adding an SSDD to a mac mini

[1122ads]

I'm looking at a 2012 mac mini because of the I-7 quad core processor, but the drive is a 1 TB 5400rpm disc. Seems smart to have a fusion drive or a SSDD for speed.
I've seen kits that promise to allow adding a second drive (i.e. adding a 250 or 500GB SSDD) to the exisiting 1TB 5400RPM disc.

anyone know if that really is ok/easy/problematic to do?
Likely to perform well?
Does it void the applecare warranty?

thanks

 

[COrocket]

I'm looking at a 2012 mac mini because of the I-7 quad core processor, but the drive is a 1 TB 5400rpm disc. Seems smart to have a fusion drive or a SSDD for speed.
I've seen kits that promise to allow adding a second drive (i.e. adding a 250 or 500GB SSDD) to the exisiting 1TB 5400RPM disc.

anyone know if that really is ok/easy/problematic to do?
Likely to perform well?
Does it void the applecare warranty?

thanks

Look at the tutorials on ifixit, OWC etc. and see if you think you can do it. There are quite a few steps but it can be completed with the included tools and for me was straightforward if you follow the directions. After that you just need to format the drives to become a fusion which there are also online tutorials for.

 

[Cape Dave]

You will want to be aware as some minis have shipped with the existing drive on the "bottom" slot and some on the "top" slot.

It makes a huge difference, at least if you want to put the new drive in the same spot as the existing drive (after removing the existing drive, of course).

I got snake bit as I did not know this until I had the machine apart. I had watched all the videos I could find and none mentioned this possibility. Very stressful for me. If I had had a clue that this was the case BEFORE I opened it up I would have been more OK.