The last Mac Mini with quad-core processor was the Late 2012 build model
with i7 and either 2.3GHz or custom order 2.6GHz; there were Server builds
too; those generally included two 1-TB rotational hard drives of 5400-RPM
& were best replaced with faster SSD models such as macsales OWC has.
General technical specs from Apple Support; model not in production:
Mac mini (Late 2012) - Technical Specifications
The version that shipped with dual hard drives works well to upgrade to SSDs.
Because there was no optical drive, the ports are there for two full speed HDD.
And the rotational drives are certainly a bottleneck to performance. Even if you
were to get one and upgrade the RAM memory to 16GB, an SSD is superior.
Video or graphics uses shared-RAM from the total population of 'standard' RAM.
Later model Mac Mini with memory permanently affixed to logic board, offer a
newer graphic processing chip; depending on build model option, details vary.
Be advised, these Late 2012 i7 quad-core models in clean pre-owned condition
appear to hold a greater share of their original retail price mark; and most did not
ship with dual hard drives. Curiosity led me to check several sites on this matter;
as I've a server model of this build year, bought in clearance page at Apple online
near two years ago. Most resell sites (not auction) ask more now, than I paid then.
{Memory upgrade modules of reputable quality for these can be bought online from
two brand vendors, OWC macsales, & Crucial. Authorized resellers of Crucial can
be a good source, at competitive prices for their memory chips, of exacting specs.}
The details of technical specifications for the Mac Pro desktop tower models, more
recent build year models and earlier, should be read for hard data; prior to serious
consideration. Given their costs and upgrade paths, there is more to them than cost.
In any event...
Good luck & happy computing! 🙂
