Mac Mini (Late 2009) - Recommended OSX Version for it? I have a Mac mini (Late 2009) (hw.model: Macmini3,1, 2 GB RAM) that I've got hooked on my TV primary as a "media consumption" device... but a while ago I updated it to:

Mac-mini:~ javier$ sw_vers
ProductName:    Mac OS X
ProductVersion: 10.8.5
BuildVersion:   12F2518


and it crawls along, which is quite painful. I'm debating whether upgrading it to Mavericks or Yosemite might bring some relief for performance... I don't need a blazing computer, but taking 2 minutes to load VLC is a bit too much IMO...

I have thought about upgrading the RAM and maybe getting a better (larger) HD as 160 GB isn't too much these days, but I don't know if that might be throwing money down the sink...

Thanks in advance for any tips!
The answer to your question, in short: It is always advised that you have the latest possible OS for your computer. This is due to the myriad of bug fixes and security patches that come along with new OS updates and intermediary releases.

I would suggest bumping up the RAM to the highest possible as well, but at least to 4GB. This should result in an immediate performance boost and result in smoother system operation. Switching the HDD can also help, but is less urgent.

If all else fails, you can always try restoring the operating software to a new state. Often, systems will change over time and become loaded down with old/unpatched/inefficient software and/or changes made to files that result in degraded performance. A new clean wipe will ensure you are running the best software available for the machine.