Looking to make the switch from Windows (Mac Mini)

Scottland · 16 Jun 2013 at 23:16

Hi,

I'm looking at downsizing my home office, and am thinking about picking up a mac mini as part of this and would like a bit of feedback/advice...

I currently have a desktop ITX system and a small windows server as network storage/file server which I'm thinking to replace with a mac mini (which will run 24x7) and install a 2.5" 2tb disk inside, with an external 2tb USB drive as a time machine backup device.

Is there any problem running this type of setup? I know I can't squeeze two 2TB disks in the mini - hence the external USB drive. Any other pitfalls of this type of setup?

Thanks

theheyes · 16 Jun 2013 at 23:24

Is the Mac Mini replacing the desktop AND the server?

Scottland · 16 Jun 2013 at 23:45

Yep, the desktop doesn't get used that much anyway - but I still need a desktop machine to use now and then. The server will basically need to be on 24x7 and just act as a file server for media, nothing heavy duty.

I've just had a look at some videos to install an extra drive and it seems a lot of work! I might be tempted to use 2xUSB3 external drives instead...

Spit · 17 Jun 2013 at 08:12

I would hang on until the Haswell version becomes available. Shouldn't be long.

ubersonic · 17 Jun 2013 at 08:58

Scottland said:
I know I can't squeeze two 2TB disks in the mini

Why not? Apple sell a twin drive "server" version of the mini, all you need to upgrade the regular version is a bracket for mounting 2x 2.5" drives IIRC.

Scottland · 17 Jun 2013 at 09:05

Spit said:
I would hang on until the Haswell version becomes available. Shouldn't be long.

Really? I've been reading Sep/Oct

ubersonic said:
Why not? Apple sell a twin drive "server" version of the mini, all you need to upgrade the regular version is a bracket for mounting 2x 2.5" drives IIRC.

Not enough height, the smallest 2tb drives are 15mm and there's only enough room for ~25mm. Besides, I might stick an SSD in there for the OS.