iFixit Tears Down 2010 Mac Mini

**Michael Essany** · 06-17-2010, 12:07 AM

The intrepid team at iFixit didn't wait long to do their thing with the new Mac Mini, an Apple release that has left many scratching their heads in disbelief at the purported powerful punch packed into this smaller than expected package. iFixit, however, has answered many questions about the new Mac Mini's "splendor" by exposing the outstandingly well organized and optimized innards of the "other release" by Apple this week.

If you haven't checked out the specs, it should be noted that while the 2010 Mac mini is slightly wider than before, it's now substantially thinner - only 1.4 inches thick. According to iFixit, the new Mac mini was remarkably easy to disassemble, at least when compared to previous models. But apart from its size and ease of teardown, there are several key updates worth emphasizing. Indeed, there's more to talk about than the Mini's unibody top enclosure fashioned from a single block of aluminum.

Well folks, after much clamor, it seems the engineers at Apple have finally included an HDMI port in an actual Apple product.

That's right. There's now an HDMI port with support for up to 1920-by-1200 resolution. Also tossed into the mix is a 2.4 or 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2 GB of RAM (which can be expanded to 8 GB), NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor, AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi wireless networking, and SD card slot.

According to iFixit, it's also worth giving props to the new Mac mini's power supply, which serves up "a minuscule 7 Amps at 12V. Compare that to the 25.8 Amps at 12V cranked out by the 27 inch iMac, and you can understand how they fit the power supply inside the Mini." As a result, the fan "doesn't have too much work to do, since the new Mac Mini is the most energy-efficient desktop, running on less than 10 watts at idle!"

To find out more about how Apple packed the Mac Mini's suitcase so efficiently, be sure to check out iFixit's complete teardown.

Image via iFixit

**playboii** · 06-17-2010, 12:19 AM

what crowd does the mini appeal to? because I know many people like to go "all out" when it comes to home pcs

**mirogster** · 06-17-2010, 12:25 AM

Home Media Center?? Ever heard of it ?
HDMI speaks for itself

Nice, small and expensive baby

Just as in real life

**sk8ertim** · 06-17-2010, 12:26 AM

OH MY GOD!
YOU KILLED IT!!! :'(
I really like the MAC Minis...

Actually PlayBoii, it's perfect for a portable PC that you can carry from home to work and back, because I for one, am not a big fan of laptops, because I like to use either HUGE monitors, and use my own wireless keyboards, and mice... And laptops aren't the Sleekest things to have as a home-theater/work-theater COMBO...

Just a though.... so please no flames....

**playboii** · 06-17-2010, 12:29 AM

Originally Posted by sk8ertim

OH MY GOD!
YOU KILLED IT!!! :'(
I really like the MAC Minis...

Actually PlayBoii, it's perfect for a portable PC that you can carry from home to work and back, because I for one, am not a big fan of laptops, because I like to use either HUGE monitors, and use my own wireless keyboards, and mice... And laptops aren't the Sleekest things to have as a home-theater/work-theater COMBO...

Just a though.... so please no flames....

yeah you are right that thing is so small you can carry it anywhere. I also don't like laptops lol right now I am using a laptop connected to a big monitor and wireless keyboard/mouse haha

**iPhone3G[S]** · 06-17-2010, 12:39 AM

Originally Posted by playboii

what crowd does the mini appeal to? because I know many people like to go "all out" when it comes to home pcs

I have 3 of them that feed rooms of my house with endless entertainment with XBMC from my main server.

**screamforme02** · 06-17-2010, 12:40 AM

my old boss used to swear by his mini. and yes it is a fairly cheap way to go about a media server. but i think the new 999 macbook is a better bang for the buck. and yes i hate(dislike) laptops too but i hvae been using one for 3 years. i wish i had the space for a pc

**magusxxx** · 06-17-2010, 01:10 AM

There are two issues that would have made this a home run...

1) They shouldn't have raised the price $100.

2) They should have included software to make it an Apple TV.

**murtnabila** · 06-17-2010, 03:18 AM

For a media center I just bought an Acer R3610 for a little over 300. So I don't get why the mini is so appealing. It plays 1080p through hdmi with no problems yet. Only problem is I haven't figured how to bitstream DTS HD-MA and Dobly's truhd.

**Cer0** · 06-17-2010, 04:27 AM

Originally Posted by magusxxx

There are two issues that would have made this a home run...

1) They shouldn't have raised the price $100.

2) They should have included software to make it an Apple TV.

They did it's called FrontRow.

**bbackhouse** · 06-17-2010, 05:07 AM

Originally Posted by magusxxx

There are two issues that would have made this a home run...

1) They shouldn't have raised the price $100.

2) They should have included software to make it an Apple TV.

to answer your second point, does it not come with Front Row?

edit: D'oh... should refresh before posting!

**Maarten16** · 06-17-2010, 05:51 AM

and if you don't like Front Row, download Plex, WAY better. That's the main reason why I'm gonna buy one of these

**z4kMKv** · 06-17-2010, 06:36 AM

HDMI & Upgrade to 8GB of Ram? SOLD!

**mmurphmsu** · 06-17-2010, 06:43 AM

Originally Posted by magusxxx

There are two issues that would have made this a home run...

1) They shouldn't have raised the price $100.

2) They should have included software to make it an Apple TV.

To your first point, the base model is actually $100 less than the previous model.

**zoso10** · 06-17-2010, 07:27 AM

Finally this little guy gets some recognition, i think it's kinda funny how more and more it looks like an apple TV.

**jbreak23** · 06-17-2010, 09:14 AM

HDMI input Great

**MagicJustin** · 06-17-2010, 09:18 AM

I bought a Mini for my mom in 2007. I had to learn it (I was a die hard PC guy) to teach her how easy it was. After playing with it for 2 days, I realized the Mac mini could do EVERYTHING I was spending hours to do in my PC, with no extra hardware or extra software, it was all preinstalled. I then bought an iMac... BEST PURCHASE EVER!!!

My mom is still using her Mini and loves it. It's great for internet, email, playing simple games, watching movies recording DVD's, iPhoto is just awesome and easy to use for her. So yes, there is a market for the Mini.

As for me, I prefer a more powerful Mac, and my 2007 iMac is still going strong (even stronger after I put a 1TB inside and maxed out the RAM).

**awesomeSlayer** · 06-17-2010, 09:22 AM

Mac Mini now gets better gaming experience.

I do want it. Hopefully, it is at a good price.

**mmurphmsu** · 06-17-2010, 09:47 AM

I am a PC guy but want to get a Mac really bad. This would be perfect for me. But I will have to wait till I get the funds for one.

**Cer0** · 06-17-2010, 05:56 PM

I am hoping to get one to replace my AppleTv in the living room. Gonna be great; even better with the smaller size. Low power usage is great also.

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Thread: iFixit Tears Down 2010 Mac Mini

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The intrepid team at iFixit didn't wait long to do their thing with the new Mac Mini , an Apple release that has left many scratching their heads in disbelief