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Data Doubler: Adding an SSD to 2012 Mac Minis (Fusion issue)

Created on: May 4, 2013
Last updated: August 24, 2015

If your Mac Mini shipped with 10.8.1 preinstalled, you can add a Data Doubler and SSD via our documented instructions. These Mac Mini's shipped with Disk Utility version 428 or 430.  If the Mac Mini shipped with 10.8.2 preinstalled, you should NOT use Disk Utility in the Recovery Partition as it will try to make a Fusion volume out of the two drives, resulting in data loss.  

 

Here are two SSD installation methods for those with10.8.2 preinstalled on their MacMini: 

Internet Recovery method

1. Back up all data.
2. Physically install the SSD using OWC's video instructions.
3. Boot from your original drive.
4. Go to Disk Utility and format the newly installed SSD. (Ignore the Aperture aspect of the article.)
5. Make sure you are connected to a network.
6. Restart then immediately press and hold Command+Option+R. This should automatically start Internet Recovery (do not use a recovery partition).
7. Choose "Reinstall OS X";  choose the newly formatted SSD (from step 4) as the destination.
8. After the installation is complete and the computer restarts, use Migration Assistant to move your data to the SSD.
9. Once the migration process is complete and you're able to boot to your new SSD, verify all of your data is intact.
10. Once verified, you may use Disk Utility to reformat your original drive and use it for other purposes.


External Enclosure method
1. Install the SSD into an external enclosure and connect it to the Mac Mini.
2. Boot to the the original drive.
3. Go to Disk Utility and format the SSD. (Ignore the Aperture aspect of the article.)
4. Restart then press and hold Command+R. This should automatically choose your local recovery partition to launch OS X Recovery.
5. Open Disk Utility.
6. Use Disk Utility restore to copy the original volume to the newly formatted SSD.
7. When finished, restart the computer and immediately hold down the Option key. Choose your newly populated SSD.
8. Again open the Disk Utility and format the original drive as desired. 
9. Shutdown and physically install the SSD per our video instructions. 
10. Restart the computer and go to System Preferencess > Startup Disk then click on SSD to set as default boot disk for future boot sessions.