Last week I reported my progress upgrading my Mac Mini’s RAM and hard drive to extract much more performance out of Apple’s little desktop. And indeed, adding a 7200 rpm high-performance laptop hard drive did make a noticeable difference in system responsiveness.
But a question came in via email asking, will Western Digital’s killer 10,000 rpm VelociRaptor SATA drive work in the Mac Mini? So inspired, I set out to find out just how far one can push a Mac Mini’s performance!
Pillars of Performance
As I noted in my last update, there are four keys to desktop system performance: CPU, RAM, storage, and graphics. The Mac Mini’s CPU is soldered in place and its graphics are integrated into the system chipset, so neither are upgradable. The best one can do on the CPU side is to order a built-to-order 2.26 GHz Mac Mini from Apple, adding $150 to the base Mac Mini price of $599.
Base Mac Mini: $599
2.26 GHz CPU upgrade: $150
Running total: $749
PC hackers commonly upgrade their systems’ performance by tweaking the system BIOS to overclock the CPU, memory, and system bus. But you can’t overclock a Mac Mini, or at least I haven’t found the secret yet.
More RAM always helps, but the Mini won’t accept more than 4 GB 8 GB of RAM. The graphics can also be improved slightly by installing more than 1 GB of RAM because the system will then use 256 MB of RAM as a frame buffer instead of 128 MB. Since we’re going to be opening the system anyway, we can save some money by upgrading the RAM ourselves. The Mac Mini uses 204-pin DDR3 SO-DIMMs rated at PC3-8500 (1066 MHz). A nice 4 GB matched set can be purchased from Amazon.com for $60.
4 GB RAM upgrade: $66
Running total: $815
Your Apple Mac Mini is now maximally configured, with the exception of storage.
Killer Storage
The only remaining upgrade is storage. And here, the Mac Mini is amazingly adaptable. About 2/3 of the vertical space covered by that aluminum and plastic exterior consists of a black plastic cage containing the DVD SuperDrive, hard disk drive, and cooling fan and serving as a support for the BlueTooth and 802.11 wireless antennas. This is your target.
The Mac Mini’s storage subsystem is up to date, with two SATA channels supporting 3 Gbit speed and advanced capabilities like native command queueing (NCQ) even though the stock Mini’s hard drive lacks these features.
The hard drive sits in a cradle immediately under the optical drive, face-up in an open cavity over the motherboard. Although it ships with a slim 9.5 mm high hard disk, my ruler says that the Mac Mini cradle can accept a 12.5 mm z-height disk. This is interesting from a capacity standpoint, since some higher-GB drives are 12.5 mm 3-platter units, including the popular TravelStar 5k500 drive from Hitachi.
However, the Mini was designed to have an air gap between the hard disk and DVD drive, and a 12.5 mm drive will press against the optical unit, potentially causing heat problems. And a larger 2.5″ drive will not fit, including the 15 mm mechanism from the Western Digital VelociRaptor.
Therefore, any crazy disk drive dreams that also include leaving the Mini and its DVD drive in the original case are right out. All is not lost, however! Apple kindly included the MacBook Air’s Remote Disc support, so the Mini doesn’t need a DVD drive at all if you happen to have another Mac or PC handy. Removing the SuperDrive leaves room for up to two 2.5″ hard disks!
Without the SuperDrive in the way, a 2.5″ Western Digital VelociRaptor hard disk drive should fit just fine. Although it ships with a massive heat sink, the VelociRaptor isn’t as power-hungry or hot as you might imagine. It might be a good idea to apply some cooling fins or add an extra fan, but I’m betting the Mini wouldn’t have any trouble driving this 10,000 rpm drive once the SuperDrive is removed. So the WD VelociRaptor is a serious option for the Mac Mini.
Another killer performance option is a RAID-0 set of internal SATA drives. Although the Mini’s second SATA channel (normally used for the DVD drive) does not have the proper connectors or mounting supports for a hard disk drive, iFixit sells a DIY kit to connect a second hard drive. This kit, which includes two 500 GB 5400 rpm hard drives, sells for about what a single 300 GB VelociRaptor costs, and should provide similar performance using RAID-0 striping.
WD 300 GB VelociRaptor hard disk or iFixit dual-500 GB kit: $250
Running total: $1,065
Conclusion
So there you have it! For just over $1,000, you can have the baddest Apple Mac Mini possible. But for quite a bit less, I suspect that a 2.0 GHz/4 GB/7200 rpm disk combo would be nearly as fast.
One more thing: If you decide to use RAID-0 on your internal drives, you must use Time Machine to protect your data! A stripe set of disk drives poorly mounted in a tiny chassis without a properly-engineered cooling or power system is a recipe for disaster. Your disks will fail, and your data will be lost!
You could push it further: put a OCZ Vertex solid state drive in there. The cost is about $725 for 250 GB (vs $250 for the 300 GB Velociraptor) but the Vertex is much faster. (A single Vertex performs on par with a RAID-0 set of Velociraptors). As a bonus, SSDs produce less heat and noise.
Certainly turning a $1065 Mac Mini into a $1550 Mac Mini isn’t something to undertake lightly, but for cases where you’re willing to pay for performance and are looking at the Mini for size/power, rather than because it’s inexpensive, it’s a good option to consider.
just trying to register
Not sure why you want to spent twice as much for the SSD when the speed is just as fast with 7200 HD at 3GBs (max)? The only issue is if you drop the unit, the SSD have much better surrival chance. I do believe they are both SATA connection.
The question I have is which SATA (I or II) do we have on the 1.83GHz Mini unit? Or (the new Mini?)
What about Controller for the SATA? Are we able to hook up a Port Multiplier for the SATA connector to set up a RAID system to run multiple HDs?
Help, I’m trying to build a “Monster Mini”
Currently updated my (2007) 1.83 GHz mini to 4 GB Memory.
I thought all new Intel Core 2 Duo CPU chip are socket pins, am I wrong? I thought I have seem people upgrad their Chip on older Core Duo model with new 2.16 GHz chipset?
Already have a USB extenal 1.5TB HD connect directly to the Mini for Data storage and a separate 1TB external drive hooked up the the Airport Base Station for backup.
Now I want to build up my process speed by trying to hook up the RAID system. Is’t possible?
Anyone?
Thans,
Hi,
Do you know someone that tried one or two VelociRaptor WITHOUT the optical drive?
I already own 5 VelociRaptor in my PC, and would free 2 for use in a next Mac Mini I’m thinking buy.
Thanks a lot,
Bob
Hi, Newbie here again.
Finally got my 1.83 GHz mini running on two 500GB 7200 HDs RAID setup (all hooked up to the single SATA connector originally for the HD) at about 121 Read and 106 Write speed according to Xbench.
http://image74.webshots.com/174/5/57/71/2167557710030506968hzNJSx_fs.jpg
Waiting for another pair to hook up to my RAID setup. The Seagate 500GB 7200rpm Hd were only $85 from Dell.
BTW, my DVD-CD drive is still in tack. SOme how the mini power supply still holds and supported the extra HD and the HPM controller.
I had to load teh Mac OS after teh RAID setup. So, all all teh HDs, HPM Controller and the Super drive are running at eh same time!
Also just bought a 120GB OCZ Vertex Turbo SSD (with the fastest 270 READ) since everyone is paising the ssd super speed. For me, I’m just looking for the Read processing speed to catch up with the CPU Processor and the RAM, saving (Write to) all my data thru external HDs.
It seeems like the SSD are superfast, but the cost is also super HIGH!
Anyway, I have two 120gb ocz (above) on the way ready for me to test them out soon! But to save money in the near future, I might be looking for smallest capacity with the fastest (possible read speed) ssd to hook up 8+ SSDs set up RAID Stripped for Max Processing speed! My plan is to stuff all these into a G4 Cube! Neat and tight package without any other external enclosures!
I just think the Cube is so cool looking!
http://www.123macmini.com/macminicube/
See what these folks are doing wth 24 SSD in a RAID setup:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96dWOEa4Djs&feature=fvst
It should work with a proper adapter for the connector (CD type to disk type), and proper mounting. I’m not sure about cooling and power, though. The VelociRaptor uses more power than your average drive, so it might generate more heat than the Mini can handle. Though mine has had NO trouble at all coping with the 7200 rpm drive I installed.
Wow! You definitely have the craziest Mac Mini setup I’ve heard of yet!
One note: That photo link isn’t working…
Stephen
Here is the link to my Webshots Album: (I didn’t want to let go my “secerts” this soon! hee, hee………) Had the lock on it, should work now?
http://entertainment.webshots.com/album/574180083zoGosY?vhost=entertainment
But I’ve got most my info from the internet anyway. I’m more of a Mechanical guy rather than a Computer ot electronic technician.
I just got converted from PC to Mac by one of our EE from my wrok place last year.
My 1.83 GHz Mini is only 1.5 years old. Now I bought one for my wife and just another (used, all 1.83 Intel Core 2 Duo, because they are fun to modify! About to swap mine out the CPU Chip to a T7600 2.33 GHz processor).
BTW, on the first part of the “secert” potos are the Hds setup with separate power supply, and I was having problems with the Mini to reconizing the Drives.
After torn down the mini into pieces with DVD-CD drive removed, later i found out it was just the SATA to eSATA cable connection not making the full contact (see how I cut and ruined the two connectors?)
But It’s working now! plus the power is from the SATA power connection (with adaptor) from the original HD too.
And the extra (3rd) HD to the far right with USB connection is to load the Mac OS thru USB. Then, my RAID setup did finally boot up on it’s own.
The complete process is still not easy, especially for a Mech guy like me (plus I’m new to Mac). I had to set the RAID (Hardware setting) first, then boot up with USB HD (with boot capablity) to boot up and run Disk Ultility to then pick the drives (do the Partition, I think this is optional, I just want to load my OS and Applications to the “small 60GB partion-drive”) and set the RAID (software setup).
Then, download the Mac OS into the RAID Drive. Restart, remove the original 80GB HD from the USB connection and done!
Well, the “secert” of the connection multiple HD and RIAD setup is out now. It is working currently with 2 HDs, I’ll hook up with 4HDs later by next week for testing.
And will also try to do the SSd RAID later as well.
Need for SPEED!
Sounds as even two velociraptor’s side by side will fit in the same space occupied by the Optical Drive and the supplied hard drive!
Did someone try that? Is someone making an adapter for make this option possible? 600GB in a RAID 0 Mac Mini will be a dream for a media center!!!
Something like the third one on the link http://www.maxupgrades.com/istore/index.cfm?fuseaction=Product.display&product_id=188 with adaptations can work for Mac Mini with a dual RAID 0 VelociRaptor !!!
(2007) 1.83 GHz mac mini has its limitation at the Front Side Bus. The limited speed bottlenecked at 667Mhz! (same with the Processor and the RAM @ 667Mhz).
The best I could get out from the 1.83 Ghz mini is at 135 Mb/s read. That’s with 4X 7200rpm 500Gb HD and I’ve also tried with 2X OCZ VERTEX Turbo SSDs.
People are getting at 200 Mb/s with just the single SSD in the new (2009) mini which has twice the speed on the FSB at 1066Mhz.
I sort of gave up on “Sup”ing up my 1.83 GHz mini.
I’m currently studying about building my own Hackintosh with a Mini-ATX Motherboard (with more expansion PCI and SATA slots!)
But if you are just looking for storage space (not speed), my 4X HD raid is at 2TB, and I also have an external 1.5 TB HD hooked up to my mini.
If you are not into speed just capacity. Don’t waste your money on stuff multiple HDs into the mini. Just get the External HD. I believe they now have 2TB maybe even 2+ TB External HDs for just little over $100.
BTW, some one already stuffed 2 HDs in the new 2009 Mini and set Raid 0 with (software). They have cheap adaptor plate for it (for second HD) on ebay!
But that’s removing the superdrive and they just added an external DVD drive form MacBook and stack on top of mini (which makes the mini only 1/2 inches taller.
Did you stuff the whole thing into that Cube pictured at the end? Wow, awesome!
Drop me an email at the link at the top right, will you?
Stephen
I’m not sure that that will fit in a Mini. But you can always try! I love hsus2k’s SATA expander idea, and he was able to run the expander and two drives (four?) from the Mini’s power supply. Not sure this is really reommended, but hey it might work!
You can definitely replace the optical drive with a second hard drive using the kit mentioned in my post. You can also definitely use a port multiplier to add more drives like hsus2k.
What I did was much simpler. I bought a Drobo and hooked it to the FireWire port! Hahaha! It’s not a speed demon, but it’s reliable and huge – I’ve got 2.5 TB of usable space plus the 320 GB hard drive plus protection with RAID and Time Machine!
Yes, you do want to make sure you have enough power for everything you hook up.
Lucky the Seagate 7200.4 (500GB) HD only draws .451A at 5V which uses about 2.2W (4X=8.8W) plus the Hardware Port Multiplier.
Just have to watch out what else I’m hooking up on the USB port.
I think the 110W power supply will manage what I have so far. Plus the optical drive is not spin all the time.
If you have anything over 20W (addition to what the original components), I would be careful.
Anyway, like I said. If you have the older 2007 mini. Don’t spend too much money on it.
Upgrade the RAM to 4GB Max, maybe a large Capacity 7200 or 1000 rpm HD and up to a T7600 Processor Chip. That’s the most you can do for it.
As for the new 2009. all you have to do is just swap the disk HD to a large capacity SSD. That’s all it needs. if you want storage, just add external HD.
You just can’t modify Mac mini beyond that. It is just a small Desk top using Laptop components. It is meant to be a HTPC, not a graphic editing machine.
Which was What I thought of doing. Now studying to build my own “BigMac” with PC components and stuff all into G4 Cube.
I started a blog called The Mac Retrolution devoted to 'Retro' ( a nice word for old) Mac owners (meaning the machines, not the owners) who are hot rodding their machines. I, too, have joined the Mini Cube craze, and will be happy to share my experiences with the world once I perfect my tech. It would be great to showcase a number of older machines (I have a G3 iMac and PowerMac G4 tower I'd like to convert as well) simply for the fun of it. Also, in the spirit of hot rodding, I intend to make my Macs as impressive outside as they will be inside by going wild with paint and graphics. I hope you will all post your builds so others can benefit from, and be envious of, your creativity and expertise.You can join the Retrolution at http://www.themacretrolution.blogspot.com
I want to make a Mini Cube with dual Blu-Ray optical drives and four slide out HD's like the Mac Pro. I have mad skills with a router so I'll be able to make all the alterations to the acrylic case without making it look tacky. Remember, there were only 150,000 Cubes made, so get yours while the getting's good, or grab up another G-Series pre-Intel machine and work your magic on it. The compactness of the Mini components make the possibilities virtually limitless. Also, if anyone knows of a retailer or individual who'd be willing to sponsor some of these builds, post it to the site so someone might complete their project quicker. See you there. Viva La Retrolution!
Can you hook two Minis together to boost performance through a single video output? I bought a G4 Cube to gut and install Mac Mini components to get the Mid range tower Apple never produced. Your comment about the dual SATA channels has the wheels spinning in my head. I intend to alter the Cube cage to allow me to add multiple 3.5″ HD’s as well as a Blu-Ray reading DVD Super Drive. I am curious whether I could get any kind of performance boost by linking up the Mini brains and what that would entail from me. Is it possible to link them, or would I be better served just adding a few Mini Stacks to the mix?
I’m not sure if you can do that? It’s like running two (multi) computers with two (multi) brains on (two motherboards) not sure how you can merge them all together? Or sync them? (i’m not an expert on Computer hardware. I just though you have to have everything (attached to) on the single Motherboard to run it? Even thought you will have Dual or Quad Processors, single or multiple Graphic connections.
But I was looking to add video (graphic) power by looking expending (attaching connections) to the mother board; which I might add more high-end graphics cards, but most of the high end graphic card required PCl connection, usually 16X and many required dual PCI, plus the it will draw a lot of POWER!
After many hours of research, I couldn’t find anything I can attach to the motherboard..
The flex connection coming off the motherboard into the interface board which attaches to the HD and Super drive is pretty much APPLE’s own connection. I couldn’t find any connection (PCI) to match.
Unless there is SATA to PCI adaptor, I really don’t think how you will be able to add video card to the mini’s motherboard.
Anyway, my original idea was just increase I/O speed of the mini by running multiple HDs to help READ and Write data faster.
It turns out to be my bottle neck (of slowing down) is at eh FSB (which is 677 mhz on my 2007 mini) the new mini ‘s got the faster FSB and RAM at 1066 mhz.
Please remember, almost everything inside of the Mini are laptop components, you can only do so much to upgrade; and I doubt you can build it more powerful than a desktop, plus most laptop components will cost more and a lot smaller (size and Capacity) than desktop components.
But if you find out anything on hooking up multiple Minis together, please let me know.
Thanks,
Dennis
I found a better Mini board from ASUS they sell for use in mini PC’s. I’ll simply install an Apple ROM chip out of a MINI to forestall the OS problems and gain both memory slots AND PCI, too. That way, I really don’t need to alter much in my Cube unless I decide to actually add an extra DVD drive…..which I really don’t need, I just thought it’d be cool. I’ll still have my Blu-Ray playing, Snow Leopard running, high memory, multiple HD packing machine, but without all the extra holes and grief. Plus, I can use a faster processor. And, thanks to your brilliant build, I know I can rig up a power supply to handle it with ease. I need to get a Cube Psup to alter first, though. Mine didn’t come with one.
“Vivid imagination is the key to our future reality. Those who refuse to dream are the fetters which hold us down.” -Theo Cult
“Censorship is a self-preservation tool wielded by craven people who fear change. Hence, Organized Religion and Politicians have embraced it since it’s inception. I can only hope humanity will one day realize the power these groups have over them is but an illusion and join with me to break that bond forever.” -Theo Cult
“Viva La Retrolution!” -Fido
http://themacretrolution.blogspot.com/
http://gimmeafreakingbreakalready.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/people/Shawn-Matthews/582393071
http://www.myspace.com/fidopolis
http://www.myspace.com/themacretrolution
http://resexcellence.ning.com/
[email protected]
http://www.everymac.com/
Which Mini ASUS borad are you referring to? Do you have a specific PN? Are you also building a Hackintosh?After research and study, Hackintosh is way too much for me to get involved. So many different configurations, scripts to load, plus to deal with new OS and software all the time scared me away from it. If you know a better way or easy way to build an Hackintosh, plase let me know!Yes, I WAS also looking for a Mini ITX board to build a POWER Mini earlier, thinking I’ll have a lot more choices on the CPU Chip (especially newer type with socket, So I can update as I wish in the near future), Plus more memory card slots and SATA connection, and more PCI slot for more expansion. I even found PCI “riser” (some are long flex cable, which will alllow you to fit the high-end graphics card (with dusl PCI slots) in any configuration as you wish (because the G4 Cube is still a small space for ALL the stuff you want to stuff in there! No even sure you can stuff some of those graphic cards, because those highend graphics cards might be too long to fit them in verticlely and have the monitor cable hook it up to it from the bottom of the Cube. The hackintosh build required too many script files scared me away from it. I’m totally unfamiliar with scripts or codes, I’m more of a mechanical guy.Btw, I’ve also studied on the power supply of the Mini and G4 Cube.(on building mini inside the Cube) There is no way to use regular Desktop PC powersupply, because it will required to plug into the ATX board, which somehow power up the motherboard before it with power up anything else.The mini has the 110W power supply similar for the Laptops.So far it will power my Mini with the 4 extra Hds and the Raid Hardware card; I think anything more will be pushing it.The G4 Cube comes with a 205W power supply, but I believe there is a “voltage converter” Board INSIDE of the cube to convert 110V to 12V and 3V, The PCB is not part of the power supply. So, be caution on how you’ll hook it up? Plus the power core to PC connection are totally different between Mini and the G4 (also both are APPLE “sytle” which you will not find anywhere else?)Have you check the link in 123macmini.com’s fourme? where this guy had the instruction building his Mini inside the G4 Cube? He used two power supplies.He also used the on/off sensor button (top of the G4 Cube, but inside) hooked up directly to the power switch on the mini (inside). (I’ve also purchsed that button with PCB board from ebay) thinking somehow hooking up to control two different power supplies as well (if I’m still persuing building the Hackingtosh Mini)
There are power supplies out there (up to 200W) for people who ‘s building HTPC or intertainment PC on there Automobile. Or just use some of these SATA Adaptor with its power supply and hook up to the on/off switch.
I’ve just bought the NEW 2009 2.0 Ghz mini and will test (hook) up to a RAID 0 (with multiple HDs) to see how fast READ/WRITE speed will be with the 1066mhz FSB/RAM.Please let me know how that miniPC board will work? i know a co-worker of mine loaded Mac OS into his Dell netbook and worked. But again, it required more than just loading the OS CD. Something to do witht eh script files and resetting the BIOs?Good luck!
DFI’s G5C100-N Socket mPGA479m. You can combine it with an Intel Merom 2.16GHz Core Duo processor.
“Vivid imagination is the key to our future reality. Those who refuse to dream are the fetters which hold us down.” -Theo Cult
“Censorship is a self-preservation tool wielded by craven people who fear change. Hence, Organized Religion and Politicians have embraced it since it’s inception. I can only hope humanity will one day realize the power these groups have over them is but an illusion and join with me to break that bond forever.” -Theo Cult
“Viva La Retrolution!” -Fido
http://themacretrolution.blogspot.com/
http://gimmeafreakingbreakalready.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/people/Shawn-Matthews/582393071
http://www.myspace.com/fidopolis
http://www.myspace.com/themacretrolution
http://resexcellence.ning.com/
[email protected]
http://www.everymac.com/
A friend of mine suggested a better board: The Zotac 9300-ITX which features socket LGA775 and has support for 8GB of RAM and GeForce 9400 GPU. It also has built in WIFI. The processors it supports are impressive, too, including the Core 2 Quad. That just leaves dropping the ROM chip in place.
“Vivid imagination is the key to our future reality. Those who refuse to dream are the fetters which hold us down.” -Theo Cult
“Censorship is a self-preservation tool wielded by craven people who fear change. Hence, Organized Religion and Politicians have embraced it since it’s inception. I can only hope humanity will one day realize the power these groups have over them is but an illusion and join with me to break that bond forever.” -Theo Cult
“Viva La Retrolution!” -Fido
http://themacretrolution.blogspot.com/
http://gimmeafreakingbreakalready.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/people/Shawn-Matthews/582393071
http://www.myspace.com/fidopolis
http://www.myspace.com/themacretrolution
http://resexcellence.ning.com/
[email protected]
http://www.everymac.com/
Yeah, I was about to say that first one was sort of going backwards at 667 mhz FSBspeed, and the Chip socket 479 are getting old.
All the new Chip set are going with LGA 775 or LGA 1366.
The 2nd one that your friend had mentioned were the ITX Board I was looking at with pretty good Video card, and 1333 mhz FSB;plus one PCIe X16, and many internal SATA connections. Also has a build in WiFi, plus up to 8 Gb of RAm expansion.
There is a HDMI, DVI and a VGA output.
The only thing is that was the horrified MO that requires a lot of Script files and codes. And people have build Hackintosh from it already, there are still bugs and problem of the audio (no sound!)??
But it should looks good. I just don’t think I have the time to invest into hacking it;plus is not perfect and still have software (OS) issues.
Good luck. Let me know if it easier than it seems? After all the reading and research, I heard many people are still trying to get this thing working properly.
But once if someone can get this thing working. The expansion is much more the the new mini!
Have fun!
That’s the reason I wanted to use a Mini’s guts, but a friend swears he can fix the BIOS so it runs OSX natively. We shall see. If he lives up to his boast, I’ll get him to do a walk through on the procedure. You’ll still have to go out and buy the OS, but you won’t need to work around any compatibility issues. There’s ways to make that EEPROM sing like an Apple. Check out the following for a sample of such practices. http://apple.slashdot.org/apple/08/09/25/185252.shtml The bottom line for me is having something better than a Mini I can add to at will. Apple just doesn’t get it. Mini’s too small, Mac Pro’s too big, iMac’s too pricey for what you get…..I want MY Apple, MY way, on MY terms. My G4 was great until they made it obsolete. Too bad they won’t take my suggestion and get someone to build logic boards to fit the G-Series machines. That’s what the Retrolution is all about.
“Vivid imagination is the key to our future reality. Those who refuse to dream are the fetters which hold us down.” -Theo Cult
“Censorship is a self-preservation tool wielded by craven people who fear change. Hence, Organized Religion and Politicians have embraced it since it’s inception. I can only hope humanity will one day realize the power these groups have over them is but an illusion and join with me to break that bond forever.” -Theo Cult
“Viva La Retrolution!” -Fido
http://themacretrolution.blogspot.com/
http://gimmeafreakingbreakalready.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/people/Shawn-Matthews/582393071
http://www.myspace.com/fidopolis
http://www.myspace.com/themacretrolution
http://resexcellence.ning.com/
[email protected]
http://www.everymac.com/
You guys have lit a fire under Apple’s backside. Today, Apple introduced a new Mini SERVER sporting a 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor,
4GB memory, Dual 500GB hard drives, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics, and Mac OS X Server Snow Leopard for $999.00 I hate to admit it, but I’m impressed they had the cajones to steal your tricks. It does not have an optical drive, which, given the HD’s shouldn’t be a surprise, but considering the 2.5″ HD’s available, why can’t they shoehorn the little buggers in it side by side instead of stacking them? You know what would really impress me? I’d like to see an HD out on the back of the Mini that allowed you to connect another drive as if it were an internal unit that would allow you to hook up to a Mini stack with it’s own power supply capable of holding four hot-swappable drives. THAT would make a MINI worth buying.
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”?
BTW, here is some links to the Mini-ITX MB you were looking for: (notice all th4 Script files (codes) involved? I’m so confused!)
http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=156074
http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t156074.html
http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=163938&hl=
Here is a writ-up on teh MotherBoard:
http://techreport.com/articles.x/16642
This is what I might do, for the price, I’ll suffer for the SIZE. I wanted more powerful Mini, but Laptop components are just too expensive compare Deskip components.
http://lifehacker.com/5351485/how-to-build-a-hackintosh-with-snow-leopard-start-to-finish
Here is simple Hackintosh without hacking:
http://lifehacker.com/348653/install-os-x-on-your-hackintosh-pc-no-hacking-required
HAve fun!
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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
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/the-mac-mini-external-sata-hack/comment-page-1/
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Mac-mini-Model-A1283/659/1
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_controller/ad5sapm-e.asp
Good luck and have fun!
Dennis
Thank you for the infos…I hope also the newest macmini can support a Sata pm…
Thank you again
Will make you know
Matteo
Thank you for the infos…I hope also the newest macmini can support a Sata pm…
Thank you again
Will make you know
Matteo
hey hsus2k!
i know this post is over a year old, but im hoping that u will respond, i have a 2009 mini Core 2 Duo 2.26 4gb ram, im wondering if i can do what u did, I want to know if i can get a Port multiplier to hook up a bunch of WD Caviar blacck 2tb 72k drives in raid, I really dont understand the concept of the PM but i guess its kind of a sata HUB? im taking either the Optical drive or the 2.5 Hdd out and adding a 128gb SSD but i want to have alot of storage hooked up thru the sata port, Also wat would be the difference from a PM to a Hardware PM? I would love this cause i can buy a eSATA case for around $400 buks that has 5 3.5″ bays and holds up to 10tb in various raid formats. I just cant afford a Mac Pro and want to get the most out of my mini. I guess the PM needs to have each drive powered individually? that would kinda suck cause the mini dont have no eztra power ports. i want to buy one of this which require PM and that also use built in Hardware RAID:
http://www.sansdigital.com/towerraid-plus/tr4utbp.html
idk man this would be super great for me, the mini is the onlly mac i have and i have like 10 usb hdd hooked up and its kinda slow and just a mess in my opinion, so please man let me know wat u think and wat do u recommend, thanks so much hopefully u reply
Pow
Hi,
Yes, it has been awhile since I mess with the Mini RAID setup. The old mini’s BUS speed is just too slow for the new Hardwares.
I’m still planning on building my “Big Mac” with the newer Mini and the G4 Cube housing.
Anyway, to answer some of your question.
Yes the PM is similar to a “HUB”; Hardware PM can be set using hardware to run RAID and it’s faster. Hooking up regular PM and run with Apple RAID software will be tab slower.
ANd for the Power usage, you’ll have to calculate how much you’re using by how many HDs you’ll be hooked in a chain. (You can hook PM’s like a tree: like 4 PM under each of the 4 PM and under the final single PM, that gives you 16 HD hooked together in RAID, but you must start and set the RIAD from the bottom and work you r way up and it all depends on which RIAD setup you choose?
FOr me, I was setting up RAID o for process speed, not for storage; there are many different settting for different RIADs.
Oh, Another thing is you don’t want to miss match different HD capacities. THis means it’s better to pair up the same size HDs under the same PM. (Hope that make sense?)
If you do need extra power upply, there are plenty of external HD adaptor to read or copy HDs with and you should be able to hook up at least 4, may be up to 8 HDs each, dpends on the Wattage. If you use SSD, it will use even less power, there is no need for power to spin any disc.
Hope this helps?
Now the SATA 3 is out so are the USB 3.0; both are much faster!
This is very nice post , it is very informaative…
mac memory upgrade
FYI, the Velociraptor doesn’t seem to work in the Mac Mini. It needs 5 and 12 V, unlike most 2.5″ drives that use 5V power only. I don’t think the Mac Mini provides 12V to the disk.