How to migrate to SSD drive using Disk Utility and ending up with APFS file system on SSD...

Thanks again.

I cloned the drive and verified it was bootable using the HFS+ Extended Journaled. I then went into Recovery and unmounted the MacintoshHD SSD partition and was able to then perform the convert to APFS. I ran that and it went through with no errors. I then tried to boot from the SSD drive (attached externally via USB to SATA cable) and I can no longer boot from the MacintoshHS SSD partition. :(

At this point, I am going to go with performing a clean High Sierra install on the SDD and then perform a migration from the internal HDD drive for the data, apps, configs restore. This is how Apple recommended I get around this issue having just been on a chat with them although TBH, I thought it would be as simple as cloning the drive and then simply converting it to APFS like you had kindly suggested. Doesn't seem to work...

Cheers,

Vin.

Thanks for the feedback leroydouglas. I don’t plan to upgrade to Mojave as I want to keep the current High Sierra. So yes, an upgrade on top would do the trick but not an option for me right now.

cheers,

vin.

Thanks BDAqua.

I believe even if I use Carbon Copy or any other imaging tool, I would still end up with an exact clone running HFS+ extended.

Can you please expand on “by letting the OS handle once bootable and internal” - I know when I boot from the SSD after cloning attached externally, that it remains in HFS+ format - are you suggesting that by swapping the drives and putting it internal on the SATA bus will convert to APFS?

Cheers,

vin.

Thank You. Is the trick here to install the SSD into the Mac Mini onto the SATA bus before performing the 'Convert to APFS' or should I be able to boot into recovery and convert the drive while attached externally via the USB to SATA cable?

The reason I ask, is I tried the latter and when I converted to APFS, the SSD drive 'Macintosh HD' partition was no longer visible and when I looked at the SSD through Disk Utility, it showed as no longer being a bootable drive.

Appreciate the feedback and advice...

Cheers,

Vin.

Is there any reason as to why when I booted from the SSD externally connected, the OS didn't auto convert at that time? What is the key difference in having the SSD drive internal versus externally connected - I would have thought it would behave in the same way correct...?

Cheers,

Vin.

Sorry, not trying to be resistant but looking to understand why it would behave differently with the drive being internal versus external, which I have not really had a clear explanation on. Not to mention, the 2nd level Apple tech did not advise doing it this way either, which is why I guess I have been a little resistant.

Thanks and will try your method as soon as I get some more time as I have been busy with family all day...

Thanks everyone for the feedback and support. Am now running my Crucial SSD in my Mac-Mini and all seems to be good. I had to force the TRIM command as this was not enabled by default, but that is now set and I should be running in optimal mode together with the APFS file system.

Only annoying thing, is that the Mac-Mini takes almost a good minute before the Apple logo appears at boot time, but I have managed to isolate this to my attached Drobo drive - so I just need to ensure its powered off before I boot - however, I can live with it as at least once I am booted, things are running nice and quick - especially after upgrading to Mojave.

Cheers,

Vin.