A Quick Decision on SSD..

[Babz]

Thinking about upgrading my 2012 Mac Mini from HDD to SSD. This seems to be the best deal I've found on a 2 TB internal SSD. I haven't really kept up on SSD. Before I pull the trigger, does this seem like a good option?

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-NAND-2TB-SS ... 073SBRHH6/

[Babz]

Feel free to discuss this topic, if you want, but just FYI, I went for it! Ordered two of the 2 TB SSDs! Too good a deal to pass up!

[CharlzS]

You won't regret it. I upgraded my 2011 Mini a while back - big performance boost and quieter. OWC has good installation videos if needed. For the dual drive Mini https://eshop.macsales.com/installvideo ... -2-server/.

One other thing - format, test and clone the drives before you put them in. That way no surprises.

[mikehalloran]

Same Answer I gave on Facebook but for those who didn’t see it.

That WD Blue 3D and the SanDisk 3D Are the same Toshiba SSD. Currently the best bang for the buck SSD as far as I’m concerned. WD’s no hassle 5 year warranty and the low price are icing on the cake.

When you are in that Mini, replace the NV RAM battery at the same time. 7 years is pushing the limit and a bad battery causes all sorts of issues that mimic graphics problems. Use a common CR2032 battery, available everywhere. Apple uses a heat resistant BR2032 — electrically identical and not necessary with the cooler operation of SSDs.

[Phil O]

...not necessary with the cooler operation of SSDs.

Good point, Mike. I never thought of that. Thanks.

[Todzilla]

I had great successes with Crucial SSDs until I upgraded from 512G to a 1TGB drive. Still good, but it seems more sluggish than the smaller drives.

[mikehalloran]

I had great successes with Crucial SSDs until I upgraded from 512G to a 1TGB drive. Still good, but it seems more sluggish than the smaller drives.

Which model? The 3 year MX300 has been problematic for me and running the SMART diagnostic in TechTool Pro confirmed that there were issues. I’ve replaced the ones I bought under warranty and Crucial has sent the 5 year 3D NAND MX500 In their place. I’m way good with that.

As it is, the WD Blue 3D is priced a little less than the MX500 which is one of the reasons for my recommendation.

The SSD to avoid is the Micron 1100. Micron does not sell these to end users but there are plenty on Amazon. Although it is the OEM version of the MX300, besides being yesterday’s technology, it carries no warranty at all. OEMs and VARs are expected to eat any defects and the price to them is low enough to compensate for that. Aftermarket consumers shouldn’t go near unless ... well, they just shouldn’t.