Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 (Server) Specs (Late 2009, MC408LL/A, Macmini3,1, A1283, 2336): EveryMac.com

Apple Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 (Server) Specs

Identifiers: Late 2009 - MC408LL/A - Macmini3,1 - A1283 - 2336

All Mac mini Models | All 2009 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others

The Apple Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 Server (Late 2009) features a 2.53 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" (P8700) processor, a 3 MB on-chip level 2 cache, a 1066 MHz frontside bus, 4 GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-8500) memory, dual 500 GB Serial ATA hard drives, 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.

Please note that this model is identical to the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 (Late 2009) model except the "Server" version is equipped with dual 500 GB hard drives and no optical drive and uses a revised case design without an optical drive slot. It shipped with an unlimited user version of MacOS X 10.6 Snow Leopard Server rather than the standard MacOS X 10.6 Snow Leopard as well.

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?

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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.

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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

Details:

Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.

Geekbench 2 (32):

3526

Geekbench 2 (64):

3866

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):

1372

Geekbench 3 (32):

2385

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):

1481

Geekbench 3 (64):

2596

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):

1603

Geekbench 4 (MC):

2595

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):

334

Geekbench 5 (MC):

592

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:

2.53 GHz

Processor Type:

Core 2 Duo (P8700)

Details:

The Intel "Core 2 Duo" (P8700) 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:

N/A

Details:

N/A

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:

2.53 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:

4 GB

Maximum RAM:

8 GB*

Details:

By default, 4 GB is installed as two 2 GB modules.

*Officially, this model is capable of supporting 4 GB of RAM, but as first reported by MacminiColo, this model unofficially can use 8 GB of RAM.

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory -- as well as other upgrades -- for this Mac mini.

In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells memory and other upgrades for this Mac mini.

In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM sells memory and other upgrades for this Mac mini.

In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells memory and other upgrades for this Mac mini.

Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.

Motherboard RAM:

None

RAM Slots:

Details:

N/A

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:

Standard Storage:

500 GB HDD x2

Std. Storage Speed:

5400 RPM

Details:

Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive in the Intel Mac mini models? What type of hard drive do they support?

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) x2

Storage Interface:

Serial ATA (3 Gb/s) x2

Details:

This model supports dual SATA II (3 Gb/s) 2.5" hard drives or SSDs that are each up to 9.5 mm thick.

Standard Optical:

None*

Standard Disk:

None

Details:

*This Mac mini has dual hard drives rather than a single hard drive and an optical drive. Site sponsor Adorama offers the external Apple USB SuperDrive for US$79. It writes DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL at 4X, DVD-R and DVD+R at 8X, DVD-RW at 6X, DVD+RW at 8X, reads DVD at 8X, writes CD-R at 24X, writes CD-RW at 16X, and reads CD at 24X.

Site sponsor Other World Computing also has a variety of compact external optical drive options that may be of interest, including some with Blu-ray capability.

Also see: What are the full capabilities of the external SuperDrive? Can it be used with other Macs?

Standard Modem:

None

Standard Ethernet:

10/100/1000Base-T

Details:

N/A

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:

MC408LL/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

Details:

N/A

Pre-Installed MacOS:

X Server 10.6.1

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," and Apple Server software, although advanced features like AirDrop, AirPlay Mirroring, and Power Nap are not supported. It is not supported running macOS Sierra (10.12) or subsequent versions of the macOS at all.

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$999

Est. Current Retail:

US$50-US$100

Details:

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.

Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.

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Video (Monitor):

Floppy (Ext.):

None

Details:

*1 Mini-DVI and 1 Mini DisplayPort.

Supports dual simultaneous displays -- 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). Includes a Mini-DVI to DVI adapter.

ADB:

None

SCSI:

None

Details:

N/A

Serial (Standard):

None

Serial (Geoport):

None

Details:

N/A

USB:

5 (2.0)

Firewire:

1 (800)

Details:

Five 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports, one Firewire "800" port.

Modem:

None

Ethernet:

1 (RJ-45)

Details:

External Apple USB Modem (56.6k v.92) offered for US$49. Gigabit Ethernet, AirPort Extreme (802.11g/n), and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard.

S-Video Input:

None

S-Video Output:

None

Details:

N/A

Microphone:

None

Sound In:

Details:

Combined "optical digital audio input/audio line in minijack."

Sound Out:

Headphone:

Details:

Single combined "optical digital audio output/headphone out minijack."

Security (Lock):

Joystick (PC):

None

Details:

N/A

Power:

Power Adapter:

N/A

Details:

100V-240V, 110W maximum.

Global original prices for the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 (Server) 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$1099

Brazil:

N/A

Mexico:

N/A

United States:

US$999

Original Prices - Europe

Austria:

€949

Belgium:

N/A

Denmark:

DKK 7,299

Finland:

€949

France:

€949

Germany:

€949

Ireland:

€949

Italy:

€949

Luxembourg:

N/A

Netherlands:

€949

Norway:

N/A

Portugal:

€949

Spain:

€929

Sweden:

SEK 9.995

Switzerland:

CHF 1'249

United Kingdom:

£799

Original Prices - Asia

China:

RMB 8,298

Hong Kong:

HK$7,988

India:

N/A

Indonesia:

N/A

Japan:

¥104,900

Korea:

N/A

Malaysia:

N/A

The Philippines:

N/A

Singapore:

N/A

Taiwan:

NT$36,900

Thailand:

N/A

Vietnam:

N/A

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

Australia:

A$1399

New Zealand:

NZ$1749

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.

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