Mini advice

[GreenT]

Seems like this would be a frequent question, so please point me to the right location if I missed it.

Apple's 2012 quad-core Mac Mini was great, and I was sad to see them drop the quad-core option. I basically would like to get as close to that design as possible, but with newer, current-generation components. I've read through the CustoMac Mini and CustoMac Mini Deluxe pages but neither one really fits. The CustoMac Mini utilizes a dual-core CPU (rather than quad) and a bulkier case than I'm looking for. The Mini Deluxe uses a quad-core CPU but is larger/bulkier still. Can somebody recommend components that would get close to the size of Apple's 2012 mini, but using a newer quad-core CPU?

Looking for a design I can run El Capitan on (at least initially) as I have no current interest in moving to Sierra.

 

[aztlan78]

Hello GreenT,
The builds in the Buyer's Guide is just for reference. You can select another case if you like. Here is a link from SnazzyLabs on his Mini build:
$682 Skylake Mac Mini Hackintosh - Snazzy Labs

As you see in this he used an Intel i5-6500. And a smaller case. There are so many options now out there. I myself build a Mini Mac and used an Intel i5-6400. Once you get the case its about what you can fit in the case. This is what I used:
M350 Enclosure WITH PICOPSU-150-XT and 150W Adapter KIT

I am on El Capitan on this one and it works great.

 

[GreenT]

Thank you for responding, aztlan78. The info you provided is much appreciated. I'll have to do some research now to determine whether the power draw I will require for the system I want to build will be supported by the tiny power supplies used in these mini enclosures. Thanks!