear from those that know more than me.

[jtwrace]

If you are going to use it as a stand alone server, you will be fine with either one.  Personally, if you can spring for the extra bucks get the new one for the upgrades processor.  If not, there will be no sonic difference.  That's all you need for a server.  I've got a very large library and it works great!  I also have two 1TB iomega HD's connected via Firewire 400 and use SuperDuper! as my backup (bootable backup) software.

[persisting1]

One of the problems is that many people have external drives that only use firewire 400.

Get an external HDD with firewire 800 and you're set.

Go with the new like jtwrace stated. 

[santacore]

You can also buy a 800 to 400 cable. Problem solved.

[jtwrace]

You can also buy a 800 to 400 cable. Problem solved.

I've found this place to have the best prices:  http://firefold.com/Firewire-Cables-and-Products-C6.aspx