Replacing a HDD with a SSD on a Mac mini 2014

[gigatoaster]

Hello there

I am considering changing the old HDD from a Mac mini 2014 with a new SSD. I’ll ask a professional and he should know but I’m curious.

How will they install MacOS? It’s Sierra on it, shall I update to Big Sur before-hands? Won’t Apple block it if the HDD is different?

Then I will use it for a server for Torrent and listen to music with Roon. Will it work properly, you think?

 

[Longkeg]

A good question and I’d like hear from knowledgeable people how or if Apple decides to deny installations.

I suspect a replaced boot drive won’t be a problem. What about a replaced logic board? I’ve had this happen years ago when trying to install a fresh Mac OS. Apple couldn’t verify something and denied the installation. Does this still happen?

 

[gigatoaster]

I had actually a forbidden logo when I erased the mini, because my internet was not working properly and there was a message telling me that Apple is checking on something.

It would be nice to know from someone who did something similar.

 

[hobowankenobi]

No issues. You can install any OS you want, that the machine supports. It is true...that it is getting harder to locate the OSes direct from Apple. But if you have a copy, you can install anything you like.

As for how...depends. One could clone the existing OS from the HD to the SSD, but that would require an external dock. Most any tech might have one, but many consumers don't. Cheap to pick up.

Or, for a fresh OS, as long as you have an internet connection, you can either install the most recent OS your Mac supports, or the original OS:

• Shift + Option/Alt + Command R (if you are running Sierra 10.12.4 of later) will install the version of MacOS that came with your Mac, or the one closest to it that is still available.
• Option/Alt Command + R. This will be the latest macOS compatible with your Mac. Note: If you aren’t running Sierra 10.12.4 of later, this will install the version that came with your Mac.

Apple does not "block" OSes based on drives...or anything else, besides supported models.

 

[hobowankenobi]

I had actually a forbidden logo when I erased the mini, because my internet was not working properly and there was a message telling me that Apple is checking on something.

It would be nice to know from someone who did something similar.

The circle with the line through it just means no valid OS for the Mac has been found. Either an incorrect (unsupported) version was installed, or it somehow failed and/or is damaged or incomplete.

 

[hobowankenobi]

A good question and I’d like hear from knowledgeable people how or if Apple decides to deny installations.

I suspect a replaced boot drive won’t be a problem. What about a replaced logic board? I’ve had this happen years ago when trying to install a fresh Mac OS. Apple couldn’t verify something and denied the installation. Does this still happen?

Generally....no. the model number and perhaps firmware version are about it. Primarily to prevent installation of an OS that will not boot, or is unsupported due to poor performance, lacking essential drivers, for specific hardware, etc.

It is a fairly simple validation of info before the installer starts. Some folks work around that to install unsupported OSes, but that is usually unwise unless someone is very technical and has a good reason. Generally, Apple is just preventing lots of headaches and frustration by limiting OSes being shoved onto boxes that won't run them, or won't run them satisfactorily.

 

[hobowankenobi]

Hello there

I am considering changing the old HDD from a Mac mini 2014 with a new SSD. I’ll ask a professional and he should know but I’m curious.

How will they install MacOS? It’s Sierra on it, shall I update to Big Sur before-hands? Won’t Apple block it if the HDD is different?

Then I will use it for a server for Torrent and listen to music with Roon. Will it work properly, you think?

I have done a few Minis about this vintage, not too bad if someone is up for a challenge and has a couple specialty tools. Good step by step at iFixtit.

Yes, it should be very good. The HD is by far the biggest performance bottleneck, so it should feel like a new machine.

 

[gigatoaster]

Thanks for your answers. I’m waiting on a quote and we shall see