Mac Mini i5 or C2D??

I am looking to replace my PC that was damaged due to lightning and have decided to go with a Mac Mini instead (I'm using an old G4 ibook now to type this post).

Mini will be used for web surfing, photos, video and games like Minecraft, Roblox, Simms, etc (maybe some Steam games like Skyrim as well). Looking to buy either the 2011 2.3ghz i5 or the 2010 2.66ghz Core 2 Dual w/optical drive. Which ever one I buy, will be upgraded to 8gb ram (16gb if I get the 2.3ghz i5). The 2.5ghz is a bit too expensive.

Any suggestions would be great. Can't wait for the 2012 models.

PC guy123 said:

I am looking to replace my PC that was damaged due to lightning and have decided to go with a Mac Mini instead (I'm using an old G4 ibook now to type this post).

Mini will be used for web surfing, photos, video and games like Minecraft, Roblox, Simms, etc (maybe some Steam games like Skyrim as well). Looking to buy either the 2011 2.3ghz i5 or the 2010 2.66ghz Core 2 Dual w/optical drive. Which ever one I buy, will be upgraded to 8gb ram (16gb if I get the 2.3ghz i5). The 2.5ghz is a bit too expensive.

Any suggestions would be great. Can't wait for the 2012 models.

Click to expand...

That right there kinda moves you toward the 2010 model. The general advice is to purchase the MOST computer you can afford. So if the 2010 Core2Duo fits your budget, that will do what you need..

The 2012's will not be cheaper than the current models available..

Raz0rEdge said:

That right there kinda moves you toward the 2010 model. The general advice is to purchase the MOST computer you can afford. So if the 2010 Core2Duo fits your budget, that will do what you need..

The 2012's will not be cheaper than the current models available..

Click to expand...

Thanks! How much faster is the 2011 vs 2010? Seems that the 2.66ghz C2D refurbs on Apple site, are more expensive than the 2.3ghz i5. If the i5 is a better system, I can buy an external dvd drive.

Both the 2010 and 2011 models are dual cores, just different generations. Purely based on that, I'd say the i5 is "better" than the Core2Duo..even if the Core2Duo is rated at a higher speed..

Definitely do look at the refurb store where you can get the newer models at reduced prices..

Apple has the 2010 refurb for $549 and the i5 2.3ghz at $519. Guess the $30 extra cost is because of the optical drive.

Thanks again!

I would go with the i5. Also upgrade the memory to 4 or 8 for better performance. My i5 Mac Mini scores a little better on the Geek Bench chart than my Mac Pro. Our Mini plays all the games my kids like with ease.