As one of its announcements during the release of OS X Yosemite, Apple introduced a long-awaited update to the Mac Mini, which brings next-generation Intel Haswell processors along with an additional Thunderbolt connection and 802.11ac Wi-Fi connectivity to the small Mac. However, one development noted by Macminicolo is that if you plan on purchasing one of these new minis, you will not be able to upgrade its RAM.
Apple provides between 4GB to 8GB of RAM in its Mac Minis as default options, with configurable options of 16GB for all models. Even though the upgrade from 8GB to 16GB will cost an extra $200, and from 4GB to 16GB will cost $300 for the cheapest mini, the extra capacity will ultimately be worth it when you consider future OS upgrades, and software demands that will inevitably require more out of your system over time.
Here are some general usage guidelines for the RAM configurations Apple offers:
- 4GB: For basic use where you only ever have only a few programs and windows open, and for programs like office tools that have little demand on the system. Background application usage should be kept to a minimum for the sake of system performance.
- 8GB: For anyone who plans on doing multimedia handling, this is going to be a good minimum amount to have. It will work well for office tasks and allow for a number of background applications to be open and running.
- 16GB: The preferred amount to have, which gives ample room for managing many programs and documents open at once, while performing many tasks in the background. If you are a multi-tasker and keep office programs open while programming, playing games, watching movies, and listening to music all at once, then this is the amount you will need.
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