Before that, however, we shut down the Mac mini, unplug the power plug and other cables and place the Mac Mini on a soft surface (e.g. Once all the backups have been completed, we can proceed with the next step. In the last step, the data and settings are now restored from the TimeMachine backup.Just follow the instructions on the screen. After that OS X can be installed on the new SSD. Before reinstalling, format the SSD using the disk utility (as “ Mac OS Extendet Journaled“).You will now be asked from which medium to boot.Then, press and hold the ALT key to turn on the Mac Mini. After the SSD is installed, plug in the USB stick.Now the new SSD must be installed in the Mac Mini (see installation for instructions).Create bootable OSX-Recoverystick ( instruction).Create a backup with TimeMachine before a modification for the later data restore.Option 2: Reinstall OS X and restore the backup Then Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper! can be used to create a fully bootable 1:1 copy of the hard disk on the SSD (this process can take several hours).The new SSD must now be formatted for the first time using the hard disk utility (as” Mac OS Extended Journaled“).Connect the SSD to the Mac Mini via USB (e.g.Before making a backup using a TimeMachine, a backup is always available in an emergency.The data and settings should of course be saved. For this reason I have only compiled high-quality and fast SSDs, which I could test personally in my professional everyday life and therefore can recommend best conscience.īefore the built-in hard disk of Mac mini can be replaced by an SSD, we have to think about the available data and the operating system. There are many different solid-state drives (SSDs) on the market, but some of them differ considerably in speed and durability.

Option 2: Reinstall OS X and restore the backupĬompatible SSDs – Mac mini (2014 – 2017).It is only important to take your time for the installation and to proceed carefully. However, screwdrivers are now available everywhere and thanks to detailed video instructions, the conversion can be carried out by anyone who does not have two left hands. Unfortunately, Apple has left no room for a second 2.5-inch drive in Mac mini (built in 2014) and protects the contents with TR security screws with a security pin. Therefore, data can be accessed almost without delay. In contrast to a conventional hard disk, an SSD (solid-state drive) does not have magnetic disks with a mechanical read head, but stores the data on chips. If you have a current Mac mini without Fusion Drive, at home, the lame hard drive should be replaced by an SSD. Apple has been using slow hard drives in Mac mini for years, so replacing them with an SSD is very worthwhile.

Mini mac hard drive replacement