Comments on: How Far Can You Push a Mac Mini?

By: Matteo

Matteo — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:01:16 +0000

Thank you for the infos…I hope also the newest macmini can support a Sata pm…
Thank you again
Will make you know

Matteo

By: Matteo

Matteo — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:01:16 +0000

Thank you for the infos…I hope also the newest macmini can support a Sata pm…
Thank you again
Will make you know

Matteo

By: hsus2k

hsus2k — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:49:23 +0000

No, I haven't. Though I replaced my HD with a 120 GB SSD the read and write speed never reached over 200 Mbs? I sort of gave up, plus I just had a new born, I really don't have much time to do these experiements anymore.

Here are few links will help you:
http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/11/02/t...

http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Mac-mini-Model-A...

The sata multiplier I used is also a Hardware (sata) multiplier, which means it is a separate hardware control all the HDs from its “brain” to set RAID configuration; which is much faster than using software RAID.
Here is the link: Get the HPM- Harware Port Multiplier, not just the PM- Port Multiplier (you will need controller)
http://www.addonics.com/products/host_controller/

http://www.addonics.com/products/host_controlle...

Good luck and have fun!
Dennis

By: Matteo

Matteo — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:31:34 +0000

Hello,
Have you tried to connect multiple HDs through a port multiplier to the 2009 2.0ghz mac mini?
I'm Very interested to this because I'd like to do the same thing, but I did not found any info about Sata port multipliers support on mac minis…
So I will be very grateful to you if you can give me some more infos

Thank you very much
Matteo

By: sfoskett

sfoskett — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:30:05 +0000

It's simply the nature of RAID and disk drives. Hard disks fail at a rate of somewhere between 3% and 6% annually. If you stripe data across two disks (as in RAID 0), you double both the chance and impact of this failure. In other words, you might be up to 12% likely to lose all of the data on both drives. This is just unacceptable in my opinion. Therefore, you had better have a reliable backup system (thank god for Time Machine!) if you're going to use RAID 0!

By: petes33

petes33 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:07:23 +0000

Your final note “One last thing” suggest a RAID-0 configuration is prone to fail.
Do you believe this to be true with the new Mac mini Server?
Is there too much heat generated? Or is it the nature of RAID 0 that makes delicate?
Thanks

By: spiceyweasel

spiceyweasel — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:50:47 +0000

My arm has finally healed enough for me to gut that G4 Cube and I was blown away by how spacious it is inside. Having done some quick measurements, I now believe it's possible to build my Mini Mod vertically by simply putting the mini's hardware right where the existing logic and controller modules are, including the super drive and have room for at least four 2.5 inch hard drives and STILL have room left over to leave the existing optical drive, or an upgraded model, in it's place. Ironically, there is a slot on the top of the Cube that should accommodate the optical slot of the mini opposite the one that's built for that purpose. There is also a slot to place an 80mm fan as well. My only concern now is whether or not the Mini power supply can handle all of that or is an upgrade in order? All I need to do now is find a donor Mini, preferably one that will handle 8GB of RAM, and we'll be off to the races in no time. I can't wait to get started.

By: spiceyweasel

spiceyweasel — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:56:00 +0000

Have you heard the news? EFI logic boards are heading for market. If the rumors are true, they will allow for native booting of Snow Leopard. The last ostensible hurdle to building a better Mac has been removed. I eagerly await one to put in my PowerMac G4 and a Mini ITX EFI to slap in my Cube. Microsoft better hope Apple doesn't decide to build a game platform, since the ability to build your own Mac would spell doom for Windows within a decade.

By: spiceyweasel

spiceyweasel — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:47:44 +0000

There's no telling with Apple. I sent my idea about an HD out port to them. I figured, if there isn't any room on the inside, why not give us a port to connect an external that will be like having an extra internal? They wouldn't have to take out the optic that way. I've already begun designing a dock for multiple HD's to accessorize it. I'm applying that to my build on my G4 Cube. I gutted it and have begun designing my cage. My unit will place everything horizontally like the Mini, allowing not only the two Blu-Ray reading optical drives, but a whole phalanx of HD's and a beefed up internal power supply to support them all. I intend to make a Mini that's more than a match for what is currently on the market. The board I sent you specs for supports 18GB of RAM. I will be importing my own PRAM and EEPROM chips to make it Mac in all but name. The guru I chat with swears thats the only difference between a Mac and Intel PC at this point. We'll soon find
out.

By: hsus2k

hsus2k — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:08:09 +0000

Yeah, I know. The new 27″ w/LED screen imac is even better, but just cost too mcuh! I really like to have one hanging on the wall.

The reason they couldn't (or want to spend money to re-engineer) the 2 HDs Spacing is that the fan is on top of the CPU and next 1st HD. So, they had to remove the DVD drive, and replace it with te 2nd HD.
In order to allow both HDs side by side, Apple had to redesign the black platic braket holding the DVD and HD. The fan routing channel, the case (with rear vent had to be redesigned).

But they could have redesign the Top outer housing to be a little taller to enclose everything in, plus the DVD drive; may be even a 3rd HD next to the 2nd one?(I guess Apple wanted to keep the mini at the same dimensions? Plus they don't want to make room for people to additional “stuff”?