How do I Ghost/Copy my Mini's HDD to an SSD

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Level 1

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How do I Ghost/Copy my Mini's HDD to an SSD

Hi,

I just purchased new MAC Mini (2.53GHz, 320 HDD, 4G Ram) and I already own a new Imation 128G 2.5-inch M-Class SATA-300 SSD and would like to install it into the Mini. I know how to physically do the swap but how do I copy or Ghost the existing HDD so I can just swap them? I have done this before on a PC using Norton Ghost but never on a MAC. I need to make the new drive bootable. Do I need specific software? I already have the SATA cables to externally connect and power the drive.

Thanks,

Joe

MACBook Air 2.13GHz with 128GB SSD, MAC Mini (2.53GHz, 320 HDD, 4G Ram), Apple TV, Time Capsule 500G, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Dec 10, 2009 9:18 PM

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Answer 1

kguy

Level 2

420 points

Dec 11, 2009 1:04 AM in response to arcangel6

A free program called superduper will allow you to make an exact copy of your boot HD. This is what you are looking for.

If you can connect your SATA drive to the mini via a cheap 5 dollar USB 2.0 enclosure, you can then run superduper, clone your boot HD onto the new SSD, and then do the hardware swap-out.

Good luck

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Answer 2

arcangel6 Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 11, 2009 11:13 AM in response to kguy

Hi,

Thanks, I will keep you posted.

Regards,

Joe

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Answer 3

arcangel6 Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 14, 2009 9:01 PM in response to arcangel6

Hi,

Got it don without too much difficulty. Getting into the case was the most difficult part. I used Apple's built in disk utility to clone the HDD. I tested the cloning by Restarting the system holding down the 'Option' key. It allows you to choose the boot drive to test the newly cloned SSD as a boot drive before doing the dis-assembly. Worked like a charm.

Ok, the system boots faster (about half the time I think) and apps open much faster, Overall the system is much more 'snappy'. A worthwhile upgrade for me since I already had the drive. However, considering the price of the system I dont think most could justify the additional $$ for an SSD. The top-of-the-line Mini is a great system for the user requiring a solid basic computer, with or without the SSD. This was a curiosity for me.

Joe

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Answer 4

arcangel6 Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 14, 2009 10:31 PM in response to arcangel6

Hi,

For those who like to see hard numbers, I timed my boot up with the new SSD. Unfortunately, I never timed by boot up time to my desktop with the old drive. The SSD boots up in ~22 seconds. I believe it is about half the time or less. For comparison, my MACBook Air (2.13GHz with 128GB SSD) boots up in ~32 seconds.

Not too shabby.

Joe

Message was edited by: arcangel6

Message was edited by: arcangel6

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