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Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini Q&A
Revision Published November 9, 2012
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What are the differences between the "Mid-2010" Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini and the "Polycarbonate" Mac mini models replaced?
Please note that the "Late 2009" and "Mid-2010" Mac mini models have been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated subsequently and can be quite helpful for anyone buying or selling one of these systems on the used market.
With even a quick glance, it is readily apparent that the "Mid-2010" Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini models -- the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 (Mid-2010) and 2.66 Server (Mid-2010) -- have a number of major differences when compared to the "Late 2009" Mac mini -- the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.26, "Core 2 Duo" 2.53, and "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 (Server).
External Differences
Both lines have small "cuboid" cases, but the "Late 2009" Mac mini uses a polycarbonate case that essentially is the same as all earlier Mac mini models whereas the "Mid-2010" Aluminum Mac mini models introduce a new case design milled from a single piece of aluminum.
In addition to material, the case dimensions are different as well. The polycarbonate models are 6.5 inches across and deep and 2 inches tall and the aluminum models are wider and shorter -- 7.7 inches across and deep and a miniscule 1.4 inches tall. The below images are not precisely to scale, but should provide an idea of the difference.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc (Aluminum - Left, Polycarbonate - Right)
The aluminum case design, delightfully, is much easier to upgrade as well, with a "spin off" black plastic base on the bottom that can be removed quickly to access the RAM slots, compared to the earlier polycarbonate models which require inelegantly prying open the case with a putty knife.
Identification Differences
These two systems are easy to differentiate based on case design alone when sitting side-by-side. However, as both lines share identical cases with previous or subsequent systems, respectively, detailed information can be quite helpful for precise identification.
Externally, both lines share Model Number with other systems. The "Late 2009" Mac mini line has model number A1283 on the bottom, but the "Early 2009" line shares this model number as well. The "Mid-2010" Mac mini line has has model number A1347 on the bottom, but shares this model number with several subsequent systems.
However, these lines can be identified externally by EMC Number, and it is convenient to use for identification. Specifically, the "Late 2009" Mac mini models have EMC number 2336 on the bottom of the case and the "Mid-2010" models have EMC number 2364, but this only is visible upon removing the bottom "spin off" panel to the right of the memory slots (with the ports pointing toward you).
In software, the "Late 2009" Mac mini models share the Macmini3,1 Model Identifier with the similar "Early 2009" Mac mini models, whereas the "Mid-2010" Mac mini models share the Macmini4,1 Model Identifier.
EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature also can identify all Mac mini models by their Serial Numbers.
Connectivity Differences
Another major point of differentiation is connectivity. Both lines have a Firewire "800" port, Gigabit Ethernet port, combined digital optical audio input and output minijacks, AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, and support a remote via IR (although a remote must be purchased separately for either).
However, the "Late 2009" line has five USB 2.0 ports compared to just four on the "Mid-2010" line and display connectivity is substantially different -- with a Mini-DVI and Mini DisplayPort for the "Late 2009" series and an HDMI port and Mini DisplayPort capable of passing an audio signal as well as video for the "Mid-2010." The "Mid-2010" line has an SD card slot too (and although Apple does not formally mention it, the SD card slot is SDXC capable).
Internal Differences
Internally, the "Mid-2010" models have an internal power supply rather than an external "brick" like their predecessors, but with the exception of graphics processors, the underlying technology between the lines is quite similar. The "Mid-2010" line swaps the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M provided by the the "Late 2009" line with a faster NVIDIA GeForce 320M, but both graphics processors share 256 MB of memory with their respective system.
Both lines also have Intel "Core 2 Duo" processors with a 3 MB on-chip level 2 cache, a 1066 MHz frontside bus, and support a maximum of 8 GB of 1066 MHz PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM (the "Mid-2010" line officially supports up to 8 GB of RAM, although the "Late 2009" line unofficially does as well).
The server configurations from both lines swap the optical drive for a second hard drive -- and have a revised "slotless" case design -- and ship, or shipped, with a pre-installed copy of Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard" Server rather than the standard version of Mac OS X.
Comparison Charts
The precise differences in processor speed, pre-installed memory, hard drive, optical drive, and price for each "Late 2009" and "Mid-2010" Mac mini are summarized below.
Regular/Non-Server Models
The two "regular" configurations of the "Late 2009" Mac mini were consolidated into a single "Mid-2010" configuration with a US$100 higher price of entry:
 "Late 2009" Mac mini |
 "Mid-2010" Mac mini |
|
|---|---|---|
| Processor Type: | Core 2 Duo (P8400, P8700) | Core 2 Duo (P8600) |
| Processor Speed: | 2.26, 2.53 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| Standard RAM: | 2 GB, 4 GB | 2 GB |
| RAM Access: | Putty Knife | No Tools |
| Hard Drive: | 160 GB, 320 GB | 320 GB |
| Optical Drive: | 8X DL "SuperDrive" | 8X DL "SuperDrive" |
| Video Type: | NVIDIA GeForce 9400M | NVIDIA GeForce 320M |
| Integrated VRAM: | 256 MB† | 256 MB† |
| USB Ports: | 5 (2.0) | 4 (2.0) |
| Display Ports: | Mini-DVI, Mini DisplayPort | HDMI, Mini DisplayPort* |
| SD Card: | No | SDXC |
| Power Supply: | External | Internal |
| Dimensions (In): | 6.5" x 6.5" x 2" | 7.7" x 7.7" x 1.4" |
| Case Material: | Polycarbonate | Aluminum |
| Apple Order No: | MC238LL/A, MC239LL/A | MC270LL/A |
| Apple Model No: | A1283 | A1347 |
| EMC No: | 2336 | 2364 |
| Original Price: | US$599, US$799 | US$699 |
Server Models
The server configuration is a modest "speed bump" with the aluminum case design at the same price point:
| Server |  "Late 2009" Mac mini |
 "Mid-2010" Mac mini |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Type: | Core 2 Duo (P8700) | Core 2 Duo (P8800) |
| Processor Speed: | 2.53 GHz | 2.66 GHz |
| Standard RAM: | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| RAM Access: | Putty Knife | No Tools |
| Hard Drive: | 500 GB x2 | 500 GB x2 |
| Optical Drive: | None | None |
| Video Type: | NVIDIA GeForce 9400M | NVIDIA GeForce 320M |
| Integrated VRAM: | 256 MB† | 256 MB† |
| USB Ports: | 5 (2.0) | 4 (2.0) |
| Display Ports: | Mini-DVI, Mini DisplayPort | HDMI, Mini DisplayPort* |
| SD Card: | No | SDXC |
| Power Supply: | External | Internal |
| Dimensions (In): | 6.5" x 6.5" x 2" | 7.7" x 7.7" x 1.4" |
| Case Material: | Polycarbonate | Aluminum |
| Apple Order No: | MC408LL/A | MC438LL/A |
| Apple Model No: | A1283 | A1347 |
| EMC No: | 2336 | 2364 |
| Original Price: | US$999 | US$999 |
* The Mini DisplayPort on the "Mid-2010" models is capable of passing an audio signal as well as a video signal.
† Both the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M and GeForce 320M graphics processors are "integrated" and share a minimum of 256 MB of RAM with the system for video function.
Comparison Summary
Ultimately, those who need a inexpensive desktop Mac on the used market -- particularly for television connectivity via the HDMI port as well as an internal optical drive -- a "Mid-2010" Mac mini is a solid choice.
For those on a tighter budget, Intel-based "polycarbonate" Mac mini models like the "Late 2009" line remain well worth consideration, too.
Used Mac mini Purchase Options
There are many places to purchase a used "Late 2009" or "Mid-2010" 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 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 EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any Mac mini model to any other G3 or later Mac.
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