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Fit current external SSD into Mac Mini?

I

ianjh

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 8, 2013
25
1
Norfolk, UK
I'm currently running OS X 10.10 on my Late 2012 Mac mini from an external case via FW800. If I remove that SSD from the case and follow the 'iFixit' or other instructions to fit the SSD into the upper bay, can I assume that initially the Mini will reboot into the original HD, allowing me to re-boot from System Preferences into the SSD?

Or will I have to re-format etc the SSD?

Thanks

Ian
 
ianjh said:
I'm currently running OS X 10.10 on my Late 2012 Mac mini from an external case via FW800. If I remove that SSD from the case and follow the 'iFixit' or other instructions to fit the SSD into the upper bay, can I assume that initially the Mini will reboot into the original HD, allowing me to re-boot from System Preferences into the SSD?

Or will I have to re-format etc the SSD?

Thanks

Ian
Click to expand...

This. Or you can just hold the option key at boot to get the startup manager and select the SSD, then after it boots of to the the Startup Disk pane like you mentioned and set it as the boot disk.

No need to reformat or change a thing.
 
Thanks

Thanks very much for your very swift response!

All i have do do now is order the kit, pluck-up courage, pick-up my screwdrivers and hope for the best!

Thanks again

Ian
 
Suggestion:
This is my opinion only, and others' will differ:

You're doing yourself a disservice by booting the Mini from an SSD in a firewire800 enclosure. The enclosure can't support the speed of the drive.

Try a USB3 enclosure, or a USB3/SATA docking station BEFORE you open up the Mini.
I promise you that you will be AMAZED at the speed difference.

Be aware that "doing the internal surgery" on the Mini presents various opportunities to break small connections inside. Just another posting up this morning from someone who tried to do the job -- and BROKE the IR connection on the motherboard. So be sure that you go into this fully aware of the pitfalls.

Also be aware that there are almost no advantages to booting and running internally vis-a-vis doing so externally.
The two things you CAN'T do when booting externally:
- enable TRIM (unless it's a thunderbolt connection)
- do some firmware updates

Having written that, I've been booting and running my own Mini externally for almost two years, with no TRIM-related slowdowns that I can perceive. I've had a Crucial m500 as my external booter since March, and the read/write speeds (tested using BlackMagic) are virtually the same now as they were the day it was installed (without TRIM).

One of the fastest external USB3 enclosures:
http://firmtek.stores.yahoo.net/dlite1.html
 
Fishrrman said:
You're doing yourself a disservice by booting the Mini from an SSD in a firewire800 enclosure. The enclosure can't support the speed of the drive.
Click to expand...

You are misreading. OP is now running the SSD in a FW enclosure and plans to move the SSD to an internal bay on the Mini.
 
[[ You are misreading. OP is now running the SSD in a FW enclosure and plans to move the SSD to an internal bay on the Mini. ]]

I didn't misread.
I just wanted to suggest trying it as an external booter via USB3 before he digs into the Mini.

I know you scrutinize these boards as much as I do, and in the Mini sub-forum, one sees posts again and again from folks who -thought- they could the internal surgery, got halfway through, and then….. broke something.

Just a reply in a thread this morning from someone trying to install a drive and who broke his IR connection off the motherboard while doing so.

With the 2012 edition of the Mini, one can get speeds the near-equal of "internally-installed" by "going external". FAR easier, the same cost (when considering the cost of an external enclosure or dock vis-a-vis the additional SATA cable, etc.).

The 2014 Mini changes this with it's PCI-e bus. WAY faster….
 
Thanks guys for your collective thoughts.

I've taken the plunge and ordered the OWC kit, have viewed the videos numerous times and likewise studied the printed manual on-line - so if I take it easy - i should be OK.

And it frees-up the FW800 port.

Thanks again and season greetings to you from the UK.

Ian
 
The key is don't follow the 45 minute recommended time. Literally treat the mini like a surgical operation, and you'll be fine. Try to be very light handed with the spudger and you won't break the IR sensor connector. Also taking the drive bay out, be careful you don't hit the sensor on the chassis.
 
Fishrrman said:
Try a USB3 enclosure, or a USB3/SATA docking station
Click to expand...

2012 mini == USB 2.0 no 3.0 available. Firewire 800 is the fastest external it has to offer.

**UPDATE** Sorry, this is incorrect, thanks jdryyz. I wasn't paying attention to the year of my mini, which is an '11.
 
Last edited:
qcmacmini said:
The key is don't follow the 45 minute recommended time. Literally treat the mini like a surgical operation, and you'll be fine. Try to be very light handed with the spudger and you won't break the IR sensor connector. Also taking the drive bay out, be careful you don't hit the sensor on the chassis.
Click to expand...

Sounds like excellent advice - I shall take a breather after each step.

Thanks

Ian
 
ianjh said:
Sounds like excellent advice - I shall take a breather after each step.

Thanks

Ian
Click to expand...

And treat every connector as if it was made out of egg shell. If it doesn't want to come apart, take a break and approach it after a breather.



Mike
 
And watch a few youtube videos before you embark. I found a great one and had it playing - and pausing - while I did my surgery.
 
ianjh said:
I shall take a breather after each step.
Click to expand...

If you're a first timer inside a Mini, being patient is key.

I remember the first Mini I cracked (2010) and what looked like an easy job, turned into a bit more. I think I backed off one connector several times, fearing I'd break it. Tiny parts in tiny places ;)

The second and third time in later models, it was easy going. Like anything, you get a feel for the task with practice.

Good Luck!
 
ianjh said:
Thanks guys for your collective thoughts.

I've taken the plunge and ordered the OWC kit, have viewed the videos numerous times and likewise studied the printed manual on-line - so if I take it easy - i should be OK.

And it frees-up the FW800 port.

Thanks again and season greetings to you from the UK.

Ian
Click to expand...

Yes, fixing SSD into its internal bay is the best solution in my opinion.
As first timer, just take precaution in every step.
There shouldn't be any step that requires you to use huge force, esp the connector part. If you need to use force, then you are not doing it right.

Done upgrading to many mac minis. After a few times, it is so so easy to do.
 
Be sure to put parts you take out away from you. I had placed my fan on the desk, and my elbow hits it and the fan fell to the ground cutting the wire. I had to run my Mini upside down, bottom off, with an external fan until the new fan arrived.
 
Update - Success!!!

Many thanks for all your tips and ideas etc.

Job completed in about 90 minutes, with several short breaks.

All now up and running!

Thanks

Ian
 
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