I have a Mac Mini that has a Fusion drive. I would like to convert this Fusion Drive to two separate Hard Drives, each with one terabytes. Is this possible? If so, how do I go about doing this?
Mac mini, macOS High Sierra (10.13.2)
I WOULD ASSUME your Mini is 2014 Model (unless DIY Fusion drive).
If your Mini is 2014, then the PCI-e SSD is 128GB and HDD is 1T.
You might have to search on the web to find the compatible PCI-e 1T (OWC might be a good place to go to).
There will involve some tear down and secure T screw driver (check ifixit it for the needed tools -- again, my assumption of 2014 model).
Make sure back up (via Time Machine).
Try to make a USB boot drive of your desired OS (take extra time, but way worth it).
Because when you change the original drives, the original Fusion might not be function (that is why the bootable USB drive comes in handy).
You can partition the new SSD (I would think you will use the SSD for the boot drive) and install the OS.
After restoration, you might want to erase the HDD for data storage, or whatever you want.
FYI - 1T PCI-e SSD for 2014 Mini can be pricey.
You're welcome!
In that case, then I would encourage you to stick with the SSD and increase the HDD to 2 or 3T.
for a couple of example's
Seagate ST2000LM007 2.0TB Mobile 2.5-inch 7mm SATA... at MacSales.com
Toshiba MQ03ABB300 3.0TB 2.5-inch 15.0mm SATA... at MacSales.com
Thank you. No, my Mac Mini is a Late 2012 model.
Again, thank you. I am more interested in disk capacity than I am with processing speed, so two hard drives will satisfy my requirement.
Correction, that Toshiba 3T is thicker (15mm) and may not fit into the Mac Mini.
The Fusion setup in a Late 2012 Mac Mini is a 128GB 2.5" SSD and a 1T 2.5" HDD. So if you do decide to split the Fusion setup, you will end up with a 128GB SSD and a 1T HDD.
Always be sure you have a good backup before splitting, working on or installing any new drives.
To split the Fusion setup, see > https://www.macworld.com/article/2015664/storage-flash/how-to-split-up-a-fusion- drive.html
YES' you could pull out the SSD and install a 1T 2.5"HDD in it's place or install 2 new 1T 2.5" HDDs. However your Mac Mini will be much slower with dual HDDs, than it is now with the Fusion setup.
Personally I would not go backwards to dual HDDs. If anything I would replace the smaller SSD with a larger SSD, run from the SSD, then use the HDD for backup or media storage.
Convert Mac Mini Fusion drive to two separate Hard Drives.
