Can my Mac Mini 4.1 run higher version OS software?

Can my Mac Mini run higher version OS software?


I have a MM 4.1 (build 201) that is running 10.6. It is the server model with two hard disks in it, no DVD. It has been running as a server for a long time. I now want to use it as a ‘normal’ computer. My questions are:


  1. What OS it can run?
  2. And can I upgrade straight away from 10.6 to whatever version of software it can run?
  3. Is 10.7 still available? If not can I jump to the latest OS it can run or does it need to be an incremental upgrade?
  4. Would 4 GB of RAM memory be enough for a higher OS? And if not, can it be upgraded to more and how much RAM can it handle?


FYI, the Hardware Overview:

Model Name: Mac mini

Model Identifier: Macmini4,1

Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo

Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz

Number Of Processors: 1

Total Number Of Cores:2

L2 Cache: 3 MB

Memory: 4 GB

Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz

Boot ROM Version: MM41.0042.B00

SMC Version (system): 1.65f2

Hardware UUID: 60B4EC03-B9BC-55D9-B652-978F302F0C5F

Thanks.

Posted on Apr 21, 2018 1:49 AM

Reply
5 replies

Apr 21, 2018 11:44 PM in response to ChangeAgent

Yes a Mid 2010 4,1 Mac Mini can run the latest macOS High Sierra.

see > macOS - How to Upgrade - Apple


However, I would upgrade at least one of the HDDs to an SSD and install a minimum of 8GB RAM.

see > Apple Mac mini Memory, Hard Drive, and Storage Upgrades

plus > Mac Mini Mid 2010 Repair - iFixit


Personally I have several unibody Mac Mini models including a Mid 2010 2.4GHz 4,1 Mac Mini. The Mid 2010 was upgraded to it's current SSD and 8GB RAM configuration over 4 years ago. We use the Mid 2010 everyday and have always updated it to the latest macOS version.

Apr 21, 2018 7:30 AM in response to DonH49

Thanks a million for the extensive answer. Much appreciated.

is there anybody who can answer these two last quesions (3 and 4 in the original post)?

  1. Is 10.7 still available? If not can I jump to the latest OS it can run or does it need to be an incremental upgrade?
  2. Would 4 GB of RAM memory be enough for a higher OS? And if not, can it be upgraded to more and how much RAM can it handle?

Thanks.

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Can my Mac Mini 4.1 run higher version OS software?

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