Apple Mac mini 'Core i5' 1.4 (Late 2014) Specs
Identifiers: Late 2014 - MGEM2LL/A - Macmini7,1 - A1347 - 2840
Mac mini (Late 2014) - Technical Specifications. Mac mini achieved a Gold rating from EPEAT in the U.S. Published Date: Jan 13, 2021. IMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014) - Technical Specifications Display 21.5-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 1920-by-1080 resolution with support for millions of colors. Both lines could be configured with a 'Hybrid Drive' - which combines a traditional hard drive. The Mac Mini has Mac OS X 10.10 (14A389) pre-installed on it and is powered by a 2.8 GHz Core i5 (I5-4308U) processor. The graphics processor is an “integrated” Intel Iris 5100 with 1.5 GB of memory shared with the system.
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The Apple Mac mini 'Core i5' 1.4 (Late 2014/Aluminum Unibody) features a 22 nm 'Haswell' 1.4 GHz Intel 'Core i5' (4260U) processor with two independent processor 'cores' on a single chip, a 3 MB shared level 3 cache, 4 GB of onboard 1600 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM (which could be upgraded to 8 GB or 16 GB at the initial time of system purchase, but cannot be upgraded later), a 500 GB hard drive, and an 'integrated' Intel HD Graphics 5000 graphics processor that shares system memory.
Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 2 ports, four USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n compatible), and Bluetooth 4.0 as well as an SDXC card slot.
Compared to its predecessor, this model looks identical, but it has a more advanced architecture and graphics, Thunderbolt 2 capability, and faster Wi-Fi. On the other hand, it has a slower clockspeed processor, no longer supports Firewire, has RAM that can no longer be upgraded, and no longer supports two 2.5' drives.
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 2014' Aluminum Mac mini models? Which is best for my needs?
- What are all the differences between the 'Late 2014' Aluminum Mac mini models and the models replaced?
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- Tech Specs
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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.
| Introduction Date: | October 16, 2014 | Discontinued Date: | October 30, 2018 |
| 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 2014. |
| Details: | Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort. |
| 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 Macmini7,1 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. |
| 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 Macmini7,1 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. |
| 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 Macmini7,1 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. |
| 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 Macmini7,1 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. |
| 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 Macmini7,1 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. |
| Processor Speed: | 1.4 GHz | Processor Type: | Core i5 (I5-4260U) |
| Details: | This model is powered by a 22 nm, 64-bit 'Fourth Generation' Intel Mobile Core i5 'Haswell ULT' (I5-4260U) processor which includes two independent processor 'cores' on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 3 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 2.7 GHz for this model) -- and 'Hyper Threading' -- which allows the system to recognize four total 'cores' or 'threads' (two real and two virtual. Also see: How fast are the 'Late 2014' Aluminum 'Unibody' Mac mini models compared to the 'Late 2012' models replaced? |
| Details: |
| Details: | The processor is soldered directly to the motherboard. |
| System Bus Speed: | 5 GT/s* | Cache Bus Speed: | 1.4 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: | *This system has a 'Direct Media Interface' -- specifically DMI2 -- that 'connects between the processor and chipset' in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 5 GT/s. |
| Details: | N/A |
| Details: | Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 3 MB of shared level 3 cache. |
| Details: | *Shipped standard with 4 GB of 1600 MHz 'Low Power' LPDDR3 SDRAM onboard. |
| Details: | *By default, 4 GB of RAM is onboard. As first confirmed by MacminiColo, this RAM is soldered onboard and cannot be upgraded at all. However, at the initial time of system purchase, this model could be configured with 8 GB or 16 GB of RAM for an additional US$100 or US$300, respectively. Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Details: | *There are no RAM slots. 4 GB of RAM is onboard by default. It can be upgraded to 8 GB or 16 GB, but only at the initial time of system purchase. The RAM cannot be upgraded after system purchase at all. |
| Details: | This model has an Intel HD Graphics 5000 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. In Singapore, site sponsor Esmond Service Centre provides highly regarded repairs for the graphics card, motherboard, power supply, and more, all with a free estimate and fast turnaround for this Mac mini. |
| Details: | The Intel HD Graphics 5000 processor in this model reserves up to 1.5 GB of system memory for video function. |
| Display Support: | Dual Displays | Resolution Support: | 2560x1600* |
| Details: | *This model supports 'up to two displays' at 2560x1600, both at millions of colors, via the two Thunderbolt 2 ports. It supports Thunderbolt digital video output and native Mini DisplayPort output as well as DVI, VGA, and Dual-link DVI using Mini DisplayPort to DVI, Mini DisplayPort to VGA, and Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapters. It also supports 1080p at up to 60 Hz via the HDMI port. DVI output additionally is supported using an HDMI to DVI adapter. All adapters are sold separately. |
| 2nd Display Support: | Dual/Mirroring* | 2nd Max. Resolution: | 2560x1600* |
| Details: | *This model supports 'up to two displays' at 2560x1600. |
| Standard Storage: | 500 GB HDD | Std. Storage Speed: | 5400 RPM |
| Details: | By default, this model was configured with 500 GB hard drive, but it also could be configured at the time of purchase with a 1 TB 'Fusion Drive' (which combines a 1 TB hard drive and a 128 GB SSD) for an additional US$250. 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 Macfixit sells storage upgrades for this Mac mini. Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Storage Dimensions: | 2.5' (9.5 mm)/Proprietary* | Storage Interface: | Serial ATA (6 Gb/s)/PCIe* |
| Details: | *This model has a Serial ATA III (6 Gb/s) connector for a 2.5' hard drive or SSD as well as a proprietary PCIe connector for a 'blade' SSD, although as noted by site sponsor OWC, the cable to connect a 'blade' SSD to the PCIe connector is not present unless the system is configured with a 'Fusion Drive' at the time of initial purchase. |
| 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. Also see: What are the full capabilities of the external SuperDrive? Can it be used with other Macs? |
| Standard Modem: | None | Standard Ethernet: | 10/100/1000Base-T |
| Standard AirPort: | 802.11ac* | Standard Bluetooth: | 4.0 |
| Details: | *802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n backwards compatible) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard. |
| Details: | Four USB 3.0 ports, no Firewire port. |
| 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. In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit offers an extensive selection of external expansion options and accessories like docks, stands, chargers, keyboards, security products, and more for this Mac mini. |
| Details: | No Mac mini systems ship with a keyboard or mouse. |
| 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. |
| Details: | The Apple order number should be unique to this system. |
| Apple Model No: | A1347 (EMC 2840) | Model ID: | Macmini7,1 |
| Details: | Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model. Also see: All Macs with the A1347 Model Number, the 2840 EMC Number, and the Macmini7,1 Model Identifier. For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section. |
| Details: | N/A |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: | X 10.10 (14A389) | Maximum MacOS: | Current* |
| Details: | *This system fully supports the last version of OS X 10.10 'Yosemite' and OS X 10.11 'El Capitan' including Metal graphics acceleration. It is fully supported by the last version of macOS Sierra (10.12) and macOS High Sierra (10.13), also. Running macOS High Sierra (10.13), 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), the final version of macOS Catalina (10.15), and the current version of macOS Big Sur (macOS 11), as well. Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Big Sur (macOS 11)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features? |
| Minimum Windows: | 7 (64-Bit)* | Maximum Windows: | 10 (64-Bit)* |
| Details: | *The pre-installed version of Apple's Boot Camp BCA supports the 64-bit version of Windows 7 and Windows 8. Boot Camp 6 supports the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Earlier versions of Windows are not supported. |
| MacOS 9 Support: | None | Windows Support: | Boot/Virtualization |
| Details: | Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs? Site sponsor OHS specializes in heavily upgraded Macs capable of running both Mac OS X and Mac OS 9 applications. For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A. |
| Dimensions: | 1.4 x 7.7 x 7.7 | Avg. Weight: | 2.6 lbs. (1.19 kg) |
| Details: | In inches - height by width by depth, (3.6 cm, 19.7 cm, 19.7 cm) |
| Original Price (US): | US$499 | Est. Current Retail: | US$250-US$400 |
| 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.
| Video (Monitor): | 2 (Thunderbolt 2), 1 HDMI | Floppy (Ext.): | None |
| Details: | *One HDMI and two Thunderbolt 2 ports. It supports 'up to two displays' at 2560x1600, both at millions of colors, via the two Thunderbolt 2 ports. It supports Thunderbolt digital video output and native Mini DisplayPort output as well as DVI, VGA, and Dual-link DVI using Mini DisplayPort to DVI, Mini DisplayPort to VGA, and Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapters. It also supports 1080p at up to 60 Hz via the HDMI port. DVI output additionally is supported using an HDMI to DVI adapter. All adapters are sold separately. |
| Details: | N/A |
| Details: | N/A |
| Details: | Four USB 3.0 ports, no Firewire port. |
| Details: | Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n backwards compatible) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard. |
| Details: | N/A |
| Details: | Combined 'audio line in minijack (digital/analog).' |
| Details: | Single combined 'audio line out/headphone minijack (digital/analog).' |
| Details: | N/A |
| Details: | 100V-240V, 50 Hz to 60 Hz single phase, 85W maximum. |
Global original prices for the Mac mini 'Core i5' 1.4 (Late 2014) 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
| Mexico: | MXN $8,499 | United States: | US$499 |
Original Prices - Europe
| Denmark: | DKK 3,899 | Finland: | €519 |
| Ireland: | €519 | Italy: | €519 |
| Norway: | NOK 4.290 | Portugal: | €519 |
| Switzerland: | CHF 549 | United Kingdom: | £399 |
Original Prices - Asia
| India: | Rs 36,990 | Indonesia: | Rp 6,499,000 |
| Malaysia: | RM 1,599 | The Philippines: | PHP 24,990 |
| Thailand: | THB 16,900 | Vietnam: | VND 11,499,000 |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
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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Aluminum 'Unibody' Mac mini Q&A
Published November 14, 2014
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Apple Mac Mini 2014
How fast are the 'Late 2014' Aluminum 'Unibody' Mac mini models compared to each other and to the 'Late 2012' models replaced?
The 'Late 2012' and 'Late 2014' Mac mini models have been discontinued. However, this Q&A is up-to-date and can be quite helpful for anyone buying or selling one of these systems on the used market.
In the official press release for the 'Late 2014' Mac mini models -- the Mac mini 'Core i5' 1.4, 'Core i5' 2.6, 'Core i5' 2.8, and 'Core i7' 3.0 -- Apple mentions 'performance' twice, but both times in terms of graphics performance.
Specifically, Apple states that the 'Late 2014' Mac mini provides 'new levels of graphics performance' and more concretely declares that 'new integrated Intel HD Graphics 5000 and Intel Iris Graphics deliver up to 90 percent faster graphics performance than the previous generation.'
With any company's marketing department choosing to focus on graphics performance rather than overall performance, it is a safe assumption that overall performance is not as impressive.
Likewise, with even a cursory review of a comparison of the 'Late 2014' Mac mini models to the 'Late 2012' Mac mini models replaced, it is clear that the the newer line has a more advanced architecture and more modern graphics, but many models have not only slower clockspeeds than their predecessors, but also half the number of processor cores.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Mid-2014 Mac mini and Apple Thunderbolt Display)
Obviously, on multicore tasks, models with half the number of cores will not perform as well, but just how much slower requires objective benchmarks. Likewise, comparing the performance of these Mac mini models in single core tasks and the performance of the 'Late 2014' models to each other requires objective benchmarks, too.
General Performance Overview
For a solid overview of the performance difference between the 'Late 2014' Mac mini line and earlier Mac mini models, EveryMac.com's own Ultimate Mac Comparison makes it quick to compare side-by-side 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench benchmark averages with all other G3 and later Macs for thousands of possible performance comparisons.
Compared to one another, the performance results of the 'Late 2014' Mac mini models are inline with the clockspeed differences:
| Late 2014 Mac mini | Single Core | Multicore |
| 'Core i5' 1.4 | Baseline | Baseline |
| 'Core i5' 2.6 | 13% Faster Than Baseline | 23% Faster Than Baseline |
| 'Core i5' 2.8 | 20% Faster Than Baseline | 33% Faster Than Baseline |
| 'Core i7' 3.0 | 25% Faster Than Baseline | 36% Faster Than Baseline |
As demonstrated above, the entry-level Mac mini 'Core i5' 1.4 model is substantially slower overall than the two other stock models as well as the BTO/CTO 'Core i7' option. However, as the entry-level model costs 29% less than the mid-range Mac mini 'Core i5' 2.6, but is only 12% to 19% slower overall, it may be an acceptable option for those who place more importance on money than speed, even though the mere 4 GB of soldered RAM will shorten the usable life of the computer.
Likewise, as the BTO/CTO Mac mini 'Core i7' 3.0 is only 2% to 4% faster than the high-end stock Mac mini 'Core i5' 2.8, but costs 20% more, it does not represent a particularly good value.
Compared to the 'Late 2012' Mac mini models, the 'Late 2014' Mac mini models are between 1% and 9% faster in single core tasks but between 5% and 43% slower in multicore tasks:
| Late 2012 | Late 2014 | Single Core | Multicore |
| 'Core i5' 2.5 | 'Core i5' 1.4 | 1% Faster | 5% Slower |
| 'Core i7' 2.3 | 'Core i5' 2.6 | 6% Faster | 43% Slower |
| 'Core i7' 2.6 | 'Core i5' 2.8 'Core i7' 3.0 | 5% Faster 9% Faster | 43% Slower 42% Slower |
Obviously, whether or not the 'Late 2014' Mac mini line provides a mediocre speed boost or a significant speed drop depends on whether or not you use apps that can take advantage of the Quad Core processors in the 'Late 2012' line -- like high-end video editing applications -- but it is clear that the overall performance of the 'Late 2014' line is underwhelming.
Third-Party Graphics Test Results
The blogosphere provided very little detailed coverage of the 'Late 2014' Mac mini, no doubt because it is not a particularly interesting system compared to its predecessor.
However, ArsTechnica did review the 'Late 2014' Mac mini, and most notably, shared some third-party graphics test results:
The HD 5000 improves on the HD 4000 by about 50 percent in the GFXBench T-Rex test and about 25 percent faster in the Cinebench R15 GPU test. The Iris 5100 further improves those numbers, beating the HD 4000 by 98 percent in the T-Rex test and about 45 percent in the Cinebench test. Scores in the heavier GFXBench Manhattan test improve as well, though by a much smaller margin -- obviously the amount you stand to gain will vary from game to game and task to task.
Although none of these Mac mini models have impressive graphics, these test results are inline with Apple's official 'up to 90% faster graphics' estimate.
Performance Summary
Ultimately, Apple's claim that the 'Late 2014' Mac mini line offers 'new levels of graphics performance' is reasonable, but with a marginal performance increase in single core tasks and a massive performance drop in multicore tasks compared to their predecessors, it is difficult to get excited about the overall performance of these models.
Used Mac mini Purchase Options
There are many places to purchase a used or new Mac mini. However, buying from a quality merchant with an extensive track record in the Mac market will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.
Site sponsor Adorama has new Mac mini models with free shipping for all.
In the US, site sponsor Evertek has extensive inventory of used Aluminum Mac mini models at bargain prices for business customers. Evertek also ships bulk orders at wholesale prices worldwide.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used Mac mini models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
If you need to sell a Mac mini, A+ BBB-rated site sponsor Cash for Your Mac will buy your older Mac mini with an instant quote and prompt payment.
Please refer to the Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare the Geekbench performance of any Mac mini model to any other G3 or later Mac.
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Apple Mac Mini 2014 Specs
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Specs For 2014 Mac Mini
EveryMac.com is provided 'as is' without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the author thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Use of any content or images without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.