2010 Mac Mini Second HDD

Hi, i know in the new 2011 Mac Mini you can fit 2 Small HDD in can you do the same with the mid 2010 model

Yes. This store sells that capability with their Optibay. Be sure to select the "To be installed into*:" for the correct model. If you desire to have an optical drive with that machine, it will have to be external.

Similar Messages

A1283 Mac Mini second HDD performance poor?

Hi,
I'm using a A1283 Mac Mini (the last type before the unibody model) to play audio in a theatre show. I've replaced the internal optical drive with a 500GB 7200RPM SATA drive on which all the audio files are located. I'm hearing audio breakup which suggests that audio is not being provided from disk fast enough, although there are no console errors to suggest problems. At most of there are around 14 stereo audio files (24bit, 44.1k) in use; not a particularly heavy load.
Is there a difference in performance between the 'upper' (ex-optical drive bay) and 'lower' (factory HDD) drive bays in the Mac Mini? Do I need to make any OS changes to make full performance use of the second HDD?
Some additional details: 8GB RAM, OS X 10.6.2. The audio app is QLab v2.3.5, and audio is routed through an RME FireFace800 (firmware v2.77) using v2.9.3 driver.
Many thanks,
Matt

Hi dschnepp,
Thanks for the pointer. I looked at the negotiated link speed on System Profiler. However even allowing for slow interface speeds I'm still confused:
SATA I rates at 1.5Gbit/s, which is (very) roughly 187MByte/s transfer rate. I'm playing a maximum of 14 audio files which are all stereo 24bit 44.1k. I calculate that to need about 3.7MByte/s transfer, ie a factor of 50 less than SATA I's transfer rate!
Matt

Mac mini second hdd question

I want to add a second hdd in my 2012 Mac mini and use it as my primary system hdd. I want to keep the current drive in it and use it as additional storage. Can I install the new drive and restore from TM to the new drive and then reformat old hdd after the restore? That would mean I would have two identical drives both with OSX installed at one point. Does anyone know if that will work? Is there another step I should do? Or is it not possible at all. Trying to open up the Mac only once.
Thanks! Any help is appreciated.

So install the new drive, clone the old drive to the new drive, restart and boot from new drive, the reformat old drive. Correct? I don't know how to boot from a specific drive but I'm sure I can figure it out. Then it will always boot from that drive?
Thanks for the response!

Can I replace the optical drive on a 2010 mac mini with a second hard drive?

i was just wandering how easy it would be (if at all) to replace the optical drive on my 2010 Mac Mini with a second hard drive
we use it as a media server only, and the DVD is almost never used

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/drive_bracket/datadoubler/

2010 mac mini - monitor goes dark every few sec's problems since Mavericks Install

My Wife updated her 2010 Mac mini from Mountain Lion to Mavericks and ever since, after start, up the display intermittently flashes a dark screen, every few seconds. (within 3-10 seconds or so, there will be another period of dark screen, that may last aprox. 1- 6 seconds. The timing of this changes constantly. The finder and all apps I have seen are affected in the same way. it seems to be an all-the-time problem
the monitor is an OptiQuest Q9, and the system connects via an Apple mini display to VGA adapter (supplied with the mac mini) , then a vga cord into the monitor, which has a native resolution of 1280 x 1024.
The only workaround we have found is to boot the mac with the monitor cable disconnected, then reconnect the monitor cable after boot up is complete. In that case, the monitor does not flash, until the mac is shutdown or restarted again.
Steps I have already tried:
Zapped P-Ram
Reset SMC (shutdown, waited with power unplugged, then reattached power and rebootted
Repaired disk permissions,
repaired disk
re-download and reinstalled mavericks fresh.
changed display prefs for resolution, detected displays, etc.
Changed background picture.
I don't know where to go with this anymore, and it has already taken a lot of time.
Who's got a Fix?    And if there is no fix, how do I revert from Mavericks to Mountain Lion?   The mac mini came with Snow Leopoard.

Problem Fixed!
I found another page that referred to resetting the PMU (http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2183) , which controls things like wake and sleep:
"If the settings in the PMU become corrupted, it can result in operational anomalies such as your computer not turning on, not displaying video, or not waking from sleep, among other things. In these situations, you may need to reset your computer's PMU."
Anyway, it is pracitcally the same proceedure as resetting the SMC (SMC reset= Shut down, disconnect power cord for 10 seconds, reconnect power cord, wait 5 more seconds, turn computer back on)
but it is slightly different:   (PMU REST = Shut computer down, disconnect power cord for 10+ seconds, reconnect power cord WHILE SIMULTANEOOUSLY PRESSING POWER BUTTON, let off power button for a few seconds, then press power button again to restart the mac mini.)
After this the display problem was fixed, but the fan ran at high speed, so I did one more SMC reset as described above. Now everything is in order.   This also fixed the issue of the mac mini not waking from sleep unless the power/sleep button on the mini was pressed (it wasn't responding to the keyboard to awaken). Now it's all good.
Hope this helps somebody else...

Have downloaded Mountain Lion on my 2010 Mac Mini. Now when starting up, after a while I get a message that says, "You must restart your computer." I do that but get the same message again and again. Any ideas? Thanks!

I am having issues trying to start up with Mountain Lion on my 2010 Mac Mini. Here's the scenario:
1) After starting up, I get the usual gray screen with Apple logo.
2) After a few minutes, a darker gray screen scrolls down and in the middle of this is a black dialogue box with reversed (white) text. This text, in multiple languages, reads: "You need to restart your computer." Then it goes on to instruct on how to shut it down and restart it.
3) I follow this instruction, but get the same dialogue box over and over agin.
Any ideas?
Thanks and best wishes.

If you can't boot in the usual way, try a safe boot. The instructions provided by Apple are as follows:
Shut down your computer, wait 30 seconds, and then hold down the shift key while pressing the power button.
When you see the gray Apple logo, release the shift key.
If you are prompted to log in, type your password, and then hold down the shift key again as you click Log in.
During startup, you’ll see a progress bar, and then the login screen, which appears even if you normally log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin. Safe mode is slower than normal, and some things won’t work at all. Note: If FileVault is enabled under OS X 10.7 or later, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is on a software RAID, you can’t boot in safe mode. If you're able to boot, launch the Console application in any of the following ways: ☞ Enter the first few letters of its name into a Spotlight search. Select it in the results (it should be at the top.) ☞ In the Finder, select Go ▹ Utilities from the menu bar, or press the key combination shift-command-U. The application is in the folder that opens. ☞ Open LaunchPad. Click Utilities, then Console in the icon grid. Select the most recent panic log under System Diagnostic Reports. Post the entire contents — the text, please, not a screenshot. In the interest of privacy, I suggest you edit out the “Anonymous UUID,” a long string of letters, numbers, and dashes in the header and body of the report, if it’s present (it may not be.) Please don't post shutdownStall, spin, or hang reports.

2010 Mac Mini OS 10.10.1 screen is stretched out

Hi,
I have a 2010 Mac Mini that I use at work and I also use a second monitor via an adapter through USB. The setup worked until I installed Yosemite (10.10.1) on Friday.
When I go to Settings / Displays I don't get all the resolution options I had before (for my main monitor, 20", res. 1680 x 1050) and my secondary monitor isn't recognized at all (as if it wasn't even connected).
This is my main monitor: http://www.pcworld.com/product/1417007/lg-l203wt-widescreen-lcd-monitor.html
I've tried resetting the PRAM but that didn't work. I'm a designer and I can't work with my screen stretched out.
Can anyone let me know if there is a way to fix this???
Thanks in advance!

Look for update software for the USB video adopter.
The 2010 mini has an HDMI video adopter and came with a HDMI to DVI adopter, It also has a mini displayport video output. You can get an adopter to connect HDMI, DVI and VGA,
Mini DisplayPort with support for up to 2560-by-1600 resolution
HDMI port with support for up to 1920-by-1200 resolution
DVI output using HDMI to DVI Adapter (included)
VGA output using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter (sold separately)
Support for extended desktop and video mirroring across both ports

Upgrade a mid 2010 Mac Mini or buy a new one?

I have a mid 2010 Mac Mini with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2 GB SDRAM DDR3, and a 320 GB HDD. I use it primarily as a way to watch movies, TV, and internet videos on my TV. However, lately it has become excruciatingly slow with choppy video playback. I realize upgrading the RAM and/or the HDD to a SSD would offer an improvement. But my question is, would it be better to upgrade a computer that's getting close to 5 years old now, or buy a new Mac Mini, despite the complaints I've heard about the inability to upgrade RAM and/or hard drive.
Thanks

For your use going to the max of 8 GB of memory and an SSD will be fine.

Audio output using HDMI in 2010 mac mini cuts out. Anyone know of fixes?

I have a 2010 mac mini that I hook up with my Samsung C6300 LED tv using an HDMI monster cable. I have never had any issues withn this setup prior to the new Lion software installed and ever since then the audio will cut out for a split second every minute or so (very annoying). I listen to my music library and watch movies through itunes and vlc and I experience this problem with all these tasks. I also have a MacBook Pro (early 2011) that i experience no such issue with while performing the same tasks. Is anyone else having such issues or know of a fix. All my software is up to date so I know that is not the problem. Any help would be much appreciated.
Sincerely
jortiz0221

Lion has created numerous issues for 2010 MacMinis for
lots of folks. However, it seems there is not a "one shot"
fix for everyone.
For instance, I have no issues playing music from iTunes
on my Mini, but iTunes movies stutter some times to the
point of being unwatchable. Yet, other software, PLEX and
XBMC for instance, have no similar issues for me. But there
are others that are seeing the complete opposite from my
experiences. Basically, I think Lion has too many "loose ends"
that are causing such a wide variety and unpredictability in
its operation.
As for VLC, gave up on that long ago as it seemed to flakey
to me and never could get it to work consistantly.

Audio issues on Mid-2010 Mac mini upgraded to Lion

I'm using a Mid-2010 Mac mini that came with Snow Leopard but I recently upgraded it to Lion. Every app works pretty well except for audio playback. Whenever I play a game or play a movie, audio stutters every 8 to 10 seconds for like a sec and it comes back in. Video keeps playing fine. It's pretty annoying since I can't properly play games or watch movies anymore. The rest of my apps are working very well except for Boxer which seems to have taken a performance hit.
Currently, the hardware hasn't been upgraded in any other way - meaning it still has the original 2 GB RAM memory. It's connected to my HDTV via HDMI. It didn't manifest this issue until the upgrade to Lion.
I've tried closing every app but it doesn't seem to help. Hope you can help me out. Thanks!!

You need a newer model Mac to use AirDrop between an iOS device (e.g. iPad) and a Mac
System Requirements
To see if your Mac works with AirDrop, make sure you’re in the Finder by clicking the desktop (the background area of your screen), or by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock. Then, check to see if AirDrop is listed as an option in the Go menu. If you don't see AirDrop listed, your Mac doesn't support this feature.
In order to transfer files between a Mac and and an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch
your iOS device needs to include a lightning connector
your iOS device needs iOS 7 or later installed
your Mac needs to be a 2012 or later model with OS X Yosemite installed
Your Mac and iOS device both need bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on. You do not have to be connected to a specific Wi-Fi network.
To transfer files between two Mac computers, you need the Mac models listed below with Wi-Fi turned on and OS X Lion or later installed.
MacBook Pro (Late 2008 or newer)*
MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
MacBook (Late 2008 or newer)*
iMac (Early 2009 or newer)
Mac Mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
Mac Pro (Early 2009 with AirPort Extreme card, or Mid 2010)
Mac Basics: AirDrop lets you send files from your Mac to nearby Macs and iOS devices - Apple Support

Replace mid 2010 mac mini hard drive(s) and thermal sensor(s)

TL;DR: How do I swap SSd for HDD in Mid 2010 Mac Mini without Fan problems.
I'd like to replace both my Mac Mini HDD's with SSD's, but removing/repositioning* the factory thermal sensors will default the fan to full throttle! (I've had this happen on my other mid 2010 test machine). Has anyone successfully swapped out their drives and not had to deal with a system fan on Afterburner mode?
Note: on my test mac mini, I tried SMC fan control as well as SSD Fan Control apps and neither is able to change the fan RPM.
SMC Fan control (this is what I use on my macbook)
https://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/23049/smcfancontrol
SSD Fan Control: (suggested by others with similar thermal sensor/fan problems)
http://exirion.net/ssdfanctrl
* the position of the thermal sensors on the factory hitachi's is apparently important. In a test, I moved one a few millimeters and the fans defaulted to full speed.
Cheers!
Ken

I replace the HD on my 2009 Mini with no fan problems.
From your description I think yo have either a sensor or logic board problem. If the sensor was not attached to the HD and was "cold" then the fan speed would not increase if the HD got hot.
When you played around with sensor position what what the temperature of the sensor when you go the "right" fan speed and the runaway speed.

Mid-2010 Mac Mini, dead optical drive: Are any slim Firewire DVD burners compatible?

The optical drive on my Mac Mini seems to have died prematurely, as the OEM drives are known to do. Estimated cost of replacing the internal component: $170. And it would be the exact same model Apple optical drive, not a more robust one.
Now very reluctantly thinking of adding yet another peripheral. USB ports are pretty well filled but I don't use the Firewire port for anything.
Trouble is, since Apple discontinued Firewire, the manufacturers of Mac-compatible optical drives aren't making Firewire models any more.
There are a few recent Firewire DVD burners from PC peripheral manufacturers, such as Acer, Aopen, Dell, Pioneer, Sony (Amazon reviews say it's restricted to burning Sony media) in a small "slim" form factor.
Anyone have information about their compatibility with Firewire 800 on mid-2010 Mac mini, Mac OS 10.10.1 Yosemite?

There are some steps involved which may translate to tedium,
as noted in the repair guide for the Mid 2010 Mini from iFixit.
•Mac Mini - Mid 2010 Repair Guide - iFixit:
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Mac_Mini_Mid_2010
At about Step 25, of an overall rated Difficult process, you can
see the Optical Drive, and likely be at a point to install replace-
ment, then reverse the process; paying heed to advice given.
•Mac Mini - Model A1347 - Optical Drive Replacement - iFixit:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac+mini+Model+A1347+Optical+Drive+Replacement/3167
At least you can get into this computer. Be sure to have a spare
optical drive cable and other possible items that may get broken
in the process. Oh there also is a PRAM battery in this computer
that may or may not need replacement while it is open...
If at one point, if several parts were to be replaced at one time, a
visit to a service technician becomes very cost effective. Find one
that will install the parts you may get from third-party sources. If
you know someone at a college computer lab, they may be able
to perform the swap, test their work, and be done, in short order.
Or, chose to use an external inexpensive 'superdrive' equivalent.
I'd heard the LG brand was among some that work, and can also
be used to boot the computer from System DVD or utility discs...
It is a USB drive, can burn DVD/CD media, and is not costly.
The ability to swap out the defective optical drive, and replace it
with an SSD or second storage drive, may be a way to go; but
it also would be at least as tedious as optical drive replacement.
This may add value to the device, in a resale situation later.
That would use the 'drive doubler' idea referred to at macsales.
In the above main guide, is a primer on how to swap out the optical
drive and replace it with a second hard disk drive or solid state drive.
Similar to what the OWC site says, but they have a good kit, too.
Good luck & happy computing!

I have a 2010 mac mini referbished and i dont see the Disk Utilitiy in the Utilities on the install disk. Is that because it is refurbished?

I have a 2010 mac mini referbished and i dont see the Disk Utilitiy in the Utilities on the install disk. Is that because it is refurbished?

The software that comes with your refurbished Mini should be identical to that which comes with a new Mini. Disk Utility should be in Applications > Utilities. Alternatively, choosing Utilities from the Go menu at the top of the finder windownwill take you directly to the Utilities folder.

Trying to connect 2010 Mac mini to alba hd tv but can't get it to work, any theories?

Trying to connect 2010 Mac mini to alba hd tv but can't get it to work, any theories?

Welcome to the Apple Community.
The iPad 1 is only able to do basic AirPlay, many providers of programming have blocked their apps from working with AirPlay.

Install Windows 7 on a Mid 2010 Mac mini using USB or SD media?

Is is possible to install Windows 7 on a Mid 2010 Mac mini using USB or SD media? I have not figured this out. Here's what I have observed:
I can install OS X Lion using USB or SD media. Both are detected in the boot menu, and will boot.
An SD card with Windows 7 installation files formatted MBR/FAT32 using diskpart appears (with an SD card icon) in the boot menu but when selected as a boot device, the boot fails and the existing OS X instance on the Macintosh HD starts. A USB stick formatted as described does not appear in th boot menu at all.
An SD card or a USB stick formatted as described will boot on a Mid 2011 MacBook Air, and can be used to install Windows 7.
Is this due to EFI differences between a Mid 2010 Mac mini and a Mid 2011 MacBook Air?
Thanks.

The Mac Mini Mid 2010 has a DVD player built in, you can startup and install from a Windows 7 DVD. The Mac Mini Mid 2011 does not have a DVD player built in. I am happy that in new computers I can make use of an USB-stick to install Windows 7. Windows 7 uses MBR and Mac OS X uses EFI and that is why it was not possible on a Mac Mini Mid 2010. I think the EFI on a Mac Mini Mid 2011 is different.
I should like a firmware update on my Mac Mini Mid 2010 if possible. In that case I could choose between DVD or USB stick if I want to install Windows 7.
I also have a FireWire CF Card Reader. I think it is not possible to install Windows 7 via FireWire too.
I do have an external USB HD with 2 partitions: Mac OS X 10.6.8 and Windows 7, but is is not possible to start up Windows 7 from the external HD. It is possible to start up Mac OS X 10.6.8 from the external HD on a Mac Mini Mid 2010.

2010 Mac Mini Second HDD

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