Mac mini Late 2009

The Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 (Late 2009) is technically a "build-to-order" configuration of the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 (Late 2009), but it is also documented separately for user convenience. Aside from processor speed, the two models are the same.

The Apple Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 (Late 2009) is powered by a 2.66 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" (P8800) processor with a 3 MB on-chip L2 cache and a 1066 MHz frontside bus. It includes 4 GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-8500), a 320 GB Serial ATA hard drive, a slot-loading 8X double-layer "SuperDrive", and a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256 MB of shared system memory.

For connectivity, it offers Mini-DVI and Mini DisplayPort, a Firewire "800" port, five USB 2.0 ports, combined "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.

Late 2009 Mac mini models enclose their internal components in a tiny, elegant 2.9 lb, 6.5-inch square, two-inch-tall case that contains a built-in speaker and an external power supply. All Mac mini systems are shipped without a display, keyboard, or mouse, but numerous Apple and third-party options are available.

As a build-to-order option, the 2.66GHz Mac mini from late 2009 represented the pinnacle of performance for the polycarbonate unibody design. While only a marginal speed bump from the 2.53GHz model, it offered a noticeable performance increase for those willing to pay the premium.[[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)][[3](https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=https%3A%2F%2Fvertexaisearch.cloud.google.com%2Fgrounding-api-redirect%2FAUZIYQGLzoPGVKjWfiy24QPb-dCbNr2m-KjO-pFmQJcOYURtma3A2DQKSkD270frJl4MydReQTcx86Gz7GjwqU-X7FcXzz-rntbNFoBjmfwl8PhVPasRRn4oX-aK4H-RBcorJptAf1zC_91LA7okR4tS294d83KbEvsmLiFbmtaq9OoBgtGW8w%3D%3D)] The combination of the faster processor, 4GB of RAM, and the capable Nvidia GeForce 9400M GPU made it a powerful machine for its size, handling HD content and daily tasks with ease.[[4](https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=https%3A%2F%2Fvertexaisearch.cloud.google.com%2Fgrounding-api-redirect%2FAUZIYQE7DRDpN3CWRTMcWnF2qceUb3Mac98CPa10NuIrXySEzWwVHMyfbUFzLjAHYiCO4BxBKLwBGOZ91F65fZJs6ngkfYNQodAedsiRD_UHI3fvTGsYGnOGQXc1vLvJfdLV4fLUduHv_2w67_TQUhBVwe_CvyiQjxtYhcxyMyZt8JnVdffZnXOstw2c)] It remained a fantastic entry point for those switching to the Mac ecosystem, especially given its compact and quiet operation.[[4](https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=https%3A%2F%2Fvertexaisearch.cloud.google.com%2Fgrounding-api-redirect%2FAUZIYQE7DRDpN3CWRTMcWnF2qceUb3Mac98CPa10NuIrXySEzWwVHMyfbUFzLjAHYiCO4BxBKLwBGOZ91F65fZJs6ngkfYNQodAedsiRD_UHI3fvTGsYGnOGQXc1vLvJfdLV4fLUduHv_2w67_TQUhBVwe_CvyiQjxtYhcxyMyZt8JnVdffZnXOstw2c)] However, like its linemates, it was criticized for lacking an SD card slot and an HDMI port, which would have enhanced its appeal as a media hub.[[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 primary drawback remained its price, which, when fully configured, pushed it into territory where the more powerful iMac presented a more compelling overall value.[[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)]