2009 Mac Mini question

[Mcdevidr]

I just picked up a 2009 2ghz with 2GB ram. The only problem that it has is the super drive don't work. I picked it up for 150. I just wanted to know is there any danger running it with the super drive not functioning. And then what tests should I put it through to check it out and verify if there is any hardware issues?

I plan to upgrade the hd to a 256 SSD, and to 4gb ram. I have seen the videos seems kinda scary but I'm going to try it anyways.

 

[Intell]

There is no danger of running it without a functioning optical drive.

 

[Micky Do]

The optical drive is probably the most failure prone part of any computer. Little wonder it was dropped from the Mini in 2011. For those who need one (these days many don't) external is the way to go.

The optical drive on my 2009 Mini failed some time ago. I just plug an LG optical drive into a USB socket the odd time I need to use one.

 

[Mcdevidr]

Thanks. Yea I have an external Blu Ray drive I use. I was just wondering if there was any risk, thanks for the responses. Have either of you upgraded this mini? I'm seeing there is a kind of thermal monitor on the hard drive if I put an SSd in does that need to attach to the SSD?

 

[And]

yes, re-attach. Risk is that if loose it will touch something hot and the mini will think the HD is overheating and take cautionary measures.

 

[blanka]

May I ask why an SSD? The Mini 2009 is not so fast that you use it for disk demanding stuff IMO. I put in a 7200 RPM WD black and it made it very fast, for little money with big storage.

 

[marclondon]

May I ask why an SSD? The Mini 2009 is not so fast that you use it for disk demanding stuff IMO. I put in a 7200 RPM WD black and it made it very fast, for little money with big storage.

I've put a 256GB SSD (and upgraded to 8GB ram) in a mid-2009 Mac Mini and it's really boosted the performance - the SSD makes a huge difference and has greatly prolonged the life of the machine.

M.

 

[Mcdevidr]

I sold off a machine and have an extra Crucial SSD so I'll be usin that. I'm going to upgrade the ram so I figure why not just throw that in as well. One more question though. I already installed Mavericks on this SSD from my mini. Can I just throw that in there and it will work?

 

[marclondon]

I already installed Mavericks on this SSD from my mini. Can I just throw that in there and it will work?

Yes. Once you've opened the case and done the screws etc once it's easy. Just get a wide (e.g. 4 inch of so) thin putty tool and the case clips come undone easily. There is one screw in one of the corners that's a bit awkward.

I'm actually running mine without the cover on as my office has been very hot over the summer. I took it off to see if I could fix the optical drive but it's dead.

M.

 

[Mcdevidr]

I just got it and put the SSD in. It runs great. I'm really suprised how quick it is. Just gonna wait for the ram and then set it up as my print server. Im really happy with the price I got this for. Thanks guys for the advice and responses. I think I may put PLEX in this as well.