MacMini 2010 SSD upgrade

[Giuanniello]

Got a MacMini 2010 with stock configuration, it only serves as a lossless music server and does ok, I have a spare 500GB S-ATA SSD which I'd like to swap to replace the spinning 256GB one but I am afraid of breaking the remote connector on the board once I tear it apart, it already happened with a 2012 Mini and now both the front led and remote don't work, no big deal in this case but for the music server it comes handy to use a remote to play music.

Is the 2010 as delicate as the 2012 one with regards to disassembly and reassembly?

Grazie

 

[Cave Man]

Seems pretty much the same to me. Replacing the stock drive a bit less intimidating than putting in a second drive.

Install a Hard Drive in a Mac mini (2010)

OWC's step-by-step videos of how to install memory, hard drive, and an OWC Data Doubler in the Apple Mac mini (Mid 2010) with Model ID: Macmini4,1.

eshop.macsales.com

 

[DeltaMac]

Yes, the two use the same types of connectors, which can be easy to damage
Now that you know what to watch for as you disassemble (and reassemble), should be a non-issue for someone with your experience.
I would also suggest that as you are partly removing the logic board, that you should flip the logic board over, and replace the PRAM battery, which would be 14 years old by now. (a dead battery can cause some hard-to-troubleshoot problems), and proactively replacing the battery (which is a BR2032), while you have the mini opened up, would be a productive use of your time.
You can follow a repair guide with good steps, such as those you can find at iFixit.com - https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Mac_Mini_Mid_2010