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Apple Mac mini "Core i7" 2.3 (Late 2012) Specs

Identifiers: Late 2012 - MD388LL/A - Macmini6,2 - A1347 - 2570

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Apple Mac miniThe Apple Mac mini "Core i7" 2.3 (Late 2012/Aluminum Unibody) features a 22-nm Quad Core "Ivy Bridge" 2.3 GHz Intel "Core i7" (3615QM) processor with four independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 6 MB shared level 3 cache, 4 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-12800) memory, a 1 TB hard drive, and Intel HD Graphics 4000 which shares system memory. It does not have an internal optical drive, although an external one was offered for US$79.

Connectivity includes a Firewire "800" port, four USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, Thunderbolt, 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, and an SDXC card slot.

Compared to its predecessor, this model looks identical, but it has a faster internal architecture with a faster processor and faster RAM, albeit slower graphics, as well as USB 3.0 ports.

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 "Late 2012" Aluminum Mac mini models? Which is best for my needs?
  • What are all the differences between the "Late 2012" 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.


October 23, 2012 October 16, 2014
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 2012.
1 (4 Cores) 64-Bit
Details: Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.
10626 11825
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 Macmini6,2 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.
2677 10377
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 Macmini6,2 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.
2986 11639
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 Macmini6,2 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.
3241 10607
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 Macmini6,2 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.
667 2624
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 Macmini6,2 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.
2.3 GHz Core i7 (I7-3615QM)
Details: This model is powered by a 22 nm, 64-bit Intel Mobile Core i7 "Ivy Bridge" (I7-3615QM) processor which includes four independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 6 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 3.3 GHz for this model) -- and "Hyper Threading" -- which allows the system to recognize eight total "cores" or "threads" (four real and four virtual).

Also see: How fast are the "Late 2012" Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini models compared to the "Mid-2011" models replaced?
3.3 GHz 2.6 GHz (Core i7)
Details: This model also was available via custom configuration with a 2.6 GHz "Core i7" (I7-3720QM) 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* 2.3 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 x4, 6 MB
Details: Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 6 MB of shared level 3 cache.
PC3-12800 DDR3 1600 MHz
Details: Supports 1600 MHz PC3-12800 DDR3 SO-DIMMs. Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini models? What type of RAM do they use? How much RAM do they actually support?
4 GB 16 GB
Details: By default, 4 GB is installed as two 2 GB modules.

This model supports 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
HD Graphics 4000 Integrated
Details: This model has an Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics processor that shares memory with the system.

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.
512 MB* 768 MB*
Details: *With 4 GB of RAM installed, this model uses 512 MB of RAM for graphics. With additional RAM installed, more RAM is reserved for graphics use.
Dual 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 a Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort display or even a VGA display (with an optional Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter, which is compatible with the Thunderbolt port).
Dual/Mirroring* 2560x1600*
Details: *This model simultaneously supports 1920x1200 on an HDMI or a DVI display (using the included HDMI-to-DVI adapter) and 2560x1600 on a Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort display or even a VGA display (with an optional Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter, which is compatible with the Thunderbolt port).
1 TB HDD 5400 RPM
Details: At the time of purchase, instead of a 1 TB hard drive, this model could be equipped with a 256 GB SSD for an additional US$300 or a 1 TB "Fusion Drive" which combines 128 GB of flash storage and a traditional hard drive for an additional US$250. Apple explains that the Fusion Drive "automatically and dynamically moves frequently used files to flash for quicker access."

Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive(s) in the Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini models? What type of storage 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 (450 Mbit*) 4.0
Details: *802.11n (802.11a/b/g capable as well) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 standard. This model unofficially supports 450 Mbit/sec 802.11n Wi-Fi using MIMO.

Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?
4 (3.0) 1 (800)
Details: Four USB 3.0 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.
MD388LL/A Late 2012
Details: The Apple order number should be unique to this system.
A1347 (EMC 2570) Macmini6,2
Details: Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.

Also see: All Macs with the A1347 Model Number, the 2570 EMC Number, and the Macmini6,2 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 10.8.1 (12B2080) X 10.15.x*
Details: *This system fully supports the last version of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion," OS X 10.9 "Mavericks," and OS X 10.10 "Yosemite" and OS X 10.11 "El Capitan" including Metal graphics acceleration. It is capable of running macOS Sierra (10.12) also, although it does not support the Auto Unlock feature. 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.

This model is compatible with the final version of macOS Mojave (10.14) and the final version of macOS Catalina (10.15), as well. It does not support macOS Big Sur (macOS 11) or later versions of the macOS.

Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Catalina (10.15)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features? Has anything been removed from previous versions of the macOS?
7 (32-Bit)* 10 (64-Bit)*
Details: *Apple's Boot Camp 4 supports the 32-bit of Windows 7, Boot Camp 5 supports the 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and Windows 8, and Boot Camp 6 supports the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Earlier versions of Windows are not supported.
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$150-US$250
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 Computer.


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 dual simultaneous displays -- 1920x1200 on an HDMI display or a DVI display using the included HDMI-to-DVI adapter and 2560x1600 on a Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort display or even a VGA display (with 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). It also 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 (3.0) 1 (800)
Details: Four USB 3.0 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 i7" 2.3 (Late 2012) 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$3.399
MXN $12,998 US$799

Original Prices - Europe

€829 €849
DKK 6,499 €859
€829 €829
€859 €849
€806,90 €849
NOK 6.490 €859
€849 SEK 7.795
CHF 929 £679

Original Prices - Asia

RMB 5,988 HK$6,288
Rs 52,900 Rp 8,499,000
¥68,800 KRW 1,050,000
RM 2,499 PHP 37,990
S$1088 NT$25,900
THB 26,900 VND 18,499,000

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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