A Mac Mini - fit for purpose?

Type_R · 26 Nov 2007 at 23:49

The plan:

Have a machine running 24/7. It must be able to:

1. Be remotely controlled via a network interface (wired to router) and accessible via the internet
2. Be my remote proxy (so allow me to access websites through it)
3. Be my media center - Be hooked to a 750 Gb Hdd for media
4. Be silent

What do u think guys, any one have a setup similar to this? Any help with setting up points 1 & 2 would be appreciated.

Thanks

waso_dude · 27 Nov 2007 at 07:22

First of as a proxy you really really want 2 NICs.

Hate · 27 Nov 2007 at 10:26

You can use a USB NIC thou...

rscosworth · 27 Nov 2007 at 11:10

my mac mini runs 24x7 as a media center using vista home premium, its awesome, upgraded CPU/Memory, a real flying machine!

Type_R · 27 Nov 2007 at 11:11

rscosworth said:
my mac mini runs 24x7 as a media center using vista home premium, its awesome, upgraded CPU/Memory, a real flying machine!

Why dont u use leopard? I use it on my macbook and its awesome!

rscosworth · 27 Nov 2007 at 11:36

i like the layout of vista media center, not tried leopard, mine came with tiger i think

Type_R · 27 Nov 2007 at 11:41

rscosworth said:
i like the layout of vista media center, not tried leopard, mine came with tiger i think

cool so what cpu have u dropped in there and memory - 2gb?

I would just like mine standalone next to my router, access it remotely from my comps and internet (if thats possible) and just use it to store and stream

Solaris · 27 Nov 2007 at 11:47

Does the mac mini have HDMI....or is there any way to make it use HDMI?

Type_R · 27 Nov 2007 at 11:57

Why not use a HDMI to DVI converter cable - like I use for my PS3 to Dell 2405!

WotDa · 27 Nov 2007 at 12:03

Solaris said:
Does the mac mini have HDMI....or is there any way to make it use HDMI?

DVI to HDMI converter.

rscosworth · 27 Nov 2007 at 12:10

Type_R said:
cool so what cpu have u dropped in there and memory - 2gb?

I would just like mine standalone next to my router, access it remotely from my comps and internet (if thats possible) and just use it to store and stream

2gb and 2.16ghz, access it through remote desktop from work

Type_R · 27 Nov 2007 at 12:23

rscosworth said:
2gb and 2.16ghz, access it through remote desktop from work

Sweet - can I drop in my E6600 into it?

waso_dude · 27 Nov 2007 at 12:32

No as thats not a mobile c2d chip. That is 677fsb

Type_R · 27 Nov 2007 at 12:42

waso_dude said:
No as thats not a mobile c2d chip. That is 677fsb

So T7200 2.0 ghz is the fastest one can put in there?

theheyes · 27 Nov 2007 at 12:43

Nah an E6600 wont go in it. Mobile socket. Have to be careful about the heat in those small cases too.

As a machine that stays on 24/7 its very good as it has excellent power efficiency.

Type_R · 27 Nov 2007 at 13:05

theheyes said:
Nah an E6600 wont go in it. Mobile socket. Have to be careful about the heat in those small cases too.

As a machine that stays on 24/7 its very good as it has excellent power efficiency.

Ill stick to the 1.8 or 2.0 ghz it comes with then.

Solaris · 27 Nov 2007 at 14:24

Cool...2nd question....can you fold on it?

waso_dude · 27 Nov 2007 at 14:41

Yes. OSX has a folding client.

CPU wise - you could fit a 2.16 in it.

Type_R · 27 Nov 2007 at 18:06

Anyone have any recommendations for what proxy server software I should runin Leopard, Squid seems to be top of the list?

theheyes · 27 Nov 2007 at 18:53

Solaris said:
Cool...2nd question....can you fold on it?

Yes you can fold on it, and the Mac SMP client is probably the most stable, so you can fire and forget for a decent PPD. The icing on the cake is it only consumes something daft like 35 watts full load. It makes a big difference on the leccy bill.