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Rena · Lovely and Talented Joined: 10 Apr 2013 Posts: 63

Lee,

Okay, this helps a little... except the shipping. I live in HI, which usually sucks for shipping!

I will really consider this more, but I still don't understand how to incorporate the SSD? You all are fabulous!
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Bruce · Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2013 7:49 am Post subject:

The SSD is simply a solid state drive meaning a bunch of memory chips instead of a spinning disc in the hard drive. The SSD just pops into the same spot as the disc drive. However in a mini that's a job best left to a computer expert. I damaged one of my minis by just trying to upgrade the RAM memory. I'm not doing that again, fer sure.

In case you missed seeing the benefits of SSDs they're totally silent, faster during computer start up, faster during operation (helpful for heavy duty computing) and much harder to damage. They're also quite a bit more expensive (although I see prices dropping), so they're a bit of a luxury item if you're tight on cash.

B
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captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago

I did the RAM upgrade on the Mini and the cover was biggest obstacle. Now I wish I would have installed 4Gb instead of the 2GB. Even though 2gb maxes it out, you can install 4gb and it will read 3.5gb
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Bish · Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2013 9:31 am Post subject:

Just Google "open a Mac Mini" and there's lots of info. I've never done it, but there are many stories about the opening of the case being the hardest part with Apple products. You may need a spudger to prise the case apart... which is like a plastic putty knife. These are readily available from most Mac upgrade sites.

As for the SSD install... Bruce is spot-on saying that's it's a drop-in replacement... please remember that if you want to use your existing boot disk's data and operating system, you will need to back it up to an external (bootable) drive with something like Carbon Copy Cloner, and then re-install. Alternatively, if you have your original operating system disks, just go for a new, clean install.

I put a 160GB SSD in my MacBook using a clean install from my system DVD, and a 256GB in my MacPro using the copy and copy back method. With the single drive Mini, I'd go for the clean install.

However... only attempt this yourself if you are in a comfort zone with this type of thing. A quick phone call to a local Mac shop (not-Apple) should give you an idea. Remember that using "Apple approved and supplied parts" for RAM and SSD will cost a lot... a local Mac geek should know what's good with third-party parts.
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Rena · Lovely and Talented Joined: 10 Apr 2013 Posts: 63

I really appreciate everyone's help. Thank, all!
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Yonie · CM Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 906

To reiterate on the SSD: it is far superior in every capacity, except storage.

georgethetech · Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2013 12:26 am Post subject:

Look at this and decide if you want to DIY:
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing+Mac+mini+Model+A1176+Hard+Drive/1108/1
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Rena · Lovely and Talented Joined: 10 Apr 2013 Posts: 63

Thanks, George. I am going to take a look. I really appreciate everyone's help! I knew you all would have some suggestions.
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Mike Harrison · Posted: Fri May 03, 2013 6:02 am Post subject:

Rena, to find your Mac Mini's specs, go to the Apple menu (far left), and select 'About This Mac.' The processor and memory info will be on the first window that opens. If you need more details, click 'More Info' in that window.

The difficulty in opening a Mac Mini is getting the circular cover on the bottom to unscrew. It only needs to turn by a couple of degrees to open, but it's pretty feisty. The great thing is, once it's open, the RAM chips are right there.

http://mike-harrison.com/InsideMacMini.jpg
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todd ellis · Posted: Fri May 03, 2013 6:07 am Post subject:

SSDs are awesome - i have one duct taped to the inside of my case --- i'm out of bays.
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Ben Amos · Posted: Fri May 03, 2013 6:56 am Post subject:

A modder after my own heart, Todd. Proud o' ya!
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