Missing drive in Disk Utility after upgrading mac mini 2011 to SDD

[lostedge]

I replaced my 500gb factory HDD with a 128gb OCZ SSD and then added a 1TB WD 2nd drive to my 2011 Mac Mini (base model)

Upon booting up, I diverted the startup into the online recovery. I started by going right into the Lion Recovery, but was surprised at the "select a drive" screen that I had no options listed. So, back to a previous screen to use Disk Utility, and all I see is the 1TB WD drive that I installed in the lower bay (when the unit is open and upside down.)

I suspect I must have a loose connection with my SSD and that's why I don't see it under disk utility, but before I take the fan, cowling and wifi panel back off again, I thought I would ask for help troubleshooting what else the problem might be, as I'm fairly certain the SATA cable was pressed in nicely, as well as the logic board connections (which is covered/pressed under the cowling.)

Thanks in advance,
LE

 

[philipma1957]

I replaced my 500gb factory HDD with a 128gb OCZ SSD and then added a 1TB WD 2nd drive to my 2011 Mac Mini (base model)

Upon booting up, I diverted the startup into the online recovery. I started by going right into the Lion Recovery, but was surprised at the "select a drive" screen that I had no options listed. So, back to a previous screen to use Disk Utility, and all I see is the 1TB WD drive that I installed in the lower bay (when the unit is open and upside down.)

I suspect I must have a loose connection with my SSD and that's why I don't see it under disk utility, but before I take the fan, cowling and wifi panel back off again, I thought I would ask for help troubleshooting what else the problem might be, as I'm fairly certain the SATA cable was pressed in nicely, as well as the logic board connections (which is covered/pressed under the cowling.)

Thanks in advance,
LE

Take it apart reseat drives. do don't fully assemble the mini.






when assembling the mini get to this point

http://guide-images.ifixit.net/igi/EZIUXBTdgRa3QANK.huge



attach the fan leave the metal grill off. keep the mini on its back with black lid off. boot it see if the mini sees both drives. if it does reseat the grill and go to normal setup.

if it does not see the 2 drives the cable may be bad. try putting the drives in opposite slots do not fully assemble boot. if the cable is bad the missing drive should now be the 1tb.

if the 1tb shows up and the ssd does not then the ssd is shot. Yeah I know it is a lot of work but running the mini upside down with the lid and grill off cuts the work down.

Make sure the fan moves each time you boot.