Does the Mac mini mid-2010 have an active PFC power supply?

Question

Level 2

165 points

Does the Mac mini mid-2010 have an active PFC power supply?

I'm about to buy a UPS unit to run my NAS, and I'd like to connect my Mac mini to it as well. Does the Mac mini mid-2010 model have an active PFC (power factor correction) PSU (power supply unit)?

I've read that if it does (as the Dell XPS series do), then one of the cheaper UPS units won't work because those typically have modified/simulated sine wave outputs (you'll only notice when the power is out and the UPS is feeding power from its battery). It would mean I'd have to buy one of the more expensive UPS units like APC Smart-UPS SC620 or CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD.

I can't seem to find any resources that explain this. Please?

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Dec 13, 2013 8:08 AM

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Answer 1

Joe Bailey

Level 6

12,227 points

Dec 13, 2013 8:54 AM in response to concept

Apple uses a sophisticated switching power supply that not only provides the proper output with an input ranging from 110 to 240 voltls, 50 to 60 cycles but also provide protection from errant power sources. So for the Mac mini power supply, as well as any recent model iMac, Power Mac, or MacBook automatically adjusts. The only adaptation that is required for traveling in most of the world is an adpator for the different plug configurations and is availabel at the Apple store. The same is true of the Apple built chargers for the iPhone and iPad. NOTE this is true only for the chargers built by Apple.

As a further aside on power the iPhone will charge using a United States standard 5V USB but the iPad required a "Chinese" standard 7V USB to actually charge the battery.

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Answer 2

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,108 points

Dec 14, 2013 5:10 AM in response to concept

I just purchased a Cyberpower unit with the simulated sine wave and it works great. No issues when it switches to battery system. This unit will save some cost over their real sine wave design.

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Answer 3

concept Author

Level 2

165 points

Dec 13, 2013 7:24 PM in response to Joe Bailey

Thanks, Joe, for the reply. I understand that most modern CE use auto switching PSUs, but the question is whether they have incorporated active power factor correction? The impact is, PSUs with active PFC will many times reject a modified sine wave power input signal (i.e., stepped sine wave or squarish sine wave), which means when an entry-level UPS kicks into action, the computer won't recognize it as having valid power source, and thus will shut down as if I had no UPS anyhow. I'm not concerned about travelling with my computer. Thanks!

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Answer 4

gen_

Level 2

368 points

Dec 13, 2013 9:26 PM in response to concept

I'm pretty sure they are Passive for two reasons. 1, active PFC is a little more bulky than the single capacitor that passive needs, and Mini really can afford to use space much when the 2010 was the firt model to ever fit in the case. 2. EU law only requires Active PFC and in a system that is already so slim on power the power savings from Active PFC really aren't very much. 2a. The 2012 Mac Mini is Passive PFC according to ther forum posts from users with midified sine UPS units, and I see no reason for Apple to have vastly modified the PSU design since then.

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Answer 5

Dec 14, 2013 4:55 AM in response to concept

FWIW, I use one of these:

http://www.cyberpowersystems.com/products/ups-systems/soho-ups/cp425slg.html?sel ectedTabId=overview&imageI=#tab-box

for my HTPC setup. I have a 2010 Mini with a couple of USB drives plugged

into it, my 42" Samsung LCD TV, cable modem, cable box, and an Airport Extreme

Base Station running off of the backup power ports (not my 5.1 receiver for obvious

power reasons). With all on, I get enough time to gracefully power down the Mini with

time to spare when power goes out. When not watching TV or listening to music,

the cable modem and AEBS can run a long time during a power outage.

I have had this setup for around 2 years and have had no ill effects on any of

the gear and I do periodically have everthing powered then yank the AC

cord to cycle the battery.

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