Apple Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 (Late 2009) Specs
Identifiers: Late 2009 - MC238LL/A - Macmini3,1 - A1283 - 2336
All Mac mini Models | All 2009 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
Download: PDF Manual
The Apple Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 (Late 2009) features a 2.26 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" (P7550) processor, a 3 MB on-chip level 2 cache, a 1066 MHz frontside bus, 2 GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-8500) memory, a 160 GB Serial ATA hard drive, a slot-loading 8X double-layer "SuperDrive", and a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256 MB of memory shared with the system.
Connectivity includes Mini-DVI and Mini DisplayPort, a Firewire "800" port, five 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 (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR.
Late 2009 Mac mini models have the internal components enclosed in a tiny and elegant 2.9 lb, 6.5 inch square, two inch tall case with a built-in speaker and an external power supply. All Mac mini systems ship without a display, keyboard, or mouse, but numerous Apple and third-party options are available.
Also see: What are the differences between the "Late 2009" Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" configurations? What are the differences between these Mac mini models and the models replaced?
Buy Newer Macs at site sponsor OWC. Click for current options.
Upgrade This Mac at site sponsor OWC. Memory, storage & more.
Sell Newer Macs at A+ BBB rated site sponsor Cash For Your Mac. Quick quote!
- Tech Specs
- Ports
- Global Original Prices
- Popular Q&As
Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.
| Introduction Date: |
October 20, 2009 |
Discontinued Date: |
June 15, 2010 |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
Also see: All Macs introduced in 2009. |
| Processors: |
1 (2 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
3205 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
3521 |
| Details: |
Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini3,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (32): |
1249 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
2165 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini3,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (64): |
1353 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
2390 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini3,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 4 (SC): |
1481 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
2451 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini3,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 5 (SC): |
311 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
554 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini3,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Processor Speed: |
2.26 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core 2 Duo (P7550) |
| Details: |
The Intel "Core 2 Duo" (P7550) processor includes two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip.
Also see: How fast is the "Late 2009" Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" compared to earlier Mac mini models? |
| Turbo Boost: |
N/A |
Custom Speeds: |
2.53 GHz |
| Details: |
This model also was available via custom configuration with a 2.53 GHz "Core 2 Duo" (P8700) processor for an additional US$150. For all practical purposes, this custom configuration is the same as the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 (Late 2009), but with less RAM and a smaller hard drive than that configuration offered by default. |
| Processor Upgrade: |
Soldered |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
The processor is soldered directly to the motherboard.
Also see: Is it possible to upgrade the processor in the Intel Mac mini models? |
| System Bus Speed: |
1066 MHz |
Cache Bus Speed: |
2.26 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
1066 MHz frontside bus. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Details: |
Also see: Does the Intel Mac mini have a ROM or BIOS? |
| L1 Cache: |
32k/32k |
L2/L3 Cache: |
3 MB (on chip) |
| Details: |
Includes a 3 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache that runs at processor speed. |
| RAM Type: |
PC3-8500 DDR3 |
Min. RAM Speed: |
1066 MHz |
| Details: |
Supports 1066 MHz PC3-8500 DDR3 SO-DIMMs. Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the polycarbonate Intel Mac mini models? How much RAM of what type do they support? |
| Standard RAM: |
2 GB |
Maximum RAM: |
8 GB* |
| Motherboard RAM: |
None |
RAM Slots: |
2 |
| Video Card: |
GeForce 9400M |
VRAM Type: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
This model has a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M that shares memory with the system.
In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the graphics card, power supply, and more for this Mac mini.
|
| Standard VRAM: |
256 MB |
Maximum VRAM: |
256 MB |
| Details: |
*Apple reports that this model has 256 MB of memory shared with system memory. Please note that this is the minimum graphics memory usage but the memory available to MacOS X "may vary depending on graphics needs". |
| Display Support: |
Dual Displays |
Resolution Support: |
1920x1200* |
| Details: |
*This model simultaneously supports 1920x1200 on a DVI or VGA display using the Mini-DVI port and 2560x1600 on a dual-link DVI display using the Mini DisplayPort (with an optional Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter). |
| 2nd Display Support: |
Dual/Mirroring* |
2nd Max. Resolution: |
2560x1600* |
| Details: |
*This model simultaneously supports 1920x1200 on a DVI or VGA display using the Mini-DVI port and 2560x1600 on a dual-link DVI display using the Mini DisplayPort (with an optional Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter). |
| Standard Storage: |
160 GB HDD |
Std. Storage Speed: |
5400 RPM |
| Details: |
This model also could be equipped with a 320 GB or 500 GB hard drive for an additional US$100 or US$200, respectively.
Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive in the Intel Mac mini models? What type of hard drive do they support? Is it possible to replace the optical drive with a second hard drive?
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this Mac mini.
In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells storage upgrades for this Mac mini.
In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells storage upgrades for this Mac mini.
Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Storage Dimensions: |
2.5" (9.5 mm) |
Storage Interface: |
Serial ATA (3 Gb/s) |
| Details: |
This model supports a single SATA II (3 Gb/s) 2.5" hard drive or SSD that is up to 9.5 mm thick. |
| Standard Optical: |
8X DL "SuperDrive" |
Standard Disk: |
None |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the slot-loading 8X double-layer SuperDrive "writes DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL discs at up to 6x speed, writes DVD-R and DVD+R discs at up to 8x speed, writes DVD-RW discs at up to 6x speed, writes DVD+RW discs at up to 8x speed, reads DVDs at up to 8x speed, writes CD-R and CD-RW discs at up to 24x speed, reads CDs at up to 24x speed."
This model uses an SATA connector for the optical drive.
Also see: What are the capabilities of the optical drive provided by the Mac mini "Core" models? Which can read and write dual-layer DVDs?
Site sponsor Other World Computing offers a "Data Doubler" mounting kit that may be of interest. It makes it simple to install a second hard drive or SSD in the optical drive bay of this Mac mini. |
| Standard Modem: |
None |
Standard Ethernet: |
10/100/1000Base-T |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11a/b/g/n |
Standard Bluetooth: |
2.1+EDR |
| Details: |
AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard. |
| USB Ports: |
5 (2.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
1 (800) |
| Details: |
Five 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports, one Firewire "800" port. |
| Expansion Slots: |
None |
Expansion Bays: |
None |
| Details: |
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of external expansion options and hand-picked accessories like external storage, stands, keyboards, cables, adapters, speakers, and more for this Mac mini. |
| Incl. Keyboard: |
None |
Incl. Input: |
None |
| Details: |
No Mac mini systems ship with a keyboard or mouse. |
| Case Type: |
Cuboid |
Form Factor: |
Mac mini |
| Details: |
Uses a tiny and elegant 6.5 inch wide, 6.5 inch deep, and 2 inch tall case. |
| Apple Order No: |
MC238LL/A |
Apple Subfamily: |
Late 2009 |
| Details: |
The Apple order number should be unique to this system. |
| Apple Model No: |
A1283 (EMC 2336) |
Model ID: |
Macmini3,1 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A1283 Model Number, the 2336 EMC Number, and the Macmini3,1 Model Identifier.
For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section. |
| Battery Type: |
N/A |
Battery Life: |
N/A |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: |
X 10.6 (10A432) |
Maximum MacOS: |
X 10.11.6* |
| Details: |
*This system can run the last version of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion", OS X 10.9 "Mavericks", and OS X 10.10 "Yosemite", as well as OS X 10.11 "El Capitan," although advanced features like AirDrop, AirPlay Mirroring, and Power Nap are not supported. It does support "OpenCL" and Grand Central Dispatch introduced with Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard," although it is not supported booting in 64-bit mode when running this version of the operating system. It is not capable of running macOS Sierra (10.12) or subsequent versions of the macOS at all.
Please note that OS X "Lion" 10.7 and subsequent versions of OS X are not capable of running Mac OS X apps originally written for the PowerPC processor as these operating systems do not support the "Rosetta" environment. To run PowerPC applications on this Mac, it will be necessary to use Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard."
Also see: Which Macs are compatible with OS X El Capitan (10.11)? What are the system requirements? Which Macs support which features? |
| Minimum Windows: |
XP SP2 (32-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
7 (32-Bit)* |
| Details: |
*Apple's Boot Camp 4 formally supports the 32-bit versions of Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. However, the system does meet Microsoft's minimum requirements for Windows 8 and readers have reported successfully running the 32-bit version of this operating system with appropriate drivers. |
| MacOS 9 Support: |
None |
Windows Support: |
Boot/Virtualization |
| Details: |
Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?
For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A. |
| Dimensions: |
2.0 x 6.5 x 6.5 |
Avg. Weight: |
2.9 lbs. (1.31 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches - height by width by depth, (5.08 cm, 16.51 cm, 16.51 cm). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$599 |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$50-US$100 |
| Details: |
Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. |
Global original prices for the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 (Late 2009) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.
For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.
Original Prices - North & South America
| Canada: |
C$649 |
Brazil: |
R$1.999 |
| Mexico: |
N/A |
United States: |
US$599 |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€549 |
Belgium: |
N/A |
| Denmark: |
DKK 4,299 |
Finland: |
€549 |
| France: |
€549 |
Germany: |
€549 |
| Ireland: |
€549 |
Italy: |
€549 |
| Luxembourg: |
N/A |
Netherlands: |
€549 |
| Norway: |
N/A |
Portugal: |
€549 |
| Spain: |
€549 |
Sweden: |
SEK 5.995 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 749 |
United Kingdom: |
£499 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 4,998 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$4,788 |
| India: |
N/A |
Indonesia: |
N/A |
| Japan: |
¥62,900 |
Korea: |
N/A |
| Malaysia: |
N/A |
The Philippines: |
N/A |
| Singapore: |
N/A |
Taiwan: |
NT$21,900 |
| Thailand: |
N/A |
Vietnam: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$849 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$1049 |
If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the Mac mini models follow.
Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices
<< Mac mini (Home) | Also see: Mac mini FAQ
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.
2* 
None 
None 
None 
None
None
5 (2.0)
1 (800)
1 (RJ-45)
None
None
None
1
1
1
1
None
1
N/A