Apple Mac mini "Core i7" 2.3 (Late 2012) Specs

Identifiers: Late 2012 - MD388LL/A - Macmini6,2 - A1347 - 2570

All Mac mini Models | All 2012 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others

The Apple Mac mini "Core i7" 2.3 (Late 2012/Aluminum Unibody) features a 22-nm Quad Core "Ivy Bridge" 2.3 GHz Intel "Core i7" (3615QM) processor with four independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 6 MB shared level 3 cache, 4 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-12800) memory, a 1 TB hard drive, and Intel HD Graphics 4000 which shares system memory. It does not have an internal optical drive, although an external one was offered for US$79.

Connectivity includes a Firewire "800" port, four USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, Thunderbolt, combined "audio line in (digital/analog)" and combined "audio line out/headphone (digital/analog)" minijacks, a 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet port, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and an SDXC card slot.

Compared to its predecessor, this model looks identical, but it has a faster internal architecture with a faster processor and faster RAM, albeit slower graphics, as well as USB 3.0 ports.

All Mac mini systems are configured by default without a display, keyboard, or mouse, but numerous Apple and third-party options are available.

Also see:

• What are all the differences between the "Late 2012" Aluminum Mac mini models? Which is best for my needs?
• What are all the differences between the "Late 2012" Aluminum Mac mini models and the models replaced?

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• Tech Specs
• Ports
• Global Original Prices
• Popular Q&As

Tech Specs

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 23, 2012

Discontinued Date:

October 16, 2014

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 2012.

Processors:

1 (4 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):

10626

Geekbench 2 (64):

11825

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 Macmini6,2 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):

2677

Geekbench 3 (32):

10377

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 Macmini6,2 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):

2986

Geekbench 3 (64):

11639

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 Macmini6,2 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):

3241

Geekbench 4 (MC):

10607

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 Macmini6,2 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):

667

Geekbench 5 (MC):

2624

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 Macmini6,2 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:

2.3 GHz

Processor Type:

Core i7 (I7-3615QM)

Details:

This model is powered by a 22 nm, 64-bit Intel Mobile Core i7 "Ivy Bridge" (I7-3615QM) processor which includes four independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 6 MB of level 3 cache, and has an integrated memory controller (dual channel). This system also supports "Turbo Boost 2.0" -- which "automatically increases the speed of the active cores" to improve performance when needed (up to 3.3 GHz for this model) -- and "Hyper Threading" -- which allows the system to recognize eight total "cores" or "threads" (four real and four virtual). Also see: How fast are the "Late 2012" Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini models compared to the "Mid-2011" models replaced?

Turbo Boost:

3.3 GHz

Custom Speeds:

2.6 GHz (Core i7)

Details:

This model also was available via custom configuration with a 2.6 GHz "Core i7" (I7-3720QM) processor for an extra US$100. As requested by readers, EveryMac.com additionally has documented this custom configuration as its own model.

Processor Upgrade:

Soldered

FPU:

Integrated

Details:

The processor is soldered directly to the motherboard.

System Bus Speed:

5 GT/s*

Cache Bus Speed:

2.3 GHz (Built-in)

Details:

*This system has a "Direct Media Interface" (DMI) that "connects between the processor and chipset" in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 5 GT/s.

ROM/Firmware Type:

EFI

EFI Architecture:

64-Bit

Details:

N/A

L1 Cache:

32k/32k x2

L2/L3 Cache:

256k x4, 6 MB

Details:

Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 6 MB of shared level 3 cache.

RAM Type:

PC3-12800 DDR3

Min. RAM Speed:

1600 MHz

Details:

Supports 1600 MHz PC3-12800 DDR3 SO-DIMMs. Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini models? What type of RAM do they use? How much RAM do they actually support?

Standard RAM:

4 GB

Maximum RAM:

16 GB

Details:

By default, 4 GB is installed as two 2 GB modules. This model supports 16 GB of RAM using two 8 GB modules. 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. Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.

Motherboard RAM:

None

RAM Slots:

2

Details:

N/A

Video Card:

HD Graphics 4000

VRAM Type:

Integrated

Details:

This model has an Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics processor that shares memory with the system. Also see: What type of video system is provided by the Aluminum Mac mini models? Which are integrated and which are dedicated? Can the video be upgraded? 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:

512 MB*

Maximum VRAM:

768 MB*

Details:

*With 4 GB of RAM installed, this model uses 512 MB of RAM for graphics. With additional RAM installed, more RAM is reserved for graphics use.

Display Support:

Dual Displays

Resolution Support:

1920x1200*

Details:

*This model simultaneously supports 1920x1200 on an HDMI display or a DVI display using the included HDMI-to-DVI adapter and 2560x1600 on a Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort display or even a VGA display (with an optional Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter, which is compatible with the Thunderbolt port).

2nd Display Support:

Dual/Mirroring*

2nd Max. Resolution:

2560x1600*

Details:

*This model simultaneously supports 1920x1200 on an HDMI or a DVI display (using the included HDMI-to-DVI adapter) and 2560x1600 on a Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort display or even a VGA display (with an optional Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter, which is compatible with the Thunderbolt port).

Standard Storage:

1 TB HDD

Std. Storage Speed:

5400 RPM

Details:

At the time of purchase, instead of a 1 TB hard drive, this model could be equipped with a 256 GB SSD for an additional US$300 or a 1 TB "Fusion Drive" which combines 128 GB of flash storage and a traditional hard drive for an additional US$250. Apple explains that the Fusion Drive "automatically and dynamically moves frequently used files to flash for quicker access." Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive(s) in the Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini models? What type of storage 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. Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs.

Storage Dimensions:

2.5" (9.5 mm) x2

Storage Interface:

Serial ATA (6 Gb/s) x2

Details:

Regardless of the storage pre-installed, 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 does not have an internal 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. OWC also offers a "Data Doubler" mounting kit for this model. It makes it simple to install a second hard drive or SSD in the available drive bay of this Mac mini. 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 (450 Mbit*)

Standard Bluetooth:

4.0

Details:

*802.11n (802.11a/b/g capable as well) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 standard. This model unofficially supports 450 Mbit/sec 802.11n Wi-Fi using MIMO. Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?

USB Ports:

4 (3.0)

Firewire Ports:

1 (800)

Details:

Four USB 3.0 ports, one Firewire "800" port.

Expansion Slots:

SD Card (SDXC)

Expansion Bays:

None

Details:

This model has an SDXC Card slot. 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 Unibody

Details:

Uses a tiny case -- milled from a single block of aluminum -- that is 7.7 inches wide and deep and 1.4 inches tall.

Apple Order No:

MD388LL/A

Apple Subfamily:

Late 2012

Details:

The Apple order number should be unique to this system.

Apple Model No:

A1347 (EMC 2570)

Model ID:

Macmini6,2

Details:

Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model. Also see: All Macs with the A1347 Model Number, the 2570 EMC Number, and the Macmini6,2 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 10.8.1 (12B2080)

Maximum MacOS:

X 10.15.x*

Details:

*This system fully supports the last version of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion," OS X 10.9 "Mavericks," and OS X 10.10 "Yosemite" and OS X 10.11 "El Capitan" including Metal graphics acceleration. It is capable of running macOS Sierra (10.12) also, although it does not support the Auto Unlock feature. This model is capable of running macOS High Sierra (10.13), and it supports HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), but it does not support hardware accelerated HEVC. This model is compatible with the final version of macOS Mojave (10.14) and the final version of macOS Catalina (10.15), as well. It does not support macOS Big Sur (macOS 11) or later versions of the macOS. Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Catalina (10.15)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features? Has anything been removed from previous versions of the macOS?

Minimum Windows:

7 (32-Bit)*

Maximum Windows:

10 (64-Bit)*

Details:

*Apple's Boot Camp 4 supports the 32-bit of Windows 7, Boot Camp 5 supports the 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and Windows 8, and Boot Camp 6 supports the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Earlier versions of Windows are not supported.

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:

1.4 x 7.7 x 7.7

Avg. Weight:

2.7 lbs. (1.22 kg)

Details:

In inches - height by width by depth, (3.6 cm, 19.7 cm, 19.7 cm)

Original Price (US):

US$799

Est. Current Retail:

US$150-US$250

Details:

Photo Credit: Apple Computer.

Ports

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):

2*

Floppy (Ext.):

None

Details:

*1 HDMI and 1 Thunderbolt port. Supports dual simultaneous displays -- 1920x1200 on an HDMI display or a DVI display using the included HDMI-to-DVI adapter and 2560x1600 on a Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort display or even a VGA display (with adapter). Thunderbolt is backwards-compatible with Mini DisplayPort-equipped displays as well as adapters that are compatible with Mini DisplayPort (DVI, VGA, dual-link DVI and HDMI). It also can support other peripherals that use the Thunderbolt standard, which provides a maximum theoretical 10 Gbps of bandwidth in both directions.

ADB:

None

SCSI:

None

Details:

N/A

Serial (Standard):

None

Serial (Geoport):

None

Details:

N/A

USB:

4 (3.0)

Firewire:

1 (800)

Details:

Four USB 3.0 ports, one Firewire "800" port.

Modem:

None

Ethernet:

1 (RJ-45)

Details:

Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.0 standard.

S-Video Input:

None

S-Video Output:

None

Details:

N/A

Microphone:

None

Sound In:

1

Details:

Combined "audio line in minijack (digital/analog)."

Sound Out:

1

Headphone:

1

Details:

Single combined "audio line out/headphone minijack (digital/analog)."

Security (Lock):

1

Joystick (PC):

None

Details:

N/A

Power:

1

Power Adapter:

N/A

Details:

100V-240V, 85W maximum.

Global Original Prices

Global original prices for the Mac mini "Core i7" 2.3 (Late 2012) 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$799

Brazil:

R$3.399

Mexico:

MXN $12,998

United States:

US$799

Original Prices - Europe

Austria:

€829

Belgium:

€849

Denmark:

DKK 6,499

Finland:

€859

France:

€829

Germany:

€829

Ireland:

€859

Italy:

€849

Luxembourg:

€806,90

Netherlands:

€849

Norway:

NOK 6.490

Portugal:

€859

Spain:

€849

Sweden:

SEK 7.795

Switzerland:

CHF 929

United Kingdom:

£679

Original Prices - Asia

China:

RMB 5,988

Hong Kong:

HK$6,288

India:

Rs 52,900

Indonesia:

Rp 8,499,000

Japan:

¥68,800

Korea:

KRW 1,050,000

Malaysia:

RM 2,499

The Philippines:

PHP 37,990

Singapore:

S$1088

Taiwan:

NT$25,900

Thailand:

THB 26,900

Vietnam:

VND 18,499,000

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

Australia:

A$899

New Zealand:

NZ$1249

If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.

Popular Q&As

Ten of the most popular Q&As about the Mac mini models follow.

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