How do I install SSD in Mac Mini? (2010 - A1347)

Hi,

I just bought a Mac Mini off ebay it was upgraded to 8 GB DDR3 but is still a little sluggish. It was suggested to me to install a SSD. I have a few questions if you could answer:

1. When I shop for a SSD how do I know it is compatible? (A1347)

2. Am I going to be able to run the SSD as my main HD and keep the SATA for extra storage or will I need to remove the SATA?

3. I did not get an OS disc since I bought a refurbished unit, how am I going to be able to move my files/os to the new HD? Can I create an image from my existing install or would I be forced to buy the OS? (forgive my ignorance, long time iOS user and used some macs in school but first ever mac I've owned)

Mac mini, macOS High Sierra (10.13.3), 320 GB HDD, 8 GB DDR3 (upgraded)

Posted on Feb 22, 2018 4:58 AM

Top-ranking reply

den.thed

Level 10

93,734 points

Posted on Feb 22, 2018 11:41 AM

In addition to the great how-to guides that Rudegar has posted.

1. The 2010 Mac Mini has a SATA ll G3 controller, so you will need to make sure that whatever drive you select (SSD or HDD) is compatible or backwards compatible to SATA ll 3G.

2. Not without using a data doubler cable kit and removing the SuperDrive.

see > OWC Data Doubler Optical Bay Hard Drive/SSD... at MacSales.com

3. You can clone or restore the current data on the HDD to the SSD. But you should really have an external 2.5" enclosure, so that you can that first format the new SSD, then clone or restore and test the SSD before installing it into the Mac Mini.

FWIW my wife and grandkids use our 2010 Mac Mini everyday. It has an SSD, 8GB of RAM, runs High Sierra and I'm still amazes me how much faster and better it runs than when it was new.

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How do I install SSD in Mac Mini? (2010 - A1347)

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