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Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement

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  1. Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement, Bottom Cover: 1 단계, 이미지 1/1
    • The bottom cover is clipped onto three screw posts.

    • Pry near, but not right on the screw posts.

    Read Me First: I purchased an SSD drive directly from Crucial and, of course, it came uninitialized. After going thru the entire tear down, installing the new drive, and rebuilding the mini, it refused to recognize the new drive. So, of course, I had to re-tear it down, remove the new drive, insert it into an external housing and format it using my Macbook. After that the mini recognized the new drive. A word to the wise: format the new drive before installing it.

    tom - 답글

    How were you installing the OS? I am planning on booting into a USB drive with a copy of OS High Sierra on it, and I assume I will be able to format my new Samsung SSD using that?

    Simon - 답글

    On my Samsung EVO 850, mac mini download system automaticly

    Stefan Repac - 답글

    Pre-formatting is not necessary if you make a USB boot installation drive with macOS installer. During boot up, hold down the option key until the mac boot into the USB, formatting can then be done using disk utility running off the USB drive.

    SBR249 - 답글

    I had the exact same experience as tom. I installed a brand new 2TB Samsung 850 EVO and it was not recognized by the Mac Mini. I booted from a portable USB drive with a bootable copy of macOS High Sierra but the 850 EVO SSD I had just installed was not shown as an option. I tore down the Mac Mini again, formatted the 850 EVO, rebuilt the Mac Mini, and booted off the same bootable High Sierra USB drive, and sure enough the 850 EVO was recognized.

    maxim - 답글

    diskutil list

    diskutil erasedisk [filesystem] [drivename] /dev/disk[disk number]

    Paul Rodgers - 답글

    My drive (Evo 860) was also not initialized. I started in recovery mode and went to disc utility and from there selected the drive. I then was able to use the “erase” function on the drive. I just left the settings as default and as soon as it erased then the drive was ready to go.

    Nathan Cooper - 답글

    Just completed this upgrade a few days ago, having purchased the 1 TB SSD kit from IFixIt. The kit arrived quickly and the tools and drive worked perfectly. The step by step guide posted here is pretty much flawless, but do pay attention to the specific comments from users on certain steps - they really help. As far as ensuring that the new drive will reboot and install MacOS, I watched 1-2 videos on YouTube about re-installing using the Internet Recovery tool and that worked perfectly. My MacMini is performing WAY better than it used to, for only a $200 upgrade kit and about 3 hours of work, all in. Thanks!

    Joshua Rednik - 답글

    I’ve had Apple computers since the G3 machines and they have always been snappy.

    Unfortunately this 2014 macmini has always been slow but this upgrade (6 years later) has changed that!

    if you have a late 2014 macmini, do this.

    I used a 860 Samsung.

    Mike Hayes - 답글

    A quick comment to tell you that at every step, make sure to read the comments and be careful. I managed to do the process fast without any problems, but thanks to the comments that warned me enough on the risky steps.

    Euronymous - 답글

    This guide surely helped me breath upgrade and bring some new life into my macmini. Thanks to all who contributed.

    Cameron Hasell - 답글

    can one of you give me the link for the screw drivers please?

    Gerardo Ramirez - 답글

  2. Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement: 2 단계, 이미지 1/3 Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement: 2 단계, 이미지 2/3 Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement: 2 단계, 이미지 3/3
    • Use the plastic opening tool to pry the bottom cover up off of the Mac mini.

    I used some wooden toothpicks instead of the opening tool. This worked flawless for me.

    mhomscheidt - 답글

    Credit cards will also work. The cover should should pop off easily.

    Gregory - 답글

  3. Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement: 3 단계, 이미지 1/2 Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement: 3 단계, 이미지 2/2
    • Lift and remove the bottom cover.

    I taped the "Mac Mini Logic Board Removal Tool" to the flat part of the antenna plate before sealing everything up again. I mean, where else am I supposed to store it without forgetting where it is? I'm pretty sure it won't cause any problems there.

    Richard - 답글

    That’s a brilliant idea, @mrredwood!

    Dan Moore -

    Lol. And here I am keeping this old system going a little longer with a 2TB upgrade.

    Richard -

    I would suggest you wash the underside of the plastic as mine after 3 years was covered in dust.

    John Errington - 답글

    I couldn’t get mine to snap back on

    David Yutzy - 답글

    Make sure the 3 longer, thicker screws are in the right holes per the diagram in Step 4. (Hint: not next to the large black wireless button.) When those screws are in the right places, the back just snaps into place very easily.

    Gary W Edson -

  4. Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement, Antenna Plate: 4 단계, 이미지 1/1
    • Remove the following TR6 screws from the antenna plate:

    • Three 4.1 mm screws

    • Three 1.9 mm screws

    Had a T7 security screw driver [and didn't want to wait to have the T6 version shipped to me], so I gave it a whirl. I lined up the driver with the screw socket, pressed down a bit to make sure the driver would get enough grip, and slowly [but forcefully] rotated the driver and got these screws out. BE CAUTIOUS not to strip the screws. May not work for everyone.

    KevCoStudios - 답글

    As TR6 screwdrivers were sold out all over Germany and I wanted to exchange the HDD THIS friday, I took a VERY fine dental milling tip (0,8 mm head diameter) for my proxxon and milled away the little dots in the center of the the TR6 screws. After that I could open the case with a regular T6 screwdriver. All went fine, MM is closed again + working like a charm with it's new SSD. NOTE: For this task I used my loupe glasses (3x) ;)

    Martin Gerner - 답글

    On the whole screw thing. I just used a tiny dremel drill bit and drilled out the security pin. I hate those screws. I don't see the point in locking the them with those. they should have left the screws alone.

    That Mac Guy - 답글

    That worked for me, thanks for the trick!

    Arroba -

    I used the T7 very carefully. No problems.

    randywardak - 답글

    I just had success using standard pliers to remove the longer screw posts, and then I used standard needle nose pliers to press down and grip the tiny screws. Please note that this method may/will cause scrapping of the aluminium cover.

    Barrythetech - 답글

    Northern Tools sells a set of 13 Torx Security Keys for $28.99 that has the TR6 size.

    Gary Craig - 답글

    On my 2nd drive replacement (swapping out to an SSD this time). Could not find my logic board removal tool. So I made another one from a metal coat hanger. So, here’s my tip, when you put it all back together: the logic board removal tool fits around that small black circle antenna perfectly and you can replace the large black cover over the top snuggly. No rattles or anything.. So, next time: I’m guaranteed to find my logic board removal tool.

    Andy Milne - 답글

    The three longer screws could be removed with pliers.

    The three shorter once I drilled out with a sharp 3 mm drill.

    First put tape across the ventilation opening and carefully vacuum cleaned before taking of the antenna plate, though.

    Don’t you hate it when the manufacturer does things like this, though??

    ernstcline - 답글

    My set of drill bits contained a T6H but no TR6 (I don’t know the difference). That worked too without problems

    Claus - 답글

    I can recommend the Tekprem tools for this. That %#*@ security dimple foiled me until I got these. check Amazon ratings before you buy any tools, a lot of them that come from China are made with cheap pot metal rather than properly hardened alloys and will strip out very quickly. (Don’t ask me how I know this.)

    MrSpiral - 답글

    I have T6 but not the required TR6, and my order for the bit from Amazon is going to take two weeks. I don’t have the patience to wait so…

    I was able to remove all of the screws but 1 with a pair of needle nose pliers and sheer force of will. The last one wouldn’t come off so I just finally gave up and bent the plate back until the screw broke off. It wasn’t pretty but considering there is a plastic cover over the whole assembly it was something I was willing to live with.

    Note that I can’t get the screws back in with the needlenose, they just don’t turn, so I will await the bit to arrive. In the meantime this computer is purring like a kitten, a whole new lease on life!

    Glen Candlewood - 답글

    If you have non-security T6 and T7s, carefully drill away the middle of the screw with a very small bit, stopping frequently to vacuum out the filings to see if you’ve done enough. You don’t need to do much, and too much will strip the screw entirely. Then very carefully unscrew using a T6 (you may need a T7). I’ve done it twice and it works.

    bkbkbk - 답글

    Crap, i'm stuck on these, too, and it's just the very beginning.. What can I say, that's simply unfair not to say plain stupid, Apple, but it's nothing new.

    Alexey Lyskov - 답글

    I can confirm that the small pin in the middle of the TR6 screws can be removed (actually broken out) pretty easily with a small, flat head screwdriver that can just fit inside the middle hole of the screw (as recommended in some YouTube video).

    First, cover the antenna plate holes for safety. Then push the dots with the  flat head screwdriver from one side cautiously, but forcefully by leaning the driver against the outer side of the inner hole, until you see the security pin leaning a little bit. Then push it from the opposite side, until it breaks out.

    Bacs - 답글

    I've been fixing and upgrading Apple products using iFixit since the days of Gen2 iPod Touch and white plastic iBooks. This is the first time I had to use a drill press!!! To grind out those darn internal pins. But it worked. Now awaiting delivery of an SSD with my Mac mini in pieces on my desk. Thanks, iFixit and all the comment posters.

    buyer14618 - 답글

  5. Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement: 5 단계, 이미지 1/2 Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement: 5 단계, 이미지 2/2
    • Do not completely remove the antenna plate; it is still connected to the Mac mini by an antenna cable.

    • With the I/O ports facing you, flip the antenna plate to the right to allow access to the antenna cable connector.

  6. Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement: 6 단계, 이미지 1/1
    • Remove the single 3.4 mm T6 screw and washer from the antenna cable.

    • Be careful not to lose the washer when removing the screw.

    This is a pain in the arse to get back on. Lock the screw down first when reassembling.

    Jim Allen - 답글

    No need toremove this. The cable squeezes out of the gap under the case with enough length for the antenna plate to be out of the way.

    cheongi - 답글

    Not necessary to remove just be careful and don’t stretch the cable.

    peter Tucker - 답글

    Steps 6 - 9 are not needed…

    Gray Greensheim - 답글

    I found it necessary to remove the screw (as instructed) as my antenna cable was attached to the washer.

    Ivan - 답글

  7. Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement: 7 단계, 이미지 1/2 Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement: 7 단계, 이미지 2/2
    • Use the point of a spudger to lift the antenna connector straight up off its socket on the airport card.

    Is this really necessary? The antenna is no where near the SSD drive....

    mike - 답글

    This was the most tricky part for me when remounting the Mac Mini. With my bad eyes, I’ve spent 10 minutes inserting this tiny round antenna plug in the hole. I’ve decided to put the screw back without tighten it too strongly and then it was easier.

    afajner - 답글

    I have been having wifi issues ever since I changed the drive. I don’t know if this connector is the cause or not.

    Simon - 답글

    I have been having wifi issues ever since I did this upgrade. Don’t know if it’s this connector or not.

    Simon - 답글

    Afajner great rip. Worked great. Thx

    Milton - 답글

    Afajner, your tip worked great. Thanks.

    Milton - 답글

    This is a very fiddly connector. Afajner’s tip is recommended. Make sure the connector is in securely. It will not wiggle or make a ticking sound when pressed when it is seated correctly.

    maxim - 답글

    I had trouble at this point too. My experience: Loosen the screw a bit and than center the antenna plug over the pin. In my case I heard a click when I plugged it in correctly. Don’t forget to tighten the screw afterwards.

    Matthias - 답글

    Is this really necessary? The antenna is no where near the SSD drive....

    mike - 06/25/2017

    UP! is it?

    sandro.vezzali - 답글

    Not strictly necessary for SSD access, no—just allows you to detach the antenna plate and get it safely out of the way. You can leave it in place if you prefer, but be careful to support the antenna plate and make sure the cable doesn’t get strained or yanked accidentally.

    Jeff Suovanen -

    Wenn nur die M.2 gewechselt werden soll, empfehle ich, den Antennenstecker nicht abzuschrauben und den Deckel einfach vorsichtig beiseite zu legen. Es ist dann allemal genug Platz zum Wechsel der M.2.

    Das Ausstecken dieses Steckers ist hier wirklich nicht einfach, da die Anschlüsse winzig und mit bloßem Auge kaum zu erkennen sind. Hat bei mir gut 20 Minuten gedauert, bis ich das Teil wieder drauf hatte. Eine Lupe kann hier wirklich helfen. Auch das vorherige Fixieren mit der Schraube macht es ggfs. etwas einfacher. Der restliche Ausbau/Umbau/Zusamenbau war nach einer knappen halben Stunde erledigt und ist für jeden mit etwas Geduld machbar.

    Des weiteren aufpassen mit der winzigen Schraube, die beim Zusammenbau leicht verkanten kann und dann sehr schnell abreißt.

    Hermann Röttger - 답글

    In trying to remove the antenna connector pin from its socket on the airport card the socket came away from its location on the airport card completely, together with the cable and connector pin. Rather than replace the airport card (that would have a new socket) and a new connector/pin for the cable, I decided it would be worth trying to solder the connecting pin to the (now exposed) contact points for the socket on the airport card.

    Best time to do this is during the re-build _after_ replacing the hard drive, when the antenna is still unattached to the airport card. After the re-build (with no further problems encountered) it was quite easy to solder the connector pin with attached remains of the socket to the airport card's contact points - there's enough space for easy solder access without other sensitive components nearby.

    I had thought that my Mac Mini's wireless connectivity might be affected, but it wasn't.

    Now very happy with a fast SSD machine with wireless connectivity.

    David Paul - 답글

    this was the most fiddly part of the reassembly operation for me too. Old eyes, despite good lighting, led me to try this multiple times before I finally got that satisfying click. I am surprised that people find securing the screw first to be helpful, as I didn’t have nearly enough room to move the cable around if I tried that. Also, while it is theoretically possible to do this entire operation without removing the cable, I would never chance it… It’s way too easy to damage something by yanking on the plate. I had a lot of peace of mind when I was able to set the entire antenna plate aside.

    MrSpiral - 답글

    After I reassembling, my bluetooth no longer works. The antenna connector is definitely seated properly as I heard the click, and it was fully secured when I tried to wiggle the wire. Did anyone else have this problem?

    Sean Dickson - 답글

    Update: when I disconnected the antenna cable, OSX retained my keyboard and mouse in the bluetooth device list, but it had apparently forgotten they were paired. I bought a usb keyboard and usb mouse to figure this out. Deleted the devices from the bluetooth list, rediscovered them, and now it’s working fine.

    Sean Dickson -

    Getting this connector back on was the single most annoying part of the process. I agree with loosely reattaching the screw first to hold the cable in place. I then used tweezers to manoeuvre the head of the cable into position and my finger to push it down.

    gdubai - 답글

    To everyone making comments regarding their experience - fabulous!

    Donn Tarris - 답글

  8. Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement: 8 단계, 이미지 1/2 Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement: 8 단계, 이미지 2/2
    • Carefully pull the antenna cable out from the gap between the power supply and case.

    Use tab that the screw goes through to align the connecter more easily.

    Rob Speight - 답글

  9. Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement: 9 단계, 이미지 1/1
    • Remove the antenna plate from the Mac mini.

    To save time and effort, note that you don’t need to disconnect the antenna cable from the radio module. Just carefully lay the antenna plate / cable assembly over to the side and perform the SSD switch.

    clinton - 답글

  10. Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement, SSD: 10 단계, 이미지 1/1
    • Remove the 5 mm T5 screw securing the SSD.

    Screw is M2 x 5mm long.

    cheongi - 답글

    While you’re here, if you are upgrading a Fusion drive and abandoning the internal HDD, pop the SATA cable to disable the drive without needing to disassemble the whole mini. See the HDD replacement guide steps 14-16. Reinstall the shield while leaving the cable disconnected.

    Fire Clown - 답글

    In my case I had to use a T4, instead of T5.

    Rafael Sánchez Treviño - 답글

  11. Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement: 11 단계, 이미지 1/3 Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement: 11 단계, 이미지 2/3 Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement: 11 단계, 이미지 3/3
    • Lift the free end of the SSD up slightly and pull it out of its socket.

  12. Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement: 12 단계, 이미지 1/3 Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement: 12 단계, 이미지 2/3 Mac mini Late 2014 SSD Replacement: 12 단계, 이미지 3/3
    • Carefully lift the SSD out of the case without scratching or touching the gold contacts.

    What PCIe SSDs are compatible? I was hoping OWC's site would say, but it looks like OWC is pushing the 2.5" style hard drive for the 2014 Mac mini. The guide for replacing a 2.5" drive looks like you dismantle the entire computer to get there and I'm not really up for that right now. This slot looks like a reasonable alternative.

    jeff - 답글

    I realize it’s far too late an answer for you, but for others reading this later, OWC now sells compatible SSDs. But they say they are “designed for APFS” and as such require macOS High Sierra or later. I have no idea why this should matter, but they say it does.

    shamino -

    The point OWC is trying to make is that HFS is likely to wear out SSDs more quickly than APFS will, so you should use an OS that support the latter. Whether this is an actual issue depends on the individual's usage.

    Todd VerBeek -

    I was thinking the same, Jeff. It looks like OWC is planning to release drives for these MacMinis soon.

    Mike G - 답글

    OWC have 2 SSD to choose from 2019 straight replacements.

    peter Tucker - 답글

    I wasn't aware that the 2014 Mac Mini supported PCIe drives. I had my 1 TB HDD upgraded to a 512 SSD (sata). The speed increase is like night and day.

    Big Lotto Bro - 답글

결론

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

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댓글 29개

If I have a Mac Mini without SSD, only with normal Hard Drive (NO Fusion). Can I install a new one SSD like on this tutorial?. Thanks!

Juan Miguel Ramirez - 답글

Please see my comment later in the thread.

Thomas Hall -

Si, yo lo hice y la diferencia es abismal. Necesitaras un adaptador y por supuesto el SSD. Yes, I did it and the difference is abysmal. You will need an adapter and of course the SSD.

Manuel Jesús Flores Jiménez -

Yes, but you need to add a cable to connect it. If you buy the SSD from OWC, they sell a kit which includes the cable and tools (for an extra $20-40, depending on what size/model SSD you get).

shamino -

I have the same question as Juan

Cronan McNamara - 답글

yes But You Need To Buy Parts Used Ifixet Or Ebay

william petreman - 답글

I can source the custom PCIe cables. Please reply if interested.

Thomas Hall - 답글

I am interested in this cable if you can source it. Also is there a particular SSD that is compatible with it? Will the ones from the 2013 Macbook Air work?

Geoff Clarke -

Hello. Do you know if a NVMe PCIe drive might be used instead of the AHCI version? Thanks in advance!

Guille -

I am interested in this cable also. Would this be an M.2 or NVMe interface ssd that would be able to be installed?

thanks

Michael Oliver

Michael Oliver - 답글

Anyone looking for the M.2 SSD cable, you can find it here https://beetstech.com/product/ssd-cable-...

help - 답글

I also like to know whether I can use this procedure to put a SSD in the Mac mini 2014 without SSD/Fusion.

TonVH - 답글

We have a corporate Mac Mini that we’d like to repurpose. Unfortunately, the user who left the company turned on FileVault so we can’t refresh the system. I looked online but couldn’t find a definitive answer other than just having private data protected. I was wondering if replacing the SSD would allow me to configure a fresh Mac instance, or does FileVault lock the system down entirely. The specs are decent and would had to have it bricked because of FileVault.

Justin Rodino - 답글

Hi Justin,

According to this comment, you should be able to wipe the drive and re-inststall MacOS without having to buy a new drive.

Arthur Shi -

From the pics, it looks like steps 6-9 might be skippable in this case. You would want to be careful however of how much pressure you put on the antenna cable and plate.

DStaal - 답글

Is it possible to remove the blade SSD and install a regular 2.5 inch SSD?

edwardcraft - 답글

Upgrading my Fusion drive to an OWC 1TB SSD was a piece of cake with this guide. I didn’t bother removing the old spinning drive; I just popped the SATA connector and left it unhooked.

Fire Clown - 답글

OWC Aura SSDs are Mac Compatible - other brands are not guaranteed to be compatible.

Kevin Vellanoweth - 답글

Did you try it. Other than length, yes. Use chip adhesive, just as good.

2Guys Vintage -

Please, I looking to find the answer to my question but I had no luck.

I bought a new Mac mini Core i5 2.8Ghz (2018) with 1TB Fusion drive. Can I upgrade the SSD and the HD? Can I use comum market parts or it must be from Apple? What is the specification for the SSD? My intention is to install a 512GB SSD and a 2TB FireCuda HD.

Zillo - 답글

I replaced my 256gb SSD without having to unhook the WiFi antenna. You just need to be careful that you don’t unhook the WiFi antenna cables while you replace the SSD. Swing the bottom cover to the side, and be careful

I used a Samsung 970 Evo 1 tb, but needed an adapter to make it work. This is the adapter I used:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VVN...

I’m sure you can buy it from other sources than Amazon, but Amazon is where I got mine. Works great. I used my iFixIt toolkit to do the job.

Thanks iFixIt, you guys are the best!

John Day - 답글

what tools (HW/SW) do you recommend for imaging the mechanical HD and getting that image into the new SSD?

Bernardo Lopez - 답글

Yo uso Carbon Copy Cloner. I use Carbon Copy Cloner.

Manuel Jesús Flores Jiménez -

Hallo,

ich möchte einem Mac mini 2014, der nur eine HD hat, eine PCIe SSD einbauen. Benötige ich dazu das angesprochene Kabel? Oder ist das schon vorhanden?

mhomscheidt - 답글

You need the adapter to install a PCIe SSD, but i suggest you to use a SATA SSD: i heard of some tecnician saying that using PCIe SSD + adapters may result in some issues with Apple products.

Daniele Carminati -

So I have a 2014 16 gb and a 1tb. I have the adapter for the fusion drive. I have lots of ssd cards as luck would have it. Can I put a 1tb 2.5 where the hdd was and a 512 ssd card with the adapter to bring this i7 3.0 to a 16 gb ram and 1,512 gb ssd shared? That’s sounds like a pretty good machine.

Tell me why I can’t do this? Also, why isn’t it anywhere online? OWC is so expensive compared to ssd (brand names now). A year ago they were a modest amount more, now they are the apples of ssds but without cutting edge. Crucial mx is just as good as any OWC. I’ve got crucial and Wd red card.

2Guys Vintage - 답글

The SSD required for a Mac is not a standard 2.5in format drive, it's a M.2 stick. At the very minimum you need that form factor with the correct number and layout of pins.

Adam Stevenson -

I tested a Hynix SSD (m2, short versión) and the firmware seems to be incompatible. The Mac falls into a boot loop, panicking and restarting over and over. Will swap it for a Kingston, or another brand.

Daniel Fortuny - 답글

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