1.83 GHz Mac Mini for virtualization

[VinylxScratches]

I'm trying to find the best solution for a 24/7 on PC w/o using a lot of power. The Mac Mini seems to be the best choice. I'm looking at the refurbs on Apple's site. For under 500 bucks I can get one. What I plan to do is install either Windows XP Pro 32 but or Vista Business 64 and install 2x Windows Server 2003, 2x Windows Server 2008 and a Unix distro of some sorts. I believe the Mac Mini 1.83 Ghz has 2 ram slots but a max of 3.3 gigs of ram which I'm fine with.

I have a Macbook for my regular usage.

 

[hennessy1]

You would have to make sure you have the correct mac mini that support more then 2gb my current mac does not and will not boot with more then that. I also replaced the cpu with the 2.33ghz model. I leave it on 24/7 and there is no problem. You also have to make sure your cpu supports VT I don't know off hand if it does or not.

 

[VinylxScratches]

Really? Must be the ram you have. I've found plenty of sites that say 4 gigs will work.

 

[hennessy1]

No it's not the ram. It depends on when your mac mini was manufactured. The most recent one's not including the new model will work with 4gb. I had to look it up one day. Here is the page that it says.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_mini

 

[VinylxScratches]

I see. The 1.83 GHz + should be in the clear. Can I ask you what you use your Mini for?

 

[hennessy1]

I use it as a file/print/backup/media server. Since you would have the 4gb installed I would run a VM on mine as well. This mac mini is also a backup server in case my other server goes down. I have it so it can reroute network print requests to it in case the other goes down. I would have loved to invest in the new mac mini if they hadn't made the cpu irreplaceable.