Crucial M4 256 GB SSD + Mac mini 2.3 Ghz i5?

[theboyk]

Just wondering if anyone has had any success in installing an Crucial M4 256 GB SSD in a Mac mini 2.3 Ghz i5 (mid-2011)?

I'm just looking to replace my stock 5400 SATA HD (i.e., not trying to install as a second HD) with an SSD and I know SSD compatibility can be touchy — and I just want to make sure that what I get it going to work.

Thanks,
Kristin.

 

[SuperRob]

Only one I've heard of any real issues with is with the OCZ drives. If you're just swapping out the drives, you will still have your 5400 stock drive as a backup. Just be very careful with the wiring when you open it up. A few connectors/wires are very fragile.

 

[theboyk]

Thanks!

 

[djc6]

This past weekend I installed a Crucial M4 512GB SSD in my Mid-2011 2.3Ghz i5 mini (the base level mini). Its MUCH faster now. Its amazing how even web browsing is noticeably faster - probably because reading/writing to the cache is much faster.

I used the OWC 'Data Doubler' kit so I could have the original 500GB HD along side my new SSD:

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DIYIMM11D2/

I agree with SuperRob; watch the video a few times so you can see where all the fragile connectors are.

I also upgraded to Mountain Lion; I made a bootable USB flash drive, installed mountain lion onto my blank SSD, then used setup assistant to migrate the data off of my old drive.

 

[Dr. Beast]

This past weekend I installed a Crucial M4 512GB SSD in my Mid-2011 2.3Ghz i5 mini (the base level mini). Its MUCH faster now. Its amazing how even web browsing is noticeably faster - probably because reading/writing to the cache is much faster.

I used the OWC 'Data Doubler' kit so I could have the original 500GB HD along side my new SSD:

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DIYIMM11D2/

I agree with SuperRob; watch the video a few times so you can see where all the fragile connectors are.

I also upgraded to Mountain Lion; I made a bootable USB flash drive, installed mountain lion onto my blank SSD, then used setup assistant to migrate the data off of my old drive.

In what slot did you install SSD? In place of original HDD, or under it?

 

[spda242]

I have a 128GB m4 in my Mac mini 2,5Ghz (AMD).
I run Cindoris TRIM hack and everything works perfect

I also have added a new 1TB HDD (2nd) by ordering the sata cable as sparepart from an Apple service provider.

I also bought a USB2 box in which I placed the orig HDD.

When I installed the SSD +new HHD i did the following.

I put the SSD in the USB2 box.
I cloned the orig HDD with CCC
I opened the mini and put the new HDD in as 2nd drive and the SSD replaced the original HDD.
..and I booted the mini and everything was fine

The only problem I have are that the system runs insanely hot all the time but that is documented at other places.

 

[theboyk]

The only problem I have are that the system runs insanely hot all the time but that is documented at other places.

Why do you think it's running so hot? I run a Mac mini server at work with dual-7200 HDs (RAID1) and it doesn't seem too hot—do you think it's because of the SSD you installed?

k.

 

[Omnius]

Why do you think it's running so hot? I run a Mac mini server at work with dual-7200 HDs (RAID1) and it doesn't seem too hot—do you think it's because of the SSD you installed?

k.

My experience with SSDs is that they run cooler than traditional HDs.

 

[theboyk]

My experience with SSDs is that they run cooler than traditional HDs.

Yea, that's what I'd say as well — that's why I'm wondering why spda242's mini is running so hot?

k.

 

[hfg]

Yea, that's what I'd say as well — that's why I'm wondering why spda242's mini is running so hot?

k.

Perhaps he forgot to replace the fan cable ... or damaged it (very easy to do ) and the fan isn't running. Use one of the fan speed apps to force it to max speed to see if it is running.

 

[djc6]

In what slot did you install SSD? In place of original HDD, or under it?

I just followed the directions in the booklet that came with the kit and the online video; OWC has you install the SSD in the bottom slot and put the HDD back where it was. Included in the kit is a motherboard removal tool, all the necessary torx drivers, a spudger, etc.. everything I needed!