Ask Johnny Appleseed - Performance Comparison Data Between A Power Mac G4 450MHz And G4 1.42GHz Mac Mini

Friday, August 22, 2005

Power Mac G4 450MHz - DVD-RAM - M7232LL/A vs
Mac Mini G4 1.42GHz - Combo - M9687LL/B

Specially prepared for Lee

Request a custom performance & features comparison of any two Apple computers

Feature	Power Mac G4 450MHz	Mac Mini G4 1.42GHz	Difference
Released	August, 1999	July, 2005	5yr 11mths
Current Price	$379	$594	$215
Original Price	$3500	$599	$2,901
Processor Speed	450 MHz	1.42 GHz	216%
Cache (speed)	1MB (225MHz)	512K (1.42 GHz)	100% 531%
Bus Speed	100 MHz	167 MHz	67%
RAM (MAX)	256MB (1.5 GB max)	512MB (1.0 GB max)	100% 50%
Graphics Card	ATI RAGE Pro 128	ATI Radeon 9200
Graphics Memory	16MB	32MB	100%
Expansion Slots	AirPort 4 RAM Slots 3 PCI 1 AGP 2X Comm	AirPort Extreme 1 RAM Slot
Hard Drive	27GB Ultra ATA/66 7200 rpm	80GB Ultra ATA ..... Unknown	196%
Optical Drive	DVD-RAM	Slot loading Combo drive ..... (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
Communication Wired	10/100 BT Ethernet	10/100 BT Ethernet
Communication Wireless	Optional 11-Mbps AirPort Extreme	Built-in 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR	391%
Ports USB	2 USB 1.0 Ports (12 Mbps)	2 USB 2.0 Ports (480 Mbps)	3900%
Ports Firewire	3 FireWire 400 Port ..... (1 internal)	1 FireWire 400 Port	200%
Video Output	DVI VGA	DVI VGA Adapter - S-video Adapter - Composite Adapter -
Video Options	Unknown	Single Monitor
Screen Size	..... N/A	..... N/A
Screen Resolution	1280 x 1024	1920 x 1200	76%
Battery Life	..... N/A	..... N/A
Weight	30 (13.64 kg)	2.9 pounds (1.32 kg)	27.1 (12.32 kg)
Extras	2 Hard Drive Bays (empty) Zip Drive installed	Optional SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)

Extra charge option
Machine with more advantageous feature
Machine with less advantageous feature
Neutral/Unknown

Feature Analysis: Even given its limitations, and simplicity, the Mac mini is, for the most part, more feature rich than the Power Mac listed above. The Power Mac does come out on the top in terms of expansion options. So if you need the ability to add extra drives or PCI cards, the Mac mini is not the machine for you. (Have an opinion or information about the Mac mini? Share them here)

For more detailed information see the following links
Power Mac Specs & Features
Mac mini Specs & Features

Performance

Performance Test	Power Mac G4 450MHz***	Mac Mini G4 1.42GHz	Difference
Processor General	48 points	130 points	171%
Graphics (Card)	78 points	453 points	481%
Graphics (Processor)	62 points	154 points	148%

*** Performance based on G4/450GHz Cube which has the same processor and graphics systems. Performance of Cube in these areas should be comparable to the Power Mac

Denotes the faster score
Use cautiously until difference confirmed by other testers

Analysis Performance: In basic processing work the Mac mini is nearly 3 times as fast as the Power Mac, and in certain graphics performance it is just shy of 6 times as fast. Though we were not able to included comparative data for hard drive performance, the hard drive on the Mac mini is not the fastest in the world, Compared to the current low-end G5 iMac, the Mac mini's hard drive is a little less than half as fast in basic file copying.

About the tests:

Processor test, Graphics tests are based on CineBench 2003 which you can download and run on your own machine

Hard Drive Large File – Single 1.2 GB File

Additional Resources

Also search at MacReviewZone and MacSpeedZone on the following part numbers M7232LL or M9687LL which should turn up additional information

Request a custom performance & features comparison of any two Apple computers

Mac mini Prices

This Section Updated Thursday, July 17, 2008 Your old iPad has value - iPad Trade In Program Your old iPhone has value - iPhone Trade In Program Your old Computer has value - Computer Trade In Program Your old iPod has value - iPod Trade In Program = Current Model = Previous Model = Unavailable = Unknown/Delay = Installation Fee ($20 to $40) Extras = Canadian Dollars New, Closeout, OpenBox, Refurbished and Used Buyer's Guides Apple Store All Guides iPods New Apple TV iMac New MacBook Air New MacBook New MacBook Pro New Mac mini New Mac Pro New Apple Refurb Deals Closeout/Refurb/Used ================= Software Guides Hardware Guides All Other Items ================= Store Tax States Amazon - KS KY ND WA Apple - States With Sales Tax ClubMac - CA WI IL TN ExperCom - UT MacConnect - AL IL MA NY NC OH TN MacMall - CA WI IL TN MacZone - States With Sales Tax PowerMax - None Apple Canada - All Mini Shipping Charges Amazon - Mixed Apple - Free ClubMac - $13 MacConnect - Free MacMall - $13 MacZone - Free PowerMax - $12 SmallDog - $17 Apple Canada - Free Mac mini G4/ 1.42 GHz Price - Condition - Warranty -Store G4/1.42GHz 80/Super  #M9971LL/B Originally: $699 Can't Find It? Search store for M9971LL User Reviews @ Amazon $550 -Used- Amazon $459 to $599 -Used- 90day - PowerMax (Used)   $480 -Refurbished- Amazon $599 - Refurbished - 1yr - Apple Refurbished    $679 -OpenBox- 1yr - PowerMax (Used)   $499 -Closeout- 1yr - PowerMax (Used)   $750 -Closeout- -- Amazon New Mac Minis .... G4/1.42GHz 80/Combo #M9687LL/B Originally: $599 Can't Find It? Search store for M9687LL User Reviews @ Amazon $500 -Used- Amazon $549 to $599 -Used- 90day - PowerMax (Used)   $519 - Refurbished - 1yr - Apple Refurbished   $549 - Refurbished - 1yr - Apple Canada Refurbished $478 -Refurbished- Amazon $588 -OpenBox- 1yr - PowerMax mail-in printer rebate $599 -  Closeout- 1yr - PowerMax mail-in printer rebate $750 -Closeout- 1yr - Amazon New Mac Minis ....		Mac mini Resources ============== Mac mini Buyer's Guide Closeout & Discount Buyer's Guide ============== Mac mini News/Info Mac mini Reviews Mac mini Specifications Performance Profiles ============== Mac mini Performance Computer Performance All Computer Reviews Mac mini Discussion Apple's Mac mini Page Apple Past Mac mini Info ============== Education Discount Apple Store Apple Refurbished Apple Canada PowerMax - New PowerMax - Used MacConnection MacMall ClubMac MacZone Reviews July 2005 Mac Mini All LowEndMac Macworld G4/1.42GHz - Combo YodaMac January 2005 Mac Mini G4/1.42GHz - M9687LL/A SchwarzTech 123macmini BareFeats ForeverGeek BareFeats
G4/1.42GHz 80/Combo #M9687LL/A Originally: $599 Can't Find It? Search store for M9687LL Mac mini Resources ============== Mac mini Buyer's Guide Closeout & Discount Buyer's Guide ============== Mac mini News/Info Mac mini Reviews Mac mini Specifications Performance Profiles ============== Mac mini Performance Computer Performance All Computer Reviews Mac mini Discussion Apple's Mac mini Page Apple Past Mac mini Info ============== Education Discount Apple Store Apple Refurbished Apple Canada PowerMax - New PowerMax - Used MacConnection MacMall ClubMac MacZone Reviews G4/1.25GHz - M9686LL/A Washington Times Computerworld USAToday Forbes PC Advisor MacInTouch PCWorld ZDNet Both MacMovieMaker Sydney Herald PCWorld MacNewsWorld TechTree Weekend Standard TechNews Courier-Mail New Straight Times Macsimum News Cincinnati.com Detroit News TrustedReviews Register MacCentral Mercury News Macworld ZDNet PC Magazine MacCentral MacCentral osOpinions MacOpinion Applelinks AppleInsider User Reviews @ Amazon $650 -Used - Amazon $439 - Refurbished - 1yr - Apple Refurbished $459 -Refurbished- 1yr - PowerMax $479 - OpenBox- 1yr - PowerMax $494 -  Closeout - 1yr - PowerMax  mail-in printer rebate $750 - Closeout - 1yr - Amazon New Mac Minis .... Mac mini G4/ 1.25 GHz Price - Condition - Warranty -Store G4/1.25GHz 40/Combo #M9686LL/A/B Originally: $499 Can't Find It? Search store for M9686LL $439 to $479 -Used- 90day - PowerMax (Used)   $480 -Used- Amazon $429 - Refurbished - 1yr - Apple Refurbished $441 -Refurbished- - Amazon   $499 -  Closeout- 1yr - PowerMax $501 -Closeout- 1yr - Amazon   New Mac Minis .... New Mac Minis ....

Power Mac Prices

G5 Power Macs Price - Condition - -Store

Buyer's Guides Apple Store All Guides iPods New Apple TV iMac New MacBook Air New MacBook New MacBook Pro New Mac mini New Mac Pro New Apple Refurb Deals Closeout/Refurb/Used ================= Software Guides Hardware Guides All Other Items ================= Store Tax States Amazon - KS KY ND WA Apple - States With Sales Tax ClubMac - CA WI IL TN ExperCom - UT MacConnect - AL IL MA NY NC OH TN MacMall - CA WI IL TN MacZone - States With Sales Tax PowerMax - None Apple Canada - All This Section Updated Tuesday, October 9, 2007 = Current Model = Previous Model = New Item Available = Unavailable = Unknown/Delay = Installation Fee ($20 to $40) Extras = Bundled Items New, Closeout, OpenBox, Refrubished and Used Your old iPad has value - iPad Trade In Program Your old iPhone has value - iPhone Trade In Program Your old Computer has value - Computer Trade In Program Your old iPod has value - iPod Trade In Program G5 2.7GHz Dual SuperDrive #M9749LL/A - Originally: $2,999 Reviews Dual G5/2.7 GHz vs Power Mac Dual G4/1.25GHz vs G4/800 Power Mac $2,150 to $2,980 - Used - 30day - Mega Macs $2,199 - Used- 90day - PowerMax (Used) $2,149 - Refrub - 1yr - Apple Refurbished $1,755 to $3,320 - OpenBox  - 1yr  - MacZone Free Shipping $2,749 - OpenBox - 1 year - PowerMax (New/Closeout) $75 mail-in rebate on RAM mail-in printer rebate Free Shipping Can't Find It? Search store on M9749LL  G5/2.5 GHz Dual #M9457LL/A - Originally: $2,999 Reviews Dual G5/2.5 GHz Mac360 Australian IT Mac360   $1,790 - Used - 30day - Mega Macs $2,039 to $2,619 - - Used- 90day - PowerMax (Used) $2,299 - Refrub- 1 year - PowerMax $2,049 - Refrub - 1yr - Apple Refurbished Can't Find It? Search store on M9457LL  G5 2.3GHz Dual SuperDrive #M9748LL/A - Originally: $2,499 $1,980 to $2,900 - Used - 30day - Mega Macs $1,759 to $1,889 - - Used- 90day - PowerMax (Used) $2,489 - Refrub- 1 year - PowerMax $1,999 - Refrub - 1yr - Apple Refurbished $2,299 -Refurbished - Apple Canada Refurbished Free Shipping Can't Find It? Search store on M9748LL

G5/2.0 GHz Dual - Originally: $1,999 to $2,999 $1,300 to $1,580 - Used - 30day - Mega Macs $1,609 to $2,619 - Used- 90day - PowerMax (Used) $1,549 - Refrub - 1yr - Apple Refurbished $1,899 -Refurbished - Apple Canada Refurbished Free Shipping Can't Find It? Search store on M9747LL  G5/2.0 GHz 160 GB NVIDIA GeForce 6600 LE with 128MB $1,300 to $1,550 - Used - 30day - Mega Macs $1,609 to $1,709 - Used- 90day - PowerMax (Used) Free MP3 sunglasses G5 1.8GHz Dual 80GB  #M9454LL/A - Originally: - $1,999 Can't Find It? Search store on M9454LL  $1,000 - Used -30day - Mega Macs $1,509 - Used- 90day - PowerMax (Used) Free MP3 sunglasses $1,799 - Refrub- 1 year - PowerMax $1,299 - Refrub - 1yr - Apple Refurbished G5 1.8GHz DUAL 160GB #M9393LL/A - Originally:$2,499 $1,000 to $1,050 - Used - 90day - Mega Macs $2,139 - Used- 90day - PowerMax (Used) Free MP3 sunglasses $1,999 - Refrub- 1 year - PowerMax G5 1.8GHz 80GB #M9555LL/A - Originally:$1,499 $1,509 to $1,749 - Used- 90day - PowerMax (Used) Free MP3 sunglasses $1,589 - Refrub - 1yr - Apple Refurbished G5 1.8GHz 160GB #M9031LL/A - Originally:$2,399 $1,000 - Used -30day - Mega Macs $1,000 - Used- 90day - PowerMax (Used) Free MP3 sunglasses $1,799 - Refrub- 1 year - PowerMax Free MP3 sunglasses Double your money back on shipping! G5/1.6 GHz #M9020LL/A - Originally: $1,999 $860 - Used - 30day - Mega Macs $1,659 to $1,579 - - Used- 90day - PowerMax (Used) Free MP3 sunglasses G4 Power Macs - Mirrored Door Price - Condition - -Store G4 1.42 GHz DUAL - #M8841LL/A - Originally: $2,699 $900 - Used - 30day - Mega Macs $1,069 - to $1,279 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) G4 1.42 GHz None at this time - G4/1.25 GHz DP - #M8840LL/A - Originally: $3,299 $880 - Used - 30day - Mega Macs $999 to $1,239 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) G4 1.25 GHz - #M9145LL/A - Originally: $1,299 $650 - Used - 30day - Mega Macs $879 to $969 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) Dual G4/1 GHz - Originally: $2,499 $939 to $1,409 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) G4/1 GHz Combo Drive - Originally: $1,499 $540 - Used - 30day - Mega Macs $749 to $769 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) Dual G4/867 - Originally: $1699 $889 to $1,099 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) G4/800 $1,299 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) G4 Power Macs - QuickSilver Price - Condition - -Store PowerMac QuickSilver G4/1 GHz $719 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) QuickSilver Dual G4/1 GHz - Originally: $2,999 $729 to $789 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) QuickSilver G4/933 - Originally: $2,499 $559 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) $626 - Used - 30day - Mega Macs QuickSilver G4/867 - Originally: $2,499 $479 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) QuickSilver Dual G4/800 $709 to $899 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) QuickSilver G4/800 - Originally: $1,599 $639 to $739 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) $496 - Used - 30day - Mega Macs QuickSilver G4/733 - Originally: $1,699 $649 to $699 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) $480 - Used - 30day - Mega Macs G4 Power Macs - Digital Audio Price - Condition - -Store Digital Audio G4/1.33 $609 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) Digital Audio G4/933 $579 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) Digital Audio G4/867 - Originally: $1,599 $519 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) Digital Audio G4/800 - Originally: $1,599 $459 to $619 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) Digital Audio G4/733 - Originally: $1,699 $469 to $539 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) Digital Audio G4/667 $379 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) $400 - Used - 30day - Mega Macs Digital Audio G4/533 $179 to $469 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) Digital Audio DUAL G4/500 $410 - Used - 30day - Mega Macs $439  - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) Digital Audio G4/466 - Originally: $1,699 $159 to $459 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) $230 - Used - 30day - Mega Macs G4 Power Macs - Gigabit Price - Condition - -Store Gigabit G4/1.3 $749 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) Gigabit G4/533 - Originally: $2,199 None at this time - Gigabit DUAL G4/500 - Originally: $3,499 $239 to $559  - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) Gigabit G4/500 - Originally: $3,499 $339 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) G4/466 $230 - Used - 30day - Mega Macs Gigabit Dual G4/450 - Originally: $2,499 $219 to $519  - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) Gigabit G4/450 - Originally: $3,500 $229 to $419 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) $200 to $225 - Used - 30day - Mega Macs Gigabit G4/400 - Originally: $2,199 $129  - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used)   G4 Cube Price - Condition - -Store Cube G4/500 - Originally: $2,299 None at this time Cube G4/450 - Originally: $1,799 $299  - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) G4 Power Macs - AGP Price - Condition - -Store AGP G4/1.4GHz - Originally: $3,500 $259   - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) AGP G4/1GHz - Originally: $3,500 $569   - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) AGP G4/800 - Originally: $3,500 $279 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) AGP Dual G4/500 - Originally: $3,499 $449 to $469 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) AGP G4/500 - Originally: $3,500 $169 to $339 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) AGP Dual G4/450 - Originally: $2,499 $419 to $509   - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) AGP G4/450 - Originally: $2,499 $210  - Used - 30day - Mega Macs $199 to $459   - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) G4/400 - Originally: $1,599 $210  - Used - 30day - Mega Macs AGP G4/400 - Originally: $1,599 $129 to $449   - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) AGP Graphics G4/350 - Originally: $1,599 $179   - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) G4 Power Macs - PCI Price - Condition - -Store PCI Graphics G4/500 - Originally: $3,499 $149 to $179   - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) PCI Graphics G4/400 - Originally: $1,599 $189 to $379   - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) PCI Graphics G4/350 - Originally: $1,599 $459 - Used - 90day - PowerMax (Used) For additional price information check the following link Current Tower Mac Buyer's Guide Back to Top