User profile for user: WilliamJH
WilliamJH Author
User level: Level 1
10 points

Upgrading Mac mini mid 2010 ?

I currently have a Mac mini mid 2010 version running 2gb of ram but looking into upgrading to the maximum 8gb.


Will this help my Mac mini cope with running the latest version of OSX ? I am currently using an old version Lion OS X and it runs smoothly with no issues but when I update to the newest software it is such a pain to use !! Slow and unbareable at times so I keep going back to the factory OS.


Would upgrading the ram solve this problem ? I Actually thought about buying a new machine but I really don't have the money at the moment but I need to be able to run the latest software for graphic design (photoshop) and Xcode for development which require the latest version of OS , But before I jump into upgrading id like to know its actually a solution to this problem before spending money on ram , Is my processor also the problem ?

Posted on Jan 16, 2017 2:45 PM

Reply
5 replies
User profile for user: BobHarris
BobHarris
User level: Level 9
57,271 points

Jan 16, 2017 5:22 PM in response to WilliamJH

2GB is way too small for just about any version of OS X after Snow Leopard.


PhotoShop is very memory intensive, it will always benefit from more RAM.


But assuming your CPU is a Core 2 Duo, as mentioned here

<http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/specs/mac-mini-core-2-duo-2.4-mid -2010-specs.html>

then it is not a very powerful CPU these days.


RAM would be the least expensive upgrade option. Next would be to replace the internal hard disk with an SSD, which will help a lot with the newer operating system versions.


MacSales.com

Crucial.com

are well respected Mac RAM vendors


MacSales.com will offer you some good choices for SSD disk replacements.


Or save the money, and limp along until you can afford a new Mac. I have take both routes. I've got a 2011 Macbook Pro that I added RAM and replaced the disk with an SSD. I used that configuration for a few years, and then just last month I got a new Macbook Pro. I also added RAM and an SSD to a 2009 27" iMac with an i7 quad-core CPU. The iMac is still being used all day long at work and runs fantastic.


If the Mac mini had a alternate use in your home, such as a backup server, media server, etc... then I would add RAM, leave the disk alone, add external storage, and use it for that purpose (I use a Mac mini as a backup server in my home). Then I would get a new Mac for the PhotoShop and XCode work. I realize that is going to cost a lot of money, but I do not see a lot of life for the Core 2 Duo CPU.


NOTE: I am closer to retirement, so my financial situation gives me more flexibility and you should not based you decision just on what I would do.

Reply
User profile for user: BobHarris
BobHarris
User level: Level 9
57,271 points

Jan 17, 2017 4:20 PM in response to WilliamJH

The i5 process is fine. That is a nice configuration.


And you could turn the existing Mac mini into a home backup server and media server. Just Google "Mac mini media server" for some ideas.


As a backup server, I use mine with the free CrashPlan.com option where I provide my own storage. Just hang some external storage off of the old Mac mini and setup up CrashPlan to do backups from any Mac, Windows, Linux computers you own directed to the old Mac mini.


NOTE: Do NOT spend money just because I said suggested it 🙂

Reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Upgrading Mac mini mid 2010 ?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up