Is it possible to add an SSD in an 2012 Mac Mini and boot off that and then storage on the 1TB HDD it comes with? How would I go about shifting the boot from the SSD rather than what it originally comes with? Sorry for the noob questions. Thanks
SNIP
Similar question.
I got the 2012 Mac Mini with 1TB HDD.
I want to install my SSD from my MacBook and use it to boot and then save all my movies/tv shows/data on the 1TB HDD.
Will the Apple Store/service centre know or able to do this for me? I just am not sure how to go about setting up which drive to do what. I wiped clean my MacBook SSD and it has Mavericks installed.
So what's the best method for migrating all my app/media content to a situation with a smaller SSD boot drive + HDD? I'm looking in the 120GB/240GB range to speed up the system but I'm happy to keep most of my content on the hard drive.
I've only ever restored from a Time Machine save to a new drive with a larger capacity, so this is uncharted territory for me.
But the more I use my Air and my new work computer (a MBP), the more noticeable the issues of loading are with the traditional hard drive.
Its a relatively simple task, and there are a couple ways to perform that operation. Most any tech with Apple experience could do that for you, you don't have to use an Apple store service. I'm not sure if Apple will do custom stuff like this, but an independent shop can. They would probably clone the OS and apps onto the new SSD before installing it or just use the recovery method.. OWC in the US will install their drive doubler kit for you.
Thanks. I just realized since my SSD already has OSX installed (taking from my MacBook - can't remember how I got it on there haha! I remember I did it myself 2 years ago. And now there is a recovery portion on it as well, so I was able to erase the SSD/fresh install Mavericks).
Once I install the SSD I can just select the startup disk in preferences. Is this correct?
Edit - I read a bit about the Fusion drive and what remains unclear to me is: is this something that is supported on the system level? I understand how to create a single volume for the two hard drives, BUT if it just means the SSD gets filled up first then spills to the HDD eventually it doesn't help much. I understand that the system will almost fill the SSD first in a fusion drive and THEN start to manage file location, but will a user made fusion drive still use the OS to automatically decide which files belong where - or is this solely in the Apple created systems?
The DIY fusion drive works the same way as an apple created one. So the SSD will have frequently accessed flies and some spare area for random writes. I've not had any issues with mine since I created it 2 years ago. Given the poor 2014 Mac mini range I'll simply be buying a larger SSD when I next need an upgrade.
So theoretically, once I put the drives together and get them recognized as a Fusion Drive I can just do a regular restore from Time Machine from my old iMac and have the system transferred over?