Teardowns

Mac Mini First Look

We got our Mac mini at the same time as the iMac, but we decided to take our time and investigate the hardware thoroughly. Our efforts paid off: Mac mini disassembly.

3 Mac Mini units
A Mini progression (PowerPC on left, 2009 model on right)

Here are the teardown highlights:

  • Both the hard drive and RAM are easily upgradeable once you remove the upper case.
  • The processor is now soldered to the logic board. Those people who had grown accustomed to upgrading mini processors will be greatly disappointed by this.
  • As usual for the mini, a putty knife is required to disassemble it. (we sell this tool)
  • The SuperDrive used in the new Mac mini is finally SATA, as in the new iMacs and MacBooks.
  • If you install 2GB RAM in a $599 low-end mini, it recognizes and uses 256 MB of video memory.
  • Apple’s ‘high end’ $799 mini is a complete rip-off. For $200, you only get 1 GB extra memory (market price $20) and 200 GB additional hard drive space (market price $50).
Mac Mini teardown