Upgrading a Mac Mini Server 4,1 (mid-2010 model)...

I recently purchased the above described computer from a well-known second-hand technology retailer for the bargain price of just £185 (I think they must've assumed that it could only be used as a server & so marked-down the price, not realising that it works fine as a full "PC" with the standard version of OS X installed).

It's still in its standard as-originally-shipped configuration; it works perfectly well & is astoundingly slick for a machine running off of a spinning-platter HDD (granted a 7200rpm disk), but it is a little slow starting-up, so I was thinking about increasing the RAM & replacing the main boot HDD with an SSD.

So, my actual question is two-fold:

1. How practical is it to change an internal drive on that model & what special tools will I need?

2. Is there any way to get hold of a legit DMG of the installer for the latest version of OS X so I could just do a fresh install onto the new disk from a USB stick, or will I have to clone the existing HDD onto the new SSD first?

Cheers in advance for any replies/advice ??

Ctrl-Opt-Del said:

1. How practical is it to change an internal drive on that model & what special tools will I need?

Click to expand...

Here's the prodecure:

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac+Mini+Mid+2010+Hard+Drive+Replacement/3113

Ctrl-Opt-Del said:

2. Is there any way to get hold of a legit DMG of the installer for the latest version of OS X so I could just do a fresh install onto the new disk from a USB stick, or will I have to clone the existing HDD onto the new SSD first?

Click to expand...

Just download El Capitan (OS 10.11)…and create your own bootable USB stick.

Congrats on your purchase. I have a 2010 Mac-Mini…the non-server version. Nice little unit.

- Nick

pigoo3 said:

Here's the prodecure:

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac+Mini+Mid+2010+Hard+Drive+Replacement/3113

Click to expand...

Ah, thank you ?

I'm assuming there's no Master/Slave set-up with SATA connections as there used to be with old IDE cables & so I could make the process slightly easier for myself & just swap-out the lower drive, even if that's not the current boot drive?

pigoo3 said:

Just download El Capitan (OS 10.11)…and create your own bootable USB stick.

Click to expand...

I've seen before that there is a way to extract a bootable DMG from the upgrade installer, but I'm not sure how one actually does so; have you seen a good guide for that procedure online?

Also, it's already on 10.11.4, so will I have to wait for 10.12.x to be released to get my hands on the installer? (I'm assuming there won't be another point update before that...)

pigoo3 said:

Congrats on your purchase. I have a 2010 Mac-Mini…the non-server version. Nice little unit.

Click to expand...

I was most definitely pleased with my purchase; I actually asked them if it was just for parts & mislabelled as working when I saw it in the window, as couldn't believe how cheap it was! I'd been looking at non-server versions of the 2010 model online & they were runing from £350 to £500!

After I've upgraded it, it'll be a fine replacement for my current PC; which isn't a bad machine by any means (2.3GHz octa-core CPU, 16GB of 1666kHz RAM, a 240GB SSD, & 2GB workstation graphics), but is massively surplus to my requirements now I've finished my degree & can't find any freelance work for love nor money (despite what my university promised would be available) & so I'm going to have to take-up an apprenticeship with a company that'll provide work PCs on site anyway. Also, it's the size of a small suitcase & really clutters-up my room! So, I may as well sell it before it depreciates any further in value...

Ctrl-Opt-Del said:

I'm assuming there's no Master/Slave set-up with SATA connections as there used to be with old IDE cables…

Click to expand...

I don't think this is an issue. Last time I remember hearing about master/slave in terms of Apple computing…was with old Powermac G4 desktops.

Ctrl-Opt-Del said:

I've seen before that there is a way to extract a bootable DMG from the upgrade installer, but I'm not sure how one actually does so; have you seen a good guide for that procedure online?

Click to expand...

Do a google search with the term "El Capitan bootable USB installer". You'll get a bunch of results. Pick one that is written & understandable in a style you like.

Ctrl-Opt-Del said:

Also, it's already on 10.11.4, so will I have to wait for 10.12.x to be released to get my hands on the installer?

Click to expand...

No need to wait for OS 10.12 to do this. You should be able to redownload the OS 10.11 (El Capitan) installer…and go from there.

Ctrl-Opt-Del said:

I was most definitely pleased with my purchase; I actually asked them if it was just for parts & mislabelled as working when I saw it in the window, as couldn't believe how cheap it was! I'd been looking at non-server versions of the 2010 model online & they were runing from £350 to £500!

Click to expand...

Wow…and you got it for £185! Nice!!!

- Nick