Mac Mini as MP Client?

TommySharp · 2007-01-17, 00:47

Has anyone tried using the Intel Mac Mini as a media portal client?

1.66GHz Intel Core Duo
512MB (2x256MB) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300)
60GB Serial ATA
24x Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
Intel GMA 950 graphics processor with 64MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory

I'm guessing that the graphics card might be an issue but any advice or opinions would be appreciated....

TommySharp · 2007-01-17, 00:49

Checked the intel website and found....

"With a powerful 400MHz core and DirectX* 9 3D hardware acceleration, Intel® GMA 950 graphics provides performance on par with mainstream graphics card solutions that would typically cost significantly more."

Maybe it's a goer?

http://www.intel.com/products/chipsets/gma950/

quiller · 2007-01-17, 03:58

As a warning: isn't the mac mini incredibly loud? If it isn't universal, mine has a problem, so I guess I'm killing two birds with one stone...

donaldkennedy · 2007-01-18, 13:20

Quiller - I'd say you've got a problem with yours. I'm running MP on a Macmini and it's fabulously quiet. In fact I'd say it's probably the quietest piece of AV equipment I've got, even under load.

TommySharp - There's a couple of posts around and about from people explaining how they put MP on Macminis, do a search and you'll pick them up. Also, one of the devs did an article on how he'd used a Mac mini which you can find if you search the main MP site. The Apple drivers for XP have improved (it appears) no end since they first came out - I've not had any stability issues with that box, and stuff like Standby just works. First time. No bother.

HTH

Donald

JulianBuss · 2007-01-18, 21:29

see http://www.mediacenterblog.eu/web/ju...&comments#anc1 for a review

TommySharp · 2007-01-22, 00:08

Thanks guys... Will look into it more.

Tommy

TommySharp · 2007-08-14, 05:51

I'd hate to fork out for one and then some dev happens in MP that means we have to have a DirectX 10 card....

Anyone know if this is bound to happen?

ThaClown · 2007-08-14, 08:13

I don't think so, DX10 is still very new and does not really add anything to movies or HD playback imo.
Unless you plan to be able to play the newest games on your HTPC, DX9 should be fine for years.

2007-01-17, 00:47	#1 (permalink)
TommySharp Portal Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Age: 27 Posts: 48 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Country:	Mac Mini as MP Client? Has anyone tried using the Intel Mac Mini as a media portal client? 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo 512MB (2x256MB) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) 60GB Serial ATA 24x Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) Intel GMA 950 graphics processor with 64MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory I'm guessing that the graphics card might be an issue but any advice or opinions would be appreciated....

2007-01-18, 21:29	#5 (permalink)
JulianBuss Portal Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Age: 33 Posts: 136 Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post My System	see http://www.mediacenterblog.eu/web/ju...&comments#anc1 for a review __________________ --- Blog about building a computer based media center: http://www.mediacenterblog.eu

2007-08-14, 08:13	#8 (permalink)
ThaClown MP Donator Join Date: May 2006 Location: Amersfoort Age: 27 Posts: 592 Thanks: 99 Thanked 12 Times in 10 Posts Country: My System	I don't think so, DX10 is still very new and does not really add anything to movies or HD playback imo. Unless you plan to be able to play the newest games on your HTPC, DX9 should be fine for years. __________________ Work PC: Lian Li V2100 B Plus II Black, Asus P5E , Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, Arctic Freezer 7 Pro, 250 GB, 3x 500 GB, Tagan TG480 480W, GeForce 8600GTS Silent, 4096 MB DDR2, Vista Ulitmate x64. Server PC: Some black Midi case, MSI K9AGM2, Athlon XP 3200+, AC CPU Freezer 64 lp, CM Silent Case Fan, 512MB DDR2, Barracuda 500GB, 2x Spinpoint 500GB, FireDTV-C, Windows XP pro. My second build...

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2007-01-17, 00:49	#2 (permalink)
TommySharp Portal Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Age: 27 Posts: 48 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Country:	Checked the intel website and found.... "With a powerful 400MHz core and DirectX* 9 3D hardware acceleration, Intel® GMA 950 graphics provides performance on par with mainstream graphics card solutions that would typically cost significantly more." Maybe it's a goer? http://www.intel.com/products/chipsets/gma950/

2007-01-17, 03:58	#3 (permalink)
quiller Portal Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nebraska Age: 23 Posts: 90 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Country: My System	As a warning: isn't the mac mini incredibly loud? If it isn't universal, mine has a problem, so I guess I'm killing two birds with one stone...

2007-01-18, 13:20	#4 (permalink)
donaldkennedy Portal Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Swansea Age: 41 Posts: 26 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Country:	Quiller - I'd say you've got a problem with yours. I'm running MP on a Macmini and it's fabulously quiet. In fact I'd say it's probably the quietest piece of AV equipment I've got, even under load. TommySharp - There's a couple of posts around and about from people explaining how they put MP on Macminis, do a search and you'll pick them up. Also, one of the devs did an article on how he'd used a Mac mini which you can find if you search the main MP site. The Apple drivers for XP have improved (it appears) no end since they first came out - I've not had any stability issues with that box, and stuff like Standby just works. First time. No bother. HTH Donald

2007-01-22, 00:08	#6 (permalink)
TommySharp Portal Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Age: 27 Posts: 48 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Country:	Thanks guys... Will look into it more. Tommy

2007-08-14, 05:51	#7 (permalink)
TommySharp Portal Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Age: 27 Posts: 48 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Country:	I'd hate to fork out for one and then some dev happens in MP that means we have to have a DirectX 10 card.... Anyone know if this is bound to happen?