I bought this refurb as a replacement for a file server that had given up the ghost after 12 years. I had been using a Windows (consumer level) machine as a basic file server in my home. It (and Windows) had slowly become problematic over the years. My wife and I have both converted to MacOS (MacBook Pro laptops), so I thought a MacOS-based machine would make sense. I was looking for an inexpensive MacOS machine (of any type) to do the job. I run my file server "headless" (no monitor, keyboard, or mouse....just a network cable connecting it to my home network). This 2014 model of MacMini is too old to update to Ventura, but it did update to Monterey just fine. It's a little slow in terms of interacting with it. But, that is not a problem as I only interact with it very occasionally. It delivers up (and stores) files--in its role as a file server--very quickly (faster than the Windows file server that it replaced). It sits there silently in my home office, working exactly as desired. It came with a 1TB hard drive internally. I bought a low cost 2TB external hard drive separately. My strategy is: * If a laptop dies, but I keep my files on the file server, I just have to replace the laptop and reinstall apps, and I'm good to go * if the MacMini dies, I have to only replace the MacMini, and plug the external hard drive (with my actual files on it) into the replacement MacMini, and I'm back in action * if the external hard drive dies, I have a cloud-based backup service that I can afford (with unlimited backup storage) that I can restore everything from, and I'm back in business. Would absolutely do this again if/when the need arises. If I were in the market for a MacMini to actually interact with (as my own operating machine) I'd still consider a refurb from this company, but might spring for a newer model that is faster and can update to Ventura. Read more
Update: CTS Warehouse reached out immediately and rectified the problem. It took a few days to receive, but they sent another Mac mini, and all seems to be right with the world. The mini is performing as I'd expect! Original Post: I received my mac mini just fine, but something is off. The first clue was the power cord that was provided. It wasn't Apple's. I went ahead and turned it on and set it up, and right out the gate, it's lagging. LITERALLY every single task, it pauses and gives me the pinwheel for at least 2-5 seconds. Some tasks the pinwheel is spinning longer. And I'm not one of those people that misuse the word "literally" thought that maybe an update would fix it. No such luck. I went through the update, but it's still lagging. Also, the USB ports don't seem to be USB 3.0. At least, not based on performance. Transferring 32GB of data to my USB 3.0 external hard drive took over an hour. To give some context, I bought this to upgrade my 2010 Mac Mini. I thought it was slow, but after hooking this up, I will likely return this one and go back to my 2010. Transferring that data using my 2010 mac mini takes less than half the time, it doesn't have USB 3.0 ports. I would've just upgraded the memory in my 2010, but wanted faster data transfer. If this won't give me faster data transfer, and leaves me tapping my foot when I just want to open "Bluetooth" or "Desktop and Screensaver" in system preferences, it's no use in keeping it. Plus, trying to hook up the wifi proved problematic. Bottom line... The performance doesn't match the specs. Read more
Description said accessories wouldn't be orig but would be functional. How about Non-Existant. Box came with computer brick and a power cord, thats it. Boots up (a bit slower than I remember these being, but whatever). Fully functional and box actually looks good, no major dings or scratches. Only intend to use this for going through files on old mac formatted hard drives. Since comp works I only took off 1 star for misleading description. Read more
My 11 year old iMac had been upgraded as far as it could go. To telecommute during COVID-19 restrictions I needed an upgrade to connect to the office VPN. I chose the Mac Mini. When it arrived it looked brand new- not a scratch on it. It was a 2014 to 2017 model. It came with Mohave. Before I loaded anything on it I upgraded to Catalina. It runs really great. My old iMac was a really high-end unit, so I was a bit concerned about ordering the more basic Mini. About the only difference I can see is that the new Mini is a bit slow to start up. Otherwise, once it gets running it is every bit as fast as my older high-end machine. I had planned to use the 27 in. iMac screen with the Mac Mini in target disk. I'm still try to figure that out while using a high-rez screen my wife is no longer using. I would order this Mini again and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Read more
A little dusty on the fan exhaust area, just needed a little dust cloth, works well, speed typical of Intel Macs, a little bulky, no noise whatsoever. Read more
the macmini arrived with a lot of dust inside, I had problems booting because the system was not installed. I had to pay a technician to solve these problems. the computer is slow after installing some programs too, I had to buy an SSD. Read more
Very good and excellent price I will buy it again Read more
