Mac Mini 2014 SSD Upgrade Query

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Mac Mini 2014 SSD Upgrade Query

I have just picked up my son a Mac Mini late 2014 Mac mini (Late 2014) Processor 1.4 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 Memory 4 GB

500Gb hard drive. It’s running slowly performing most simple tasks.

I have seen a few videos with inside taken out and ssd replaced inside, I wouldn’t trust myself doing that, would I be able to simply plug in an External SSD Drive into the back of the mini and run the OS from that?

if so what is the process involved please and would anyone recommend an SSD to enable an enhanced performance with MacOS Monterey which has just updated on it.

Any Advice would be much appreciated.

thanks

Paul

Posted on Sep 26, 2022 12:40 PM

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Answer 1

Browner_75 Author

Level 1

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Sep 27, 2022 8:32 AM in response to den.thed

All Noted. With a Budget unfortunately in mind...returned the above...and bought the following...

Apple Mac Mini 6,1/i5-3210M/16GB Ram/256GB SSD/A

Please tell me I will see a vast improvement...in speed opening apps etc

Thank you

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

93,430 points

Sep 27, 2022 8:49 AM in response to Browner_75

That is two small steps forward and one giant step back.

While the 2012 Mac mini with an SSD and 16GB of RAM will run circles around the base model 2014 Mac Mini. The macOS can not be upgraded past 10.15 Catalina, which is going to limit it's usefulness when it comes to running newer software.

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Answer 3

Browner_75 Author

Level 1

5 points

Sep 27, 2022 9:57 AM in response to Browner_75

Hopefully, as he really only requires it for browsing safari, watching videos, submitting homework via google classroom, he’s 11 y/o…so as long as Catalina can offer that he should be happy. Would you think it will safely offer those smoothly and fast.

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Answer 4

den.thed

Level 10

93,430 points

Sep 26, 2022 5:29 PM in response to Browner_75

Don’t take this the wrong way, but the base model 2014 Mac mini is a bad choice for anyone doing anything more than running light App’s, web surfing and playing music.

While an SSD upgrade or one hanging from a USB cable would help speed things up. It does not totally solve all of the issues for a user that needs to expand out and run more demanding App’s.

If it is not too late, my best advice is to return the 2014 Mac mini and invest in something like a refurbished 2018 or a 2020 Mac mini with better spec’s.

https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/mac/mac-mini

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Mac Mini 2014 SSD Upgrade Query

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