march 2010 ( 10.6.2 server and non-server OS )- there are definitely issues using both outputs on a mac mini- the graphics chip really did not like running both outputs at the same time- with a reasonable number of mixes active- ( let alone triple heads etc... )
mac minis still have very limited graphics RAM and share RAM with main computer-

i would currently not recommend using mac mini at greater than 1024x768 on a single output due to these issues.


i have also done comprehensive testing mac mini testing - with and without SSD internal and external
the only way to determine performance for a broad set of users is to use my performance tests- no other testing is anywhere near good enough-
you have to count and identify dropped frames and have separate movies on each layer

the internal drives suck- laptop drives have horrible performance- you cant do more than 2-3 layers without dropping frames whatever you do-

firewire 800 with ssd is best solution without replacing internal drive



Quote Originally Posted by SourceChild View Post
I have configured my Minis in standard configurations. I recently conducted tests to determine performance. The tests were conducted using two outputs of a Mac Mini (one Mini DVI to DVI and one Mini Display port to Dual Link DVI). The tests were done with even layers on out 2 and odd layers on out 1.

The tests were all done with the following screen resolutions At both 60Hz and 75Hz:

  • 2 x 800x600
  • 2 x 1024x768
  • 2 x 1280x720
  • 2 x 1280x1024
  • 2 x 1440x900
  • 2 x 1920x1080
  • 2 x 1920x1200


The results are as follows:

  • 9 Layers 720x480@25
  • 8 Layers 720x480@30
  • 5 Layers 1024x768@25
  • 4 Layers 1024x768@30
  • 4 Layers 1280x720@25
  • 4 Layers 1280x720@30
  • 3 Layers 1280x1024@25
  • 3 Layers 1280x1024@30
  • 3 Layers 1440x1080@25
  • 3 Layers 1440x1080@30
  • 2 Layers 1920x1080@25
  • 2 Layers 1920x1080@30

And special cases using a single Display port to Dual Link DVI with a TH2G in 2 or 3 output modes
  • 3 Layers 2400x600@25
  • 3 Layers 2400x600@30
  • 2 Layers 3072x768@25
  • 2 Layers 3072x768@30
  • 2 Layers 3840x1080@25
  • 2 Layers 3840x1080@30


Please note that in a long enough duration, even the best results showed occasional frame dropping when the tests were close to the threshold. Also note that all tests were done with 3 minute clips that did not contain in audio information. All testing was done using separate files on each layer in the case of multiple layer testing.