MacMini vs MacBookPro Server?

[Sten-Erik Björling]

Well, to confuse things a bit further…

One could try to find a good MacPro 2013 machine to use as a server. They are a bit expensive still but you might find one in a good price range. The main advantages are (have one myself that I have upgraded to 12 cores) - quiet, simple to expand both in memory and disk space and it is built for continuous heavy use. And it is quiet… And looks nice as well…

Take care, all the best…

Stene

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> 28 juni 2020 kl. 09:29 skrev Michael Monschau <michael at brainydata.co.uk>:
> 
> Hi Das,
> 
> Good question! I chose a Mac mini, because Kelly suggested it and once I looked into it, for me it did work out quite a bit cheaper than any other configuration, especially as I upgraded the RAM myself (apple charge a ridiculous about of money for a high ram spec (saved about £400 just on that alone, but changing the RAM yourself is not for the faint hearted). Also the MacBook Pro only comes equipped with USB-C ports so you need to purchase a decent hub (about £200+) to connect Ethernet USB3 and HDMI, which I require. Wireless is just not suitable for my network if you also use the server to back up your devices. The Mac mini also has a HDMI port as well as two USB-3 ports. So it had all I needed for my extra external SSDs plus a monitor option that allows me to connect the spare Monitor/TV I have, should I ever want to.
> 
> I also liked the tiny size, saving me loads of desk space and it is very quiet, even when the fan kicks in (although I did not know that prior to purchasing). When my 16” MacBook Pro does something strenuous and the fans kick in, it does make more noise, although it is not very loud either, but louder than the mini.
> 
> Further more, I love using the Mac mini remotely from my MacBook Pro which has a 30” Apple Studio attached. That means that just swiping my fingers across the mouse brings up the Mac mini on my display at full resolution (if yo have the correct virtual monitor plug). So I don’t have to move my chair or get up and walk over to it, regardless of where I position it in my Office. Has already saved me a huge amount of time. 
> 
> However, when first configuring it, you may need to plug in a spare monitor, keyboard and mouse, which I luckily had!
> 
> My Mac mini configuration is 3.2GHz 6 Core i7 - 32GB Ram - 1TB SSD.
> With all the extra bits (i.e. remote software, and a dummy monitor adaptor, the Crucial RAM) it came to about £1800
> 
> For me the same spec would have come to a lot more even if I had chosen a 13” MacBook Pro model. Once you upgrade to i7, 32GB Ram and 1TB SSD the price tag is £2400. Then you have to add a hub for all the other connectivity. 
> 
> To Summarise my main points:
> + for me it worked out cheaper
> + its extreemly space saving
> ~ substantially improves my work flow through remote management, although you could do this with any Mac, I guess.
> - slightly harder to set up as you need a spare monitor, keyboard and mouse to do it
> 
> I hope my experience can add something to your decision making. Of course if you can get a MacBook Pro cheaper, that is a serious consideration as you can do remote management on that too, should that be of interest to you. Just don’t forget to configure the extra cost of adding a hub and that you cannot swap the ram out yourself if you are into that sort of thing.
> 
> Regards,
> Michael
> 
> 
> Brainy Data Limited
> The Home for Omnis components
> Web: www.brainydata.com
> GitHub: https://github.com/BrainyData
> 
> 
> 
>> On 27 Jun 2020, at 21:58, Das Goravani <das at Goravani.com> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> Is there any reason to NOT go with a MacBookPro as a server?
>> 
>> Folks recommend the MacMini but right now I can get a great laptop that beats all Mini’s specs for the same money as a good mini… 
>> 
>> I can get a better server for the same money if I go with a MacBookPro
>> 
>> Any reasons why I should NOT go this route?
>> 
>> Overheating is a question.. is the Mini better with heat distribution? Is a laptop NOT meant to stay on.. ?
>> 
>> This is for a server.. so it will always be ON
>> 
>> Maybe they made the Mini to stay on and I just dont know it yet.. 
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Sten-Erik Björling
Enviro Data
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