Is a Mac Mini fast enough for large files ala Nikon D800, HDR?

[ymc226]

Presently using my MBP with i7 quad core but I'd like a dedicated computer for photography only and already have a NEC 24 PA series monitor.  I'm using LR4 and NIK plug-ins including their HDR program.  Eventually, I'd like to try stitching panoramas as well.

I don't want to spend alot on a Mac Pro (major refresh hinted for 2013) and want something smaller as well.   

Looking at the various Mac blogs/forums, the Mac Mini may be due for a sooner than later refresh.  Hopefully it will include a quad core processor and USB3.   OWC also can upgrade the present M Mini to 16GB RAM.

Would the lack of a quad core processor in the present Mac Mini going to radically slow things down compared to my laptop?

[Gary Brown]

There's an earlier thread on that general topic here.

[ymc226]

Thanks.  I quickly searched Mac Mini prior to my post but that thread did not come up readily.

[kers]

there is a new Mac-mini coming later this month - faster- and with USB3 probably

[ErikKaffehr]

Hi,

My guess is that a MacMini would be OK. I would add as much memory as reasonably possible. I use 16 GByte on my three year old Mac Pro and that seems OK.I would probably opt for an internal SSD and using an external thunderbolt drive.

As I said, I use a MacPro but the next computer may be said combination.

Best regards
Erik