Hosted by site sponsor WebMate.
Intel Mac mini Q&A - Revised August 10, 2007
To be notified of new Q&As, sign up for EveryMac.com's bimonthly email list.
What are the differences between the Mac mini "Core Solo/Core Duo" models?
Please note that all systems mentioned in this Q&A have been discontinued. The Mac mini "Core Solo/Core Duo" models were replaced by the "Mid-2007" Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" line on August 7, 2007.
Like the Mac mini G4 models before it, the internal components of all Intel-based Mac mini "Core Solo/Core Duo" systems are cleverly enclosed in a tiny and elegant 2.9 lb, 6.5 inch square, two inch tall case.
Photo Credit: Apple Computer
The Intel-based Mac mini "Core Solo/Core Duo" models have either a Intel Core Solo or Core Duo processor, a 2 MB on-chip level 2 cache, a 667 MHz frontside bus, 512 MB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300), an integrated "Intel GMA950 graphics processor with 64 MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory", 5400 RPM hard drives, and an Apple Remote for use with Apple Front Row media organization software.
Connectivity of each system includes DVI (DVI-to-VGA adapter included), Firewire "400", four USB 2.0 ports, combined "optical digital audio input/audio line in" and combined "optical digital audio output/headphone" minijacks, a 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet port, and built-in AirPort Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR. The systems lack an internal 56k modem, but an external Apple USB Modem can be purchased for US$49.
There are a handful of configuration differences between the original Intel Mac mini models -- the Mac mini "Core Solo" 1.5 and Mac mini "Core Duo" 1.66 introduced February 28, 2006 and discontinued September 6, 2006 -- summarized below in this handy chart:
| Mac mini "Core Solo" 1.5 | Mac mini "Core Duo" 1.66 | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Speed: | 1.5 GHz (T1300) | 1.66 GHz (T2300) |
| Hard Drive: | 60 GB | 80 GB |
| Optical Drive: | 8X "Combo Drive" | 2.4X "SuperDrive" |
| Apple Part No: | MA205LL/A | MA206LL/A |
| Price: | US$599 | US$799 |
On September 6, 2006, Apple discontinued the Mac mini "Core Solo" 1.5, effectively reduced the configuration of the Mac mini "Core Duo" 1.66 along with the price, and introduced a new "high end" model that was the same as the previous high end model but uses a faster 1.83 GHz "Core Duo" (T2400) processor.
The differences between the second configuration of the Mac mini "Core Duo" 1.66 and the Mac mini "Core Duo" 1.83, introduced September 6, 2006 and discontinued August 7, 2007, are summarized below:
| Mac mini "Core Duo" 1.66 | Mac mini "Core Duo" 1.83 | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Speed: | 1.66 GHz (T2300) | 1.83 GHz (T2400) |
| Hard Drive: | 60 GB | 80 GB |
| Optical Drive: | 8X "Combo Drive" | 2.4X "SuperDrive" |
| Apple Part No: | MA607LL/A | MA608LL/A |
| Price: | US$599 | US$799 |
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new Mac mini models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb Mac mini models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell a Mac mini, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac will buy your older Mac mini with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used Mac mini models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise may have used Mac mini models available at low prices and with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.
Please refer to the Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any Mac mini model to any other G3 or later Mac.
Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices
Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com includes, and always has included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect. Accordingly, EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the authors thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.