Yesterday, Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the company’s new Intel-based Mac mini which features, among many other things, Intel GMA950 graphics processor with 64MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory. Back in May 2005, when the Intel GMA950 debuted, Loyd Case took a look at the integrated graphics processor’s performance for ExtremeTech.
Case wrote, “The rendering engine supports all the texture modes you’d expect from a modern 3D engine, including cube map support, various texture blending modes, and S3TC texture compression. New this time around is support for anisotropic filtering. Note that vertex shaders are handled by the host processor, so the faster the CPU, the faster the vertex processing. The new core logic’s support for DDR2/667 should mean more available free bandwidth for the graphics processor. Still, integrated graphics is a balancing act between memory fetches for graphics and memory accesses for the CPU. How that arbitration is handled is the key to balanced performance. Another interesting feature of the GMA950 is the add-on digital video output card. Dubbed “ADD2+”, the card can use 4 or 8 lanes of x16 PCI Express and support up to two displays in multimonitor mode. Alternatively, it can work together to support one very high resolution display. The GMCH can also output S-Video. In addition to the 3D capabilities of the integrated core, Intel has built in a video engine with full hardware motion compensation, MPEG2 hardware decode, subpicture support (e.g., for closed captions), and dynamic de-interlacing.”
Case wrote, “We can state flatly that if you buy a system using Intel’s GMA950 integrated graphics and want to play 3D games, invest at least $60 in an add-on card. If what you want is simply a system that can run standard office software, plus maybe play some DVD movies, then Intel’s new graphics core is probably suitable.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Note: We are checking with Apple regarding whether or not the Mac mini contains the “ADD2+” card. If anyone has information regarding this, please email: . Apple does state on their Mac mini web page, “Mac mini features a graphics processor integrated into the system, and one that’s no slouch, to boot. The Intel GMA950 graphics supports Tiger Core Graphics and the latest 3D games. It shares fast 667MHz memory with the Intel Core processor, for an incredible value proposition.”
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Related MacDailyNews articles:
Apple’s new Mac mini: perfect for HDTV – March 01, 2006
Videos of Steve Jobs introducing Mac mini, iPod Hi-Fi – March 01, 2006
Analyst: Apple’s new Mac mini ‘a good first step into the living room’ – February 28, 2006
Old Apple Mac mini G4 vs. new Mac mini’s graphics and video specs – February 28, 2006
Apple introduces new Intel-based Mac mini – February 28, 2006
Integrated graphics. That’s so last century.
My main concern about the graphics card is that the current mini struggles with 480p. I was hoping that Apple would put in something powerful enough to handle 1080i or ideally 1080p. I can’t even watch the HD trailers that Apple has on their website without frame drops and pauses.
This is not a gaming machine. Didn’t Jobs say that last year was the year for HD????? And one year later he is putting out an Intel Box which can’t handle True HD and trying to get people to put it in their living rooms attached to their TV?
For a cheap mom and Pop computer I would not recommend a mini either. I would tell people to get a 17″ iMac. That is cleaner, and simpler to maintain wihout any extra cables or wires. Even the old eMacs would be great for most users. When you add in a monitor, keyboard, RAM (especially since the mini uses shared memory) the price is above an iMac. AND you get a bigger HD.
Putting 2GB of RAM into this thing would be like putting $1200 wheels on your Ford Escort.
As of yesterday, the full-blown $799 Mac mini is
the ideal and best price/performance computer out there. It is absolutely the most you can get for the price, considering BYOKMD. You can pick up a 17″ flat screen for around $169 if your TV is not current with DVI inputs. Mobility is also an important issue…just throw it in your backpack. Personally, I hate the huge power brick, but can’t complain with a speed increase of 4 to 5 times the previous mini.
This machine at this price point is more than adequate for most people.
Nick says “So if people want to get online with a modem, play 2 year-old computer games, watch some HD video and have a hard drive that is faster than what ships in an iBook, the Mac mini is not for them? Why pay $800 for it then?”
Nick as an everyday computer the $799 duo core version is extremely well equipped..
Once Universal applications are available this machine will handle apps like photoshop with ease.. Still not a pro machine but for an average user it’s smoking…
As it is right now, the core-duo mini puts my three year old Dual G4 1.25 powermac to shame when it comes to running iLife and any Universal apps..
Dual layer superdrive, media center capabilites… If you already have the extras and are not a gamer this machine is a dream for $799.
If not, then buy an iMac or a Powermac..
“Putting 2GB of RAM into this thing would be like putting $1200 wheels on your Ford Escort.”
It’s an option Nick, that’s all.. It’s good to know that 2 years down the road you have room to expand.
Let’s wait until we see the performance tests from Macworld to pass judgement of the new Mini. If it’s TRULY 2-4x faster, and the Intel graphics chip blow the old one out of the water in every way, then we have nothing to complain about, other than the price increase.
Patience, young Jedi.
The Mac mini is close to being a must have accessory for your home entertainment center. The Intel 950 graphics processor is a capable processor. The fact that it uses system memory is a problem. Everyone knows that OS X wants memory. Apple should have made 1GB of memory standard and made wireless and bluetooth a build to order option. Then it would warrant the $599 – $799 price a little more. Also, a $200 increase for a larger hard drive, superdrive, and dual core CPU seems a bit steep to me. I can’t imagine the parts costing more than about $75 more.
Dell E510
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 630 w/HT Technology (3.0GHz,800FSB)
Windows® XP Media Center 2005
512MB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz (2x256M)
17 inch E176FP Analog Flat Panel LCD
128MB PCI Express™ x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI Radeon X300 SE HyperMemory
80GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
Dell® 2-button USB mouse
8x CD-RW / DVD-ROM Combo
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
$649.00
THERE HAS NOT BEEN A FRICKIN PRICE INCREASE!
The only thing that changed was the bare bones $499 model without Wifi and bluetooth was dropped..
If you were looking at the $499 model two days ago, it would have cost $100 to add Wifi and Bluetooth..
Apple decided that the mini needs Wifi and bluetooth standard…Most likely because of bonjour..
The price is the SAME, you just can’t buy bare bones anymore..
The profit margin on the mini is very LOW, especially the $599 model. Adding 1 gig ram standard would eat up most if not all of the profit..
On a $3000 PowerMac you have a lot more room to play… On a $600 machine, it’s a different story.
so, for $650 on the PC side, you can get a computer and 17″ LCD that plays most modern 3D games, plays 720p easily, and becomes a PVR w/ a cheap TV card upgrade…..hmmmm interesting
I don’t think that the GMA950 is the issue. I think it’s the shared memory.
Perhaps if there had of been a separate upgradable VRAM slot? A standard 128MB and a slot for an additional 128?
Maybe RevD will have this?
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If what you want is simply a system that can run standard office software, plus maybe play some DVD movies
Um, I think the Mac mini can do quite a bit more than run standard office software and “maybe” play DVDs. (“Maybe”? WTF is that supposed to mean?)
I have the G4 1.42GHz version of the mini with 1GB RAM, and I use it for composing music with GarageBand, editing video with iMovie, and composing and burning DVDs with iDVD. A lot of guys I know use the mini for the same things as I do. If I can do all that just fine with my existing mini, I would imagine a maxed-out Intel Mac mini (Core Duo with 2GB RAM) would far exceed the performance level I’m used to.
I’ve noticed since the mid-90s when I got into computers that no matter what the baseline entry level machine’s specs are at the time, tech writers say it’s only suitable for “web browsing, email and word processing.” Christ, even a budget eMachine in 2006 can do way, way, WAY more than that.
Mike:
a couple of days ago I could buy a Mac mini for $499. Now the cheapest one is $599.
That is called a price increase.
Since when is $799 a fair price for an everyday computer with no keyboard, mouse or display that cannot play 2 year-old games or dial up on a modem?
Someone needs to lay off the Kool Aid.
ridiculos says “hmmmm interesting”
Not really.. It’s a fricking Dell…
Mike K. “THERE HAS NOT BEEN A FRICKIN PRICE INCREASE!”
– You’re missing the point. If the latest iPod had a 25 GB and was selling for $450, technically it would be a price drop with an upgrade when compared to the original iPod. Although, I hardly think anyone would be happy about that.
See, the point is not necessarily about just prices and specs. A machine that is “technically” better than its predecessor can still be very disappointing if the upgrades are not consistent with the improvements in technology in general.
No keyboard or mouse,
As if you would use the crappy keyboard and mouse that come with the Dell. Everybody I know at least uses a third-party mouse.
no possibility to play 3D games like World of Warcraft,
Oh no! One might actually have to do something PRODUCTIVE with their computer. I think for most people with lives, jobs and talents, WoW isn’t the be-all end-all of the computing experience.
no chance of playing 1080p HD video
What $599 PC can do that? I’m not aware of one. And what $599 PC is as small and silent as the mini? I’m not aware of one. And what $599 PC comes with OS X and iLife? I’m not aware of one.
no component video-out.
Buy an adapter.
Slow little 5400 rpm laptop hard drive.
How are they supposed to get a desktop hard drive into a case that small? And 5400rpm is faster than the last model’s 4800rpm drive.
No included modem (extra $$)
Are you really playing your precious World of Warcraft over a dial-up connection? Really?
Nick, you are not thinking logically…
Yes, I know that there used to be a $499 model without Wifi and bluetooth, but it was discontinued..
That doesn’t change the fact that two days ago a Mac Mini with WiFi and Bluetooth was the same price as it is today $599…
The difference is that todays $599 model has a bunch of upgrades like faster processor, faster HD, faster Ram, digital audio in and out, remote control, front row, iLife 06, additional usb ports, gigabit ethernet and a GPU that now supports HD and core image..
You are trying to compare Apples to Oranges..
There was not a price increase in the $599 model, it was upgraded for the same price… The $499 stripped down model was simply discontinued.. Big difference.
Mike I see where you are coming from and I agree with you. Technically, there was not a price increase.. Apple just upgraded the $599 model and dropped the non-Wifi $499 model..
I do think it would be a good idea for Apple to still give buyers the option to purchase the $499 model without WiFI and Bluetooth.. I know Apple’s reasoning was that no one really bought the base model. Most upgraded to the $599 model, but it was still a good psychological number to start with..
Mike K,
You’re still missing the point.
Simple question: Can you buy a new Mac for $499? Yes or no.
To someone that wants to purchase the cheapest Mac possible, the price for the cheapest Mac most certainly did go up.
Ah, but it was upgraded you say. Well, honestly, what doestn’t get upgraded over time? The fact that the supposed upgrade came with a cost increase negates the benefit of the upgrade. The result it that your cost has gone up because you’re paying for an old technology price structure.
Look at my example above about the iPod. If you had to pay $500 for a 20 GB iPod without color, I hardly think you would be screaming in defense about the very meaningless technicality that the price did not actually increase.
Realist…
The pricing on a Mac mini with WiFI and Bluetooth did not increase.. It has remained the same at $599 with many upgrades added.
A $499 Mac mini without wireles and bluetooth is no longer available. Apple could still offer a stripped down configuration at this price if they wanted to, but obviously it wasn’t a big seller or they’d still be offering it.
“The pricing on a Mac mini with WiFI and Bluetooth did not increase.. It has remained the same at $599 with many upgrades added.”
And I suppose this is the same thing you’ll be saying in five years when the mini is running at 1.8 Ghz, has one additional USB port, and a cheap keyboard but still costs $599. You’ll be screaming out “Look! The speed has gone up, there are upgrades, and the price remained the same. It’s a good deal.”
You’re apparently refusing to understand that we expect technology to cost less over time instead of remaining the same. If the cost does not decrease as a reflection of general technological progress, then it is in fact a cost increase.
I was going to buy the new mac mini but I can’t swallow the 20% price increase.
“The fact that the supposed upgrade came with a cost increase negates the benefit of the upgrade.”
I guess upgrades never have value then. Nice philosophy.
If $100 negates ALL the new stuff you get with the new Mini, don’t buy it.