Late 2009: Which SSD and RAM?

[legaleye3000]

I want to replace the hd with a ssd and upgrade to 4gb ram. What type of ssd do I look for (2.5 ssd sata?) and what type of ram (pc-5200?)? Thanks.

 

[legaleye3000]

I want to replace the hd with a ssd and upgrade to 4gb ram. What type of ssd do I look for (2.5 ssd sata?) and what type of ram (pc-5200?)? Thanks.

Bumpity

 

[Celerondon]

I want to replace the hd with a ssd and upgrade to 4gb ram. What type of ssd do I look for (2.5 ssd sata?) and what type of ram (pc-5200?)? Thanks.

You can get specifications for both components from Everymac dot Com. http://www.everymac.com
The storage bays and connectors are configured for 2.5" SATA devices. According to Everymac, although Apple claims a 4Gb RAM maximum that mini can handle up to 8Gb of in the form of 1066 MHz PC3-8500 DDR3 SO-DIMMs.

Do your homework before selecting an SSD. Some minis (the 2009?) are rather particular about the speed they deliver from certain brands. If this is the case with your model of mini and you choose wrong then you would not achieve the maximum SATA speeds that your hardware is capable of.

Edit:
I was correct about the 2009. Here are some links that may help you with your SSD selection process.

http://blogs.helsinki.fi/tuylaant/2014/01/upgrading-old-macs-to-ssds/

Which SSD for Mac Mini late 2009?

 

[ajohansson]

I just put in a OWC Electra 3G and I am getting 3G. I have the late 2009 mini with the problematic NVidia MCP79 AHCI controller which can cause slow speeds with some SSDs. The OWC is working fine and has a negotiated speed of 3Gigabits. Also put in 8GB ram instead of 4.

 

[TonyK]

I'm on the verge of pulling the trigger for my older Late 2009 Mac Mini. Going to use a Crucial BX200 480GB which I can get for about $125 USD. The OWC Electra 3G is currently $199 USD.

I've used Crucial before in my other Macs and like them.

In the company's Mac Minis I've done memory upgrades so I'm familiar with the drill. Anyone have any other information? I will install El Capitan (10.11) fresh and just have to remember the key commands (or Google them) when the time comes.

 

[adam9c1]

Your machine will handle 8GB total.

 

[TonyK]

Yes, have determined it will handle both the Crucial BX200 and 2 4GB chips. Both ordered and should be here this week. Between a mini upgrade and an upgrade on an older MBP (2007 17" model) I'll be busy.

 

[Celerondon]

Yes, have determined it will handle both the Crucial BX200 and 2 4GB chips. Both ordered and should be here this week. Between a mini upgrade and an upgrade on an older MBP (2007 17" model) I'll be busy.

Great!

If you install and check the RAM before you install the SSD then your post-install testing should be simple and straightforward.

 

[TonyK]

Update: Received SSD and memory this week. Installed it last night. System is very noticeably faster and operating at SATA2 (3Gb link speeds). Very pleased with the upgrade as it keeps the HTPC system running a few more years.