2009 mac mini vs. new mac mini w ssd

[Rick U]

I'm considering upgrading my 2009 mac mini to a new one with ssd. I was ready to order it when I had second thoughts. The new mini does not have the ability to use an ir remote. Also, the power supply is now internal. I'm wondering if I'd be better off installing an ssd in the mini I already have. It runs fine and sounds good but It does have overscan issues with our Sony TV. The new model has HDMI which would probably solve the issue. I only use the mini for music on my 2 channel system. We have an Apple TV for everything else. I can get a 256 Samsung SSD installed for about $300.

Keep the old one as is?
Get SSD installed on the old one?
Drop the cash for a new one?



itunes and Audirvana Plus

[blacsno]

Hmmmm tuff call to make!! SSD and HDD have different pro's and con's. I know SSD sound better for software back. Alas for HDD are better for data storage. Can a SSD and HDD fit inside a mini chassis?

Ken

[bakerman]

If you're just using it for a music server, I say drop in an SSD and be done with it. You really won't gain anything more with a new one and you'll be losing the drive...

Installing an SSD is easy to do.

[o0OBillO0o]

SSD for the Operating System and Applications, and a RAID sever for the Media.

[doggiehowser]

Steve Nugent of OffRamp still feels the 2009 with SSD and upgraded external power supply sounds better. Get rid of the switched mode PSU that came with it.

Having said that, I'd not upgrade to Mountain Lion on that machine. Maybe stick with Snow Leopard. ML is quite an intensive processor hog and is slow on some of my older machines.

Run PureMusic or AudirvanaPlus in Integer mode. Steve still thinks Amarra sounds better.

That said, on a faster newer machine, A+ supports direct mode in addition to integer mode on mountain lion and I feel that offers a good upgrade in sound.

[Rick U]

Thanks. Just dropped it off for the SSD install. They will put 10.6 on it and I will be able to go back to iTunes 10. iTunes 11 was confusing and not intuitive. Hopefully I can upgrade to Mountain Lion w/o having to install itunes 11. Where would I buy the better power supply?

[TommyC]

Go for the SSD. It's the best upgrade you can get! If you need more space, you can get an external HDD drive. SSD is just so speedy and silent.

[bakerman]

Originally Posted by Rick U

Thanks. Just dropped it off for the SSD install. They will put 10.6 on it and I will be able to go back to iTunes 10. iTunes 11 was confusing and not intuitive. Hopefully I can upgrade to Mountain Lion w/o having to install itunes 11. Where would I buy the better power supply?

Not sure about the power supply but you can run iTunes in Mountain Lion without going to version 11.

[junker]

Good call. Just upgrade if you find you need the added horsepower in the future. SSD is great and you can just use your Drobo for storing the rest of your data. How much RAM does your current Mini have?

The SSD is beneficial for 3 reasons:

1. Reduces physical noise
2. Reduces vibration
3. Runs cooler

BTW: The new MacMini uses the slick little aluminum remote ($19).

[mbovaird]

Keep the older Mac Mini. Buy a simple Synology NAS and make it into a SSD NAS.