i'm thinking about buying a mac mini. by default it comes with an intel processor. can i later just replace the intel cpu it comes with, with say, a common boxed intel cpu? (a q9650)

Nope. There is one were you can upgrade 1.83ghz core to 2ghz core, but going to a quad requires the right chipset to support it.

And besides, Apple doesn't want its users upgrading their products. They want them to purchase a new rig for an upgrade.

I've read that apple didn't even want user to upgrade even the memory on a mini mac.

Mac mini "Core" Q&A - Revised September 3, 2007

^older article back in 2007

I wouldn't ever buy something like that. Just not.

Why would you spend $600 on a screen-less laptop (Yes, that's all the Mac Mini really is. It's a laptop without a screen.) to put a $600 deskop CPU in it? That makes no sense at all, and also impossible to do due to hardware incompatibilities. Why not spend the $1,200 on a custom built desktop unless there is some reason you need OSX?

of course there is one. i need/want to see the real thing working. i am up to here with windows...

Try linux. It's free, and the hardware is cheaper than Mac hardware. Plus, the Mac mini performs like a $250 computer. The CPU isn't its only problem.

I don't think you can upgrade the mobile CPU of the mac mini... its like soldered for something...

If you are buying a mac mini, please wait for the refresh.

If you wish to DIY OSX86 I won't help you publicly.

Try building a Linux rig.

mac make me cringe, under specced and overpriced. (including the mac pro's which up until they put a 8800gs (256) had a 7300gt, adn the 8800gs inst great, so count out any GPU rendering). then bit in the bullet is the factit is god damn impossible to upgrade the damn thing, (especially the iMac and Mini). the reason they look apealing is that everyone who has on gets a new one each year.

^If only I had the money to build a new PC every year.

For the OP, not worth it. That and you really need to learn to control Windows. Its not hard and once you learn the ins and outs you can make it do what you want.

In the end spend that $600 on a decent rig setup (mobo, GPU, RAM) and then get the Q9450 and try Linux (although if you have trouble controlling Windows, Linux may give you a tussle).

My brother gave me a G4 Macintosh that had OSX 10.3.9 Panther installed on it.
If you want to play around with the Macintosh Operating system perhaps a good choice would be for you to find a fast (1 Ghz) used Macintosh G4 and install Tiger or Leopard on it.
Panther requirements
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2176?viewlocale=en_US
Tiger requirements
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1514
Leopard requirements
http://www.apple.com/macosx/techspecs/

Macs are getting better value... but still stink abit...

I'm a mac, windows and linux user... I still cringe at my black Macbook and think "Why did I even want this if I could get 7 of my rigs for the same price?"

^Because you fell prey to Apples marketing. It happens to everyone.

Macs will bring upon the apocalypse... They're in the same boat as gay ppl and AIDs

If you want a Mac, fully upgradeable, that you can build/upgrade yourself, then please google 'Hackintosh' and see if that's the way you want to go. Do Your Research before your commit.

Otherwise, just give Apple your money and forget this conversation ever took place....




(Yes, that was *Friendly* sarcasm. If I was being nasty, there would be no doubt..)