Can I SWAP out my hd for ssd?

Hi everyone, I just bought an Intel 520 series, 160GB ssd. I would like to pull the 1TB hard drive from my late 2012 Mac mini (2.3ghz i7) and install the ssd in its place.

Every instructional video I see (ifixit, OWC) gives steps for adding the ssd as a second drive, but I'd like to keep just one drive and be done with it.

Is this possible? Do I need to use the repair kit that is offered on ifixit or OWC? Or can I get away with just using a small screw driver?

Thanks in advance!

Nice, thanks! Seems like I will be able to handle it.

I will see if I can buy a spudger at home depot as well, and I'll be sure to make a USB-drive OSX image first.

Thanks again!

Awesome, thanks

Just one additional thing: I don't have an anti-electric static strap. What precautions should I take? Should I work on a metal table, linoleum countertop, or a wooden table?

I'm scared of damaging the computer.

paulrbeers said:

I've torn apart about 10 mini's without an anti-static wrist strap with no issues. Frankly, I can't remember the last time I worked on a computer with one (maybe in the 90's?). I'm sure there are those that will tell you they are absolutely a necessity, but frankly I see no point. Tap a door knob or some other metal object before you start if you are really concerned (to release the static charge you have built up).

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Okay, and working on any type of surface is fine?

Help!

I just started and the plastic tool I have to pry the fan connector off isn't doing the job. Can I use something with a metal blade to pry it off??

Okay I got past that, lol.

Now I'm trying to seat the ssd in place and reconnect the sata connector, but it won't seat! If it seats flat down, the sata connector won't reach. If it plugs in, the ssd is tilted slightly upwards at an angle.

It's a 2.5" and I screwed in the 2 little screws like the video said. Maybe not screw the support screws all the way in?

Hmm


Yeah if I don't screw the back screws of the ssd all the way in, it won't seat properly either....

So it seems like its sinking down at an angle, so the grate screws can't make contact with the ssd to secure it in place.

Argh

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Can I put something underneath the drive to make it seat high and level to where the grate will secure it in place? Or will that cause more problems

Any help would be awesome, I've no idea what to do.....

donlab said:

Use a business card so the drive will slide into place along the rear of the case.

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Yes I tried that but it kept sinking once I pulled it out. I finally tried screwing in the grate screws at a slight angle and they're holding, I hope for good

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Do I absolutely need to screw in the hard drive to the grate? Nothing I try is working....

I got it screwed in at an angle but now the three tiny screws won't line up.

This is ridiculous.

Can someone just tell me whether the stupid screws are supposed to go under or above the ridge? It seems like they are supposed to go underneath into those stupid holes cut into the black plastic but when I place them there they sink down because the stupid idiotic holes are too freaking big.

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niteflyr said:

Try turning the mini over (right side up) as you slide the drive into place. Sometimes gravity helps get it into position.

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Ok I will give it a shot....

Nope, too tight in there, won't budge.

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Can someone tell me whether it's safe to put wadded up paper in there to hold it up, or will that burn?

What other materials can I use?

I'm at the end of my rope, I tried putting the stock HD back in and it's the same problem!!!!!!!!

niteflyr said:

This video at the 6:45 point shows what I'm talking about. You may have to slide the logic board back a little (1/2 inch) to give yourself more room to get the drive in place, then slide it back in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymGnXdwvabg

Another source of help.

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing+Mac+Mini+Late+2012+Hard+Drive+Replacement/11716/3

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On the YouTube video, there appears to be a circuit board of some kind underneath the SsD. All I have is open space

Okay I got it seated right and put everything back together. What do I do to have it boot from that? I have my OSX backup on an external drive, but how do I actually boot from the new ssd?