Mac Mini as iTunes server/backup server/generic file share

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Mac Mini as iTunes server/backup server/generic file share

I would like to set up a Mac Mini with a few external USB drives as a multipurpose server, and I am wondering what the minimum version required would be.

The functionality I would like the server to provide is:

Run iTunes in server mode so that I can stream movies to my iPad and ATV v2
Run Logitech Media Server (previously called SqueezeBox Server/SqueezeCenter/SlimServer/) so that I can stream my rather large FLAC music library to my two Squeezeboxes
Be able to back up my main Windows 7 PC to one or more of the attached USB drives
Function as a shared file system for files that I want to share with my wife's laptop

Alone, none of the above would require a whole lot of horsepower, but I'm not sure if together they warrant buying a new Mac Mini when an older (and cheaper) version may suffice.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated

Rich

Mac mini

Posted on Jul 19, 2012 8:30 AM

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Answer 1

BDAqua

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Jul 19, 2012 1:21 PM in response to RichS123

Hi, I'm not certain you need a newer one or even Server to do this.

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Answer 2

RichS123 Author

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Jul 20, 2012 7:38 PM in response to BDAqua

I don't plan on getting the server version of the Mac Mini, since I know that I don't need the extra functionality OSX Server provides.

My main concern is processing horsepower and memory limitations of the older versions of the Mac Mini.

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

239,213 points

Jul 20, 2012 9:56 PM in response to RichS123

OK, I'd look for a Mini that can hold at least8 GB of RAM...

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/specs/mac-mini-core-2-duo-2.66-la te-2009-specs.html

But I don't like that one because the Shared Video, I'd opt for...

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/specs/mac-mini-core-i5-2.5-mid-20 11-specs.html

A real Video card & 16 GB of RAM possible.

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Answer 4

Jul 21, 2012 6:14 AM in response to RichS123

An older even PowerPC Mac can do all your requirements. However bare in mind the following.

Mac OS X 10.4.x cannot run the latest iTunes, it is however possible to install Mac OS X 10.5.x (Leopard) on a PowerPC Mac mini which currently can still run the latest iTunes.

USB hard drives are slow. FireWire would be better.

The ordinary version of Mac OS X (any version) will not act as a Time Machine Server for other Macs to back-up to. The Server version of Mac OS X 10.6 or later can do this which means you would need an Intel model Mac mini.

I have setup an Intel Mac mini running 10.6.8 with iTunes and Logitech Media Server to do pretty much exactly what your are trying to do. It works fine.

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