Mac mini Early 2009

Technically a "build-to-order" version of the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 (Early 2009/NVIDIA), the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 (Early 2009/NVIDIA) is also listed here as a distinct model for convenience. Besides the processor, both models are identical.

This Apple Mac mini model has a 2.26 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" (P8400) processor, a 3 MB on-chip level 2 cache, and a 1066 MHz frontside bus. It includes 1 GB or 2 GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-8500), a 120 GB or 320 GB Serial ATA hard drive, an 8X double-layer "SuperDrive", and a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor sharing either 128 MB or 256 MB of system memory.

Its connectivity suite offers Mini-DVI and Mini DisplayPort, a Firewire "800" port, five USB 2.0 ports, combination "optical digital audio input/audio line in" and "optical digital audio output/headphone" minijacks, a 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet port, and built-in AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR.

While appearing identical to the Mid-2007 models, the Early 2009/NVIDIA versions are significantly different internally. They feature a faster architecture with a more rapid system bus and memory, superior graphics, and dual display support for the first time in the Mac mini series. Connectivity is also upgraded, with Mini-DVI and Mini DisplayPort, five USB 2.0 ports, and a Firewire "800" port.

All Mac mini models have their components housed in a small, elegant 2.9 lb, 6.5-inch square, two-inch-tall case with an integrated speaker and external power supply. They are all sold without a display, keyboard, or mouse, but numerous compatible options are available.

As a build-to-order option, the 2.26GHz Mac mini from early 2009 offered a welcome speed bump over the base model. It was recognized as a solid value and an eminently practical desktop computer for budget-conscious users.[[4](https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=https%3A%2F%2Fvertexaisearch.cloud.google.com%2Fgrounding-api-redirect%2FAUZIYQE7DRDpN3CWRTMcWnF2qceUb3Mac98CPa10NuIrXySEzWwVHMyfbUFzLjAHYiCO4BxBKLwBGOZ91F65fZJs6ngkfYNQodAedsiRD_UHI3fvTGsYGnOGQXc1vLvJfdLV4fLUduHv_2w67_TQUhBVwe_CvyiQjxtYhcxyMyZt8JnVdffZnXOstw2c)] The adoption of the Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics was a significant leap, providing enough power for casual gaming and improving overall visual performance.[[4](https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=https%3A%2F%2Fvertexaisearch.cloud.google.com%2Fgrounding-api-redirect%2FAUZIYQE7DRDpN3CWRTMcWnF2qceUb3Mac98CPa10NuIrXySEzWwVHMyfbUFzLjAHYiCO4BxBKLwBGOZ91F65fZJs6ngkfYNQodAedsiRD_UHI3fvTGsYGnOGQXc1vLvJfdLV4fLUduHv_2w67_TQUhBVwe_CvyiQjxtYhcxyMyZt8JnVdffZnXOstw2c)] The introduction of dual display support via Mini-DVI and Mini DisplayPort, along with FireWire 800, enhanced its versatility.[[1](https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=https%3A%2F%2Fvertexaisearch.cloud.google.com%2Fgrounding-api-redirect%2FAUZIYQGWl9Ml0_4j6jN-BW6JYqYxPVEYQZkb3bf9As871OfUTvPO8JG4Jvq07ktu1aj69onpljXPOHktiuLSinTJd18lbHgUPE67TtrwIroN-_YKHNnxa9WbnyC4SZhe-U97BQt_kd6Pu7nclQ%3D%3D)] However, a key criticism was the difficulty of internal upgrades, a frustrating process for those wanting to swap drives.[[4](https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=https%3A%2F%2Fvertexaisearch.cloud.google.com%2Fgrounding-api-redirect%2FAUZIYQE7DRDpN3CWRTMcWnF2qceUb3Mac98CPa10NuIrXySEzWwVHMyfbUFzLjAHYiCO4BxBKLwBGOZ91F65fZJs6ngkfYNQodAedsiRD_UHI3fvTGsYGnOGQXc1vLvJfdLV4fLUduHv_2w67_TQUhBVwe_CvyiQjxtYhcxyMyZt8JnVdffZnXOstw2c)] Despite being more powerful than nettops, it was considered expensive when compared to Windows-based small form-factor PCs that offered better specifications for the price.[[2](https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=https%3A%2F%2Fvertexaisearch.cloud.google.com%2Fgrounding-api-redirect%2FAUZIYQG2BZ0VgZTBzS_QZTLmGMruH2sD0W4FAmmWZci_tWbbuxjEmk5QE46ux2fYGnTY-KW064Ju3OAoTge4uyxZ6Jr32Spyu80x6L3Gd73sUc5zkxtVm48jkkPh4gnsHn-O_icIzRCl6-zewIh-_RM7VdNptw6XuaafRhxl8yT90YkZ)]