Stu- I previously had my setup on a early Intel Deskpro with 6gig ram and three internal HDs for application, catalogue and cache on separate drives. Recently upgraded to 2011 MacMini server with the 2 hard drives. I also purchased the LaCie thunderbolt 1 gig drive (it has the catalogue and photos now). The app is on one server drive and the cache is on the 2nd internal drive. I also back up to an 800 FW portable for use off site with a MacBook. Even though the Mini has only 2 gig ram for now there is no comparison in speed between the Mini with the thunderbolt and the macbook with FireWire. Mini is faster than old Deskpro setup. YMMY