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    2012 Mac Mini Perfect Thunderbolt Computer?

    Discussion in 'e-GPU (External Graphics) Discussion' started by EpicBlob, Oct 23, 2012.

  1. EpicBlob

    EpicBlob Notebook Evangelist

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    So as many of you know, a ton of new apple products were just released. Of these, the mac mini was released. Now let me run down the specs...

    3rd gen. ivy bridge (2.3ghz quad core i7)
    4gb ram (easily upgradable)
    1tb hard drive
    thunderbolt port
    intel hd4000
    Price for this? ($800)

    Now, based on the limitations for external graphics, they seem to come down to CPU, bandwidth, and at times Optimus compatibility. This mac mini wouldn't be limited by the CPU, capable of a 2.0 x4 connection (best consumer level so far) and because of the intel hd4000, NVidia cards will benefit. And this is at the price of a low-mid range ultra book.

    I was honestly hoping the new 13inch rMBP would have these specs, but honestly, this setup would theoretically be very clean and efficient.
     
    EpicBlob, Oct 23, 2012
    #1
  2. KCETech1

    KCETech1 Notebook Prophet

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    I was a bit sad that with the exclusion of the dGPU like the MC816XX/A ( mid 2011 model ) it is actually much less capable for a multi stream HTPC, or an editing station. the AMD 6630m was a great asset in that model and it should have been easy to put a 640m or 650m in there.

    yes an external TB GPU would work but negates the size of the form factor of a tiny desktop and they still need to get them working and on the market.
     
    KCETech1, Oct 23, 2012
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  3. EpicBlob

    EpicBlob Notebook Evangelist

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    The Sonnet Echo SE or OWC Helios would work perfectly with a mac mini; the size of the enclosure would about about the same size as the mac mini itself and could hold a desktop 640; much better than a 640m or 650m. Also, the intel hd4000 is said to be about the same or better than the 6630m dgpu. And paired with a quad core i7? Not a bad combo.
     
    EpicBlob, Oct 23, 2012
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  4. intellectualdiot

    intellectualdiot Notebook Enthusiast

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    That's actually a pretty solid plan. I'll have to mull this one over. Might make a pretty solid dev station... pending that inevitable Thunderbolt Display refresh that is!
     
    intellectualdiot, Oct 28, 2012
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  5. nostylez

    nostylez Notebook Enthusiast

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    After getting my TH05 working epicblob, if you want best of both worlds, mac mini is definitely a thumbs up.
    In fact it will be a solid performer just because you can run quad core and having the eGPU along with it plus a gorgeous high res display.
    Things are looking very bright in the eGPU scene.
     
    nostylez, Nov 13, 2012
    #5