platinum said:
how do i hook up a desktop 3.5inch sata hardrive to a mac mini core duo? is it just a regular sata connector? how is it powered?
i'm not talking external. this is something where i want to open up the mac (and don't worry. i'm no novice, and i've taken apart many macs (including a mac mini) before)
Well, it certainly won't fit inside, no room. You just need a simple adapter cable. If you buy something like this and rip the plate off, you'll get what you need:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813997001
Here's a short photo tutorial on how to do it using one of those miniStack-style enclosures as the case for the drive:
http://www.artmac.info/MacMiniSATAMod.html
I'm not sure how he rigged up power...maybe through a molex-to-sata-power adapter cable inside the enclosure. Normally you would have to use a regular ATX PSU to power the drive since they can suck up 10 watts or more. I don't know if the Mini would be able to power it or not. Another option is simply to get an external SATA enclosure with an SATA connection, like this one:
http://www.cooldrives.com/combo-sata-drive-enclosure-firewire-and-usb.html
It already has all the hookups needed (data connection, power, and aluminum enclosure for heat dissipation) and would be a simple choice for what you have in mind. You may or may not need a different SATA data cable than the one they include, I'm not sure. Very doable, however. If you route it carefully, you might be able to widen the security port in the rear of the Mini and run the SATA cable through that hole (dremel tool might be handy here).
While you're at it, don't forget to upgrade the ram (max 2gb), processor (current max is 2.16ghz), and even use full-sized IDE drives on the ATA bus (PM me if you want info on the adapter required).
