How to identify Mac mini models

Differentiating Intel-based computers

You can tell whether your computer uses an Intel or PowerPC processor by following the instructions in Does my Mac have an Intel or PowerPC processor? If your Mac mini has an Intel processor, it is a Mac mini (Early 2006) or later model. If it has a PowerPC processor, it may be either a Mac mini or a Mac Mini (Late 2005). In this case, read on to learn how to distinguish your model.

Check the marketing model number on the box

If you still have the box that your Mac mini came in, you'll find a sticker that lists the marketing model number. Just match your number with the one in the table below to find your Mac mini model. The two characters before the slash (/) vary by country, but the part number will be the same worldwide (we're using "xx" to represent these two variable characters below).

Check the serial number of the computer

You can also use the serial number of the computer to differentiate models. On most computers with Mac OS X you can find the serial number in the About This Mac window.

Mac mini (Late 2009) computers have serial numbers where the third, fourth, and fifth digits are 934. (That is, the serial number will be xx934xxxxxxx or later.)

Mac mini (Early 2009) computers have serial numbers where the third, fourth, and fifth digits are 910. (That is, the serial number will be xx910xxxxxx or later.)

Mac mini (Mid 2007) computers have serial numbers where the third, fourth, and fifth digits are 727. (That is, the serial number will be xx727xxxxxx or later.)

Mac mini (Late 2006) computers have serial numbers where the third, fourth, and fifth digits are 631. (That is, the serial number will be xx631xxxxxx or later.)

Mac mini (Early 2006) computers have serial numbers where the third, fourth, and fifth digits are between 608 and 630. (That is, the serial number will be xx608xxxxxx or later, up to xx630xxxxxx.)

Note that a limited number of Mac mini (Early 2006) computers shipped with a different serial number on the computer label than appears in the "About This Mac" window. The range is computers with serial numbers YM608xxxxxx through YM609xxxxxx. If your computer says in "About this Mac" that it has a serial number in this range, check the serial number on the bottom of the computer—if the two differ, use the serial number on the bottom instead of the one in "About This Mac".

Most Mac mini (Late 2005) computers will have serial numbers where the third, fourth, and fifth digits are between 531 and 607. (That is, the serial number will be xx531xxxxxx or later, up to xx607xxxxxx.) If your computer's serial number ends in TA8 and the third, fourth, and fifth digits are 529 or higher, you probably have a Mac mini (Late 2005). (In this case, the serial number will be xx529xxxTA8.)

See Mac mini: How to locate the serial number to learn where to find the serial number on the bottom of your Mac mini.