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Apple Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 (Early 2009) Specs

Identifiers: Early 2009 - BTO/CTO - Macmini3,1 - A1283 - 2264

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Apple Mac miniThe Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 (Early 2009/NVIDIA) technically is a "build-to-order" configuration of the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 (Early 2009/NVIDIA), but also is documented as a separate model for reader convenience. Other than processor, these two models are identical.

The Apple Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 (Early 2009/NVIDIA) features a 2.26 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" (P8400) processor, a 3 MB on-chip level 2 cache, a 1066 MHz frontside bus, 1 GB or 2 GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-8500) memory, a 120 GB or 320 GB Serial ATA hard drive, a slot-loading 8X double-layer "SuperDrive", and a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with either 128 MB or 256 MB of memory shared with the system.

Connectivity includes Mini-DVI and Mini DisplayPort, a Firewire "800" port, five USB 2.0 ports, combined "optical digital audio input/audio line in" and combined "optical digital audio output/headphone" minijacks, a 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet port, and built-in AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR.

Although at first glance the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 (Early 2009/NVIDIA) models look identical to the Mid-2007 models, they are quite different -- with a faster internal architecture that uses a faster system bus and faster memory as well as improved graphics and dual display support, the first time that dual displays have been supported by the Mac mini series. Connectivity is enhanced as well, with a Mini-DVI and a Mini DisplayPort (in lieu of a single DVI port) and 5 USB 2.0 ports (up from 4 on the previous system) and a Firewire "800" port (instead of a Firewire "400" port).

All Mac mini models have the internal components enclosed in a tiny and elegant 2.9 lb, 6.5 inch square, two inch tall case with a built-in speaker and an external power supply. Additionally, all Mac mini systems ship without a display, keyboard, or mouse, but numerous Apple and third-party options are available.

Also see:

  • What are the differences between the "Early 2009/NVIDIA" Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" configurations?
  • What are the differences between the "Early 2009/NVIDIA" Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" and the Mac mini models they replaced?

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  • Tech Specs
  • Ports
  • Global Original Prices
  • Popular Q&As

Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.


March 3, 2009 October 20, 2009
Details: The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.

Also see: All Macs introduced in 2009.
1 (2 Cores) 64-Bit
Details: Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.
3098 3460
Details: Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini3,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
1244 2129
Details: These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini3,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
1248 1832
Details: These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini3,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
1486 2481
Details: These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini3,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
295 504
Details: These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini3,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
2.26 GHz Core 2 Duo (P8400)
Details: The Intel "Core 2 Duo" (P8400) processor includes two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip.
N/A N/A
Details: N/A
Soldered Integrated
Details: The processor is soldered directly to the motherboard.

Also see: Is it possible to upgrade the processor in the Mac mini "Core" models?
1066 MHz 2.26 GHz (Built-in)
Details: 1066 MHz frontside bus.
EFI 64-Bit
Details: Also see: Does the Intel Mac mini have a ROM or BIOS?
32k/32k 3 MB (on chip)
Details: Includes a 3 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache that runs at processor speed.
PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz
Details: Supports 1066 MHz PC3-8500 DDR3 SO-DIMMs. Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the polycarbonate Intel-based Mac mini "Core" models? How much RAM of what type do they support?
1 GB, 2 GB* 8 GB*
Details: *The default configurations of the stock Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 (Early 2009) were offered with either 1 GB or 2 GB of RAM and this custom configuration likewise could be equipped the same. Officially, this model is capable of supporting 4 GB of RAM, but as first reported by MacminiColo, this model unofficially can use 8 GB of RAM after applying EFI Firmware Update 1.2.

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory -- as well as other upgrades -- for this Mac mini.

In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells memory and other upgrades for this Mac mini.

In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM sells memory and other upgrades for this Mac mini.

In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells memory and other upgrades for this Mac mini.

Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.
None 2
Details: N/A
GeForce 9400M Integrated
Details: This model has a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M that shares memory with the system.

In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the graphics card, power supply, and more for this Mac mini.
128 MB, 256 MB* 256 MB*
Details: *Apple reports that the default configurations of the stock Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 (Early 2009) have 128 MB or 256 MB of memory shared with the system, and this custom configuration can be equipped in the same way. However, installing another 1 GB memory module in the low-end configuration will automatically increase the shared VRAM to 256 MB. Please also note that this is the minimum graphics memory usage with each configuration but the memory available to MacOS X "may vary depending on graphics needs".
Dual Displays 1920x1200*
Details: *This model simultaneously supports 1920x1200 on a DVI or VGA display using the Mini-DVI port and 2560x1600 on a dual-link DVI display using the Mini DisplayPort (with an optional Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter).
Dual/Mirroring* 2560x1600*
Details: *This model simultaneously supports 1920x1200 on a DVI or VGA display using the Mini-DVI port and 2560x1600 on a dual-link DVI display using the Mini DisplayPort (with an optional Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter).
120, 320 GB* HDD 5400 RPM
Details: *The default configurations of the stock Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 (Early 2009) were offered with either a 120 GB or 320 GB hard drive and this custom configuration likewise could be equipped the same. Both hard drives are 5400 RPM. The low-end hard drive also could be upgraded via custom configuration with a 250 GB hard drive for US$100 extra and a 320 GB hard drive for US$175 extra.

Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive in the Mac mini "Core" models? What type of hard drive do they support? Is it possible to replace the optical drive with a second hard drive?

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this Mac mini.

In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells storage upgrades for this Mac mini.

In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells storage upgrades for this Mac mini.

Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs.
2.5" (9.5 mm) Serial ATA (3 Gb/s)
Details: This model supports a single SATA II (3 Gb/s) 2.5" hard drive or SSD that is up to 9.5 mm thick.
8X DL "SuperDrive" None
Details: Apple reports that the slot-loading 8X double-layer SuperDrive "writes DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL discs at up to 6x speed, writes DVD-R and DVD+R discs at up to 8x speed, writes DVD-RW discs at up to 6x speed, writes DVD+RW discs at up to 8x speed, reads DVDs at up to 8x speed, writes CD-R and CD-RW discs at up to 24x speed, reads CDs at up to 24x speed."

This model uses an SATA connector for the optical drive.

Also see: What are the capabilities of the optical drive provided by the Mac mini "Core" models? Which can read and write dual-layer DVDs?

Site sponsor Other World Computing offers a "Data Doubler" mounting kit that may be of interest. It makes it simple to install a second hard drive or SSD in the optical drive bay of this Mac mini.
None 10/100/1000Base-T
Details: External Apple USB Modem offered for US$49.
802.11a/b/g/n 2.1+EDR
Details: AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard.
5 (2.0) 1 (800)
Details: Five 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports, one Firewire "800" port.
None None
Details: In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of external expansion options and hand-picked accessories like external storage, stands, keyboards, cables, adapters, speakers, and more for this Mac mini.
None None
Details: No Mac mini systems ship with a keyboard or mouse.
Cuboid Mac mini
Details: Uses a tiny and elegant 6.5 inch wide, 6.5 inch deep, and 2 inch tall case.
BTO/CTO Early 2009
Details: As this model technically is a custom configuration of the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 (Early 2009), it does not have its own order number.
A1283 (EMC 2264) Macmini3,1
Details: Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.

Also see: All Macs with the A1283 Model Number, the 2264 EMC Number, and the Macmini3,1 Model Identifier.

For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section.
N/A N/A
Details: N/A
X 10.5.6 (9G2030) X 10.11.6*
Details: *This system can run the last version of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion", OS X 10.9 "Mavericks", and OS X 10.10 "Yosemite", as well as OS X 10.11 "El Capitan" if at least 2 GB of RAM is installed, although advanced features like AirDrop, AirPlay Mirroring, and Power Nap are not supported. It does support "OpenCL" and Grand Central Dispatch introduced with Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard," although it is not supported booting in 64-bit mode when running this version of the operating system. It is not capable of running macOS Sierra (10.12) or subsequent versions of the macOS at all.

Please note that OS X "Lion" 10.7 and subsequent versions of OS X are not capable of running Mac OS X apps originally written for the PowerPC processor as these operating systems do not support the "Rosetta" environment. To run PowerPC applications on this Mac, it will be necessary to use Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard" or earlier.

Also see: Which Macs are compatible with OS X El Capitan (10.11)? What are the system requirements? Which Macs support which features?
XP SP2 (32-Bit)* 7 (32-Bit)*
Details: *Apple's Boot Camp 4 formally supports the 32-bit versions of Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. However, the system does meet Microsoft's minimum requirements for Windows 8 and readers have reported successfully running the 32-bit version of this operating system with appropriate drivers.
None Boot/Virtualization
Details: Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?

For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A.
2.0 x 6.5 x 6.5 2.9 lbs. (1.31 kg)
Details: In inches - height by width by depth, (5.08 cm, 16.51 cm, 16.51 cm).
US$749, US$949* US$50-US$100
Details: *This refers to the default 2.0 GHz configurations -- MB463LL/A, equipped with 1 GB of RAM, a 120 GB hard drive, and 128 MB of RAM allocated for graphics and MB464LL/A, equipped with 2 GB of RAM, a 320 GB hard drive, and 256 MB of RAM allocated for graphics, each upgraded with the 2.26 GHz "Core 2 Duo" (P8400) processor. The processor upgrade cost an additional US$150 for both configurations.

Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.


Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.


2* None
Details: *1 Mini-DVI and 1 Mini DisplayPort.

Supports dual simultaneous displays -- 1920x1200 on a DVI or VGA display using the Mini-DVI port and 2560x1600 on a dual-link DVI display using the Mini DisplayPort (with an optional Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter). Includes a Mini-DVI to DVI adapter.
None None
Details: N/A
None None
Details: N/A
5 (2.0) 1 (800)
Details: Five 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports, one Firewire "800" port.
None 1 (RJ-45)
Details: External Apple USB Modem (56.6k v.92) offered for US$49. Gigabit Ethernet, AirPort Extreme (802.11g/n), and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard.
None None
Details: N/A
None 1
Details: Combined "optical digital audio input/audio line in minijack."
1 1
Details: Single combined "optical digital audio output/headphone out minijack."
1 None
Details: N/A
1 N/A
Details: 100V-240V, 110W maximum.

Global original prices for the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 (Early 2009) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.

For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.

Original Prices - North & South America

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N/A US$749, US$949*

Original Prices - Europe

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Original Prices - Asia

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Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

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If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.


Ten of the most popular Q&As about the Mac mini models follow.



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