Mac mini: i5 or i7?

Avalon · 22 Jun 2013 at 13:53

I have the chance to buy a new i5/4GB/500GB for £400 or an i7 4GB/1TB for £560, my use will mainly be stuff both can easily handle. Is an i7 quad and an extra 500GB worth the extra £160?

My main usage obviously isn't gaming, it'll be used for preparing artwork using Corel Draw for print/engraving, I work at 1680x1050 (aspect ratio is preferable to 1080) so VM or more likely Parallels for a more integrated workflow, I regularly use vector magic (looks like a mac version exists) and am still working my way through converting my DVD collection to digital. My gut reaction is an i5 would be fine but as i'm looking at being able to get an i7 for only £60 more than retail on an i5 would I be better spending the extra? I know an i5 is more than capable now but this is a one shot deal as I can't upgrade the CPU at a later date.

Obviously whatever route I go a memory upgrade will be done and I'll either swap to an SSD or add a second drive.

Thanks

uniQ · 22 Jun 2013 at 14:56

Assuming these are '12 models? If you were buying from Apple the upgrade is £80 and as it's i5 dual core to i7 quad core it's definitely a worthy upgrade at that price imo. At £160 it’s a tougher pill to swallow. If you intend to keep it for a few years the QC is going to serve you better in the long run.

theheyes · 22 Jun 2013 at 17:07

If in doubt go with the faster CPU. 12 months from now you're not going to miss that £60 but you may very well regret not having the i7.

hartgeh3 · 22 Jun 2013 at 17:40

i7 because err I have one lol If you can afford the extra 60, I would go for it.

Avalon · 22 Jun 2013 at 22:12

uniQ said:
Assuming these are '12 models? If you were buying from Apple the upgrade is £80 and as it's i5 dual core to i7 quad core it's definitely a worthy upgrade at that price imo. At £160 it’s a tougher pill to swallow. If you intend to keep it for a few years the QC is going to serve you better in the long run.

All current model yes, just from an authorised reseller I have an account with vs retail. Not sure I understand the £80 though? The i5/500GB is £499 retail, I can get it for £399, the i7 is £679 retail and I can get it for £561.10, that makes it a £180 upgrade normally and £160.10 with discount unless i've missed something? If it were just £80 over basic spec I'd be £479 poorer by now

uniQ · 23 Jun 2013 at 11:26

Re: £80 I was thinking about the cost of the upgrade from 2.3Ghz i7 to 2.6Ghz i7 and mixing it up between the additional cost over the i5. A decision I've been thinking about doing myself recently so ignore.

If you can get the base i7 for £560 new that's cheaper than edu discount and a no brainer.