MacMini server to replace MacPro?

[propower]

I am running a PT10HD software/MetricHalo ULN8 system on a 2009 2.93G MacPro Quad (12G ram). No issues with the tower but as time has moved on I am doing all smaller sessions (Singer songwriter / Jazz) and projects really never go above 40 tracks. Very light VI use.

Am seriously contemplating
2011 MacMini server quad i7
replace Hard drives with 2 SSD's - 128G for OS and 512G for samples and audio (Crucial M4's ~ $525) and 16G of Ram.
External TB dock if I need a third drive

I am a freak for minimal fan noise so I was thinking of putting the unit on edge, leaving the bottom cover off and having a Silenx 120mm Fan blowing in 100% of the time. A small iso box for a mini looks very doable as well.....

I know there are at least a few running a system like this. Any comments on how much load it can take from PT before fans start spinning up?? On my MacPro (which geek benches about the same) I rarely go above 20% CPU load.

Any other thoughts are welcome too..........

[anackman]

was thinking about this very same thing. anyone already doing this out there?

can a mac mini handle everything? i've never been sure.

[albee1952]

The new quad core i7 with dual hard drives should be a potent little package!

[propower]

Any one else??

[getz76]

Originally Posted by propower

Any one else??

I wouldn't mess with the stock fan. It works, and changing the airflow won't likely improve anything. Any chance you can put it in a machine room and run cables? If not, a modest isolation box might work, but those are hard to get right.

The only thing that stinks about the Mini server is the integrated graphics. Shouldn't be too much of a hassle with Pro Tools, though.

[dougied]

Originally Posted by getz76

I wouldn't mess with the stock fan. It works, and changing the airflow won't likely improve anything. Any chance you can put it in a machine room and run cables? If not, a modest isolation box might work, but those are hard to get right.

The only thing that stinks about the Mini server is the integrated graphics. Shouldn't be too much of a hassle with Pro Tools, though.

I fond it quite odd that the server has Integrated Graphics and the regular Mini has both Integrated and Radeon.

[WombatStudio.Org]

Originally Posted by dougied

I fond it quite odd that the server has Integrated Graphics and the regular Mini has both Integrated and Radeon.

Server class machines are not generally used for their display, in fact many servers don't have a display; running "headless" ...

[Numi]

This is going to be my next upgrade.. my Mac Mini has been rock solid. Pain in the arse to upgrade the HDD and RAM but not too bad really. If they update the server model again, I will most likely bite. They pack a lot a punch and are quiet all around.