Can I replace a 1T hard drive in a Late 2012 mac mini with a 512 SSD

The answer is yes. For the benefit of others this Mac mini will have long run out of warranty cover even if it had AppleCare so there is also no warranty issue to worry about.

See this for instructions - https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac+Mini+Late+2012+Hard+Drive+Replacement/11716

You will need to buy a SATA type SSD drive e.g. http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/minisite/SSD/global/html/ss d850evo/overview.html

If you want you can retain the 1 TB HD and install the SSD using a kit like:

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DIYIMM11D2/

Some users who tried that has problems with booting from the new SSD if the SSD was installed in the normally empty upper bay. The solution is to move the HD to the upper bay and install the SSD in the lower bay. The lower bay is the location nearest the bottom round cover

You should not be too concerned with an existing warranty - you may have AppleCare

as my Late 2012 i7 Mac Mini has coverage still; w/ two internal 1-TB 5400-RPM HDD.

Unless you break something, even so you may have to pay Apple to fix the broken part

so you'd still have a remaining coverage in place; if you run amok with the kit...

• OWC Support install videos:

http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/

It is suggested to read their pdf and view their video in regard to the OWC instructions.

Also note the user reviews and comments at macsales OWC doubler product page.

• Data Doubler for Mac mini (2011-2012) Installation Guide OWC (8.8 MB)

this from http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DIYIMM11D2 item above.

{The Late 2012 Mini models were sold by Apple even after a new replacement in Oct 2014

was available. -- With AppleCare you still may have coverage past the 1st year; mine does.}

There are a few options in how to install a second drive, so to read and consider them

before taking apart a Mini, is always advised. Or send it away & have them do upgrade.

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

Yes, but only after carefully studying the DIY guides to make sure that you posses both the skill and tools.

I second lllaass's recommendation and used the DataDoubler kit in my 2012 Mac Mini for several reasons.

1. It gives you a dual boot system and/or a large storage drive for your iTunes, Photo and movie Libraries.

2. Logic say's that it is best to install the SSD under the HDD, so that the SSD is less effected by heat from the HDD.

3. It is very fast at everything from starting up, to accessing data on the HDDlike your library files.

FWIW I know most folks will recommend other SSD brands, but I have been using a 240GB PNY SSD for almost 2 years and have not had a single problem.

MSDerr wrote:

I have the original 1T 540 rpm physical drive in the late 2012 Mac Mini. Can I easily replace that drive with a new SSD?

Yes, you can. You should study some of the links provided by others from iFixit.com and Macsales.com regarding the tools required and the steps you need to take to get to your 1TB drive to remove it and replace it with your SSD. There are a lot of parts that might have to be removed to get to your 1TB if it is in the UPPER bay. If it's in the LOWER bay (closest to the round cover), you still have parts to remove, but not as many. The video guides should show you everything you need to know.