Mac mini Late 2012

Technically a "configure-to-order" version of the MD389LL/A Mac mini "Core i7" 2.3 (Late 2012/Server), the Mac mini "Core i7" 2.6 (Late 2012/Server) is also listed as a distinct model for convenience. Other than the processor, these two models are the same.

The Apple Mac mini "Core i7" 2.6 (Late 2012/Server) has a 22-nm Quad Core "Ivy Bridge" 2.6 GHz Intel "Core i7" (3720QM) processor with four independent "cores" on one chip and a 6 MB shared L3 cache. It includes 4 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-12800), dual 1 TB hard drives, and Intel HD Graphics 4000 sharing system memory. It does not have an internal optical drive, but an external one was available for US$79.

Connectivity consists of a Firewire "800" port, four USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, Thunderbolt, combined "audio line in (digital/analog)" and "audio line out/headphone (digital/analog)" minijacks, a 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet port, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and an SDXC card slot.

Compared to its forerunner, this model looks identical but features a faster internal architecture with a more powerful processor, graphics, RAM, and USB 3.0 ports. Essentially, the "Server" configuration is the same as its non-server contemporary, but it is supplied with dual hard drives and a pre-installed copy of OS X Server for Mountain Lion.

All Mac mini systems are sold by default without a display, keyboard, or mouse, but numerous Apple and third-party accessories are available.

As the premium build-to-order option, the 2.6GHz quad-core i7 Mac mini Server from late 2012 represented the most powerful server solution Apple offered in its compact form factor. It packed a faster processor than the standard server model, making it even more capable for demanding server tasks and multitasking environments. Like the 2.3GHz version, it benefited from the Ivy Bridge architecture, faster RAM, and the crucial addition of USB 3.0 ports, which significantly boosted its connectivity options. The inclusion of dual 1TB hard drives and OS X Server software out of the box provided a ready-to-deploy solution for small businesses or workgroups. Its easy RAM upgradability was another key selling point. While it shared the same integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics as the rest of the lineup, its raw processing power and server-specific configuration made it a highly sought-after machine for those who needed maximum performance in a minimal footprint.