SSD upgrade Mac Mini 5,2. Preparation of SSD prior to installation

Mac Mini 5,2
i7, 2.7 Ghz
8 Gb RAM 1333
Mac OS X
HDD failure requiring replacement.
I am experiencing an HDD failure, I have decided to replace the traditional HDD with a SSD.  I am comfortable with the process of replacing the drive itself, but I would like to know what the appropriate steps are to preapre the SSD prior to installation.
I have regular TM backups. 
Question is:  What is the most efficient process to get my machine back up and running? 
Is there a need to install Mac OS X on the SSD prior to replacement, or can this be done after the replacement is complete?
Thank you for your help, in advance.
WG

Before you install the SSD, check the vendor’s process for firmware updates. Does the vendor only provide a Windows firmware updater, or additionally, a downloadable Linux .iso that permits firmware updates on OS X?
Is the firmware update process itself data destructive. Even if it is claimed otherwise, a solid backup or two (clone of your drive) are good safety precautions. If your SSD is a couple of firmware updates behind, you may find a dual-step firmware update process where the first step is destructive, and the second is not.
Last summer, before I installed my OCZ Vertex 4 in my mini, I realized that the firmware update process was two-phase as described above. I had a PC tower next to my desk. The side panel came off and a length of SATA cable connected to the SSD. Ran the firmware updater on Windows. I have since acquired an external USB-SATA drive cradle. OCZ does have a more modern OS X firmware update solution now.
I clean installed OS X onto the SSD from a USB stick after the mini drive surgery. Works perfectly.

Similar Messages

  • How to upgrade Mac mini server Snow Leopard to Mountain Lion

    Trying to upgrade Mac mini server running Snow Leopard to Mountain Lion. I downloaded Mountain Lion and about to install but a warning prompt tells me server functionality will be lost until server.app is applied. What is involved in doing that?

    What's involved?  Buy and load OS X Server; that's now a Mac App Store app.
    That'll get you Server.app.
    Server.app is the GUI tool that is used to manage recent versions of OS X Server, along with (increasingly) the command line management of the features that are not exposed through the Server.app tool.

  • SSD Upgrade Mac Mini (Late 2012)

    I have a Mac Mini (Late 2012) quad i7, 16gb ram, and 1tb HD. I would like to upgrade to an SSD, I currently have a 500GB Samsung Evo ready to install, but read that if you install a third party SSD, Yosemite does not boot. I got the 1TB hard drive replaced yesterday (1/5/15) due to a crash and do not want to suffer from another failure.
    Should I purchase an OEM Apple SSD - found some on eBay 128gb Toshiba for $57-$70/ 256gb Toshiba $240
    reference link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/APPLE-MACBOOK-PRO-13-15-17-OEM-256GB-SSD-SOLID-STATE-LAP TOP-HARD-DRIVE-2-5-/111564891006?pt=US_Solid_State_Drives&hash=item19f9c9237e
    I know with kext signing and TRIM, other SSD's would not be compatible.
    Thanks,
    Kevin

    First of all, Apple knows what was originally in your Mini and if it wasn't an SSD, I doubt they'd cover it, so if replacing the factory HD with anything voids your warranty, that would too. Moreover, it is being sold with an operating system on it which may be in violation of Apple's EULA. On the other hand, depending on which Samsung EVO you have, you probably should read this and this before you decide.

  • Upgrade Mac Mini 2010 to SSD, have you tried this?

    Hi all, and this is my first discussion thread.
    I'm currently running my Mac Mini 2010 with a SATA Male to Female cable and ext. SATA power on a WD VelociRaptor 150GB.
    The solution isn't really elegant i feel and it generates alot of heat from the drive and some extra noise when loading heavy applications eg. parallels desktop.
    I've even up the ram to the max 8GB as well and everything seems zippy so far.
    Earlier there are alot of talk about SSDs requiring TRIM on the operating system and as what we know Mac OS X Leopard
    does not have integrated TRIM support.
    So i'm basically looking at SSD candidates that will:
    - run the power provided by the Mac Mini's (5V) integrated PSU
    - don't require TRIM support to manage garbage collection on the hardware level.
    So far, i've only 2 candidates:
    - Crucial RealSSD
    - Kingston V100+
    Which one will you shell out for and why?
    Additional question:
    - If i remove the superdrive on my mac mini, can i get a external USB superdrive? is there such a thing at all?

    theres no reason why it should not work, plug in the HDMI cable, select the Source input on LCD(HDMI 1/2), if still no picture on the Mini open System Pref>Display : Resolution> it should show 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p and other lower resolutions, just select 1080p and to your right select 60hz. Hope this helps.

  • Upgrading Mac Mini 2.1 (2007/08) from 1GB to 4GB RAM

    Just joined, this is my first question.
    Done plenty of reading on macupgrades; everymac; eshop.macsales; and macminiramupgrade..............so I know what I want to do and just want someone to confirm the right spec RAM if I give you a couple of part numbers of what I plan to purchase. Firstly:-
    I have done the checks and my Mac Mini is a 2.1, 2007/08, annoyingly bought just before the next generation came out in the spring of 2009. The model ref is A1176. It only has 1gb (2 x 512mbs) of RAM. The main objective is to take advantage of icloud now we have two other apple devices (iphone4s and Ipad2). So to get there I have to upgrade the operating system from Leopard to Snow Leopard (which needs 1gb of RAM) and then upgrade again to Lion (which critically needs 2gb of RAM). Fundamentally it is imperative I upgrade the RAM and if I am going to have a go at that I might as well go to the limit of what my Mac Mini can take and I believe it can take just over 3gbs according to what I have read. That means using a 4gb kit (2 x 2gbs).
    I have scrutinised the spec of the recommended RAM on macupgrades but that is with a view to only upgrading to 2gbs (2 x 1gb). They quote a Kingston 1GB DDR2 PC5300 SODIMM 200 PIN, unbuffered, non EEC etc. I cannot find any detail on the help websites that quote a 2x2gb upgrade (on my Mac Mini) although as I said I know it can be done even though you won't be able to use the whole 4gb.
    I have found 2GB RAM from safe manufacturers such as Crucial and Kingston which are exactly the same spec. Please can someone have a look at and say that will do it?
    Quick find code on Ebuyer.com for Kingston RAM is 121416..................just done it and it goes straight to the relevant page.
    Went to the Crucial.com website for their product, put in the code CT2KIT25664AC667 in the search field and went straight to the product.
    Always appreciate help from those in the know.
    Gary

    OWC is a US site which does ship overseas.  You could look at the Samsung 2GB memory they carry and see if you can get it locally. It's Samsung part number M470T2953CZ3-CE6. I've had good luck with Samsung memory in various mac systems.
    While you didn't ask this, you probably know that the benefit to using two 2GB memory (versus 2+1) is that the Intel architecture will run a little faster, around 3% to 5%+, since matched memory enables dual channel memory access. 
    See this article about installing Lion over Leopard. Snow Leopard is no longer available from Apple stores or Apple online. In the US, and I would assume other countries that have an Apple online store, you can call and order Snow Leopard off the legacy products list. Likewise, Lion is no longer available for download. However, you can contact the Apple online store and they can either sell you the USB stick with Lion on it, or, in the US I'm told they can sell you a code to download Lion online. That may require Snow Leopard if done through the App store.
    I'm bouncing around a little here, so bear with me. On your question of Lion running in 3GB, not knowing exactly what you're running, I really can't answer that. I can point out that some people have been OK with Lion in 2GB, however, as you've read, many others have required a memory upgrade to, typically, 4GB. Right now, the Lion system I'm on is an iMac that is only using 2.98GB in wired+active memory. Applications running are mail, Chrome browser, and activity monitor.
    You may want to post a discussion question in the Lion discussion area here on others 3GB (2x2GB memory cards) Lion experience on your 2007/2008 mini 2,1.   Or of course on the mini discussion here.
    If I've confused more than helped, I plead that it's been a long day! Any other questions, please let me know.

  • Upgrade mac mini to windows 8

    Hi,
    I am running windows 7 32bit on my 2010 mac mini, and wish to upgrade to windows 8.  So 2 questions:
    1.  I do NOT have OSX installed anywhere on this machine, so how can I get the latest bootcamp drivers for my machine?  Running bootcamp assistant is not an option, unless running it from my macbook air (2010) somehow would work.
    2.  Is there any way to upgrade from win 7 32bit to win 8 64bit?  Or do I have to do a fresh install?
    Thanks!

    How is whether or not win8 is 'supported' relevant?  I could be upgrading from winXP to Win7, the problem is the same. I can edit my question and remove 'win8' from it if this troubles you that win98 is not supported.  But it still doesnt change the question.  And I run win8 on two other macs.  It may be unsupported but it works great.
    I changed the drive out on this mini a long time ago, and just installed win7 directly.  So no OSX (as I said).  At that time, I was able to download bootcamp drivers from Apple directly- now it seems you need bootcamp assistant to get the latest drivers.
    Will Command + R allow me to download the bootcamp drivers (for win7 for example) for my hardware?  As I understand it that will allow me to use the OSX recovery tools- but as I said, I dont have OSX on this machine.
    So this response doesnt really help me with my question.

  • After 10.6.2 upgrade mac mini intermittent wifi

    Mac Mini I bought in aug was working perfectly until i upgraded to 10.6.2 after that I can see if connects to my airport but if does not get to the internet. When diagnostics come up it shows RED for internet and ISP and green for wifi and airport. All my other Macs (imac, macbook) work fine.
    help!

    I did have initial wifi connectivity problems immediately after installing Snow Leopard on my Mac Mini Core 2 Duo, but these were fixed by creating a "new" location. My wifi connection has been stable ever since using a Cisco Linksys router.
    However in an attempt to get a stronger wifi signal at my Mini I am trialling an Edimax wireless 802.11n Access Point set in "Universal Repeater" mode.
    The result of using this, which sits near the Mini in the same room, is a wifi signal strength of -39 dBm, whereas the signal strength from the upstairs Cisco router is only -67 dBm. The signal strength right beside the Edimax is a wonderful -17 dBm.

  • Adding RAM and making room/trying to upgrade Mac Mini

    I have a 2007 Mac Mini on Tiger and wanted to upgrade to Snow Leopard but even taking the machine down to base with erase and install, it still says the RAM is not enough. Where and how can RAM be added?

    your mini has 1GB of memory, with maximum 2GB. SL requires minimum 2GB ram.
    If you decide to add ram, use good reputation supplier like Crucial or OWC. Be sure to buy compatible ram.
    In OWC sites you find the way how to do it.

  • Upgraded mac mini to 2.33ghz duo core and 2gbram

    ok I made a mistake in my previous post. I upgraded my mac mini to 2.33ghz duo core and 2gb ram and still can't download and install my purchased copy of Lion, not mountain lion as I stated before, any how the specs saay I need a duo core cpu and 2 gb seems I am meeting the minimum requirements anyone know why I can't install it?

    See:
    http://osxdaily.com/2011/04/08/hack-mac-os-x-lion-for-core-duo-core-solo-mac/

  • Upgraded Mac Mini to 10.8.3 - now i get sound distortion

    I have a 2009 mac mini connected up to a theatre system and a big screen tv.
    Its been working fine, until I upgraded to 10.8.3 and now the sound is distorted. I've rebooted, killed coreaudiod, removed any extra plugins from /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins to no avail. Its still broken.
    Anyone got any ideas ?

    Please read this whole message before doing anything.
    This procedure is a diagnostic test. It won’t solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
    Third-party system modifications are a common cause of usability problems. By a “system modification,” I mean software that affects the operation of other software — potentially for the worse. The following procedure will help identify which such modifications you've installed. Don’t be alarmed by the complexity of these instructions — they’re easy to carry out and won’t change anything on your Mac. 
    These steps are to be taken while booted in “normal” mode, not in safe mode. If you’re now running in safe mode, reboot as usual before continuing. 
    Below are instructions to enter some UNIX shell commands. The commands are harmless, but they must be entered exactly as given in order to work. If you have doubts about the safety of the procedure suggested here, search this site for other discussions in which it’s been followed without any report of ill effects. 
    Some of the commands will line-wrap or scroll in your browser, but each one is really just a single line, all of which must be selected. You can accomplish this easily by triple-clicking anywhere in the line. The whole line will highlight, and you can then copy it. The headings “Step 1” and so on are not part of the commands. 
    Note: If you have more than one user account, Step 2 must be taken as an administrator. Ordinarily that would be the user created automatically when you booted the system for the first time. The other steps should be taken as the user who has the problem, if different. Most personal Macs have only one user, and in that case this paragraph doesn’t apply. 
    Launch the Terminal 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 Terminal in the icon grid. 
    When you launch Terminal, a text window will open with a line already in it, ending either in a dollar sign (“$”) or a percent sign (“%”). If you get the percent sign, enter “sh” and press return. You should then get a new line ending in a dollar sign. 
    Step 1 
    Triple-click the line of text below to select it:
    kextstat -kl | awk '!/com\.apple/{printf "%s %s\n", $6, $7}' 
    Copy the selected text to the Clipboard by pressing the key combination command-C. Then click anywhere in the Terminal window and paste (command-V). Post the lines of output (if any) that appear below what you just entered. You can do that by copying and pasting as well. Omit the final line ending in “$”. No typing is involved in this step.
    Step 2 
    Repeat with this line:
    sudo launchctl list | sed 1d | awk '!/0x|com\.(apple|openssh|vix)|edu\.mit|org\.(amavis|apache|cups|isc|ntp|postfix|x)/{print $3}' 
    This time you'll be prompted for your login password, which you do have to type. It won't be displayed when you type it. Type it carefully and then press return. You may get a one-time warning to be careful. Heed that warning, but don't post it. If you see a message that your username "is not in the sudoers file," then you're not logged in as an administrator. 
    Note: If you don’t have a login password, you’ll need to set one before taking this step. If that’s not possible, skip to the next step. 
    Step 3
    launchctl list | sed 1d | awk '!/0x|com\.apple|edu\.mit|org\.(x|openbsd)/{print $3}' 
    Step 4
    ls -1A /e*/mach* {,/}L*/{Ad,Compon,Ex,Fram,In,Keyb,La,Mail/Bu,P*P,Priv,Qu,Scripti,Servi,Spo,Sta}* L*/Fonts 2> /dev/null  
    Important: If you formerly synchronized with a MobileMe account, your me.com email address may appear in the output of the above command. If so, anonymize it before posting. 
    Step 5
    osascript -e 'tell application "System Events" to get name of every login item' 2> /dev/null 
    Remember, steps 1-5 are all copy-and-paste — no typing, except your password. Also remember to post the output. 
    You can then quit Terminal.

  • Upgrading mac mini

    can I change my 2007 mac mini from 10.4.11 to 10.5?

    Yes, except that Apple no longer sales Leopard 10.5 and the original Leopard Retail Disc's sell for around $150 even on E-Bay or CraigsList.
    Your best bet, is to backup your iMac with CarbonCopy Cloner or SuperDuper to an External Hard Drive and then Upgrade to Snow Leopard for $29.
    Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store (U.S.)

  • Upgrading Mac Mini in order to use iTunes

    Okay, here is my issue.....
    Bought the wife an iPhone 4, tried to sync with an old iTunes version on her Mac Mini running OS 10.4.11.
    iTunes said we needed to download the latest version (v. 10.7) in order to work with the iPhone. Tried to download the latest version but could not because our OS was outdated.
    Researched online and discovered I had to purchase a current OS disc (retail version) as a OS system disc from any of my other 3 Apple computers would not work. Apparently the discs only work with the model they came with.
    Went to Apple Store to inquire what to do. Told I did indeed need to buy a retail disc but they do not sell them. Have to order from Apple Care. Also informed that my Mac Mini Intel Solo Core, 512 MB RAM didn't have enough memory for the OS 10.6.3 Snow Leopard disc. That I needed at least 1GB of RAM. Apple does not install memory in that computer anymore and referred to 3rd party vendor.
    Went to 3rd party Apple vendor and had them max out the Mac Mini with 2GB of RAM.
    OS disc arrived today. Tried to install but says not enough space. Read the specs on the side of the box and it does indeed say the installation needs 1GB of RAM but also states it needs another 5GB of RAM...I don't know what for?.....would have been nice of the Apple Genius to tell me that before I went to the trouble and expense of upgrading the old Mac Mini.
    In any case, here is my new question....if I get an external HD in order to have the space to install the OS 10.6.3, so I can download iTunes v. 10, in order to be able to sync my wife's new iPhone 4, so she can actually enjoy all the phone can do....will this all work or do I need to trash the computer and just get a new one for her? Does running the OS off an external HD slow down the running of basic computer functions?
    boy, it would be nice if all of this was backward compatible and the iPhone would have worked with the older version of iTunes...maybe it wouldn't have all of the latest and greatest but we didn't need that...but we do need it to at least work as intended.
    I'm getting a headache from all of this but I thank you all for your expertise and your time.

    Hello,
    In any case, here is my new question....if I get an external HD in order to have the space to install the OS 10.6.3, so I can download iTunes v. 10, in order to be able to sync my wife's new iPhone 4, so she can actually enjoy all the phone can do....will this all work or do I need to trash the computer and just get a new one for her? Does running the OS off an external HD slow down the running of basic computer functions?
    Yes, I think youre confusing RAM Memory with Free Disk Space, (virtual Memory & storage).
    Snow Leopard/10.6.x Requirements...
    General requirements
       * Mac computer with an Intel processor
        * 1GB of memory (I say 4GB at least, more if you can afford it)
        * 5GB of available disk space (I say 30GB at least)
        * DVD drive for installation
        * Some features require a compatible Internet service provider; fees may apply.
        * Some features require Apple’s MobileMe service; fees and terms apply.
    Which apps work with Mac OS X 10.6?...
    http://snowleopard.wikidot.com/
    It's been pulled from the online store & Apple Stores, so you have to call Apple to buy it, last I heard.
    Call Apple Sales...in the US: 1-800-MY-APPLE. Or Support... 1-800-275-2273
    Other countries...
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HE57
    Honestly, I hate this obslescence deal, but to be truthful, Core Solo AND 2 GB of RAM isn't going to be anything but disappointing in use.
    And I'd avoid thenew Minis  & iMacs like the plague, I'd look for a used older model than 2012s, mybe even a 2009 model.

  • Server app not responding after upgrading Mac Mini Server

    Hi all,
    I (like many of you) upgraded my Mac Mini Server yesturday. The install went well, except that when I start the Server.app, I end up with the default Server.app window and an eternal beach ball cursor...  it checked into the apps and system logs and nothing coming out of Sever.app.  However, there is a possible trace on slad...  Anyone with similar problem or suggestions ?
    thanks!

    The program is unresponsive.
    I looked at the console. I don't what it means but the screenshot is attached

  • Upgrading Mac Mini Ram

    i have a 1.66 ghz core due mac mini with 512 mb of ram. i want to upgrade to 2gb.
    does the mac mini have 2 slots for ram and if so, what kind does it take?
    is it still hard to open, do you still have to do it with a sharpened putty knife or have they changed that with the core duo's

    Hello,
    ****, im no pro and i dont want to mess anything up
    trying this. i also dont wanna pay through the roof
    for mac ram
    I can appreciate that.
    any suggestions?
    I would first find out if you have any Apple Authorized Service Providers in your area that are not actually owned by Apple.
    Then, ask them if they will install memory modules that you supply. If so, then see what they would charge for the service.
    If they say no, ask them how much they charge for their memory.
    A lot of Mac Mini CoreSolo and Duo owners have complained of problems resulting from servicing the machines themselves. There are so many parts that you have to move and remove, that you need to be exactly sure of what you are doing when you put it back together.
    So, if you are not comfortable doing it yourself, see if you can buy cheaper memory elsewhere and pay an Authorized Service Provider to install it. Many of them will do it if you pay for their time.
    As for buying 3rd-party memory, I buy mine here:
    http://www.macsales.com
    I hope this helps.
    Let us know if you have other questions.
    P.S., if you'd like, go ahead and click the "Helpful" or "Solved" buttons on any of the posts / replies above if you feel they were helpful or adequately answered your question.

  • Upgrading mac min G4 proccessor to intel proccessor

    hi
    does anybody know of a way to upgrade the old mac minis to work with the new intel chips as i can't afford to get a new mac mini? please let me know
    luke

    In one word, no.
    The architectures are not the same. You have to follow the same upgrade cycle Mac users have used for decades, and replace whole machine.
    You can always try and sell your current one, people seem to pay crazy prices for old Macs.

Maybe you are looking for