I have a 2011 Mac mini. It was initially a server model, but I’m not using it as a server anymore. These are the specs:
- Processor 2 GHz Intel Core i7
- Memory 8 GB 1067 MHz DDR3
- Graphics Intel HD Graphics 3000 512 MB
- Software OS X 10.8.3
- 2x500GB 7200RPM disks
I decided to replace the main disk with an SSD and now it literally flies!!! I feel like I updated to a new computer for just 200€! Be careful, don’t by the plain 840! even if it’s cheaper than the 840 Pro, it’s slower than the older model 830. I don’t know why but that’s what I found in many forums and benchmark sites. It’s worth spending a little bit more and get the 840 Pro Series. If’s faster than all the previous ones! I chose Samsung because a lot of people recommended it and because it seems to me that it was one of the most used as a disk replacement for Mac mini and MBP. There are other vendors. Do your research and pick up the one you like.
If you try to do this, remember that it’s not beginners stuff. You need confidence and some experience updating your computer hardware. Ask a friend or ask a professional. Don’t try to do this yourself if you don’t really know what you are doing, because the Mac mini is very fragile internally. It’s easy to brake something. Specially internal connectors are really tiny.
I followed the instructions of this video. This is one of the best step by step video tutorials I found so far. Anyway, even if you have some experience with this stuff, just be careful at the end, when you insert the motherboard back into place.
It’s easy to forget the existence of these metal brakes that can go outside the chassis and it’s really easy to bend them. And remember keep your screws separated because they are all different!
After you install your operating system, don’t forget to add TRIM control. It’s not yet supported for many third party vendors. So you have to do it manually. I downloaded Trim Enabler. After activating it and reboot, you should see in System Report the following configuration:
And that’s it!! I’m very happy with this disk, there is no way I will go back to install the OS on a traditional HDD.
In this video I show you the boot speed and loading of 10 applications.
This is a simple and nice app that can save you a lot of time retouching unwanted elements in your photos. It also lets you retouch and enhance your pictures, but the most interesting feature is the “erase” button that allows you to magically erase disturbing objects.
