Confirmed: Adding a 2nd Hard Drive to Non-Server Minis

[A.C]

did anybody manage to add a ssd to the empty bay and use the ssd as boot media?

You can do the following (as I did):

1. install a new SSD into the empty bay
2. Disk Utility > format SSD
3. clone HDD to SSD via Carbon Copy Cloner
4. System Pref > StartUp Disk > select SSD
5. reboot
6. Disk Utility > format HDD

Voilà. The original HDD remains in OEM location and the new SSD works as the boot drive. Works perfectly.

 

[Vampire18]

You can do the following (as I did):

1. install a new SSD into the empty bay
2. Disk Utility > format SSD
3. clone HDD to SSD via Carbon Copy Cloner
4. System Pref > StartUp Disk > select SSD
5. reboot
6. Disk Utility > format HDD

Voilà. The original HDD remains in OEM location and the new SSD works as the boot drive. Works perfectly.

But.....CCC can't clone recovery partition to other drive......

 

[japtor]

But.....CCC can't clone recovery partition to other drive......

Right, and you can't make a recovery USB stick without it there. Of course if you have the original HD in there you can still boot off that one's recovery partition (if you leave that in tact), and if you want the USB stick you can make it before you swap drives.

 

[A.C]

I agree I should have created a USB recovery drive prior to reconfiguring the system. However in the name of science, I just restarted my machine holding cmd-R. In under 10m I was greeted by:

After an > restart, the experiment seemed to leave everything exactly as I left it. So "worst case scenario" I'll just need time/bandwidth to do an internet recovery.

 

[saulinpa]

But.....CCC can't clone recovery partition to other drive......

Use Lion's Disk Utility instead and it will copy the recovery partition.

 

[Lokheed]

Use Lion's Disk Utility instead and it will copy the recovery partition.

Care to elaborate on this? Disk Utility doesn't see the partition either:

 

[saulinpa]

Disk utility doesn't show it by default. As part of the "it just works" philosophy you don't need to see details.



see article http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20081463-263/manage-all-partitions-with-disk-utility-in-os-x/

 

[boileroo]

hey guys
I have a new 2011 mac mini server, with the stock dual 500gb hard drives. I'd like to replace the boot drive with a 128GB SSD, and leave the other 500gb as it is. I'll then run the OS and all my apps from the SSD, and have the 500gb for storing my iTunes and photos etc on.

My plan is to: before I take the mini apart, use my SATA USB dock and CCC to clone the Server HD to the SSD. Then, replace the boot drive with the new SSD, put it in the mini and boot up (hopefully) into my old lion with no problems!

Is this feasible, or is there a better / more recommended way of achieving what I'm going for?

Also, this is the drive I'm considering: http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=56A015F9A5CA7304

Will i be able to just drop it in and use the existing fixtures or will it require additional parts?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[Lokheed]

Hey guys, finally got my cable today. Installation wasn't exactly fun, but it's in there, finally.

One thing to note: When I first booted the system, it took forever to load (a good 45 seconds before even reaching the ). So I wiped the newly installed drive and copied over my data, hopefully thinking OS X may do something different. I rebooted and still, took forever. Got a little worried.

So I reset my PRAM/VRAM (hold OPTION + COMMAND + O + P) and that did it. Loads just as fast as before. I would suggest all those that have installed it, to reset their PRAM

 

[patent10021]

I'd like to buy the server edition for the i7. I can just replace the boot drive with a SSD as mentioned above, install a 1TB as a second drive for media and be done with it? Is there ssomething about the server mini that if I wipe it I'd be missing out on?

Thanks

 

[slyseekr]

I'd like to buy the server edition for the i7. I can just replace the boot drive with a SSD as mentioned above, install a 1TB as a second drive for media and be done with it? Is there ssomething about the server mini that if I wipe it I'd be missing out on?

The server mini comes with OS X Server preinstalled, if you want to keep the software you should clone the stock boot drive to the SSD. Otherwise, it should be a simple hard drive swap.

 

[Lokheed]

The server mini comes with OS X Server preinstalled, if you want to keep the software you should clone the stock boot drive to the SSD. Otherwise, it should be a simple hard drive swap.

Cloning won't create carry over the Recovery Partition though. I suggest using the online Recovery tool (just hold CMD + R during boot). It'll download Lion from Apple's servers and install it properly.

 

[Ruahrc]

Or, simply boot the machine once with Cmd+R after installing the cloned drive. The mini will boot, download and set up the recovery partition on the SSD from Apple's servers. Looks like Cmd+R attempts to boot from the recovery partition, and if one is not present, it will use the Internet Recovery thing to download and install it.

But also, if you download Lion again from Apple using a 2011 mini server, it will download the correct version of the OS (in other words, it always downloads the Server version because it identifies the 2011 mini server as such)

Ruahrc

 

[Lokheed]

Hey guys, for those looking for the grommets, they are good old traditional, run of the mill 1/4" grommets that you can pick up from Home Depot! I picked up 4 today. They are a flawless fit and the only thing you are going to have to do it shave them down on the 2 that go flush against the mini's chassis. A razor did a fine job. The screws are M3-0.5 thread 6mm length. I'm pretty sure they are 6mm in length, but don't hold me to that. Seems like that's standard. I guess you could pick up these and with a Dremel make your own. Don't even really need slits in them as you can turn them in by hand.

I transplanted the two screws from the default drive over to the backside and used a couple of small screws I pulled out of an old power supply, but you can use whatever you like as the front two (the one's facing you when you slide in the drive bay) have quite a bit of room, so you don't have to get them flush or anything.

Now that I was missing the two screws from the default drive (which sits on the bottom of the unit), I cut two pieces from a plastic ear-swab. It's pretty much the same diameter as the screws and since the hard drive is bolted to the mesh that houses the antenna, it's not going anywhere (the rest of the plastic hard drive tray takes care of any play and for those with SSDs, they are uber light).

Note: Take the logicboard out! Follow iFixit's guide for this. And before you slide the board back in, install the other hard drive! If you don't, you'll never be able to align it to fit the two grommets in the back of the case (I mushed mine first time I installed the SSD)!

This is what it looks like after taking some off with the razor. You can see the default HD screws.

This is the side that's closest to you. You can see how the grommets bulge with the screws from the old PS, but there's plenty of room and it's nice and tight (that's what she said).

And this is the upper drive back in the chassis. It fit together perfectly. Wicked

 

[patent10021]

The server mini comes with OS X Server preinstalled, if you want to keep the software you should clone the stock boot drive to the SSD. Otherwise, it should be a simple hard drive swap.

But do I need the server MM? What I mean is that the only way to get i7? You can't buy an i7 somewhere like eBay and stick it in the base MM?

 

[Lokheed]

But do I need the server MM? What I mean is that the only way to get i7? You can't buy an i7 somewhere like eBay and stick it in the base MM?

No. See where it says "Configurable to 2.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i7": http://www.apple.com/macmini/specs.html

You only need the server if you want to run OS X server or the 2 HDs. If you get server, you also lose out on the discrete video card that ships with the upper class mini. Pay more too.

 

[patent10021]

No. See where it says "Configurable to 2.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i7": http://www.apple.com/macmini/specs.html

You only need the server if you want to run OS X server or the 2 HDs. If you get server, you also lose out on the discrete video card that ships with the upper class mini. Pay more too.

But that's dual core only. The Quad kicks azz over dual. Especially for Logic Pro etc. If I can get a discrete video card + i7 QUAD then I'd be rockin'. I also would like a second HD for media.

 

[Lokheed]

But that's dual core only. The Quad kicks azz over dual. Especially for Logic Pro etc. If I can get a discrete video card + i7 QUAD then I'd be rockin'. I also would like a second HD for media.

Wrong thread bro. Come back when you buy a mini and want to install a second hard drive... people are gonna come here to learn how to install a 2nd hard drive. Pretty sure they won't want to wade through pages of you deciding what mini to get. Etiquette dude... etiquette.

 

[saulinpa]

Cloning won't create carry over the Recovery Partition though. I suggest using the online Recovery tool (just hold CMD + R during boot). It'll download Lion from Apple's servers and install it properly.

Cloning using Lion's Disk Utility Restore does copy the hidden Recovery partition automatically.

 

[FrozenShivers]

Is the logic board removal tool needed? It's extortionate here in the UK.

 

[patent10021]

Biggest HD for BTO is 750GB. Would like at least 1TB 7200RPM. Maybe even 2TB 7200 RPM since I'll have so much music and movies on it as well as using it for Logic. Any recommendations for HDs? The WD Green look pretty nice.

 

[xraydoc]

Is the logic board removal tool needed? It's extortionate here in the UK.

I was able to add a second drive to my mini (an SSD) in the empty bay without removing the whole motherboard. Granted it's not screwed in to the bracket, but it is stabilized on along the front of the case with screws that fit in to the mounting holes on the lower bracket to keep it from sliding around.

I didn't need any special tools other than the necessary Torx screwdrivers and a small Phillips head for the SSD's mounting screws.

 

[slyseekr]

If I can get a discrete video card + i7 QUAD then I'd be rockin'. I also would like a second HD for media.

...

Biggest HD for BTO is 750GB. Would like at least 1TB 7200RPM. Maybe even 2TB 7200 RPM since I'll have so much music and movies on it as well as using it for Logic. Any recommendations for HDs? The WD Green look pretty nice.

Unfortunately, the only graphics option for the i7 Quad is the integrated Intel card, Apple does not offer the upgrade to the discrete card on server models.

Also, 2.5" Hard Drives currently max out at 1TB, though you would be able to order 2 1TB Hard Drives separately and install them into the mini to achieve 2TB total. Newegg has a selection. However, the only 7200 drive I see is the Seagate, which, at 12.5mm thick each, 2 stacked might be too tall to fit into the mini (has anyone tested this yet?).

If you go with the server model, it will already be preinstalled with the second hard drive cable. If you go with the dual core i7, you'll need to order the cable elsewhere. Regardless, getting to 2TB in the mini will require a DIY install.

Good luck!

 

[Lokheed]

Is the logic board removal tool needed? It's extortionate here in the UK.

Hell no. I used a tiny allen key and a small phillips screw driver. Insert them into the holes and makes sure they touch the chassis. There's small little "dimples" that they sink into, then slowly pull them towards you. It popped out super easy... effortlessly. That tool is such a cash grab. I suppose if you're poppin' open minis all day, it might make your life easier, but for cracking it open once or twice, hell no. iFixit actually lists the disassembly as "difficult", I didn't find that. Out of 10, I'd give it a 2 on the difficulty scale.

I was actually amazed at how well engineered it is. From the clip that holds the PS in and how you they designed the AC plug to tilt and lock in place... Not one bit of spare room too. Just wicked designing.

 

[patent10021]

Unfortunately, the only graphics option for the i7 Quad is the integrated Intel card, Apple does not offer the upgrade to the discrete card on server models.

Also, 2.5" Hard Drives currently max out at 1TB, though you would be able to order 2 1TB Hard Drives separately and install them into the mini to achieve 2TB total. Newegg has a selection. However, the only 7200 drive I see is the Seagate, which, at 12.5mm thick each, 2 stacked might be too tall to fit into the mini (has anyone tested this yet?).

If you go with the server model, it will already be preinstalled with the second hard drive cable. If you go with the dual core i7, you'll need to order the cable elsewhere. Regardless, getting to 2TB in the mini will require a DIY install.

Good luck!

Well I want a 256GB SSD boot drive so that means I'll only be able to install one SATA 1TB HD. I can't have a SSD boot drive + two extra SATA HDs can I? Are you saying I can?