Mac Mini SSD + 2nd HDD Upgrade [UK]

[Uplift]

I've got a 2011 Mini coming and i want add an SSD and keep the original HDD in place. I believe you can add a 2nd disk with a kit, is this possible to buy in the UK?

Can anyone also recommend a cheap SSD that will work, it only needs to be small like 60GB or something just to run software then i'll use secondary disk for media.

If i was to upgrade the HDD can i put anything in there? or do only specific disks work with macs?

 

[Neiloid]

Hi

I've been looking into doing the same by adding an SSD and the Samsung 830 seems to be pick of the crop but people are saying that 256g is the size to go for. There is not much of a price difference between 60g and 128g so I would go for the latter over the smallest drive but I'm waiting for the 256g to drop below £100.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B007BBQPBO/ref=sr_cr_hist_all?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-2-5inch-Notebook-Accessory-Norton/dp/B005OK6VJU/ref=sr_1_11?m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1354098698&sr=1-11

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-2-5inch-Notebook-Accessory-Norton/dp/B005OK6VJU/ref=sr_1_11?m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1354098698&sr=1-11

As for the instal kit, I've yet to find it in the UK but you can find the SATA lead with eBay or a google search.

Any 2.5 inch HDD should be fine as far as I'm aware.

Hope this helps.

 

[Uplift]

Hi

I've been looking into doing the same by adding an SSD and the Samsung 830 seems to be pick of the crop but people are saying that 256g is the size to go for. There is not much of a price difference between 60g and 128g so I would go for the latter over the smallest drive but I'm waiting for the 256g to drop below £100.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B007BBQPBO/ref=sr_cr_hist_all?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-2-5inch-Notebook-Accessory-Norton/dp/B005OK6VJU/ref=sr_1_11?m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1354098698&sr=1-11

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-2-5inch-Notebook-Accessory-Norton/dp/B005OK6VJU/ref=sr_1_11?m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1354098698&sr=1-11

As for the instal kit, I've yet to find it in the UK but you can find the SATA lead with eBay or a google search.

Any 2.5 inch HDD should be fine as far as I'm aware.

Hope this helps.

Thanks, very helpful

 

[Neiloid]

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1496416/

Replies to my similar question. The last 2 posts are very interesting to me and I will now go for the 128g Samsung 830 as it seems sufficient for me needs and the right price.

Also going to put one in my Acer laptop and replace the HDD and use that as an external back up drive.

 

[domhoenig]

I have the ifixit kit - if someone buys the data cable I'm happy to loan the kit to do it to you...obviously postage is on you...also you will be required to return it!

 

[Uplift]

I have the ifixit kit - if someone buys the data cable I'm happy to loan the kit to do it to you...obviously postage is on you...also you will be required to return it!

is it hard without the kit? what about the mounting grommets and such?

 

[domhoenig]

is it hard without the kit? what about the mounting grommets and such?

not HARD but it's a lot easier with

 

[jnachbar]

How much do you want for the data cable?

 

[domhoenig]

oh no sorry. what I meant is:

I have the kit - I've used the data cable on my mini...

if someone wants to borrow the rest of the kit you can...

 

[jnachbar]

thanks for the clarification... I will need a cable, so I'm looking at either the OWC DIY kit or the ifixit kit. I misunderstood your generous offer to loan out the kit to someone who already has the cable. Do you know where to get just the cable?

 

[Topazali]

I have an unopened kit i bought from ifixit recently but chickened out of opening up the mini and decided to fit an external ssd over usb3!!
Cost about £80 inc taxes and delivery. Was going to put it on ebay but open to offers if anyone wants it?

 

[domhoenig]

thanks for the clarification... I will need a cable, so I'm looking at either the OWC DIY kit or the ifixit kit. I misunderstood your generous offer to loan out the kit to someone who already has the cable. Do you know where to get just the cable?

numerous places! google Mac mini parts uk and you'll find! (costs about £25) with a 10 day wait.