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Apple Mac mini "Core i5" 2.5 (Mid-2011) Specs

Identifiers: Mid-2011 - MC816LL/A - Macmini5,2 - A1347 - 2442

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Apple Mac miniThe Apple Mac mini "Core i5" 2.5 (Mid-2011/Aluminum Unibody) features a 32-nm "Sandy Bridge" 2.5 GHz Intel "Core i5" (2520M) processor with two independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 3 MB shared level 3 cache, 4 GB of 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-10600) memory, a 500 GB hard drive, and AMD Radeon HD 6630M graphics with 256 MB of dedicated GDDR5 memory. It does not have an internal optical drive, although an external one could be purchased for US$79.

Connectivity includes a Firewire "800" port, four USB 2.0 ports, combined "audio line in (digital/analog)" and combined "audio line out/headphone (digital/analog)" minijacks, a 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet port, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, an SDXC card slot and an HDMI port as well as a new "Thunderbolt" port that is backwards compatible with Mini DisplayPort and likewise supports an external display at 2560x1600 and passes an audio signal as well. Thunderbolt also supports other peripherals that use the Thunderbolt standard which provides up to 10 Gbps of bandwidth in both directions.

Compared to its non-server predecessor, the most obvious external difference is that this model lacks an optical drive, but it also has the aforementioned Thunderbolt port and is a bit lighter. Internally, it also has a faster processor, architecture, RAM and graphics as well as improved wireless capabilities.

All Mac mini systems are configured by default without a display, keyboard, or mouse, but numerous Apple and third-party options are available.

Also see:

  • What are all the differences between the "Mid-2011" Aluminum Mac mini models? Which is best for my needs?
  • What are all the differences between the "Mid-2011" Aluminum Mac mini models and the models 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.


July 20, 2011 October 23, 2012
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 2011.
1 (2 Cores) 64-Bit
Details: Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.
6472 7224
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 Macmini5,2 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.
2405 4792
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 Macmini5,2 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.
2612 5323
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 Macmini5,2 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.
2883 5496
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 Macmini5,2 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.
567 1259
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 Macmini5,2 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.
2.5 GHz Core i5 (I5-2520M)
Details: This model is powered by a 32 nm, 64-bit Intel Mobile Core i5 "Sandy Bridge" (I5-2520M) processor which includes two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 3 MB of level 3 cache, and has an integrated memory controller (dual channel).

This system also supports "Turbo Boost 2.0" -- which "automatically increases the speed of the active cores" to improve performance when needed (up to 3.2 GHz for this model) -- and "Hyper Threading" -- which allows the system to recognize four total "cores" or "threads" (two real and two virtual).

Also see: How fast are the "Mid-2011" Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini models compared to the "Mid-2010" models replaced?
3.2 GHz 2.7 GHz (Core i7)
Details: This model also was available via custom configuration with a 2.7 GHz "Core i7" (I7-2620M) processor for an extra US$100.

As requested by readers, EveryMac.com additionally has documented this custom configuration as its own model.
Soldered Integrated
Details: The processor is soldered directly to the motherboard.
5 GT/s* 2.5 GHz (Built-in)
Details: *This system has a "Direct Media Interface" (DMI) that "connects between the processor and chipset" in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 5 GT/s.
EFI 64-Bit
Details: N/A
32k/32k x2 256k x2, 3 MB (on chip)
Details: Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 3 MB of shared level 3 cache.
PC3-10600 DDR3 1333 MHz
Details: Supports 1333 MHz PC3-10600 DDR3 SO-DIMMs. Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini models? How much RAM of what type do they actually support?
4 GB 16 GB*
Details: By default, 4 GB is installed as two 2 GB modules.

*Officially, this model supports 8 GB of RAM, but as first discovered by OWC, it actually is capable of supporting 16 GB of RAM using two 8 GB modules.

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
Radeon HD 6630M GDDR5
Details: This model has an AMD Radeon HD 6630M graphics processor with 256 MB of dedicated GDDR5 memory.

Also see: What type of video system is provided by the Aluminum Mac mini models? Which are integrated and which are dedicated? Can the video be upgraded?

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.
256 MB 256 MB
Details: The AMD Radeon HD 6630M graphics processor has 256 MB of dedicated GDDR5 memory.
Three Displays 1920x1200*
Details: *This model simultaneously supports 1920x1200 on an HDMI display or a DVI display using the included HDMI-to-DVI adapter and 2560x1600 on two Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort displays or even a VGA display (with an optional Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter, which is compatible with the Thunderbolt port).
Dual/Mirroring* 2560x1600 (x2)*
Details: *This model simultaneously supports 1920x1200 on an HDMI or a DVI display (using the included HDMI-to-DVI adapter) and 2560x1600 on two Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort displays or even a VGA display (with an optional Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter, which is compatible with the Thunderbolt port).
500 GB HDD 5400 RPM
Details: This model also could be equipped with a 750 GB, 7200 RPM hard drive for an additional US$150, a 256 GB SSD for an additional US$600 or a 750 GB 7200 RPM hard drive and a 256 GB SSD for an additional US$750.

Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive(s) in the Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini models? What type of hard drive(s) do they support?

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) x2 Serial ATA (6 Gb/s) x2
Details: Regardless of the storage pre-installed, this model supports dual SATA II (3 Gb/s) 2.5" hard drives or SSDs that are each up to 9.5 mm thick.
None* None
Details: *This Mac mini does not have an internal optical drive. Site sponsor Adorama offers the external Apple USB SuperDrive for US$79. It writes DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL at 4X, DVD-R and DVD+R at 8X, DVD-RW at 6X, DVD+RW at 8X, reads DVD at 8X, writes CD-R at 24X, writes CD-RW at 16X, and reads CD at 24X.

Site sponsor Other World Computing also has a variety of compact external optical drive options that may be of interest, including some with Blu-ray capability. OWC also offers a "Data Doubler" mounting kit for this model. It makes it simple to install a second hard drive or SSD in the available drive bay of this Mac mini.

Also see: What are the full capabilities of the external SuperDrive? Can it be used with other Macs?
None 10/100/1000Base-T
Details: N/A
802.11a/b/g/n 4.0
Details: 802.11n (802.11a/b/g capable as well) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 standard. As a minor point, Apple quietly stopped referring to the wireless networking (802.11n) as AirPort Extreme with this Mac mini.

Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?
4 (2.0) 1 (800)
Details: Four 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports, one Firewire "800" port.
SD Card (SDXC) None
Details: This model has an SDXC Card slot.

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 Unibody
Details: Uses a tiny case -- milled from a single block of aluminum -- that is 7.7 inches wide and deep and 1.4 inches tall.
MC816LL/A Mid-2011
Details: The Apple order number should be unique to this system.
A1347 (EMC 2442) Macmini5,2
Details: Please note that these identifiers often refer to more than one model.

Also see: All Macs with the A1347 Model Number, the 2442 EMC Number, and the Macmini5,2 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 10.7 (11A2061) X 10.13.x*
Details: *This system fully supports the last version of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion" as well as OS X 10.9 "Mavericks" with the exception of the "Power Nap" feature. It is compatible with the last version of OS X 10.10 "Yosemite" and OS X 10.11 "El Capitan" as well, but advanced feature support is limited to Mac-to-Mac AirDrop and AirPlay Mirroring. Other major features are not supported. It is capable of running macOS Sierra (10.12) also, although it does not support the Universal Clipboard, Auto Unlock, and Apple Pay features. Finally, this model is capable of running macOS High Sierra (10.13), and it supports HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), but it does not support hardware accelerated HEVC. It is not compatible with macOS Mojave (10.14) or later versions of the operating system.

Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS High Sierra (10.13)? What are the system requirements? Which Macs support HEVC?
7 (32-Bit)* 8.1 (64-Bit)*
Details: *Apple's Boot Camp 4 supports the 32-bit version of Windows 7 on this model and Boot Camp 5 supports the 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and Windows 8. Earlier versions of Windows are not supported.

Although Apple does not support Windows 10 via Boot Camp 5 (officially or otherwise), this system meets Microsoft's hardware requirements and it very well may be possible to boot Windows 10 on this Mac. If you have installed Windows 10 on this system (successfully or unsuccessfully), please share the results of your experiment. Thank you.
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.
1.4 x 7.7 x 7.7 2.7 lbs. (1.22 kg)
Details: In inches - height by width by depth, (3.6 cm, 19.7 cm, 19.7 cm)
US$799 US$100-US$150
Details: 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 HDMI and 1 Thunderbolt port.

Supports 1920x1200 on an HDMI or a DVI display (using the included HDMI-to-DVI adapter) and 2560x1600 on as many as two daisy-chained Thunderbolt displays (it also supports a Mini DisplayPort display or even a VGA display (with an optional Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter). Thunderbolt is backwards-compatible with Mini DisplayPort-equipped displays as well as adapters that are compatible with Mini DisplayPort (DVI, VGA, dual-link DVI and HDMI). Thunderbolt likewise can support other peripherals that use the Thunderbolt standard, which provides a maximum theoretical 10 Gbps of bandwidth in both directions.
None None
Details: N/A
None None
Details: N/A
4 (2.0) 1 (800)
Details: Four 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports, one Firewire "800" port.
None 1 (RJ-45)
Details: Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.0 standard.
None None
Details: N/A
None 1
Details: Combined "audio line in minijack (digital/analog)."
1 1
Details: Single combined "audio line out/headphone minijack (digital/analog)."
1 None
Details: N/A
1 N/A
Details: 100V-240V, 85W maximum.

Global original prices for the Mac mini "Core i5" 2.5 (Mid-2011) 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

C$799 R$2.699
MXN $11,998 US$799

Original Prices - Europe

€799 €799
DKK 6,099 €799
€799 €799
€799 €799
€759,38 €799
NOK 6.490 €799
€799 SEK 7.495
CHF 849 £699

Original Prices - Asia

RMB 6,198 HK$6,288
Rs 44,900 Rp 7,799,000
¥68,800 KRW 990,000
RM 2,499 PHP 40,990
S$1,088 NT$25,900
THB 26,900 VND 19,499,000

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

A$899 NZ$1249

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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