The Open Computer is superior to the Mac Mini in every aspect. Here we'll provide a detailed comparison of a reasonably configured Open Computer versus a reasonably configured Mac Mini.

Mac Mini Hardware

The Mac Mini sports a 1.8GHz Intel Core2Duo with 1 GB of RAM. The hard drive is an upgraded 120GB SATA disk. . This Mac Mini has a DVD-ROM drive that can write CD-R and CD-RW disks. To get a DVD writer you have to pay extra and also get an upgraded processor. For graphics the Mac Mini has an integrated Intel GMA X3100 graphics unti which is currently the premiere integrated unit on the market. This integrated unit only has a DVI output but Apple includes a DVI to VGA converter.

Open Computer Hardware

The Open Computer brings a 2.2GHz Intel Core2Duo with 2GB of RAM. The hard drive is a 7200 RPM 250GB model. The optical drive of the Open Computer is a dual-layer DVD+/-RW drive which is equivalent to Apple's SuperDrive. The Open Computer has the upgraded nVidia GeForce 8600GT with 512MB of RAM. The 8600GT has both DVI and VGA outputs and can support two monitors.

The Side-by-Side View

As you can see the Open Computer exceeds the Mac Mini in the overall XBench score by far.

It seems that the Mac Mini is severely outperformed in the XBench test as well as lacking a DVD+/-RW drive. The Mac Mini does have a very small form-factor and includes a front-row remote control but these are features more suited for a DVD player than a computer. The power and economy of the Open Computer cannot be paralleled by Apple or even Dell for a similarly configured desktop. Not only that but the Open Computer allows for choices that you can't get anywhere else.

Updates

Changes have been made to the Psystar Open Computer line of products. We will update this comparison with the most recent data shortly.