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upgrading my late2009 MacMini

Z

zoran

macrumors 601
Original poster
Jun 30, 2005
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I have a late 2009 Mac Mini that i wish to upgrade it to the fullest, or at least to make it equivalent with my iMac, that is running HighSierra. The main goal is to be able to use the same apps, in order to exchange files and use them in the apps without any issues what so ever.
So i guess the main goal is to upgrade it, enough so it can be in accordance with the iMac. Can i do that? I will surely get an SSD and perhaps more RAM. Is there a way to install High Sierra on this old mac mini of mine?
 
How can I know if Adobe 2017cc can run on that old macmini?
And also this patcher solution does it prevent me from something? Like installing future updates for example?
 
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zoran said:
How can I know if Adobe 2017cc can run on that old macmini?
Click to expand...
Check their system requirements.

zoran said:
And also this patcher solution does it prevent me from something? Like installing future updates for example?
Click to expand...
No. You'll download and install 10.13.6 straight from Apple so no further system updates. The worst thing that can happen is having to re-patch after a security update. The patcher’s documentation explains all that.
 
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The 2009 Mac Mini only officially supports up to Mac OS 10.11 El Capitan.

With that patcher you can run High Sierra. High Sierra is no longer getting updates, so future software updates breaking it isn't the issue. The issue is that more and more app developers will stop supporting High Sierra with newer versions of their apps.

I'm currently booting an early 2009 Mac Mini into El Capitan off a FW800 SSD. I may do the same with my late 2009 Mini. I haven't put High Sierra on them but might look into giving that a try at some point.
 
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Anyone who has experienced with the patchers to say with OS works the best on the Mac mini 2009? So far, I heard that macOS Mojave seemed to be best overall with el Cap. being the last official OS without issues technically from Apple.
 
Amethyst1 said:

And yep, 8 GB RAM (the most it can take) and an SSD will help High Sierra quite a bit.
Click to expand...
There are already 2GB RAM inside the mini (2x1GB modules). I dont know if the full memory can be upgraded to more than the max 8GB given by the specs :oops:
Nor do i know what type of modules they are, in order to see if its worth buying 2x4GB
 
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zoran said:
Nor do i know what type of modules they are, in order to see if its worth buying 2x4GB
Click to expand...
You need two 4 GB DDR3 SO-DIMM modules. And upgrading to 8 GB is highly recommended, since 2 GB is nothing if you're looking to run High Sierra and Adobe CC 2017.
 
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What about the SSD? Do i need to purchase and older technology SSD, since the specific mac mini is old?
 
You need 8GB RAM
www.amazon.com

Crucial Technology 8GB Kit (4GBx2), 204-pin SODIMM, DDR3 PC3-8500,

8GB kit DDR3 1066 SODIMM.Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM) delivers superior performance.204-pin SODIMM, unbuffered signal processing.1066 MHz clockspeed.Easy installation.Compatible with select Mac systems
www.amazon.com

Cheaper to buy a current model with 6Gb/s than an old 3Gb/s SSD.
Same SATA connector but you'll only get half speed.
$60 for a 500GB Samsung 870 EVO right now
www.amazon.com

SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive, Upgrade PC or Laptop Memory and Storage for IT Pros, Creators, Everyday Users, MZ-77E500B/AM, Black

>The latest 870 EVO has indisputable performance, reliability and compatibility built upon Samsung's pioneering technology. Enjoy professional-level SSD performance which maximizes the SATA interface limit to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds*, accelerates write speeds and maintains long-term high p...
www.amazon.com
 
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
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I cant understand why there are same capacity size ssd's with substantial less cost.
 
There are better and worse controllers, quality of flash used, differences in brand recognition (some can charge a premium based on brand name) etc.
 
Crucial are close in price to the Samsung EVOs, but there are others like the Intenso Top 256GB series that are almost half the price!!
 
Yes, but Inteso TOP SSDs have a bit slower write speed, the last time I checked.

Whatever you will choose, do you think 256 GB will be enough for your needs?
 
My needs are kinda minimal. The internal drive will have installed HighSierra and 2017 Adobe CC apps. Its a core-duo cpu and as far as files, i will attach to it an external drive using USB2 or FW connectivity. I guess it will be fine :)
 
One thing to look out for is that the Nvidia chipset used in the 2009 mini has issues with "some" SSDs and only negotiates 1.5 Gbps (SATA I) speed. This will reduce performance especially when it comes to sequential reads and writes. So, before you buy an SSD, check whether it'll work at full 3 Gbps (SATA II) speed in the mini - the cheap Intenso one I used in mine did. And as for external drives - use FireWire 800 if you can. USB 2.0 is slow.
 
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Decided to use the patcher to upgrade the Mac mini 2009 to Catalina...WOW!

I am amazed at the performance, speed and usability of the mini now. I tried the patcher for Mojave a year ago, but was not satisfied with the performance and had some glitches, so I went back to El Capitan for awhile...but...after reading this blog decided to installed the all-in-one patcher recommended for Catalina (for fun) and it was an easy and smooth upgrade.

Mac Mini 2009 late runs surprisingly cool, and seems like it is very comfortable with the "Unofficial" OS on it.

An almost 13 year old computer running like a champ in 2021! I have a 23" Apple Aluminum Display hooked up to it and it looks great. It might look "new" now next to the new silver 2021 iMac (rumors say the next Mac mini will resemble or retro back to the look of the older mini's). Also, have it dual boot to Snow Leopard to run some old programs still.

Gave some new life and relevance to the Mac mini 2009! Many thanks for all who assisted with creating the patch!
 

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