I was wondering if I bring my mini( jun2010) into the apple store with a ssd drive will they install it for me?? Anyone know how much will they charge???
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Will Apple install 3rd party SSD??
- Thread starter MotherFinMike
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The install of an SSD isn't bad either.
Unscrew bottom.
Remove memory.
Unscrew cooling fan. Don't even need to disconnect the power jumper.
Unscrew and remove (takes some wiggling) the wireless cowling.
Unscrew and remove the black cowling on the left.
Pull logic board 1 to 1.5 inches (use two Torx drivers, or get the logic board removal tool)
Wiggle out drive.
Just remember to re-apply the thermistor (can remove it from the old drive with a spudger), and all the tape. You also might need to separate the "lip" of the wireless cowling a bit when you reinstall it. It's installed with absurdly tight (and impressive) tolerances.
The photos from iFixit's teardown give you a great reference point. You just need a spudger and two Torx drivers (T6 and T8). Tools might set you back a total of $12, and it's everything you really would ever need to work on the Mid-2010 Mini.
It's about 30 minutes tops if you're really paranoid and have never done it before. I've done a few now for folks so I've got it down to about a 7-minute affair.
Unscrew bottom.
Remove memory.
Unscrew cooling fan. Don't even need to disconnect the power jumper.
Unscrew and remove (takes some wiggling) the wireless cowling.
Unscrew and remove the black cowling on the left.
Pull logic board 1 to 1.5 inches (use two Torx drivers, or get the logic board removal tool)
Wiggle out drive.
Just remember to re-apply the thermistor (can remove it from the old drive with a spudger), and all the tape. You also might need to separate the "lip" of the wireless cowling a bit when you reinstall it. It's installed with absurdly tight (and impressive) tolerances.
The photos from iFixit's teardown give you a great reference point. You just need a spudger and two Torx drivers (T6 and T8). Tools might set you back a total of $12, and it's everything you really would ever need to work on the Mid-2010 Mini.
It's about 30 minutes tops if you're really paranoid and have never done it before. I've done a few now for folks so I've got it down to about a 7-minute affair.
iFixit certainly sells all the tools you need. A non-metallic one is $1.79 or something. I recommend the separate drivers (not the kit with all the adapter bits) if you need to pull the logic board.
Thanks for the summary.
Just further questions. I plan to install 2 HD (SSD+HHD) with the HHD in the SD bay area.
1. Did you happen to get a request to do this in a clint 2010 Mini?
2. If #1 is yes or no, did you happen to look at what one would do to dismount the SD and insert an OBHC in its place? Number of screws how many ribbon cables etc?
Thanks for any help. I have never opened a Mac before.
The Mac Mini server has a bracket for a 2nd 2.5" drive. You may be able to order the bracket for the desktop version, and retrofit it in. Don't know, but I assume so. If not, you should be able to just secure it to one side of the original optical drive bracket. You could in theory just get some long-ass screws.
I've only cracked open three Mid-2010 Minis, all were the "desktops", and none were more complicated than a HDD/memory upgrade.
However to pull the optical drive out of a desktop version, you have to pull the logic board out completely. There's a *lot* more nonsense to disconnect and reconnect. Use iFixit's teardown guide as a reference - no way I'd explain all of that here. It's easily 2 to 3 times as many steps as a single HDD replacement.
Since Apple is not offering SSDs in BTO for the new Mac Mini, can you even get it covered by them to install an SSD under Applecare?
Also are there any better guides, I'm not exactly comfortable performing just from an iFixIt guide.
Also are there any better guides, I'm not exactly comfortable performing just from an iFixIt guide.
I worded it wrong, but I know what you're saying. I mean say you take an SSD from a MacBook Pro that you bought from Apple and want it installed in a Mini, they won't even do that will they, correct?
