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Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini Q&A
Update Published November 20, 2018
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What are all the differences between the "Late 2014" Aluminum Mac mini models?
Please note that the "Late 2014" Mac mini models have been discontinued. However, this Q&A is up-to-date and can be quite helpful for anyone buying or selling one of these systems on the used market.
With even an extensive hands-on inspection of the "Late 2014" Aluminum Mac mini models -- the Mac mini "Core i5" 1.4, "Core i5" 2.6, "Core i5" 2.8, and "Core i7" 3.0 -- it effectively is impossible to tell that they are not identical.
However, there are crucial internal differences as well as identification differences that are important to evaluate, too.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Mac mini Late 2014 Models)
External & Connectivity Similarities
All of the "Late 2014" Mac mini models use the same 7.7 inch by 7.7 inch "cuboid" aluminum case design and are largely sealed with upgrade possibilities both minimal and challenging. None have an internal optical drive, either.
For those interested in an optical drive, which can be quite useful for inexpensive backups as well as occasional software installation, site sponsor Adorama sells the official aluminum Apple SuperDrive for US$79 and Other World Computing has a variety of third-party external optical drive options, as well.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Mac mini Late 2014 Models - Ports)
All of the "Late 2014" Mac mini models have the same ports and connectors, too.
Connectivity includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi (backwards compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0, four USB 3.0 ports, two Thunderbolt 2 ports, an HDMI 1.4 port (which supports a 4K display at 30 Hz), a single "audio line in (digital/analog)" minijack, a single "audio line out/headphone (digital/analog)" minijack, a 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet port, and an SDXC-capable SD card slot. They all support IR for a remote, also.
Identification Differences
Externally, the "Late 2014" Mac mini line shares the A1347 Model Number with earlier aluminum Mac mini models, so this is not precise enough for identification purposes. However, EveryMac.com has carefully hand documented that this line does share an unique EMC Number -- 2840 -- externally and a unique Model Identifier -- Macmini7,1 -- in software.
The EMC Number is listed on the bottom of the Mac mini toward the ports. To locate the Model Identifier in software, select "About This Mac" under the Apple Menu on your computer, click the "More Info..." button, and finally click the "System Report" button.
EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature also can identify the "Late 2014" Mac mini models by their Serial Numbers.
Internal Differences
Although there are a number of similarities between the "Late 2014" Mac mini models internally -- all have dual core "Fourth Generation" Intel "Haswell" processors, integrated graphics, soldered RAM that cannot be upgraded after system purchase at all, and support for dual storage drives courtesy of a Serial ATA (6 Gb/s) connector for a 2.5-Inch hard drive or SSD and a proprietary PCIe connector for a "blade" SSD.
The most notable difference is that the entry-level Mac mini "Core i5" 1.4 has slower Intel HD Graphics 5000 graphics whereas the higher-end models have Intel Iris 5100 graphics. However, the higher-end models also ship with faster processors, more soldered RAM by default as well as more advanced and higher capacity storage, as enumerated below.
Comparison Chart
Configuration differences are summarized below for the default models along with price differences:
 i5 1.4 |
i5 2.6 |
i5 2.8 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor Speed: | 1.4 GHz | 2.6 GHz* | 2.8 GHz* |
| Turbo Boost: | 2.7 GHz | 3.1 GHz* | 3.3 GHz* |
| Processor Type: | Core i5 (4260U) | Core i5 (4278U)* | Core i5 (4308U)* |
| L3 Cache: | 3 MB | 3 MB* | 3 MB* |
| Std. RAM: | 4 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Max. RAM: | 16 GB† | 16 GB† | 16 GB† |
| Graphics Processor: | HD Graphics 5000 | Iris 5100 | Iris 5100 |
| VRAM Type: | Integrated | Integrated | Integrated |
| Std. Storage: | 500 GB | 1 TB | 1 TB |
| Std. Storage Type: | Hard Drive | Hard Drive | Fusion Drive |
| Max. Storage: | 1 TB‡ | 1 TB‡ | 2 TB‡ |
| Max. Storage Type: | Fusion Drive | Fusion Drive | Fusion Drive |
| Order Number: | MGEM2LL/A | MGEN2LL/A | MGEQ2LL/A |
| Orig. Price (US): | US$499 | US$699* | US$999* |
| Orig. Price (UK): | £399 | £569* | £799* |
| Orig. Price (CA): | C$549 | C$749* | C$1079* |
| Orig. Price (AU): | A$619 | A$869* | A$1249* |
* These systems also were available via custom configuration with a dual core 3.0 GHz "Core i7" (I7-4578U) processor at extra cost. This custom processor has a 4 MB level 3 cache and and a Turbo Boost speed up to 3.5 GHz. EveryMac.com additionally has documented this custom configuration as its own model.
† The RAM in all of these models could be upgraded to as much as 16 GB of RAM at the time of system purchase. It is soldered onboard and cannot be upgraded after purchase at all.
‡ This is the maximum amount of storage available for each model as configurable from Apple at the time of purchase. Additional storage and alternate storage options are available for installation after initial system purchase, too. 2 TB option added to high-end configurations on January 13, 2015.
For pricing information in dozens of other countries, refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.
Comparison Summary
The "Late 2014" Mac mini models all share the largest limitations -- they effectively are "sealed" designs with soldered RAM that cannot be upgraded after system purchase, and have limited and difficult to upgrade dual storage drives. They also all have relatively slow dual core processors and integrated graphics.
Although the dynamics of the used market may change the value proposition somewhat, just compared to one another (and ignoring earlier and later models), the entry-level Mac mini "Core i5" 1.4 model is cheapest upfront, but with only 4 GB of soldered RAM by default, it will have a shorter overall lifespan.
When these models were new, EveryMac.com strongly recommended upgrading any of these models to 16 GB of RAM to increase the immediate speed as well as lengthen the usable life of the computer. At the time of purchase, it was most cost effective to increase the RAM in the higher-end Mac mini "Core i5" 2.6 or "Core i5" 2.8 which have 8 GB of RAM by default, but on the used market, any with 16 GB of RAM deservedly will command a premium, no doubt.
Just comparing the "Late 2014" Mac mini models, the higher-end models are the best choice. For someone on a tighter budget, the Mac mini "Core i5" 2.6 is roughly 5% slower than the high-end Mac mini "Core i5" 2.8 but originally cost 30% less and represented the best value overall.
The high-end Mac mini "Core i5" 2.8 also is a solid choice. In addition to a modestly faster processor, it has a "Fusion Drive" by default, which provides increased speed immediately and it is a hassle to add one later to the other models.
Finally, the highest end BTO/CTO model -- the Mac mini "Core i7" 3.0 -- is barely faster than the mid-range models, and does not make much sense for most users who could purchase a much faster and more upgradable older model (or a much faster and somewhat more upgradable newer model, either one).
Used Mac mini Purchase Options
There are many places to purchase a used or new Mac mini. However, buying from a quality merchant with an extensive track record in the Mac market will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new Mac mini models with free shipping. Other World Computing and JemJem sell 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.
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