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View Full Version : mac mini upgraded: perfect render node?

maX_Andrews
09-06-2006, 11:49 PM
Apple quietly bumped the specs on its tiny mac-mini today, shifting the 2"x6"x6" towards being one of the best ways to assemble a small, expandable, quiet, low power, low cost render farm. Here's what you get for the basic $600 config:

1.66ghz intel core duo processor (roughly equivalent to amd x2 4400)
512Mb RAM
60GB HD
CD burner
wifi+bluetooth
Remote+frontrow media software
and the ability to runs windows using bootcamp.

A compareably configured shuttle xpc which is larger (2"x8"x11") and louder than the mini rings up to $910 with XP home edition.

I'm just interested if the recent upgrade to the minis has anyone else thinking about this?
alejandro_m1
09-07-2006, 12:27 AM
Well you could build a similar specīed PC for less than $600 and a bit more ram and without all the things you donīt need for a render node (Wifi, even CD...) but I agree they are a great alternative, they are small and powerfull and most of all they look damn pretty. I will surely check them out for the next render node I buy...
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09-07-2006, 12:27 AM
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