- Mac Mini 2014 Upgrade Ram
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- Mac Mini Late 2014 Upgrade
Apple Mac mini 'Core i7' 3.0 (Late 2014) Specs
Identifiers: Late 2014 - BTO/CTO - Macmini7,1 - A1347 - 2840
All Mac mini Models | All 2014 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
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Mac Mini 2014 Upgrade Ram
The Mac mini 'Core i7' 3.0 (Late 2014/Aluminum Unibody) technically is a 'configure-to-order' option for the MGEN2LL/A Mac mini 'Core i5' 2.6 (Late 2014) and MGEQ2LL/A Mac mini 'Core i5' 2.8 (Late 2014), but also is documented as a separate model for reader convenience. Other than the processor (and its corresponding level 3 cache), this model can be identical to its 'stock' counterparts.
The Apple Mac mini 'Core i7' 3.0 (Late 2014/Aluminum Unibody) features a 22 nm 'Haswell' 3.0 GHz Intel 'Core i7' (4578U) processor with two independent processor 'cores' on a single chip, a 4 MB shared level 3 cache, 8 GB of onboard 1600 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM (which could be upgraded to 16 GB at the initial time of system purchase, but cannot be upgraded later), either a 1 TB hard drive or a 1 TB 'Fusion Drive' (which combines a 1 TB hard drive and a 128 GB SSD), and an 'integrated' Intel Iris 5100 graphics processor that shares system memory.
Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 2 ports, four USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n compatible), and Bluetooth 4.0 as well as an SDXC card slot.
Compared to its predecessor, this model looks identical, but it has a more advanced architecture and graphics, Thunderbolt 2 capability, and faster Wi-Fi. On the other hand, it has a processor with half the number of cores, no longer supports Firewire, has RAM that can no longer be upgraded, and no longer supports two 2.5' drives.
All Mac mini systems are configured by default without a display, keyboard, or mouse, but numerous Apple and third-party options are available.
Also see:
Mac mini (Late 2014) has memory that is integrated into the main logic board and can't be upgraded. 2012, 2011, 2010 To remove and install memory in your Mac mini (Late 2012), Mac mini (Mid 2011), or Mac mini (Mid 2010), use the following steps. The Mac Mini 2014 is a good upgrade for what was already an excellent entry-level Mac system but comes at the expense of easy upgrades. Most popular articles.
- What are all the differences between the 'Late 2014' Aluminum Mac mini models? Which is best for my needs?
- What are all the differences between the 'Late 2014' Aluminum Mac mini models and the models replaced?
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- Tech Specs
- Ports
- Global Original Prices
- Popular Q&As
Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is 'open' by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.
| Introduction Date: | October 16, 2014 | Discontinued Date: | October 30, 2018 |
| Details: | The 'Introduction Date' refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The 'Discontinued Date' refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended. Also see: All Macs introduced in 2014. |
| Details: | Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort. |
| Details: | Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini7,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Details: | These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini7,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Details: | These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini7,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Details: | These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini7,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Details: | These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini7,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Processor Speed: | 3.0 GHz | Processor Type: | Core i7 (I7-4578U) |
| Details: | This model is powered by a 22 nm, 64-bit 'Fourth Generation' Intel Mobile Core i7 'Haswell ULT' (I7-4578U) processor which includes two independent processor 'cores' on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 4 MB of level 3 cache, and has an integrated memory controller (dual channel). This system also supports 'Turbo Boost 2.0' -- which 'automatically increases the speed of the active cores' to improve performance when needed (up to 3.5 GHz for this model) -- and 'Hyper Threading' -- which allows the system to recognize four total 'cores' or 'threads' (two real and two virtual. Also see: How fast are the 'Late 2014' Aluminum 'Unibody' Mac mini models compared to the 'Late 2012' models replaced? |
| Details: | N/A |
| Details: | The processor is soldered directly to the motherboard. |
| System Bus Speed: | 5 GT/s* | Cache Bus Speed: | 3.0 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: | *This system has a 'Direct Media Interface' -- specifically DMI2 -- that 'connects between the processor and chipset' in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 5 GT/s. |
| Details: | N/A |
| Details: | Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 4 MB of shared level 3 cache. |
| Details: | *Shipped standard with 8 GB of 1600 MHz 'Low Power' LPDDR3 SDRAM onboard. |
| Details: | *By default, 8 GB of RAM is onboard. As first confirmed by MacminiColo, this RAM is soldered onboard and cannot be upgraded at all. However, at the initial time of system purchase, this model could be configured with 16 GB of RAM for an additional US$200. Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Details: | *There are no RAM slots. 8 GB of RAM is onboard by default. It can be upgraded to 16 GB, but only at the initial time of system purchase. The RAM cannot be upgraded after system purchase at all. |
| Details: | This model has an Intel Iris 5100 graphics processor that shares memory with the system. Also see: What type of video system is provided by the Aluminum Mac mini models? Which are integrated and which are dedicated? Can the video be upgraded? In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the graphics card, power supply, and more for this Mac mini. In Singapore, site sponsor Esmond Service Centre provides highly regarded repairs for the graphics card, motherboard, power supply, and more, all with a free estimate and fast turnaround for this Mac mini. |
| Details: | *Apple reports that this model uses 'Intel Iris Graphics' and allocates up to 1.5 GB of system memory for video function. Intel more specifically reports that this processor is packaged with a Intel Iris 5100 graphics processor. |
| Display Support: | Dual Displays | Resolution Support: | 2560x1600* |
| Details: | *This model supports 'up to two displays' at 2560x1600, both at millions of colors, via the two Thunderbolt 2 ports. It supports Thunderbolt digital video output and native Mini DisplayPort output as well as DVI, VGA, and Dual-link DVI using Mini DisplayPort to DVI, Mini DisplayPort to VGA, and Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapters. It also supports 1080p at up to 60 Hz via the HDMI port. DVI output additionally is supported using an HDMI to DVI adapter. All adapters are sold separately. |
| 2nd Display Support: | Dual/Mirroring* | 2nd Max. Resolution: | 2560x1600* |
| Details: | *This model supports 'up to two displays' at 2560x1600. |
| Standard Storage: | 1 TB (HD, Fusion*) | Std. Storage Speed: | N/A |
| Details: | *If this BTO/CTO processor upgrade was selected alone for the MGEN2LL/A model, the system is configured with a 1 TB hard drive by default. If this BTO/CTO processor upgrade was selected alone for the MGEQ2LL/A model, the system is configured with a 1 TB 'Fusion Drive' (which combines a 1 TB hard drive and a 128 GB SSD) by default. The MGEN2LL/A model also could be configured at the time of purchase with a 256 GB SSD or a 1 TB Fusion Drive, either one, for an additional US$200. The MGEQ2LL/A model also could be configured at the time of purchase with a 256 GB SSD at no extra charge, a 512 GB SSD for an extra US$300 or a 1 TB SSD for an extra US$800. Starting January 13, 2015, Apple also added a 2 TB 'Fusion Drive' as an option for an extra US$100. On October 30, 2018, Apple discontinued this model entirely. Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive(s) in the Aluminum 'Unibody' Mac mini models? What type of storage do they support? In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this Mac mini. In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells storage upgrades for this Mac mini. In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit sells storage upgrades for this Mac mini. Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Storage Dimensions: | 2.5' (9.5 mm)/Proprietary* | Storage Interface: | Serial ATA (6 Gb/s)/PCIe* |
| Details: | *This model has a Serial ATA III (6 Gb/s) connector for a 2.5' hard drive or SSD as well as a proprietary PCIe connector for a 'blade' SSD, although as noted by site sponsor OWC, the cable to connect a 'blade' SSD to the PCIe connector is not present unless the system is configured with a 'Fusion Drive' at the time of initial purchase. |
| Details: | *This Mac mini does not have an internal optical drive. Site sponsor Adorama offers the external Apple USB SuperDrive for US$79. It writes DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL at 4X, DVD-R and DVD+R at 8X, DVD-RW at 6X, DVD+RW at 8X, reads DVD at 8X, writes CD-R at 24X, writes CD-RW at 16X, and reads CD at 24X. Site sponsor Other World Computing also has a variety of compact external optical drive options that may be of interest, including some with Blu-ray capability. Also see: What are the full capabilities of the external SuperDrive? Can it be used with other Macs? |
| Standard Modem: | None | Standard Ethernet: | 10/100/1000Base-T |
| Standard AirPort: | 802.11ac* | Standard Bluetooth: | 4.0 |
| Details: | *802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n backwards compatible) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard. |
| Details: | Four USB 3.0 ports, no Firewire port. |
| Details: | This model has an SDXC Card slot. In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of external expansion options and hand-picked accessories like external storage, stands, keyboards, cables, adapters, speakers, and more for this Mac mini. In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit offers an extensive selection of external expansion options and accessories like docks, stands, chargers, keyboards, security products, and more for this Mac mini. |
| Details: | No Mac mini systems ship with a keyboard or mouse. |
| Details: | Uses a tiny case -- milled from a single block of aluminum -- that is 7.7 inches wide and deep and 1.4 inches tall. |
| Details: | As this model technically is a custom configuration of the MGEN2LL/A Mac mini 'Core i5' 2.6 (Late 2014) or MGEQ2LL/A Mac mini 'Core i5' 2.8 (Late 2014), it does not have its own order number. |
| Apple Model No: | A1347 (EMC 2840) | Model ID: | Macmini7,1 |
| Details: | Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model. Also see: All Macs with the A1347 Model Number, the 2840 EMC Number, and the Macmini7,1 Model Identifier. For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section. |
| Details: | N/A |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: | X 10.10 (14A389) | Maximum MacOS: | Current* |
| Details: | *This system fully supports the last version of OS X 10.10 'Yosemite' and OS X 10.11 'El Capitan' including Metal graphics acceleration. It is fully supported by the last version of macOS Sierra (10.12) and macOS High Sierra (10.13), also. Running macOS High Sierra (10.13), it supports HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), but it does not support hardware accelerated HEVC. This model is compatible with the final version of macOS Mojave (10.14), the final version of macOS Catalina (10.15), and the current version of macOS Big Sur (macOS 11), as well. Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Big Sur (macOS 11)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features? |
| Minimum Windows: | 7 (64-Bit)* | Maximum Windows: | 10 (64-Bit)* |
| Details: | *The pre-installed version of Apple's Boot Camp BCA supports the 64-bit version of Windows 7 and Windows 8. Boot Camp 6 supports the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Earlier versions of Windows are not supported. |
| MacOS 9 Support: | None | Windows Support: | Boot/Virtualization |
| Details: | Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs? Site sponsor OHS specializes in heavily upgraded Macs capable of running both Mac OS X and Mac OS 9 applications. For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A. |
| Dimensions: | 1.4 x 7.7 x 7.7 | Avg. Weight: | 2.7 lbs. (1.22 kg) |
| Details: | In inches - height by width by depth, (3.6 cm, 19.7 cm, 19.7 cm) |
| Original Price (US): | US$999, US$1199* | Est. Current Retail: | US$600-US$800 |
| Details: | *This configure-to-order Mac mini originally was US$999 if equipped with a 1 TB hard drive (MGEN2LL/A with the processor upgrade option) and US$1199 if equipped with a 1 TB 'Fusion Drive' (MGEQ2LL/A with the processor upgrade option). Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated). Photo Credit: Apple Computer. |
Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is 'open' by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.
| Video (Monitor): | 2 (Thunderbolt 2), 1 HDMI | Floppy (Ext.): | None |
| Details: | *One HDMI and two Thunderbolt 2 ports. It supports 'up to two displays' at 2560x1600, both at millions of colors, via the two Thunderbolt 2 ports. It supports Thunderbolt digital video output and native Mini DisplayPort output as well as DVI, VGA, and Dual-link DVI using Mini DisplayPort to DVI, Mini DisplayPort to VGA, and Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapters. It also supports 1080p at up to 60 Hz via the HDMI port. DVI output additionally is supported using an HDMI to DVI adapter. All adapters are sold separately. |
| Details: | N/A |
| Details: | N/A |
| Details: | Four USB 3.0 ports, no Firewire port. |
| Details: | Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n backwards compatible) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard. |
| Details: | N/A |
| Details: | Combined 'audio line in minijack (digital/analog).' |
| Details: | Single combined 'audio line out/headphone minijack (digital/analog).' |
| Details: | N/A |
| Details: | 100V-240V, 50 Hz to 60 Hz single phase, 85W maximum. |
Global original prices for the Mac mini 'Core i7' 3.0 (Late 2014) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.
For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.
Original Prices - North & South America
| Mexico: | MXN $16,983, $19,999 | United States: | US$999, US$1199* |
Original Prices - Europe
| Denmark: | DKK 7,799, 9,299 | Finland: | €1019, €1219 |
| Ireland: | €1019, €1219 | Italy: | €1019, €1219 |
| Luxembourg: | €949,46, €1139,55 | Netherlands: | €1019, €1219 |
| Spain: | €999, €1199 | Sweden: | SEK 9.535, 11.295 |
| Switzerland: | CHF 1'099, 1'319 | United Kingdom: | £799, £959 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: | RMB 7,236, RMB 8,708 | Hong Kong: | HK$7,588, HK$9,148 |
| Japan: | ¥106,800, ¥126,400 | Korea: | KRW 1,250,000, 1,519,200 |
| Malaysia: | RM 3,199, 3,879 | The Philippines: | PHP 49,990, 59,990 |
| Singapore: | S$1,348, S$1,628 | Taiwan: | NT$31,820, NT$38,420 |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: | A$1249, A$1489 | New Zealand: | NZ$1499, NZ$1819 |
If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the Mac mini models follow.
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Aluminum 'Unibody' Mac mini Q&A
Update Published January 27, 2021
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How do you upgrade the storage in the Aluminum 'Unibody' Mac mini models? What type of hard drive(s) or SSD(s) do they each support?
There are five different lines of Aluminum 'Unibody' Mac mini systems -- the 'Mid-2010,' 'Mid-2011,' 'Late 2012', 'Late 2014' and 'Late 2018' -- with notable differences in supported storage.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Non-Server Mid-2010 - Left, Mid-2011 & Late 2012 - Right)
Identification Help
If you're not sure which Aluminum Mac mini model you have, the optical drive equipped 'Mid-2010' models and current 'Late 2018' 'Space Gray' models should be easy to spot (at least for now), but many models in between these lines are more of a challenge.
All Aluminum Mac mini models can be precisely identified by the Model Identifier in software or externally by EMC Number, and more details about specific identifiers are provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.
To locate the model identifier in software, select 'About This Mac' under the Apple Menu on your computer and click the 'More Info...' button. If the Mac mini is running OS X 10.7 'Lion' or later, you will need to click the 'System Report' button after clicking 'More Info...' as well.
For the pre-Late 2014 Mac mini models, the EMC number is visible upon removing the bottom 'spin off' panel to the right of the memory slots (when the ports are facing you). It is on the bottom of the 'Late 2014' and 'Late 2018' models toward the ports.
As always, EveryMac.com has hand documented the model identifiers and EMC numbers unique to each model, which are most easily visualized as a chart:
Alu. Mac mini | Subfamily | Model ID | EMC No. |
Mid-2010 | |||
Mid-2010 | |||
Mid-2010 | |||
Mid-2011 | |||
Mid-2011 | |||
Mid-2011 | |||
Mid-2011 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2014 | |||
Late 2014 | |||
Late 2014 | |||
Late 2014 | |||
Late 2018 | |||
Late 2018 | |||
Late 2018 |
EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature -- as well as the EveryMac app -- also can identify these models by their Serial Numbers.
Storage Types, Dimensions & Requirements
Regular 'Mid-2010' Aluminum 'Unibody' Mac mini models, which have optical drives, support a single 2.5-inch, 9.5 mm tall, 3 Gb/s Serial ATA (SATA Revision 2.0) hard drive or SSD (or two storage drives if you remove the optical drive). The oddball Mac mini 'Core 2 Duo' 2.66 Server (Mid-2010) supports two storage drives of the same type (and no optical drive).
All 'Mid-2011' and 'Late 2012' models hold two 2.5-inch storage drives with the same 9.5 mm height restriction, but have faster 6 Gb/s Serial ATA (SATA Revision 3.0) support.
The non-server 'Mid-2011' and 'Late 2012' models, which only ship with one hard drive by default, a second hard drive or SSD is supported, but one has to purchase the cable needed to attach the drive to the board before installation is possible.
A user from the MacRumors forums first determined that the needed part is referred to as the 'Bottom Hard Drive Flex Cable' (Apple Part Number 922-9560) and successfully installed a second drive. More recently, site sponsor Other World Computing began offering a 'Data Doubler' upgrade kit for the Aluminum Mac mini models that includes everything needed to perform this upgrade -- the cable, drive bracket, precisely sized screwdrivers and screws -- in one convenient package.
The 'Late 2014' models have a 6 Gb/s Serial ATA (SATA Revision 3.0) connector for a 2.5-Inch hard drive or SSD in addition to a proprietary PCIe connector for a 'blade' SSD. As first noted by site sponsor OWC, the cable to connect this SSD to the PCIe connector is not present unless the system is configured with a 'Fusion Drive' at the time of initial purchase. However, it is possible to buy this cable later. This 'PCIe SSD Cable Connector' is part number 821-00010-A.
The current 'Late 2018' models have onboard storage and it cannot be upgraded at all after the initial system purchase.
These details can be helpfully summarized accordingly:
Alu. Mac mini | Subfamily | Model ID | Dimensions | Interface |
Mid-2010 | 2.5' 9.5 mm | SATA 2.0 x2* | ||
Mid-2010 | 2.5' 9.5 mm | SATA 2.0 x2* | ||
Mid-2010 | 2.5' 9.5 mm | SATA 2.0 x2 | ||
Mid-2011 | 2.5' 9.5 mm | SATA 3.0 x2 | ||
Mid-2011 | 2.5' 9.5 mm | SATA 3.0 x2 | ||
Mid-2011 | 2.5' 9.5 mm | SATA 3.0 x2 | ||
Mid-2011 | 2.5' 9.5 mm | SATA 3.0 x2 | ||
Late 2012 | 2.5' 9.5 mm | SATA 3.0 x2 | ||
Late 2012 | 2.5' 9.5 mm | SATA 3.0 x2 | ||
Late 2012 | 2.5' 9.5 mm | SATA 3.0 x2 | ||
Late 2012 | 2.5' 9.5 mm | SATA 3.0 x2 | ||
Late 2012 | 2.5' 9.5 mm | SATA 3.0 x2 | ||
Late 2014 | 2.5' 9.5 mm | SATA 3.0 x2 | ||
Late 2014 | 2.5' 9.5 mm | SATA 3.0 x2 | ||
Late 2014 | 2.5' 9.5 mm | SATA 3.0 x2 | ||
Late 2014 | 2.5' 9.5 mm | SATA 3.0 x2 | ||
Late 2018 | Onboard† | Onboard† | ||
Late 2018 | Onboard† | Onboard† | ||
Late 2018 | Onboard† | Onboard† |
* By default, one SATA 2.0 connector in these models is occupied by an optical drive.
† These models have onboard PCIe-based storage that cannot be upgraded after the initial system purchase.
Hard Drive Upgrade Official Disclaimer & Cautions
To upgrade the memory in the Aluminum 'Unibody' Mac mini models released before and after the Late 2014 models, Apple has made it straightforward. Replacing the hard drive or hard drives is a more complicated procedure and Apple does not support users performing this upgrade themselves.
In the User Guide, Apple formally states the following:
Except for memory, do not attempt to replace or repair any components inside your Mac mini. If your Mac mini needs service, consult the service and support information that came with your Mac mini for information about how to contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple for service.
If you install items other than memory, you risk damaging your equipment, and such damage isn't covered by the limited warranty on your Mac mini.
As Apple does not consider the hard drive to be a 'customer installable part,' EveryMac.com cannot recommend that users perform the upgrade themselves. Most likely should instead add a quick and easy external hard drive or alternately hire a professional. Given the small and densely packed nature of the Aluminum Mac mini models this certainly is not a good system to upgrade yourself without substantial experience upgrading the hard drive in similar systems.
Hard Drive Upgrade Instructions
However, for highly experienced users, upgrading the hard drive or hard drives -- or swapping in one or more SSDs -- is difficult, but feasible nevertheless.
These videos from OWC cover the procedure for the optical-drive equipped 'Mid-2010' models and the optical drive-less 'Mid-2010' Server, 'Mid-2011,' 'Late 2012,' and models, in a step-by-step fashion:
'Mid-2010' Mac mini (One Hard Drive, One Optical Drive)
'Mid-2010' Mac mini Server (Dual Hard Drives)
'Mid-2011' & 'Late 2012' Mac mini (Dual Hard Drives)
'Late 2014' Mac mini (Hard Drive or Fusion Drive; PCIe SSD Instructions)
It is hoped that by watching the videos you should be able to determine whether or not you feel comfortable performing the upgrade yourself or if you would rather hire a professional.
Mac mini Hard Drive or SSD Purchase Options
In theory, just about any hard drive or SSD that meets the minimum requirements should work in the Mac mini. However, it always is best to buy from a trusted company with Mac knowledge for the most trouble-free experience.
In addition to the convenient storage upgrade kit for applicable Aluminum Mac mini models, Other World Computing sells compatible hard drives and SSDs and offers an installation service, as well.
In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells Mac mini compatible SSDs with free shipping. The company provides flat rate shipping to France, Germany, and Switzerland and inexpensive shipping for all of Europe, too.
In Australia, site sponsors Macfixit and Upgradeable sell Mac mini compatible hard drives and SSDs with fast shipping, a money-back guarantee and more.
In New Zealand, site sponsor Upgradeable New Zealand sells Mac mini hard drives and SSDs with fast delivery to all corners of the country, precise compatibility, a lifetime warranty, and a money-back guarantee.
Also see:
- How do you upgrade the RAM in the Aluminum 'Unibody' Mac mini models? What type of RAM do they use? How much RAM do they actually support?
- How do you upgrade the hard drive in the Polycarbonate Intel Mac mini models? What type of hard drive do they support? Is it possible to replace the optical drive with a second hard drive?
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EveryMac.com is provided 'as is' without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the author thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Use of any content or images without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.