FW400 = 400Mbit = 47.6MB/s max. So your drive is being limited by the interface. With FW800, it might very well overtake the internal one...
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Just upgraded new Mini to 4GB. Video memory pictures, description etc...
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FW400 = 400Mbit = 47.6MB/s max. So your drive is being limited by the interface. With FW800, it might very well overtake the internal one...
But the new Mini has a 3 gbps SATA interface, the old Mini (which I have and is what the tests above reflect) is 1.5 gbps SATA interface. So you're doubling the bandwidth of each connection with the new Mini vs. the old Mini. In another thread, OldMike has posted evidence that the weak link may be the notebooks' drives 3gbps SATA interface (and not the computer's SATA interface) that could compromise their performances. But until we see the data we will not know.
The difference between SATA and SATA2 really only comes into play with transfers from the buffer cache, it's not much of a factor in sustained throughput with today's drives.
It is possible to achieve throughput close to the physical platter theoretical maximum of current single drives with FW800 but certainly no promises from me that that'll hold true with every single test setup.
Im about the go mini, getting the 2.0, 120bg, 2gb. I want to put in a 500 gb hard drive in the thing, but im unsure if I should get a 320 7200? How big is the difference? I actually prefer more space if the difference isn't great.
Plus, how easy is it really to replace the drive? Ive built a shuttle barebone, but that was pretty straight forward. I dont wanna break anything.
Do i need to clone the drive before or can i just insert the disc and format the brand new drive and install OS?
Are the online HD replacement guides for the 2007/2008 minis applicable to the latest mac minis?
Thanks so much for any input!
Plus, how easy is it really to replace the drive? Ive built a shuttle barebone, but that was pretty straight forward. I dont wanna break anything.
Do i need to clone the drive before or can i just insert the disc and format the brand new drive and install OS?
Are the online HD replacement guides for the 2007/2008 minis applicable to the latest mac minis?
Thanks so much for any input!
Im about the go mini, getting the 2.0, 120bg, 2gb. I want to put in a 500 gb hard drive in the thing, but im unsure if I should get a 320 7200? How big is the difference? I actually prefer more space if the difference isn't great.
Plus, how easy is it really to replace the drive? Ive built a shuttle barebone, but that was pretty straight forward. I dont wanna break anything.
Do i need to clone the drive before or can i just insert the disc and format the brand new drive and install OS?
Are the online HD replacement guides for the 2007/2008 minis applicable to the latest mac minis?
Thanks so much for any input!
Here's a good tutorial on installing TWO 500 GB drives in the Mac Mini!
It will also help for installing one drive.
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/Mac-mini-A1283-Terabyte-Drive/660/1
Im about the go mini, getting the 2.0, 120bg, 2gb. I want to put in a 500 gb hard drive in the thing, but im unsure if I should get a 320 7200? How big is the difference? I actually prefer more space if the difference isn't great.
Plus, how easy is it really to replace the drive? Ive built a shuttle barebone, but that was pretty straight forward. I dont wanna break anything.
Do i need to clone the drive before or can i just insert the disc and format the brand new drive and install OS?
Are the online HD replacement guides for the 2007/2008 minis applicable to the latest mac minis?
Thanks so much for any input!
If you are upgrading the hard drive why not buy the lower mac mini and just upgrade the ram at the same time?
I just canceled my order since it would take almost two weeks (or even more) to get it (BTO with 2 GB ram). It's just unacceptable, and I can't wait any more. I'll pick up the basic Mini from my local Apple retailer and install more memory myself, using the instructions here. Judging by the instructions written by the thread starter, it can't possibly be that hard, right?
Correct, not hard. Just once the putty knife is slid into the casing. Don't be afraid to just bend it outward all the way. You'll hear snappy sounds, but that's normal!
Mini still storming along here.
It's the poss scratching of the Mini and subsequent warranty problems I might encounter because I've put my own RAM in....then if I don't scratch it if I do have a bother with it I'll have to take out my RAM and put theirs back in before I send it in ....can't be arsed with thatCorrect, not hard. Just once the putty knife is slid into the casing. Don't be afraid to just bend it outward all the way. You'll hear snappy sounds, but that's normal!
Mini still storming along here.
This has been a matter of debate for so long....
Has anyone ever had a problem with warranty claiming for something unrelated, long after upgrading hard drive/memory?
A little nervous
so my base mac mini, 4 GB of ram, and 7200RPM WD hard drive came today. this is my first mac so I took an hour or so to mess around on it before taking it apart. I have to say, it was a lot harder than this forum makes it sound.
you can't follow the instructions from IFIXIT exactly since they are focused on a 1TB setup. It also would have been A LOT easier if I had magnetic screwdriver. those little suckers took forever to put back in. you really do have to take the whole thing apart it seems before you can get the old hard drive out. some notes for others:
1. one of the black screws is a different size, remember which hole it goes to.
2. dont disconnect the black cable from the board to the harddrive, just unstick the sensor on the drive and restick it to your new harddrive.
3. you don't need to fully take off the disc drive, just loosen one side to get your harddrive out.
4. be prepared for the springs to launch in every direction when you disconnect the antenna.
5. you have to click on utilities and partition your new disk before you can install mac os x (for those who are new to mac like myself).
I am a little nervous now. I am currently installing mac os X on the hard drive and it sounds a little louder than I was expecting. it sounds like the harddrive is seeking back and forth. granted, the top is still off (I don't want to have to go through that prying again if this doesnt work). I am hoping that once the OS is installed, and the top is back on, it will be a similar volume as the original configuration.
goodluck to everyone else - post questions here if you need help.
so my base mac mini, 4 GB of ram, and 7200RPM WD hard drive came today. this is my first mac so I took an hour or so to mess around on it before taking it apart. I have to say, it was a lot harder than this forum makes it sound.
you can't follow the instructions from IFIXIT exactly since they are focused on a 1TB setup. It also would have been A LOT easier if I had magnetic screwdriver. those little suckers took forever to put back in. you really do have to take the whole thing apart it seems before you can get the old hard drive out. some notes for others:
1. one of the black screws is a different size, remember which hole it goes to.
2. dont disconnect the black cable from the board to the harddrive, just unstick the sensor on the drive and restick it to your new harddrive.
3. you don't need to fully take off the disc drive, just loosen one side to get your harddrive out.
4. be prepared for the springs to launch in every direction when you disconnect the antenna.
5. you have to click on utilities and partition your new disk before you can install mac os x (for those who are new to mac like myself).
I am a little nervous now. I am currently installing mac os X on the hard drive and it sounds a little louder than I was expecting. it sounds like the harddrive is seeking back and forth. granted, the top is still off (I don't want to have to go through that prying again if this doesnt work). I am hoping that once the OS is installed, and the top is back on, it will be a similar volume as the original configuration.
goodluck to everyone else - post questions here if you need help.
No I know that..it's just for the difference in price ( for me -I got voucher)is less than it usually is..but just I wouldn't want to have a mishap then be screwed for warranty,.
Before I opened mine up to replace RAM and HDD I took a lot of time to research directions for doing so from several different online sources.
After reading the directions and studying the pictures from three different sources, I gained a very clear visual and procedural understanding of what I needed to do and what everything looked like BEFORE I even got the Mini in my hands. Then I did the job at a very easy and relaxed pace... taking all the time necessary to be careful and sure that what I was doing was correct and taking care not to damage anything. In the end, it was so straight-forward and enjoyable that I had the thought that I'd love to do this for money for other people.
From that approach, doing the upgrade was really pretty simple. I'm sure had I not done a lot of homework ahead of time, the task would have seemed more daunting than it really is. So from my perspective, having done the study beforehand and enjoying small challenges like this, it was really fun and easy. Some folks, however, may not choose to do much study ahead of time and may be overly challenged by the task. Only the individual can decide this for him or herself. I'm very glad I did my own upgrade because I saved $150 or so, I got a faster HDD than Apple would have installed, I got a spare 120GB HDD to use or sell, and I gained some intangible personal sense of accomplishment and well-being from having done the job myself.
After reading the directions and studying the pictures from three different sources, I gained a very clear visual and procedural understanding of what I needed to do and what everything looked like BEFORE I even got the Mini in my hands. Then I did the job at a very easy and relaxed pace... taking all the time necessary to be careful and sure that what I was doing was correct and taking care not to damage anything. In the end, it was so straight-forward and enjoyable that I had the thought that I'd love to do this for money for other people.
From that approach, doing the upgrade was really pretty simple. I'm sure had I not done a lot of homework ahead of time, the task would have seemed more daunting than it really is. So from my perspective, having done the study beforehand and enjoying small challenges like this, it was really fun and easy. Some folks, however, may not choose to do much study ahead of time and may be overly challenged by the task. Only the individual can decide this for him or herself. I'm very glad I did my own upgrade because I saved $150 or so, I got a faster HDD than Apple would have installed, I got a spare 120GB HDD to use or sell, and I gained some intangible personal sense of accomplishment and well-being from having done the job myself.
A model reply. There is honestly no reason not to do this yourself, and congratulations on the upgrade! In my opinion there is no such thing as a low-end Mini and a high-end Mini. There is only the Mini you paid too much for, and the Mini that you paid "the right amount" for.
I should add that one of the instructions I found online suggested starting with the thinnest putty knife available AND sanding the edge of the putty knife to a fine edge. I did that too. The knife slipped into that tight little crack with ease, making the job even easier. And by just taking it slow and careful, the finish on my case looks like it has never been touched. This is easy to do if you approach it well prepared and work slowly and carefully. And FUN!!! 
I should add that one of the instructions I found online suggested starting with the thinnest putty knife available AND sanding the edge of the putty knife to a fine edge. I did that too. The knife slipped into that tight little crack with ease, making the job even easier. And by just taking it slow and careful, the finish on my case looks like it has never been touched. This is easy to do if you approach it well prepared and work slowly and carefully. And FUN!!!
So you managed to slip it into that tight little crack and, by taking it slow and careful, after it still looked untouched?
Someone has posted a Youtube video of doing the memory upgrade (and they have another one that shows how to upgrade the hard disk)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KaHNLR6Aac
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KaHNLR6Aac
thanks, that video is a lot more straight forward than the ifixit pictures. I see I could have gotten the HD out without removing the optical drive, which I could not tell when I was doing it. The link for the drive upgrade is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIiSaunTWWM
I can't tell any noise difference between the stock 120GB 5400 rpm Fujitsu and a Hitachi 320GB 7200rpm. No vibration difference either.