Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Installing an SSD in Mac Mini?

I got the 2011 mini server, to get the 2 drives from the start.
I bought the Samsung 256 GB SSD and 16 GB RAM, I followed the ifixit guide linked above, no issues if you follow each step carefully.
It took about an hour to change the drive.

so I ended up with 256 SSD system drive and 750 GB HDD "extra" space, now this was before the fusion drive hack, which I would do today if I was doing it all over.

but what I did was to install a clean system on the 256 and then added symbolic links to the HDD for music, pictures and some other things that doesn't need the fast SSD speeds.

I have an iTunes library of 200+ GB and some 70 GB of images, they are resting on the HDD; and the system "thinks" it's the default folders, when you want to save/open files, it's rather handy.

but as I mentioned, if I could I would do the Fusion hack if I could do it over today.

also, I have a cheap 2TB external for TimeMachine backup, because one of the drives will eventually break and thus breaking the whole installation... some day
 
MacNoobGuy said:
ok thanks. this guide seems really complicated compared to installing RAM.

i don't even know what step 16 is trying to say: http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/qvHGQRjTOfoIEVMu.medium
Click to expand...

Pull the front section out by a cm or so. Be careful that one side doesn't jam.

Here's the blurb from the iFixit site :

Simultaneously push the two plastic clips on the far left and right sides of the I/O board toward the middle of the I/O board and pull the I/O board away from the outer case.

Only pull the logic board assembly out of the outer case until the edge of the I/O board is about .5" away from the edge of the aluminum outer case.
 
Apple Authorized Work?

Are there any authorized shops that will just do the work of installing an SSD drive in the 2012 MM...for those of us who don't want to risk it?:D
 
Can you put some light on how to install two ssd's in late 2012 Mac mini

@phrehdd: I cam across your reply here in which you mentioned about installing two ssd's in the mac mini. Thats exactly what I would like to do but could not find proper info on how to do that.
I want to run Mac OS and Windows in parallel, will be running some photography softwares in Mac OS and some CAD softwares on Windows at the same time.

First question: What do you recommend, install two ssd's (250gb for each OS) or just one large ssd (500gb for both OS). Which will be faster and provide better performance?
In the later case, I can leave 1TB HDD in the mini itself.
In the former case, I can put 1TB outside in an external case, if needed.

Second question: How to install two ssd's (I will order ifixit kit to get the SATA flex cable and tools).

Thanks in advance. :)



phrehdd said:
If you are not too savvy at taking apart and putting back the guts of a computer, then I highly suggest you simply replace the single drive with the single SSD drive and use the old drive externally.

One thing to remember, be very careful (if you do a two drive solution) to disconnect the IR plug/connector. Many people seem to have issues and often break the connector. If you watch some videos pay particular attention to this part and how to properly separate the plug from the socket.

I have 2 SSD in my Mini and striped them. However, a few months later, one of the SSD drives failed. I merely took the back up from the day before and was able to restore pretty much everything to the one drive. The dead drive is still in the mini and soon I'll replace it. Both single and striped SSD are faster than the mechanical drive in general. You'll appreciate the performance gain. 8-16 gigs of RAM is a nice fit for the Mini.
Click to expand...
 
I strongly suggest to install a TRIM enabler then. It made a surprising difference for my setup, and i´ve only found out now.

My write/reads speeds jumped from 100/300 to 400/500 permanently with just this single feature. :O
 
uncivilized said:
@phrehdd: I cam across your reply here in which you mentioned about installing two ssd's in the mac mini. Thats exactly what I would like to do but could not find proper info on how to do that.
I want to run Mac OS and Windows in parallel, will be running some photography softwares in Mac OS and some CAD softwares on Windows at the same time.

First question: What do you recommend, install two ssd's (250gb for each OS) or just one large ssd (500gb for both OS). Which will be faster and provide better performance?
In the later case, I can leave 1TB HDD in the mini itself.
In the former case, I can put 1TB outside in an external case, if needed.

Second question: How to install two ssd's (I will order ifixit kit to get the SATA flex cable and tools).

Thanks in advance. :)
Click to expand...

I admit I am a bit confused when you say you want to run Windows and OSX in parallel.

1) If you are talking about running them both at the same time on the same Mac Mini, you can only do that with a virtual machine - as in run Windows in Parallels or VMware Fusion or similar. If you plan to do this, I would check forums on how your Windows software applications would run. Most run fine but CAD is intensive so best to check. Again, you cannot run both at the same time as individual OS that run independently. I use virtual for Windows 7 to run some apps and it works very well. I also made sure to have not just drive space but also more RAM which is required to get smooth operation (8 minimum but 16 is better for the type of apps you are talking about and what I run as well).

2) You can find videos on breaking down the Mini, swapping drives and more at OWC's site. iFixit might also have some and then possibly on YouTube.

3) If you decide to go with running VMware or Parallels or another virtual machine product, I would recommend you take advantage of a 500 gig or greater SSD rather than two 250's. The Samsung Evo and Pro line come to mind. OWC also makes decent drives that they say TRIM is not required. If you get the Samsungs or similar, get the free version of "TRIMenabler" software.

4) Putting two drives into your Mini has some risks as it has to be totally taken apart unlike a single drive replacement which needs only a minimal removal of parts to access the drive. Two drives generate more heat and have obviously less space to dissipate heat. Some of the 500 plus gig SSD drives actually are better than lesser size though not much commentary is around but it is true at least for the Samsung line.

If I were in your shoes -

Assuming that CAD will run fine in virtual Windows, I would get one of the above mentioned software. Perhaps one runs your apps better than the other but overall, they are pretty much close in performance. I would get the single larger SSD for efficiency, heat, and ease of changing out the drive.
Make sure you have at least 8 gigs of RAM but given you do CAD and photog, 16 might prove better and certainly cannot hurt. Also make sure if you get a non-OWC SSD you also get the TRIMenabler software.

Go to the forums of either Parallels or VMware Fusion and ask how CAD and whatever other programs you have perform and any recommendations. No time like the present to know how to set up for best use.

Hope this helps a bit.

I run a Mac Mini with SSD and 16 gig of RAM. I am writing this now on that computer and I do CS6 PS, Capture One, and from time to time Lightroom along with similar types of programs. I run Windows 7 in virtual to handle some software which is CPU intensive.
 
Be very careful when you take the fan out, the fan connector is vey fragile, I made that mistake. :(
 
@phrehdd: Thumbs up for such a fast response.

Yes, I will be running Windows in parallel with a virtual machine. I agree with your point to get a larger ssd, less heat and price will also come down a bit for a larger single drive then two smaller drives.

On the other hand, I am of the opinion (not sure) that two ssd's will use two cables to connect to the main chip for which Mac mini has slots to connect and that will give better performance if I install Mac OS on one ssd and Windows in virtual through second ssd. Does that make sense? I mean there will be two cables pushing data on my screen and to handle that I am going with a quad core processor. Please lemme know what you think. Thanks again. :)




phrehdd said:
I admit I am a bit confused when you say you want to run Windows and OSX in parallel.

1) If you are talking about running them both at the same time on the same Mac Mini, you can only do that with a virtual machine - as in run Windows in Parallels or VMware Fusion or similar. If you plan to do this, I would check forums on how your Windows software applications would run. Most run fine but CAD is intensive so best to check. Again, you cannot run both at the same time as individual OS that run independently. I use virtual for Windows 7 to run some apps and it works very well. I also made sure to have not just drive space but also more RAM which is required to get smooth operation (8 minimum but 16 is better for the type of apps you are talking about and what I run as well).

2) You can find videos on breaking down the Mini, swapping drives and more at OWC's site. iFixit might also have some and then possibly on YouTube.

3) If you decide to go with running VMware or Parallels or another virtual machine product, I would recommend you take advantage of a 500 gig or greater SSD rather than two 250's. The Samsung Evo and Pro line come to mind. OWC also makes decent drives that they say TRIM is not required. If you get the Samsungs or similar, get the free version of "TRIMenabler" software.

4) Putting two drives into your Mini has some risks as it has to be totally taken apart unlike a single drive replacement which needs only a minimal removal of parts to access the drive. Two drives generate more heat and have obviously less space to dissipate heat. Some of the 500 plus gig SSD drives actually are better than lesser size though not much commentary is around but it is true at least for the Samsung line.

If I were in your shoes -

Assuming that CAD will run fine in virtual Windows, I would get one of the above mentioned software. Perhaps one runs your apps better than the other but overall, they are pretty much close in performance. I would get the single larger SSD for efficiency, heat, and ease of changing out the drive.
Make sure you have at least 8 gigs of RAM but given you do CAD and photog, 16 might prove better and certainly cannot hurt. Also make sure if you get a non-OWC SSD you also get the TRIMenabler software.

Go to the forums of either Parallels or VMware Fusion and ask how CAD and whatever other programs you have perform and any recommendations. No time like the present to know how to set up for best use.

Hope this helps a bit.

I run a Mac Mini with SSD and 16 gig of RAM. I am writing this now on that computer and I do CS6 PS, Capture One, and from time to time Lightroom along with similar types of programs. I run Windows 7 in virtual to handle some software which is CPU intensive.
Click to expand...
 
uncivilized said:
@phrehdd: Thumbs up for such a fast response.

Yes, I will be running Windows in parallel with a virtual machine. I agree with your point to get a larger ssd, less heat and price will also come down a bit for a larger single drive then two smaller drives.

On the other hand, I am of the opinion (not sure) that two ssd's will use two cables to connect to the main chip for which Mac mini has slots to connect and that will give better performance if I install Mac OS on one ssd and Windows in virtual through second ssd. Does that make sense? I mean there will be two cables pushing data on my screen and to handle that I am going with a quad core processor. Please lemme know what you think. Thanks again. :)
Click to expand...

I don't think you will find a difference in real world use by getting two SSD's and running the virtual Windows on the second drive. Get 16 gigs of RAM (3rd party is way cheaper) and the Samsung 500 EVO or 512 Pro (I think those are the correct numbers). You can also get larger if desired of the EVO line.

Remember, the virtual Windows is a 'single file' being read as an environment and as well, consider that unless you are running something disc and CPU intensive in both OSX and Windows at the same time, you probably wont find a different between all on one drive or 2 drives. The drive in the Mac Mini would serve well as an external TM drive as I think you mentioned (though it is a bit of a slow drive).

I doubt you will saturate typically the bus line for a single drive solution.
 
opinio said:
Just get the kit from OWC or iFixit and follow the instructions on their websites.
Click to expand...

DON'T follow their instructions. This is a good one for the 2011 Mini:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymGnXdwvabg
20-30 minutes, not very hard to do.

I put in a Samsung 830 on top (first to put in) and a Scorpio Black 750GB on bottom (because you can screw that drive to the grill). So basically the 830 is only held in place by 2 head-less screws in the side, and the spacer under the SSD. That does not matter though. It is very tight in there, so it won't move a mm, but it keeps you from messing with the logic board, power LED and infrared sensor.

Do NOT remove the logic board.
Oh, and try to find a 2mm hex, because the airport screws are 2mm hex, not Torx 8. It will fit, but wear out those screws.
 
blanka said:
DON'T follow their instructions. This is a good one for the 2011 Mini:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymGnXdwvabg
20-30 minutes, not very hard to do.

I put in a Samsung 830 on top (first to put in) and a Scorpio Black 750GB on bottom (because you can screw that drive to the grill). So basically the 830 is only held in place by 2 head-less screws in the side, and the spacer under the SSD. That does not matter though. It is very tight in there, so it won't move a mm, but it keeps you from messing with the logic board, power LED and infrared sensor.

Do NOT remove the logic board.
Oh, and try to find a 2mm hex, because the airport screws are 2mm hex, not Torx 8. It will fit, but wear out those screws.
Click to expand...

Geez... delayed quote response?

I won't buy onto this argument because it has been had too many times. Way too many times. :rolleyes:
 
@phrehdd: Thanks for your advice. I will post how it goes.


phrehdd said:
I don't think you will find a difference in real world use by getting two SSD's and running the virtual Windows on the second drive. Get 16 gigs of RAM (3rd party is way cheaper) and the Samsung 500 EVO or 512 Pro (I think those are the correct numbers). You can also get larger if desired of the EVO line.

Remember, the virtual Windows is a 'single file' being read as an environment and as well, consider that unless you are running something disc and CPU intensive in both OSX and Windows at the same time, you probably wont find a different between all on one drive or 2 drives. The drive in the Mac Mini would serve well as an external TM drive as I think you mentioned (though it is a bit of a slow drive).

I doubt you will saturate typically the bus line for a single drive solution.
Click to expand...
 
What's easiest to install?

I'll buy a Mac mini 2012 and have two to choose between, a used and a new.
Both have two disks, which will make it easier to install SSD.
In the new I'll replace the RAM and one disk with SSD.
In the used I'll replase both disks with an HDD and an SSD.
Which will be the least job and risk for me, who've never opened a Mac before?

If I should buy the used, is there a good reciept somewhere for replacing only one disk?
If I should buy a new, should I replace the 4GB with 8 or 16 GB RAM?
I'll use it for editing pictures and some video, run Oracle Express DB and write C# programs in adition to common tasks like web surfing.
 
Grønntass said:
I'll buy a Mac mini 2012 and have two to choose between, a used and a new.
Both have two disks, which will make it easier to install SSD.
In the new I'll replace the RAM and one disk with SSD.
In the used I'll replase both disks with an HDD and an SSD.
Which will be the least job and risk for me, who've never opened a Mac before?

If I should buy the used, is there a good reciept somewhere for replacing only one disk?
If I should buy a new, should I replace the 4GB with 8 or 16 GB RAM?
I'll use it for editing pictures and some video, run Oracle Express DB and write C# programs in adition to common tasks like web surfing.
Click to expand...


Just to clarify, with the new one, are you intending just to replace one of the hard drives with an SSD and keep the other one in there? If so, this is your easiest upgrade option and least risk. It is good to upgrade to 8GB of RAM for such a capable machine but I don't think you need to go as much as 16GB unless you get a great deal on it or can see your needs increasing in the future.
What are your plans with Oracle Express? If that will always be running and will be serving up a large volume of data then that may be a reason to go to 16GB.
 
Yes, the new Mac has two 1TB disks, so I'll keep one of them.
The old Mac has two 750GB disks, so I thought about upgrading one of them to 1TB.
But I might end up with the old one and one of it's disks, and benefit from it's 16GB RAM.
 
Grønntass said:
Yes, the new Mac has two 1TB disks, so I'll keep one of them.
The old Mac has two 750GB disks, so I thought about upgrading one of them to 1TB.
But I might end up with the old one and one of it's disks, and benefit from it's 16GB RAM.
Click to expand...

Personally, I'd even keep the stock 750GB drive in the other model and just switch out the easiest to access one with an SSD. Not a massive difference between the 750GB & 1TB.
 
iugradmark said:
Can anyone recommend a shop that will install an SSD in 2011?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Man, it's not hard. Right tools, time and space. Done.*

*speaking as a non-techie, novice!

I've got 2011 and 2012 minis. Pulled the guts out of both. Just watch a few YouTube clips and it's all quite doable.

The only tricky bit is working on the small scale. But remember, Apple has designed these things meticulously; the pieces all fit perfectly.

If you can use a screwdriver you can do a mini teardown.
 
I hate to admit it but the man is right. I was trying to avoid doing this but ended up going for it and it is not as hard as it seems when you actually do it. Just take your time and watch some of the online videos.
 
ssd

Why wouldn't I let apple do it? If I buy a bto with 256 GB SSD I pay 187.50 euro. The samsung pro cost me 189 euro and I still have to buy the right tools? It's true I won't have the 5400 pm 1 TB but I was thinking hooking up a 4TB through usb3.
 
grandM said:
Why wouldn't I let apple do it? If I buy a bto with 256 GB SSD I pay 187.50 euro. The samsung pro cost me 189 euro and I still have to buy the right tools? It's true I won't have the 5400 pm 1 TB but I was thinking hooking up a 4TB through usb3.
Click to expand...

The SS Pro would be a little faster, but if you plan on hooking up a 4tb, you have a strong argument to go the easy route ;)

Good Luck
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back