SSD replacing HD in Mac Mini 2011

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Nick W Author

Level 1

28 points

SSD replacing HD in Mac Mini 2011

so I'm going to do this - Mac Mini 2011, current HD 500Gb I'm going to replace with Samsung 512Gb 850 Pro SSD.

i have time machine backups of current Mini HD. I have various options to do the install but whats the best/easiest.

1. clone the current drive

2. fresh install of El Cap from internet install then restore original system from time machine

i have a thunderbolt external HD for the time machine if that adds to the mix with lots of space for cloning , etc.

any advice on the chosen SSD vs the Evo or Crucial/Sandisk would be welcome - is the difference worth the extra £££?

ps wish to install bootcamp on the new SSD for my sons gaming, best option or install to the thunderbolt?

many thanks

Mac mini, OS X El Capitan (10.11.4), thunderbolt external HD

Posted on May 18, 2016 3:06 AM

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Answer 1

May 18, 2016 4:27 AM in response to Nick W

Cloning is faster, but you can build new and restore from Time Machine.

I generally clone as my preference.

Any SSD using 6.0 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA) will be sufficient. Some people have preference, I don't. They are normally priced based on Read/Write speeds, so if that is important to you, then research which will be the best for your situation.

I don't use bootcamp, but I think it will only allow you to partition the internal drive for install, but others here can probably clarify that for you.

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Answer 2

lllaass

Level 10

210,519 points

May 18, 2016 6:51 AM in response to Nick W

- Some users have reported problems with EVO SSDs on Macs.

You have to initially install Boot Camp/Windows on an internal drive since you can't select an external drive. One installed, Boot Camp/Windows can be moved to an external disk.

With a 500 GB boot drive I see no reason to have it on an external drive.

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