The latest versions offer three models with different CPU performance and hard disk capacities. The server version has two 2.5-inch hard drives:

• Apple Mac Mini MD387LL/A – Intel Core i5 (up to 2x 3.1 GHz)
• Apple Mac Mini MD388LL/A – Intel Core i7 (up to 4x 3.3 GHz)
• Apple Mac Mini MD389LL/A Server – Intel Core i7 (up to 4x 3.3 GHz)

Selected

The Mac Mini is a fully configured out-of-the-box system, including:

• Mac Mini chassis
• Central processing unit
• 4GB memory
• Hard drive: 500GB (MD387)/1TB (MD388)/2x 1TB (MD389)
• Internal PSU
• Power cord
• HDMI to DVI adapter

To run ESXi, I recommend adding:

• 16GB memory (2x 8GB)
• USB flash drive for installing ESXi
• Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet adapter
• SSD as a second drive
• Data Doubler (requires installing the second drive in MD387/MD388)

Model Comparison

HCL and ESXi 5.x Support

This system has virtualization hardware support and supports 64-bit CPUs. Installing ESXi 5.x requires some adjustments, as the installer often fails with PSOD when you try to install the basic ESXi image.

To clarify, this system is not supported by VMware (no HCL entry), so do not use this system in a production environment. As a home lab or small home server, it should be fine.

Delivery and Assembly

To install additional memory, you must open the Mac Mini Unibody chassis. This can be done by turning the bottom cover counterclockwise. To replace or add hard drives, you must disassemble the Mac Mini. If you have the server version (MD389), just replace the second hard drive with an SSD. YouTube explains how to install an SSD very well.

The desktop versions (MD387/MD388) are only suitable for a single hard drive but can be expanded using the Data Doubler. YouTube also explains how to install a second drive using the Data Doubler.

Setup

As mentioned earlier, the standard installer fails with PSOD. The VMTN community has resolved most known issues. With these photos, you should be able to install ESXi without any problems:

ESXi 5.0/5.1:

• Step-by-step guide by William Lam
• VMTN thread on ESXi PSOD

ESXi 5.5:

• Install using William Lam’s custom ISO

This explains how to get the Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter working.

Power Consumption

Standby: 3-4W Idle: 12W Peak: 35-40W

My standard setup with 3 Linux and 1 Windows server averages about 25W and runs 24×7. Therefore, the operating cost is about €4.50 per month: 25W * 24 hours * 30 (days) = 18 kWh * 0.25 (euros) = €4.50 measured with Voltcraft Energy Monitor 3000.

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