Mac mini Frequently Asked Questions (2011)

If you are new to the Mac mini or even Apple Computers in general, you may have some questions you want answered before you spend your time and hard earned money on a dedicated Media Center. This list of Frequently Asked Questions discusses a majority of the questions I have received over the years in regard to Apple Media Centers. If you have a question that you don’t see listed, please message me from the Contact Page so I can answer it for you and add it to the list.

General Usage Questions

Can I keep the Mac mini on 24/7?
Yes, computers these days don’t really need to be shutdown ever as long as you make sure that the fans do not get blocked. Just restart when Software Update wants to update your system software and keep it on!

Is the Mac mini quiet?
Yes, very.

Does the Mac mini only function as a Media Center or can I use it as a normal Mac?
While the main use will probably be for media related software, etc. Your Mac mini functions just as an iMac or Mac Pro and can be used to run all the applications you would use on any other Mac.

The 2011 Mac mini no longer comes with a CD/DVD burner, is there one you recommend?
This Samsung 8X DVD Burner is half the price of Apple’s Superdrive, has all of the same features and has better reviews. This is the one I would buy.

Technical Details

What is the maximum amount of RAM that my Mac mini will support?
The 2011 Mac mini supports 8GB of RAM.

What kind of hard drive fits inside the Mac mini?
The 2011 Mac mini uses a 2.5″ SATA drive. It is also capable of having a second hard drive added to it with a kit from iFixIt.

What is the largest hard drive that fits inside the Mac mini?
The largest drive that fits in the Mac mini without any problems is the Western Digital 1TB Scorpio Blue (5400 RPM). The model number of this drive is WD10JPVT.

Is my Mac mini a 32 or 64 Bit Machine?
The latest 2011 Mac minis are 64-Bit. If you are purchasing an older Mac mini you can tell by what kind of processor it has. Mac minis with Core 2 Duo processors are 64-Bit and models with Core Duo processors are 32-Bit. 32-Bit machines are not recommended if you plan on watching any high definition content.

Audio & Video

Does the Mac mini support 720p/1080p output?
Yes. Using an HDMI cable to connect your Mac mini to a TV with an HDMI input you can output 720p (1280 x 720), 1080p (1920 x 1080) and several other resolutions in between. Using a DisplayPort/Thunderbolt port you can output a resolution of 2560 x 1600 to a capable monitor.

What Mac mini do I need to playback 1080p material?
Any Mac mini produced later than 2009 can playback 1080p and Blu-Ray material. Models that have a processor that is a 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo or LOWER may have trouble playing back 1080p content but should be fine with 720p.

Does the Mac mini support surround sound (5.1/7.1/DTS/etc)?
The 2011 Mac minis support 5.1 surround sound output and DTS passthrough using an Optical connection (SPDIF). Due to the limitations of SPDIF, higher bandwidth audio tracks are not supported (7.1+).

How do I get an optical output (SPDIF) from my Mac mini?
You need an inexpensive adapter, see the Connecting the Computer’s Audio to your Television section.

Other Questions

Can I playback Blu-Ray movies in OSX?
Yes. Please check the playback section for more details.

Older Mac mini Questions

My Mac mini does not have HDMI out, if I get a Mini-DVI/DVI to HDMI Cable will that work?
No, the only Mac minis that support audio and video over HDMI are the 2011 and 2010 Mac minis. If you have an older Mac mini you will need to separately connect the audio and video.