What OS is available for Mac mini (A1176 model)?

Click here, find your model in the list, and check the maximum OS version. If it originally shipped with 512MB of RAM, that will be 10.6.8.

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See > http://www.everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/?search_keywords=A1176

You have a Mac with a Intel Core Duo processor, so you can install Snow Leopard. To check how much RAM you have got, open  > About this Mac, and check Memory. To upgrade to Snow Leopard, I recommend at least 2 GB of memory. You can buy more RAM at OWC or Crucial > http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/mac_mini/intel

To upgrade to Snow Leopard, first buy Snow Leopard > http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard# Then, make a backup of your files, insert the DVD and upgrade.

After upgrading, open  > Software Update, and install Mac OS X 10.6.8, so you will be using the latest Mac OS X version for your Mac. OS X Lion, Mountain Lion and Mavericks require a 64-bit processor, and your Mac hasn't got a 64-bit processor

Open it because I think you have two 512 MB modules. In this case, you will have to purchase two 1 GB modules

Click on the apple icon in the upper left of the screen and select About This Mac. The click on More Information. Go to the Memory topic and click on it to see the installed memory configuration.

When at the About this Mac screen, click on More Info. The System Profiler will reveal the computer's current RAM configuration without needing to open it.

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Niel is correct. Illaass, that's only valid for OS X Lion and Mountain Lion

You are welcome

I though that might be the case since I do not have any machines earlier than Lion

mende1 wrote:

Niel is correct. Illaass, that's only valid for OS X Lion and Mountain Lion

Yes, you can

Yes, you can upgrade the core duo or core solo processors and install Lion OS (10.7). Go slow because it's tricky getting the heat sink off the processor and back on with the four plastic posts and springs holding down the heat sink. It's easy to lose springs. The plastic barbs break off easily so you will want to get plastic screws and bolts ahead of time to replace the brittle posts that you break (I broke two of the four). The heat sink is also "welded" on to the old processor so be patient while you persuade the two to break apart. Also, the old thermal paste has to be worked off the new processor and heat sink a number of times using ArticClear remover and purifier. You can then add fresh thermal paste to the replacement processor (thin layer).

Heat Sink

Check the orientation of the heat sink also because the new processor is not oriented the same way as the original and if you use the outline of the old processor on the heat sink as a guide you will have to take the heat sink back off and turn it 90 degrees so that the fins are oriented correctly. Also, if you removed the heat sensor wire so that you can clean the heat sink don't forget to plug it back in before you lock down the heat sink again.

Core 2 Duo processor

Finally the new processor does not always drop easily into the ZIF (Zero insertion force) socket as you might expect. In my case a little pressure was needed probably because some of the pins were slightly off from the time it was removed from its previous home. I installed a T7600 and 4GB of memory into a Core Duo A1176 (late 2006) Mac Mini running OS 10.6.8 which I installed before upgrading the processor.

Warning

The mini will not boot again until you remove one of the memory sticks, leaving 2GB. This is because you will need to update to Lion before updating the bios to 2.1 so that the extra memory will be recognized. It will see 3GB of the 4GB you install. At current prices it's worth it. It's a scary moment when the Mini refuses to boot up and such a great sound after you remove one of the sticks and try again.

I installed a new HD (500 GB) with OS 10.6 and 10.7 partitions, new memory (2 X 2GB strips), new PRAM battery, new optical drive also to extend the life of the mini for my granddaughter who wants to use it with her iPad mini.

Lion OS (10.7)

If you order Lion from the Apple Store you will get two emails after about 24 hours, one with a password, the other with a content code. If you try and use the content code to download to your upgraded mac mini it will tell you that your computer does not support Lion and it will not download the software. If you try it on another machine it will say that the code has been redeemed. You will have to call Apple and ask for another code then wait another 24 hours.

Download onto an external drive attached to a compatible Mac. I'm using my Mac Pro. Before you can use Lion on your Mac Mini you will need to erase a file that lists your Mini as being incompatible. The filename is platformsupport.plist. Delete this file and clone the installed OS (on the external drive) to your Mac Mini. Run the bios updater next if you want to use 3GB RAM. A few hoops to go through to get to the finish line! Good luck!

everymac.com states this macMini can run 10.7.5 I have this running on my same macMini so I can confirm. In the Apple App store it says there are no updates available for my machine. Hope this helps.