PT11 on Mac Mini 2014?

Hi All



Really could do with some advice ...



I have been using an ancient 6.9 system on a pre intel Mac.



Yeah , I know ! To be honest I didn't mind the restrictions of CPU power , makes you a little more creative and less toys to play with



Anyway , I have been talking about getting a set up at home for mixing etc for a while with a Mac Mini , today is my birthday and my girlfriend surprised me with a Mac Mini , its late 2014 2.6 i5 /8GB /1TB - A137 model



I KNOW i should have gone for the late 2012 i7 model second hand but it was a gift and a lovely thing to do so i cant exactly ask her to take in back.



I know Avid haven't qualified this model



I was hoping to get some info of what its like running PT11 on the 2014 mac Minis from people who are doing it ?



Typically I will run 32 channel sessions with moderate plug in usage on my old rig. ( as is 6.9 LE ) the CPU will constantly be threatening to fall over and each final bounce is always by the skit of the teeth. So anything above that is a massive bonus !



Also ... with the 2014 model in mind would i be better off with PT10 or 12?



I would love some advice of choosing an interface too . looking for something 3rd party ( focusrite maybe ) that has at least 8 inputs and will link up to my Octopre by lightpipe for expansion in the main studio



I have a lightening bolt fast 2TB 7400 Rpm drive for the sessions and will probably upgrade the drive in the mac mini to SSD btw





many thanks guys , carl :-)