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Hey everyone!
I am deciding to get a new mac mini 2013 model with the following specs:
Intel Core i5
Processor Speed 2.5GHz
Processor Cores 2
RAM 4 GB PC3-12800 (1600 MHz DDR3)
Hard Drive Capacity 500 GB
Hard Drive Speed (Revolutions Per Minute) 5400 RPM
Operating System Mac OS X Maverick
Graphics Card Intel HD Graphics 4000
Its $599.
I figure most HTPC cost around $500 anyway so would it be worth it to get the mini?
Also, are there any issues with this device running XBMC? I have read about audio issues for older models but nothing for new ones.
Does anyone currently have this set up?
Are there any limitations? Is there a different device or hardware you recommend in the same price range?
Zee
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Looks good. I would use OpenElec on it and get rid of the OSx part.
cheers Nordish a.k.a mablae
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Do you know whether I would experience a huge performance difference between a mac mini 2013 and an OUYA? I read everywhere that OUYA is a great device to run XBMC.. and for just $99 its tempting?
Any thoughts?
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Android is a bit meh for htpc usage - no HD audio and frame rate is locked at 60fps. Take a look at the Intel nuc - $200-$250 aud for a machine that has way more power and features than a ouya.
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Mac Mini (it's actually a 2012, as there has not been a new 2013 model yet) is a bit overkill for some people for an HTPC, but it will certainly do the job (just about any job you could possibly want from an HTPC).
I think most people would be happy with what they can get in the $100-300 range. There's lots and lots of posts all over the forum here about what you can get for various price points. NUC, previous gen Mac Mini, OUYA, Foxcomm, Zotac.
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Still using my 2009 Core 2 Duo Mini works great!
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Hmmm sorry I wasn't aware of the 2012 model thingy!
Yeah it is quite expensive at 599. You mentioned some other devices. Im a complete noob.
Could someone perhaps list some devices here that I can look up?
I am looking for something that will not lag at all.
Also, the HD intel built in card in the mac mini.. is it sufficient to run XBMX 1080p content?
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noggin
Posting Freak
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Pumxee - all current Intel CPU+GPU combos (Intel HD and Intel HD XX00) are fine for 1080p content in XBMC. Even the very low-power Celerons play it fine.
I've got a low cost Revo RL80 running OpenElec (Celeron 1007U, 2GB RAM, 500GB HD, Bluetooth, Wifi, GigE, USB 3, HDMI, DVI-I) and it's great. Cost GBP£129 in the UK (there's a UK cash back deal at the moment), plus GBP£10 for the internal IR receiver I added. That's around US$210.
I've also got a Core i5 based HTPC I built myself - and that runs OpenElec and Windows XBMC fine. I use the Core i5 for transcoding and for playing back some content that isn't natively supported by most GPUs (4:2:2 H264 high bitrate broadcast stuff) - but this is a niche requirement.
The MacMini will be great - but as others have said - you can get good core XBMC performance on lower power, lower cost devices.
I've played with Android - but the lack of HD Audio and poor support for 24/50/60Hz frame rate switching means it's still just a toy rather than a main platform for me.
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I have the same Mac Mini, bootcamped to run XBMC on the windows 7 partition and to the best of my knowledge it is FLAWLESS! (I am by no means an expert but I have certainly been around the block with XBMC for a handful of years on two handfuls of devices!). I have a bunch of lower end options also and am currently very pleased with my Ouyas despite what I see as very minor setbacks.
