Q: Can I install Snow Leopard on an old mac mini?

Which mini?

From early 2006 minis supported OS 10.6. For more details check the model out here.

Nope, won't work. Snow needs a Mac with an Intel processor. The G4 is PPC,

No, you can use Leopard.

General requirements

• Mac computer with an Intel processor
• 1GB of memory
• 5GB of available disk space
• DVD drive for installation

But 1GB RAM is bare bones. You should get more, preferably up to the maximum the Mini will allow.

Shlubtastic wrote:

 

how about Leopard 10.5?

10.5.8 is fine. Obtaining it may be more difficult.

You'll need a Leopard retail install disk.

This info is provided by TexasMacMan, with updates from me;

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard installation system requirements

http://support.apple.com/kb/TA24950

Leopard is no longer available at the Apple Store but may be available by calling Apple Phone Sales @ 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753). {Note - this is now very unlikely, but no harm in asking}.

If you can't obtain a retail install DVD from Apple, look on Amazon MP, eBay or Google the installer part numbers to possibly find at an on-line store. Here's what to look for:

MB427Z/A  Leopard 10.5.1 install DVD

MB576Z/A  Leopard 10.5.4 install DVD

MB021Z/A , MC094Z/A  Leopard 10.5.6 install DVD (single user)

MB022Z/A , MC095Z/A Leopard 10.5.6 install DVD (5-user family pack)

{the bold order numbers are the later ones}

Installing Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1544

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard Installation and Setup Guide

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/leopard_install-setup.pdf

After you install the base 10.5, download & install the 10.5.8 combo update at http://support.apple.com/downloads/Mac_OS_X_10_5_8_Combo_Update

{This is still available on Support Downloads}

Note that going to 10.5 would mean the loss of Classic which might be a problem if old applications were used.