Mini Upgrade

[rachalmers]

The hard drive is only 5400, so glad there is room for improvement.

Can I upgrade to two SSDs? Or is it better to do one HDD and one SSD?

As far as activity monitor goes, I know Plex Media Server and SABNZBD seem to be a bit hoggish when it comes to memory. I haven't used Onyx before. Should I download and run it?


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Yes, 5400 is the old slow (cheap) drives. Get rid of them for SSD if you can. No reason you can’t run 2xSSD. I’m not familiar with the two programs you mention, but the words “media server” are a bit of a clue. Don’t know what SABNZBD is. But if they are high CPU users and high disk throughput users, they will certainly slow you down.
To give you an idea. Mine runs a lot of stuff in the background. It used to take minutes... to start up. On a 5400 hdd. I put in the SSD and now it takes about 8 seconds to fully start up.
I always use Carbon Copy Clone to make a bootable clone of my main drive. Run it once a week. When I swapped,just cloned the hdd to the SSD, swapped them in/out and booted up. Nearly fell out of my chair at the speed difference.
I’m running a web server, mail server, and lots of other stuff. Really fast now. Just running out of room!


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[cherry_bomb]

Nope...16gig of RAM is the max for a 2012 Mac-Mini. Even if the RAM could be increased...I doubt that it would speed things up. After a certain point...more RAM will not speed things up. If the apps you use on a regular basis have all the RAM they need...then having extra RAM will not help. I'm guessing with the 16gig of RAM currently installed...it's more than what's needed.

As far as a possible failing hard drive. Maybe it is...and maybe it isn't. It's a 7 year old computer...so slowness could be a sign of a failing hard drive. Can't really say unless a new HD is installed. And sometimes a hard drive that's too full will cause slowness.

On the other hand...maybe the computer needs some maintenance done on it. If no maintenance has been done on it lately (or ever)...this would be an easy (and free) thing to try first.

Installing an SSD will definitely make the computer feel faster...but you need to remember that the cost/gigabyte for HD's vs. SSD's is much different. For example...a 1TB HD and a 1TB SSD will be very different price. Basically it depends on your budget.

- Nick

I can afford to invest in a decent sized SSD, at least a 1TB, possibly 2 depending on which maker I go with. Is there any reason to add a new HD, too? Or can I just install a large SSD and transfer everything over internally? Then at some point in the future add a second SSD for back up purposes? Or would it be better to use an external drive?

And yes...it can probably use some maintenance. is there a program I can use for that?

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[rachalmers]

The speed increase comes with making your SSD the boot drive. Just get 1 big one (2 TB+) and clone it.

In the meantime, download Onyx and just run it with its defaults. Reboot, and you should notice a difference. Just check the settings first though in case it wants to cleanup something you don’t want it todo. It cleans out lots of rubbish. Full hdd really slows down your system.



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[pigoo3]

I can afford to invest in a decent sized SSD, at least a 1TB, possibly 2 depending on which maker I go with. Is there any reason to add a new HD, too? Or can I just install a large SSD and transfer everything over internally? Then at some point in the future add a second SSD for back up purposes? Or would it be better to use an external drive?

2012 Mac-Mini's (as far as installed internal drives) came in two versions...a "regular" version...and a server version. The "regular" version came with a storage drive (hard drive) and an optical drive (DVD/CD drive). The 2012 server version came with two hard drives (no optical drive).

If your 2012 Mac-Mini has an optical drive...and you no longer need the optical drive...then you could install two internal storage drives (I believe a special install kit may be needed for the 2nd storage drive).

Member "rachalmers" mentioned having two internal drives installed...one HD & one SSD. This is a nice setup...since the SSD can be setup to be your boot drive (where the macOS is installed)...which makes everything feel faster...then you can install a large HD as the 2nd drive. This way you get the benefit of the speed of an SSD...and the lower storage cost (gigs/$$$) of a larger SSD.

But if a large 1TB SSD works for you...then just installing one drive is fine.

And yes...it can probably use some maintenance. is there a program I can use for that?

The app I usually recommend is called "Onyx". You download & install Onyx...open it...click on the "Execute" button (or whatever it's called...it changes with the version of Onyx)...then let it do it's thing. This is the default thing to do. I wouldn't mess with anything else...unless you know what you're doing. This can take a while (maybe 10-15 minutes sometimes).

- Nick

p.s. Looks like rachalmers beat me to it...our answers very similar.

 

[rachalmers]

Yes, exactly what I did Nick. Changing the drives and installing that second internal drive is not for the faint hearted though, and you do need the kit for either operation. Just swapping out the old drive or doing the dual internal. You can’t do it without the kit. My mini was not a CD-ROM type one.



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[ferrarr]

Yes, you can put two drives in your 2012 Mac mini, Mac mini Late 2012 Repair - iFixit, but there is a kit needed. You could always get one SSD and a 4TB or larger HDD.

 

[pigoo3]

Yes, exactly what I did Nick. Changing the drives and installing that second internal drive is not for the faint hearted though, and you do need the kit for either operation. Just swapping out the old drive or doing the dual internal. You can’t do it without the kit. My mini was not a CD-ROM type one.

Ahh...sounds like you have the server version.

Yes I agree...swapping out the original hard drive for a new HD or an SSD...is definitely more involved than installing RAM on a 2012 Mac-Mini. And if someone has never done any work on the inside of a computer before (unplugging delicate cables, removing screws, etc.)...and doesn't have the proper tools...this may be a bit involved. But it's not too bad of a first project if someone is properly motivated or curious/interested.

And removing the original optical drive...and replacing it with a 2nd internal storage drive is an even more involved project (might be better off just replacing the original drive)...less complex.

- Nick

 

[ferrarr]

From mid 2011 forward, the mini have not had optical drives.

 

[rachalmers]

Ahh...sounds like you have the server version.

Yes I agree...swapping out the original hard drive for a new HD or an SSD...is definitely more involved than installing RAM on a 2012 Mac-Mini. And if someone has never done any work on the inside of a computer before (unplugging delicate cables, removing screws, etc.)...and doesn't have the proper tools...this may be a bit involved. But it's not too bad of a first project if someone is properly motivated or curious/interested.

And removing the original optical drive...and replacing it with a 2nd internal storage drive is an even more involved project (might be better off just replacing the original drive)...less complex.

- Nick

Nope. Started life as a bog standard Mini. Sorry @Nick.


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[pigoo3]

From mid 2011 forward, the mini have not had optical drives.

You're 100% correct Bob...my bad. Got my models mixed up!

- Nick

p.s. Luckily having 2 internal storage drives in a 2012 Mac-Mini is still correct/possible.

 

[cherry_bomb]

Yes, 5400 is the old slow (cheap) drives. Get rid of them for SSD if you can. No reason you can’t run 2xSSD. I’m not familiar with the two programs you mention, but the words “media server” are a bit of a clue. Don’t know what SABNZBD is. But if they are high CPU users and high disk throughput users, they will certainly slow you down.
To give you an idea. Mine runs a lot of stuff in the background. It used to take minutes... to start up. On a 5400 hdd. I put in the SSD and now it takes about 8 seconds to fully start up.
I always use Carbon Copy Clone to make a bootable clone of my main drive. Run it once a week. When I swapped,just cloned the hdd to the SSD, swapped them in/out and booted up. Nearly fell out of my chair at the speed difference.
I’m running a web server, mail server, and lots of other stuff. Really fast now. Just running out of room!


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Okay I'll get started looking! So I should be able to install the SSD, then I'll make a bootable clone on it? Can I also transfer everything over to it, install my new HD or another SSD, then move the data back?

Thank you for all your tips and patience, I appreciate it!


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[cherry_bomb]

The speed increase comes with making your SSD the boot drive. Just get 1 big one (2 TB+) and clone it.

In the meantime, download Onyx and just run it with its defaults. Reboot, and you should notice a difference. Just check the settings first though in case it wants to cleanup something you don’t want it todo. It cleans out lots of rubbish. Full hdd really slows down your system.



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Almost forgot about Onyx! Will DL it now.


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[cherry_bomb]

2012 Mac-Mini's (as far as installed internal drives) came in two versions...a "regular" version...and a server version. The "regular" version came with a storage drive (hard drive) and an optical drive (DVD/CD drive). The 2012 server version came with two hard drives (no optical drive).

If your 2012 Mac-Mini has an optical drive...and you no longer need the optical drive...then you could install two internal storage drives (I believe a special install kit may be needed for the 2nd storage drive).

Member "rachalmers" mentioned having two internal drives installed...one HD & one SSD. This is a nice setup...since the SSD can be setup to be your boot drive (where the macOS is installed)...which makes everything feel faster...then you can install a large HD as the 2nd drive. This way you get the benefit of the speed of an SSD...and the lower storage cost (gigs/$$$) of a larger SSD.

But if a large 1TB SSD works for you...then just installing one drive is fine.



The app I usually recommend is called "Onyx". You download & install Onyx...open it...click on the "Execute" button (or whatever it's called...it changes with the version of Onyx)...then let it do it's thing. This is the default thing to do. I wouldn't mess with anything else...unless you know what you're doing. This can take a while (maybe 10-15 minutes sometimes).

- Nick

p.s. Looks like rachalmers beat me to it...our answers very similar.

I guess I have the server version because it does not have a cd/dvd drive. I do like the idea of install 2 drives, one for data and the other as the boot drive. Would there be any negative to doing it that way? Work the processor too hard or anything?

I appreciate all of your help, Nick! You've always been super helpful in the past, so glad I remembered to come back to this board for help.


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[cherry_bomb]

Yes, exactly what I did Nick. Changing the drives and installing that second internal drive is not for the faint hearted though, and you do need the kit for either operation. Just swapping out the old drive or doing the dual internal. You can’t do it without the kit. My mini was not a CD-ROM type one.



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I think I can do it as long as I have something to follow. It's been years but I used to swap out drives in my pre-Mac days on my PCs, do it's not too intimidating. Definitely not over confident about it but I think I can handle it with the right guidance.

Do I need to buy a kit for each one?


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[cherry_bomb]

Yes, you can put two drives in your 2012 Mac mini, Mac mini Late 2012 Repair - iFixit, but there is a kit needed. You could always get one SSD and a 4TB or larger HDD.

Do you have any suggestions of brands you would recommend? Thank you!


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[rachalmers]

CherryBomb. But the SSD + usb adaptor. Download trial Carbon Copy Clone. Clone your boot drive to the new SSD. Following the fixit instructions, open your mini and swap the SSD for your old drive. Turn mini on. You will be using the SSD and everything will be on it. It’s a carbon copy of your old drive.
Take your time. Do it carefully. Use the right tools. You need special screw drivers for the mini internals. Very VERY delicate cables in there too.
I’m pretty sure you can get instructions from the SSD supplier as well.


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[rachalmers]

ok,I meant Buy the SSD

 

[rachalmers]

carbon copy cloner

Mac Backup Software | Carbon Copy Cloner | Bombich Software

Obvously the Mac version.

This si an example screwdriver set, and the compresed air cleaner to get rid of dust.



You can buy kits from OWC, and instructions from them, and Fixit. Replace the heatsink compound while you have the mini apart. It WILL need it.

take care.

Robert

 

[pigoo3]

I guess I have the server version because it does not have a cd/dvd drive.

My apologies...I made a mistake & got my Mac-Mini models mixed up. 2012 Mac-Mini's didn't have an optical drive. Most likely you have the "regular" (non-server) 2012 Mac-Mini. But the good news is...you probably can install two internal storage drives (if you wished)...with the necessary install kit.

I do like the idea of install 2 drives, one for data and the other as the boot drive. Would there be any negative to doing it that way? Work the processor too hard or anything?

Installing two drives wouldn't really directly put any extra strain on the Mac-Mini hardware...but two drives might technically generate some additional heat...but this may not be excessive...since the 2012 Mac-Mini Server version had 2 "spinner" HD's installed in it...and it is/was ok.

Plus...an SSD + HD combo should generate less heat than 2 spinner HD's...which would be less heat generated than the 2012 Mac-Mini server.

In case you're interested...ifixit.com actually has a procedure for installing dual drives into a 2012 Mac-Mini. Here's the link:

Installing Mac Mini Late 2012 Dual Hard Drive Kit - iFixit Repair Guide

Also remember...you need a special install kit to install the 2nd drive. Here's the kit sold by www.ifixit.com...but other places like OWC (www.macsales.com)...probably also sell it:

Mac mini Dual Drive Kit - iFixit

HTH,

- Nick

p.s. Some of what I posted above probably duplicated some of the excellent info member rachalmers already posted.

 

[cherry_bomb]

My apologies...I made a mistake & got my Mac-Mini models mixed up. 2012 Mac-Mini's didn't have an optical drive. Most likely you have the "regular" (non-server) 2012 Mac-Mini. But the good news is...you probably can install two internal storage drives (if you wished)...with the necessary install kit.



Installing two drives wouldn't really directly put any extra strain on the Mac-Mini hardware...but two drives might technically generate some additional heat...but this may not be excessive...since the 2012 Mac-Mini Server version had 2 "spinner" HD's installed in it...and it is/was ok.

Plus...an SSD + HD combo should generate less heat than 2 spinner HD's...which would be less heat generated than the 2012 Mac-Mini server.

In case you're interested...ifixit.com actually has a procedure for installing dual drives into a 2012 Mac-Mini. Here's the link:

Installing Mac Mini Late 2012 Dual Hard Drive Kit - iFixit Repair Guide

Also remember...you need a special install kit to install the 2nd drive. Here's the kit sold by ifixit.com...but other places like OWC (macsales.com)...probably also sell it:

Mac mini Dual Drive Kit - iFixit

HTH,

- Nick

p.s. Some of what I posted above probably duplicated some of the excellent info member rachalmers already posted.

No worries! There's a lot of information going on here.

Would it be better for the performance of the mini to install 2 SSDs? Or one SSD and one HD?


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