iMac using Mac Mini for storage
Can I use my very old Mac mini as external storage for my new iMac?
iMac 24″, macOS 13.0
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Can I use my very old Mac mini as external storage for my new iMac?
iMac 24″, macOS 13.0
Target Disk Mode used to be a good way of getting files off an old Mac's internal drive. (I wouldn't recommend using an old Mac in place of a new external drive.)
But now, if either computer has Big Sur or later installed, TDM only works with a Thunderbolt connection – and that would rule out a connection to some old Macs, while requiring a $50 adapter + $30 TB 1/2 cable in order to make the connection to others.
Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode - Apple Support
So even for data transfers, it may be better to clone the old Mac's drive to an external USB drive and then move that external USB drive to the new machine.
Target Disk Mode used to be a good way of getting files off an old Mac's internal drive. (I wouldn't recommend using an old Mac in place of a new external drive.)
But now, if either computer has Big Sur or later installed, TDM only works with a Thunderbolt connection – and that would rule out a connection to some old Macs, while requiring a $50 adapter + $30 TB 1/2 cable in order to make the connection to others.
Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode - Apple Support
So even for data transfers, it may be better to clone the old Mac's drive to an external USB drive and then move that external USB drive to the new machine.
+1 While some year models (2010-2012) with an HDD to SSD upgrade, make decent media servers. Using the Mac mini it is not practical or efficient, as just using a regular external drive with the new iMac.
Thanks! I was really just wanting the ability to access files on the old mac mini without having to migrate them to the new iMac. Wouldn’t have enough room to do that anyway. Guess I was misinformed at the Apple store.
Save your self the hassles and power and just get an external drive.
..and Thanks for the link!
iMac using Mac Mini for storage