Mac Mini

I was thinking about a MAC Mini,


What actually comes with the Mac Mini when it is purchased?

Posted on Sep 22, 2016 6:22 PM

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2 replies

Sep 23, 2016 12:07 AM in response to wingbone

The hardware configuration varies between the build model order numbers

and you can choose to upgrade or change the specifications when buying.

Read the specs and also double-check the Apple store (buy button allows

you to see what if any upgrade or custom order changes available then) as

a matter of course before you buy.


There is more than just the Mini and power cable in the box: A few pieces

of paper, the hardware build configuration; and included system/software.


everymac.com site shows these four builds, variant custom orders may exist:


Mac mini "Core i5" 1.4 (Late 2014) 1.4 GHz Core i5 (I5-4260U)

Mac mini "Core i5" 2.6 (Late 2014) 2.6 GHz Core i5 (I5-4278U)

Mac mini "Core i5" 2.8 (Late 2014) 2.8 GHz Core i5 (I5-4308U)

Mac mini "Core i7" 3.0 (Late 2014) 3.0 GHz Core i7 (I7-4578U)

Because the integrated hardware on the logic board allows fewer items to

later be upgrade to higher spec parts than ever before, you have to choose

wisely in the initial purchase decision; look ahead to about three years and

perhaps two macOS system upgrades later, to what you may be doing w/ it.

These had historically been seeing model upgrades every few years in October.

Don't expect there would be an upgrade to the line, but sometime there will be.

Usually there are subtle updates throughout a model over time.

Sometimes you may find the build model (with adequate RAM affixed on board)

at the Apple Refurbished 'special deals' page. Inventory changes quickly.

And there are times when there is no stock of a specific product on that page.

These cannot be custom configured, as they're official 'refurbished' stock:

Mac mini Refurbished Mac Mini - Apple Certified


The 2.6GHz + 3.0GHz models are better bets than the low slower 1.4GHz; also

compare the graphic specs and other numbers. These are what is in the Box.

At present all current models are listed in the Apple online store, where you can

order the higher spec models as upgrade. As RAM memory is affixed, not a user

upgrade, that is a purchase decision. The capacity of storage hard drive or SSD

is also a purchase choice. Carefully read the option of getting a Fusion HD from

Apple as a choice because that includes PCI connector for blade storage in Mini.

{The present build model in production was redesigned after the Late 2012 had

stopped being produced, in 2014. I have a Late 2012 Mac Mini i7 quad server.

That model build started in Oct 2012 and ran until Oct 2014. So the dates are

special to the series; by identification there are 'early/mid/late' build models.}

From this page, you can click to select any of three, to see any custom options:

http://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/mac-mini

Hopefully you can find the configuration that suits your needs for at least as long

as an optional AppleCare extended plan, or three years from date of purchase...


Be sure to invest in a suitable external storage drive for use with Time Machine

and in addition to a Time Capsule or AirPort base with ports for external HDD.


In any event...

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

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