Apple Introduces New Mac Mini With Faster Processors and Quad-Core Option

Apple updated its Mac mini line of desktop computers at its media event today.

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The updated Mac mini models have new processors, including quad-core chips on the high end, as well as new build-to-order RAM options of up to 16 GB. Pricing remains the same as the prior generation Mac Mini models, starting at $599. There are two standard configuration and a server configuration:

- $599, 2.5 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5, 4GB RAM, 500GB HD
- $799, 2.3 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7, 4GB RAM, 1TB HD
- $999, 2.3 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7, 4GB RAM, 2TB HD, Includes Mountain Lion Server

High-end Mac mini models can now also be configured with Apple's new Fusion Drive technology, which seamlessly integrates a traditional 1 TB hard drive with 128 GB of fast flash storage for both speed and capacity. System files and frequently used apps and data are automatically placed in flash storage to optimize speed, while other data is housed on the slower traditional hard drive.

The Mac mini was last updated in July of 2011, marking some 460 days since the last update and the new models are available starting today.

Related Roundup: Mac mini
Buyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Neutral)
Related Forum: Mac mini

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Top Rated Comments

winston1236 Avatar
172 months ago
Is this the mac pro replacement?
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
andyjam Avatar
172 months ago
I don't want to say I'm disappointed, but losing dedicated graphics (even just the half-useless chip they used before) makes this is a downgrade IMO.

Now I just don't know what to do...
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
OldSchoolMacGuy Avatar
172 months ago
Wow, nothing but a bunch of cry babies in here. Bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch about everything every single time Apple updates anything. They could add ever feature every single person here requests and still you guys would cry like a bunch of beaten children that they didn't add something more.

Yes the mini doesn't have top of the line graphics performance. It's the cheapest entry level machine they offer. Deal with it. You're expecting way too much.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Spanky Deluxe Avatar
172 months ago
Any news on the graphics cards? Would be a step backward to loose the discrete graphics.
No discrete graphics chips anymore. Downgraded to Intel graphics across the board. Weak.

I just realised that the new 13" Retina MacBook Pro doesn't even have discreet graphics. I'm not sure how they can get away with driving that many pixels with only a weak integrated graphics chip. The whole lineup looks quite poor at the moment in my opinion. The 13" rMBP and Mac Mini are hindered by poor graphics and the iMac's missing the retina display that everyone knows is due at some point. I see no reason to upgrade from my ageing tech at the moment.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Westyfield2 Avatar
172 months ago
So have we lost the discrete graphics?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
EDarkness Avatar
172 months ago
Wow, nothing but a bunch of cry babies in here. Bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch about everything every single time Apple updates anything. They could add ever feature every single person here requests and still you guys would cry like a bunch of beaten children that they didn't add something more.

Yes the mini doesn't have top of the line graphics performance. It's the cheapest entry level machine they offer. Deal with it. You're expecting way too much.

What are you talking about? This supposed to be an upgrade over the previous version. No one is asking for super high end, but simply a better graphics card than the last model. That shouldn't be too much to ask for.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)