1. Best Ssd For Imac 2013
2. 2012 Mac Mini Ssd Install
3. Mac Mini Late 2012 Ssd

The late 2012 Mac Mini is somewhat of an icon today. It is the most recent quad core model of the Mac Mini, and also conveniently has a spare bay for easily adding a second hard drive in the comfort of your own home.

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2012 - 2015) MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2012 - 2015) MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015 - 2017). 1TB SSD Kit for Mac Pro - Next Gallery Image; 1TB SSD Kit for Mac Pro. $600.00 All Colors. 2TB SSD Kit for Mac Pro - Previous Gallery Image.

• My system here is running on one now (2012 15' MacBook Pro Unibody). The EVO 860 was a slightly cheaper drive as the EVO 850 technology was more expensive and Samsung had to fight off some competition and is the newest version of the 2.5' SSD. EVO 960 and the EVO 970 are both M.2 blade SSD's which will not work in your system.
• If you install an SSD on a Mac, it's important to make sure that the TRIM command is running on the machine. Screenshot by Dong Ngo If you have replaced the hard drive on your Mac with an SSD.
• Best SSD for Mac 1. LaCie Rugged SSD Pro RRP: $419 (1TB), $740 (2TB).
• Best SSD For Macbook Pro 2012 1. Crucial-MX500 1TB. Nothing is more tiresome than slow uploading and saving your precious memories. Samsung 860 EVO. Want an easy and quick transfer of data? Often, saving or transferring data requires a lot of time.

My late 2012 model had a 256 GB SSD from the factory, and was inching towards needing more storage, so a few nights ago I finally installed a second SSD.

I put in a Crucial MX300 525GB SSD that I purchased from Amazon, using the IFIXIT Mac Mini Dual Drive Kit that I purchased directly from IFIXIT. I kept the original SSD right where it was in the lower bay, and added the new SSD into the upper bay, giving me a total capacity of 781 GB of speedy SSD storage. I was on cloud nine the next morning when I walked into my home office, looked at the completed restore, and verified that OS X was running from the new SSD.

I'm going to provide all the information you need to do an SSD install yourself. I'll leverage great information that is already published by other contributors, and put it all together in this one post. Before I start that, a bit of history on why I chose to add a second SSD to my late 2012 Mac Mini, instead of buying a newer Mac computer.

At one point, I considered an iMac, but last year mobility became a little more important for me, so despite the fact that I love the iMacs, I decided that a MacBook Pro was a better choice for my iOS development and related technical activities. With an imminent MacBook Pro refresh last year, I waited until the October announcement, and was disappointed to learn that the MacBook Pro would have a maximum of 16 GB of RAM, as I talked about in this post on my blog.

The refresh announced at WWDC this year was equally disappointing, with the Pro again topping out at 16 GB. For me to purchase a MacBook Pro in Canada with a 512 GB SSD, right now I would need to spend about $4200 including taxes. That is a very hefty price, and it is one that I'm not willing to pay for a system that does not have 32 GB of RAM.

Based on those prices, I decided that I'll stick with my perfectly performant Mac Mini for now, and increase the storage by adding a second SSD.

To recap what I bought to accomplish the upgrade, here are the two items:

When I ordered these items on a Sunday, the SSD arrived Monday, and the toolkit on Tuesday, which was awesome considering the toolkit had to clear customs. I also bought a small LED lamp, but I needed that anyway so I won't count it as a necessity for this upgrade 🙂

Prerelease Safari 14 tested with HD 1080p content; Chrome v83.0.4103.97 and Firefox v77.0.1 tested with HD 720p content. Systems tested with WPA2 Wi-Fi network connection while running on battery power, with display brightness set to 12 clicks from bottom or 75%. Update mac mini os. Testing conducted by Apple in June 2020 on production 1.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and prerelease macOS Big Sur.

I had spent some time researching the best way to go about the installation, and here is what I followed, and recommend if you would also like to install a second SSD into your Mac Mini.

1. Follow the steps here, specifically the post from Mike Diglio. The only deviation I encountered was to do an Erase of the new SSD as part of step 6, before doing the restore of the whole original SSD from Time Machine, onto the new SSD. Once I had restored and verified that I was booting from the new SSD, I validated that things were working correctly, and then erased the original SSD for more fresh storage.
2. In conjunction with the above steps, this video is fantastic and shows you step by step how to disassemble, add the SSD, and reassemble the Mac Mini. I played this video on another computer, and just started and stopped it as needed. I recommend watching it in totality once before you even start to take apart your Mini. One of the many reasons this video is so good, is that the author is specifically addressing how to add a second SSD, versus replacing your existing HDD or SSD. He does every step you need to do, and is very good at clearly communicating the process.
3. The instructions here from IFIXIT have great pictures to illustrate some of the steps. They don't show much of the reassembly, and also don't talk about leaving the original SSD or HDD in and adding a second SSD into the spare bay. However, the pictures can be zoomed, showing some really nice closeups of the steps. This is handy when it is not totally clear from the video what some of the connectors look like.
   

If you still have trouble seeing a specific part while following the process, just look on YouTube for other videos just to get a different vantage point. There are a number of them available.

One aspect that I found difficult to see was how the connection was made for the antenna connector under the antenna plate. I took some photos of the connector and socket, so you can see it fairly clearly.

The picture above is showing the the connector just as I was starting to remove it from the socket. When you first look for this connection, you'll likely see black tape covering it, so you have to gently lift that up to see the connector.

The picture below is what the socket/post looks like once the connector is removed.

The third picture below shows you what the inside of the connector looks like, so you can conceptualize how it snaps onto the post above.

One question I've seen from doing lots of reading, is whether you need a second bracket when you install the new SSD. As you'll see in the video, you do not need another bracket. The factory SSD (at least in my case) was in the lower bay, which means closer to the bottom of the Mac Mini when it is sitting on a desk.

When you have it upside down to disassemble it, that means you would take the original SSD out first, and it is actually not inside the bracket that comes with the Mac Mini. The studs on the original SSD keep it in place vertically, and the antenna plate screws into that SSD. This leaves the spare bay and bracket ready for your new SSD.

The bracket is the last piece that gets removed during disassembly. Here is a picture of the empty Mini, the bracket after it has been removed, and other components. Before removal, the bracket was on the right side of the chassis.

Installing the new SSD onto the bracket (tray) was easy, with the grommets that came with the IFIXIT toolkit. Here is a picture of the SSD in the bracket. The SATA cable that came with the toolkit is connected to the SSD at this point.

Below is a picture of the SSD now installed in the upper (spare) bay, which means at the top of the unit when it is sitting normally on a surface. The original SSD will be installed on top of the new one in the orientation below, but doesn't require a bracket.

Here is the unit below, once all of the components are back in position.

In addition to installing the SSD, this turned out to be a good round of preventative maintenance as well. Upon opening the chassis, there was a significant amount of dust in various areas. Below you can see it on the fan, and more was visible on the other side.

With a few sprays of compressed air, it was all cleaned up and looking like new.

This Mac Mini is the same system I talk about on my blog, describing the Minimal Mac Setup For iOS Development. I almost feel guilty calling it a minimal Mac setup, because it was already amazing, but with another 525 GB of storage, and the quad core processor, it is totally awesome for iOS development, and anything else I throw at it. I run many applications simultaneously, including Parallels and Windows, and for the total cost of my system, including this recent upgrade, it really is a nice setup.

We will see where Apple goes regarding offering 32 GB of RAM in the MacBook Pro. In the meantime, I'll enjoy my refreshed Mac Mini, and it should not be a problem to ride out the drought in MacBook Pro RAM, until Apple releases another true 'Pro' laptop.

I should mention one other thing, which is that some other years of the Mac Mini do offer some user servicing and upgrade possibilities, depending on the model. I've only referenced the late 2012 model in this post since that is the one I'm familiar with. Check other blog posts and articles for specifics on your model if it is from another year.

I hope that this post will help anyone wanting to upgrade their late 2012 Mac Mini by adding a second SSD. I love that the late 2012 had the spare slot to add a second SSD. As Mark Diglio said in his post I referenced above, the process indeed was 'a really nice learning experience', and made for a very fun, enjoyable, and productive evening.

Disclosure: The process of installing a second SSD was enjoyable, but nevertheless has risk and something could go wrong. The products I mentioned in this post are those that I recommend, but please do your own research to be sure that an SSD installation is right for you, and that you are choosing the right SSD and toolkit for your needs. The SSD I chose is referenced through an affiliate link, which means that I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) should you elect to purchase the same SSD through the link. If you do it is much appreciated and I thank you for it. Either way, I hope that this post has provided you with the information you need to upgrade your own system and enjoy more storage at a relatively low cost.

When you have a lot of things to store on your Mac, you probably would look forward to a reliable storage disk. While in the past, disk drive Disks (HDDs) have been the norm, they’re now being replaced by Solid State Disk drives (SSDs), and this is often for so many good reasons.

These SSD’s are faster to repeat data from and save to SSDs than HDDs. If you wish a drive that will not be crushing any time soon, then you better get a solid-state drive. SSD’s are a feasible way to get your hands on ultimate speed, the flow of functionality, and streaming speed.

Also, these SSD’s help in running the applications that others cannot support such seamlessly.

In this article, you’ll find details on all the aspects of SSD that you wished to understand before choosing a tough drive.

There are many available SSDs within the market but not all are worthy enough. The one that wins the tag of the best overall SSD is the newest Samsung 860 EVO 500GB Internal SSD. It proudly features the Original V-Nand Technology along with magnified read-write speeds, Stable encryption, Warranty, and compatibility that make it the best among many.

Best SSD For MacBook Pro

Without any further delay, let’s dig deep into our selected SSDs for today’s article. If you are in a hurry and are not having enough time to read the article thoroughly, or if you wish to settle on the most suitable SSD for you with an affordable price tag and features, here is the comparison table to facilitate your visit.

Let’s move to the detailed review section of these products!

1.) Samsung 860 EVO 500GB Internal SSD

When we talk about surface appliances, the primary name that comes in mind is Samsung, the name that is enough for your satisfaction. If you are searching for the best performing SATA SSD on the market, this new Samsung 860 Evo drive is what you ought to be watching.

If you’re employing a traditional disc drive, definitely consider upgrading to an SSD just like the 860 Evo because it’ll offer an enormous upgrade in every aspect from reading/writing speeds to quicker access times.

Features:

Original V-Nand Technology:

The 860 EVO SSD offers the best performance for every day as it is providing large-sized 4K videos and 3D data utilized by the most recent applications.

But the problem seems to be less complicated if you’re using 3rd party software. Tuxera 2018 full version is one of many powerful software to enable writing ntfs system on mac. Well it doesn’t perfectly doing its job. After all, New Technology File System is not the native system on mac.

Magnified Read-Write Speeds:

This Samsung SSD can back-to-back read and write on high levels of up to 550MB/s and 520MB/s individually.

Stable Encryption:

Your data is saved in this SSD by its selective security options, including AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption compliant with TCG Opal and IEEE 1670.

Warranty and Compatibility:

It offers a 5-year limited warranty which is enough for customer satisfaction, it’s compatible with Windows, Vista, XP, MAC OSX, and Linux.

• Significant power savings
• Five-year warranty
• Very fast
• Strong Performance
• Class-Leading Endurance
• Name Recognition and Reliability

Verdict:

2.) Crucial MX500 1TB Internal SSD

Every time you switch on your computer, you’re using majorly your storage drive. It holds all of your unique files and it loads and stores almost everything your system does. Upgrade with the Crucial MX500 ITB as not only this drive is cheaper than others, but also is compatible.

This Crucial MX500 1TB SSD drives throughput speeds and hardly slows down. Thus, it is one amongst the best-value SATA drives available for upgrading the storage in a mainstream PC, and it earns our Editors’ Choice award also.

Features:

Fly Through Everything You Do:

It can sequential reads speedily and writes up to 560/510 MB/s and random reads and writes up to 95k/90k on all file types which is that the best writing and reading speed as compare to other SSD in the market.

Enjoyable Productivity:

This MX500 SSD is crucial as it is armed with Micron’s newest NAND technology, and it’s the 850 EVO squarely in its vision.

Better Storage Capacity:

You can easily store up to 2TB of knowledge. Save vast amounts of photos, music, and videos easily and securely. With fast access to your media, creations, and styles, you’re able to share your life at the speed.

• Mainstream performance
• Competitive pricing
• Five-year warranty
• Long endurance rating
• Low cost per gigabyte.
• Available in 2.5-inch or M.2 SATA versions.
• Capacity options from 250GB to 2TB.

• A bit slower than the larger capacities
• The design could use a makeover

Verdict:

3.) SanDisk X400 SATA SSD

SanDisk’s X400 is that the successor to its X300s series and is aimed towards the corporate or the mainstream market segments. It is serving well than both previous drives because it has the 256-bit AES encryption of the S version of the X300 inbuilt as standard.

Features:

Frame:

Best Ssd For Imac 2013

The exterior of the X400, however, is fairly simplistic fashionable and manufactured from plastic and aluminum. There’s a branding sticker on the front with SanDisk’s logo and also the model name.

Reliable and Durable:

Approachable, reliable, and low power for the way consumers work. It offers great Ultra-durable systems with high-grade endurance.

TCG Opal 2.0 Support:

It means interoperability with leading industry security ISVs application. SanDisk’s 2nd generation TLC flash node works to maximize reliability and energy efficiency so the X400 uses minimal power, making it ideal to be used in an exceedingly mobile setting. Means better performance for professionals and enthusiasts.

• High performance
• Excellent pricing
• High sequential writing speed
• Offering 1TB of storage in a single-sided M.2 card

Verdict:

4.) Samsung SSD 860 PRO 2TB SSD

Today we’re staring at the new 860 EVO to determine how Samsung improved on the world’s best-selling SSD. Samsung wants to leverage that proven formula with the new EVO series so it can hold tight to its dominant and profitable leadership position.

Samsung changes its pricing when competitors march on, and therefore, the company always releases a faster model when others get too near matching its performance.

Features:

Enhanced Performance:

The 860 PRO performs at consecutive, read advanced to 560 MB/s with the function of newly V-NAND and a refined controller, delivering back-to-back write quickens to 530 MB/s.

Superior Endurance:

Under heavy workloads, endurance is everything. Your data is safe up to 4K videos and 3D data with its newest applications, up to 10.7x higher than the previous 850 PRO. The most recent V-NAND technology provides you with the best device by a 5-year or up to 4,800 TBW limited warranty.

Smart Compatibility:

Now, with this Samsung 860 PRO SSD, you can get faster and smoother communication with any of your host system. The pure ECC* algorithm and a brand new JMX controller produce higher speeds, and also the improved line-up trim enhances Linux empathy.

• Small, but noticeable speed increases
• Quadrupled endurance
• Strong performance
• Class-leading endurance
• Name recognition and reliability
• Excellent reliability

• High cost per gigabyte.
• SATA 3 protocol limits maximum potential

Verdict:

5.) OWC 1.0TB Mercury Electra 6G SSD

This PCB SATA SSD comes with the capacity of 1TB, while that isn’t that spectacular anymore, it was quite a feat. In this technology age, this SSD introduces Ultra HD (4K) video that media creators are demanding with higher storage capacity as well as high-speed storage. These users are willing to pay a premium for top capacity, high-speed storage because when engaged on large media projects, time is money.

Specifications:

The OWC Mercury Electra MAX 6G maybe a 7mm 2.5″ form factor SATA 6Gb/s SSD and is accessible during a capacity of 2TB. This SSD can easily read up to 490MB/s and writes for up to 471MB/s while holding a great 3-years warranty.

Features:

High-Performance Internal Storage:

OWC SSDs are not having any moving or removable parts, offering a quiet, cool, highly rugged storage solution that also offers a near-immediate system response.

Packaging and Components:

The packaging is simplistic and follows an identical color scheme because of the SSD itself. Within the blister packaging, we will see the SSD, both front, and back. You will notice a full-size 2.5mm spacer on top of the drive itself.

• 30-Day reimbursement guarantee.
• Perfect for everyday computing
• Latest flash NAND technology
• Global wear leveling data distribution
• Static data refresh management
• M.A.R.T and TRIM command support

Verdict:

6.) Crucial MX500 250GB 3D Internal SSD

Crucial is maintaining the MX500 as a solid, fast, reliable, easy to put in, and speedy choice to your regular old mechanical drives. All of this is provided with responsibility and delivered by the Crucial that provides quality no less than other big names of the industry.

Features:

Best Performing with 64-Layers:

Micron made changes to the new 64-layer memory that improves both performance and price. The new second-gen die is physically 30% smaller than the primary generation that permits the corporate to yield more die per wafer, which reduces the cost.

M.2 or 2.5-Inch, all Told the Capacities:

This 500GB SSD unit comes with the 2.5-inch drive form factor, which suggests it fits in a very standard laptop drive bay (for notebooks that also use full-size drives), or mostly in any desktop chassis.

You can also choose the much smaller M.2 version, which resembles a stick of gum and attaches on to the motherboard (assuming the motherboard is recent enough to own an M.2 connector).

• Start your system in seconds
• Easy installation
• 5-year limited warranty
• Excellent performance for a SATA SSD.
• Available in M.2 SATA versions
• Capacity options from 250GB to 2TB

Verdict:

7.) SanDisk Ultra 3D NAND 500GB Internal SSD

The SanDisk Ultra 3D could be a new SSD providing maximum in performing scale as its main application is overall upgraded from an HDD-based system to solid-state technology for faster boot-up times and speedier overall performance.

Features:

Accelerate your PC with up to 560MB/s:

You can get up to 560MB/s back-to-back reading speeds (550MB/s for 250GB) for faster boot-up and better overall system performance. Now you can install and run applications like games, videos, and photos in a minute so you can spend more time doing, and less time waiting.

Faster Burst Speeds with Ncache™ 2.0 Technology:

Performance opts to be impressive by writing everything into the drive’s high-speed buffer before conveying it to the flash array. This innovative architecture enables faster burst speeds.

Advanced 3D NAND Technology:

This new powerful technology enhances drive longevity for even greater trust-ability and lower power usage for longer notebook battery life.

• Easy installation
• Excellent performance for a SATA SSD.
• Available in 2.5-inch or M.2 SATA versions.
• Capacity options from 250GB to 2TB.

Verdict:

2012 Mac Mini Ssd Install

Contents

Mac Mini Late 2012 Ssd

• 1 Best SSD For MacBook Pro