Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

I am using a Mac mini with system 10.4.11. Can you advise me of feasability of upgrading my system software?

I am using a Mac mini with system 10.4.11. Can you advise me of feasability of upgrading my system software?

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Apr 30, 2012 10:17 AM

Reply
13 replies

Apr 30, 2012 11:29 AM in response to hvacguy

We need more information about your Mac. Get more information about your computer. Go to the Apple in the upper left corner of any window, then "About This Mac", then "More Info..." Copy and paste the information here, but omit the serial number and Hardware UUID (if present).


If it's an Intel mini you can go to snow Leopard, and maybe even Lion. If it's a PPC Mac you can only go as far as Leopard. Snow Leopard and Lion are cheap and easy to find. Leopard is hard to find an expensive ($130+).


Leopard 10.5 Technical Requirements - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3759


Snow Leopard 10.6 Technical Requirements - http://support.apple.com/kb/SP575




Mac OS X: System requirements for Lion - http://www.apple.com/macosx/specs.html

May 1, 2012 9:15 AM in response to hvacguy

Your old G4 cannot be further updated. It is also officially obsolete and no longer supported by Apple.


Obsolete products are those that were discontinued more than seven years ago. Apple has discontinued all hardware service for obsolete products with no exceptions. Service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products. These include ALL G4 models.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1752?viewlocale=en_US

Apr 29, 2014 5:18 PM in response to Klaus1

Thanks! How outfitted? For its day, mine (bought on ebay) was maxed out. I have a DVI display that should be sufficient, a magic mouse (a gift that I never use with our laptops), but want a new keyboard. Is the base model,

  • 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
  • 4GB memory
  • 500GB hard drive1
  • Intel HD Graphics 4000
  • OS X Maverick

adequate, or do I start hanging more expensive processor and hard drive, etc.?

Apr 30, 2014 7:56 AM in response to Klaus1

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2295 will tell you the pitfalls of upgrading from your old Mac Mini.

You can also install 10.5.8 for the most current operating system for your Mac Mini, but as far as cost/benefit, you have to also see if you need Classic, and the application support is significant enough:


https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2275

May 2, 2014 10:28 AM in response to JuliusAppleLover

If you can ever afford a hardware upgrade, consider this Mac Mini 2011, Apple Mac Mini MC815LL/A Desktop


It is the last model that can be made to boot and run Snow Leopard natively (through the instruction of newfoundglory in the thread: "Can I install Snow Leopard on the new Mac Mini?"


https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3209335?tstart=0


Usually I do not recommend a used Mac...

Nov 18, 2014 10:52 AM in response to hvacguy

I run a Mac mini and with 4 GB of memory even I am constantly running low on memory for applications and crashing.


Best advice about Yosemite: DON'T UPGRADE TO YOSEMITE with less than 8GB of RAM installed unless you really need Yosemite functionality.


If you can get up to 4GB of memory installed, go with Mavericks. Mavericks was rock solid and very light on memory use....

Nov 18, 2014 11:04 AM in response to hvacguy

According to what i can see, you can upgrade your Mac Mini only to Leopard 10.5 at the highest because it was the last Mac OS X to support any kind of Power PC type (G4/G5) processor family. As of 10.6 Snow Leopard, the OS went Intel processor only. It looks like you also have enough memory to run 10.5 as it only requires ½ GB of RAM. Leopard is a pretty solid OS, worth the upgrade. Can probably be found for pretty cheap now online on eBay or elsewhere.

I am using a Mac mini with system 10.4.11. Can you advise me of feasability of upgrading my system software?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.