This is probably a horrible idea; putting a Mac Mini in a mini-fridge

You will end up with condensation inside your computer and in all probability a fatal short circuit...a remarkably dumb idea..

More than a decade ago, the machines I used were pretty expensive (SGI), and I faced a similar scenario to the one you mention: These SGIs costed a fortune, and I didn't like the idea of them being damaged in Summer because of high temperatures (just consider that SGIs had some graphics hardware that used to get really hot when doing textured real time graphics).

The solution was easy: air conditioning. I installed it just because of the computers. I really didn't need it for the users (although users were more comfortable with the air conditioning, but it was installed for the computers). These machines still work today, didn't suffer any damage in Summer.

But, then also consider that these machines were expensive. In the case of your Mac Mini, you'd have to decide if installing air conditioning is justified or not.

HTH

Apple's official specs for the Mac mini state that the operating temperature allowed is "Operating temperature: 50° to 95° F (10° to 35° C)".

So a fridge might be too cool and summer heat too hot. Before you try it I suggest checking the specs of the fridge and see what range it can be set to.

This is just an idea:

http://www.tuvie.com/search/thermo+electric+cold+plate

there are other mfgs

If these are your run-of-the-mill dorm fridges, I'd worry about the buildup of ice in that pitiful freezer compartment. The same heat you're trying to save your mini from is going to be working to kill your fridge. If that happens, and the ice buildup melts, you're going to be worrying about more than condensation.

I've not seen your new house, but the mini is the size of a couple of salad plates stacked together and the only place you could find for it was your attic?

I wonder if a Frost-Free one would cure the condensation problem?

Did you guys look at my idea? It's an electric cold plate. You can chill it right down, no frost just its very own cold place, no pumps no fans no noise, just a spot of coolness.

I don't understand why you don't consider air conditioning. It's really cheap nowadays. Cheaper than a Mac Mini, and you'll use it not only for your computer, but also for being more comfortable at your home.

I'd seriously re-consider the attic. Or outside for that matter. I would have to assume there's a closet with a high shelf, or perhaps under a bed, or even the couch. Looking at your house pictures, there's a spot in between the kitchen and the heat stove that another cabinet or a shelf could be installed up high where you could put this stuff. If a shelf, 3 walls would hide it. For a cabinent, build in some ventilation and you'd be set.

These cool through direct contact, but your mini is sitting on tiny feet, so there would be none. Turning it upside down, while creating direct contact, would not solve the problem, as the mini was engineered to vent its exhaust through the bottom. You'd be cooling the wrong part of the system, and I'd imagine the effect would be the same if you just turned it upside down and rested it on an empty box.

Also, you can't disregard the fact that the heat in your attic is going to be working against any solution you devise to keep your mini running cool. This next question should not be taken as an endorsement of your refrigerator idea, but how were you planning on getting power and network to your mini and external drives if it were housed in there? I don't think a fridge would last very long, with heat working against it from the inside and outside. Its compressor could concieivably never stop running, and those tiny things aren't built for that.

You've put up a fantastic straw man, and I have to admit that I've enjoyed trying to come up with a creative (and affordable) solution, but I think your best course of action is to pay an electrician to run power and network to one of your closets, and set your gear up in there. Please update this thread when you make your choice...I now have a vested interest in seeing how this turns out 🙂

Those lab units look like they would be a lot more expensive than a chiller service plate.