OWC DIY Installation Kit for 2011-2012 Mac mini

OWC DIY Installation Kit

Includes: OWC Data Doubler Mounting Kit and Tools
for Mac mini 2011 & 2012 Models

Get more storage when you add a second drive into your Mac.

Includes a mounting kit to add a second internal drive into your Mac.

Add a second internal drive

Running out of storage space in your Mac mini or looking to improve performance with an OWC SSD? Now you can add a second 9.5mm or smaller 2.5" SATA Hard Drive or Solid State Drive (sold separately) to your 2011 & 2012 Mac mini.

The Toolkit includes the following:

OWC 5-Piece Mini Toolkit
Logic Board Removal Tool
4 Rubber Grommets
4 Hex Screws
Mac mini flex cable
Data Doubler for Mac mini (2011-2012) Installation Guide (Download Only)

The Right Tools for the Job

Before attempting to perform this installation, please watch the following instructional video in its entirety to determine your ability to perform this complex procedure. OWC assumes no responsibility for damage that may occur during the install. Technical support for this DIY product consists only of this video:

NOTE: A small number of 2012 units were shipped with the drive mounted in the upper drive bay rather than the more typical lower bay shown in this video. If you have a 2012 model, you will want to determine the configuration of your Mac mini's drives prior to ordering.

~To do this using OS X 10.10 or earlier~
Open Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility.app and click on the grey drive icon at the left edge of the window. If the "Connection ID" at the bottom-left corner of the window lists "Lower", you may proceed using the standard installation instructions. If it lists "Upper" then you have a special configuration which will need additional components, and you will need to also refer to the Addendum video.

~To do this using OS X 10.11 or later~
Open Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility.app and click on the grey drive icon at the left edge of the window. Next click the "Info" button on the toolbar. A window will open. Scroll to the "Location" item; if you see "Lower" you may proceed using the standard installation instructions. If it lists "Upper" then you have a special configuration which will need additional components, and you will need to also refer to the Addendum video.

Yes, You Can Do-it-Yourself

OWC is committed to your success, so if you need a bit more guidance, we are available Mon-Fri 8AM-8PM and Sat 9AM-4PM with U.S. based technical support by phone or live chat.

OWC NOTE:

While OWC encourages the DIY philosophy, this is a challenging install that requires advanced skills. If, after watching the how-to video, you are not fully confident of your ability to perform the installation, you can choose to have OWC "Do It For You" via our Apple Mac mini Installation Service.

Includes

OWC 5-Piece Mini Toolkit
Logic Board Removal Tool
4 Rubber Grommets
4 Hex Screws
Mac Mini flex cable
Data Doubler for Mac mini (2011-2012) Installation Guide (Download Only)

NOTE: This kit contains consumable and/or one time use components and therefore is not covered by any warranty. If you have any concerns about your ability to perform the upgrade, you can return the unopened kit for a refund. The 5-Piece Toolkit (except for nylon pry tool) included with this kit is covered by a 1 Year NewerTech Product Limited Warranty.

Reviews

Gallery

This kit is compatible with... Learn how to find your Mac's model ID

Mac mini (Late 2012)

(October, 2012)

Model ID: Macmini6,1 & Macmini6,2

2.3GHz, 2.5GHz, 2.6GHz

Detailed specs

Mac mini (Mid 2011)

(July, 2011)

Model ID: Macmini5,1 & Macmini5,2

2.3GHz, 2.5GHz, 2.7GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

Customer Ratings

Write a Review 4.8 / 5 159 out of 170 (94%) reviewers would recommend this product

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Verified Buyer

Reviewer: nbiaboy Location: Arizona Age: Over 65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: over 6 months

Rating: 5/5 Perfect upgrade solution for my Mac Mini October 12, 2018 This kit and online video made a tough job easy to increase my hard drive capacity. To bad Mac didn't put the original HD in the difficult space. That would make upgrading very easy. But, with the video OWC supplies it was possible to do.

I would recommend this item to a friend! Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: kfish Location: Denver, CO Age: 55-65 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Worked Great; exactly what I needed. August 26, 2018 This kit, and the detailed installation video OWC provides was perfect. I had a 2012 Mac Mini that I was using as a Media Server. It had a 1TB hard drive, and the drive was 95% full and I was having to remove movies or music to make room for new ones, and inevitably I would want to watch one of the ones I removed. One of these kits, and a 1TB SSD, and I improved performance and more than doubled the Media space by making the new SSD the boot drive, plus where I store music and TV shows, which still has lots of space to grow, plus the old 1TB drive is used only for movies, and is 40% free now, so I dont see needing to do anything for a long time. The kit had all the tools you need, plus the SATA connector which is the real value of the kit. It was easy enough that I am thinking of doing the same thing to my other Mac Mini that I use as a desktop PC. It has a fusion drive, and I could go 100% SSD for everything that I use on a regular basis, keeping the existing hard drive for data files.

I would recommend this item to a friend! Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Nik85 Location: Perth, Australia Age: 25-34 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 4/5 Not as shown in the Help Video August 19, 2018 Hi, recently purchased this product after reviewing how easy it would be to install the shield to MiniBluetooth module in the MacMini. In the help Video, it showed applying the shield on both sides of the Module, but in the package that was shipped there was only one. Disappointed in production description vs help video. Otherwise everything else as expected.

This review is from OWC Bluetooth module shielding kit for Apple Mac mini 2012 models. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Adbox1001 Location: SF, CA Age: 45-54 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: over 6 months

Rating: 5/5 works perfectly, no problems August 5, 2018 Wanted to add an SSD to my MacMini and it would require a mounting kit. The OWC kit worked as expected. I little complicated to install, but OWC's how-to video is excellent.

I would recommend this item to a friend! Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: UpgradeMe Location: Liverpool, NY Age: 45-54 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Of course the part fits. April 30, 2018 I wanted to add a second drive to a Mac mini to make a dedicated Plex server. The kit was exactly what I needed, and *BONUS* the how-to instructions were a big help. Many thanks.

I would recommend this item to a friend! Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer Top 250 Contributor

Reviewer: MaRtYnMcfly Location: Monterrey NL, Mexico Age: 35-44 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Excelent April 30, 2018 Easy to setup but You need T6 Torx, T8 Torx, 'Spudger' buy with toolkit or dont forget it this tools

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from DIY Kit: 'Data Doubler' 2.5" HDD/SSD *ALT* Upper Drive Bay Mount Kit for Mac mini 2011, 2012 & Later. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer Top 100 Contributor

Reviewer: FujiProUser Location: Burlington, VT Age: Over 65 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 4/5 It works well in my MacMini March 4, 2018 I think this is the only option offered to add an SSD to a MacMini. although it works well, I believe it could include a couple of screws for the new SSD to fit into the MacMini body for support and some kind of foam pad to support the drives as they are reinserted into the body. Thank you for the instructive video. It made it all possible.

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC 'Data Doubler' 2.5" HDD/SSD Upper Drive ALT Bay Installation Kit for Mac mini 2012.. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer Top 100 Contributor

Reviewer: MacJustMac

Rating: 5/5 Awesome upgrade - Double your space, double your fun January 26, 2018 Two years later and this upgrade is still going strong on my mid-2012 Mac mini. The installation was super-simple. I added an SSD I had already acquired and made it my main drive while making the original HD the secondary drive and making it my Time Capsule drive. I've been able to use the included tools in other Mac-related upgrades as well. What's not to like?

I would recommend this item to a friend! Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: GranitGeezer Location: NH Age: Over 65 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 A great way to enhance a mini Mac December 14, 2017 This is the second Data Doubler that I have installed. The first installation in my own mini was a bit of a struggle. I assembled my first pc in 1976 so I have a lot of DIY experience - my data processing and computer experience goes much further back (1946). There were a couple of steps in the installation instructions of about three years ago that could have been clearer - mainly for some reassembly steps. None the less, once the problems were solved, the computer has functioned flawlessly.

The second installation was in my wife's mini - so a SSD and a larger capacity HD could be added. The instructions have been updated and are much more helpful and instructive. It took me perhaps an hour for the whole process including formatting the drives and upgrading the OS.

The resulting improved performance is remarkable for both units!

Three suggestions: 1. When reconnecting the power supply, leave as wide a gap as possible when reinserting the main board. Then this critical reconnection is much easier and surer. 2. When reinserting the top drive, stand the mini on its top face and tilt so it is maybe 20 degrees beyond vertical. The pins on the drive will fall into place almost without any struggle. It also helps to make two pencil marks on the top front of the case to mark the localtion of the holes for the pins to line up the drive as it is inserted. 3. When reinstalling the antenna assembly, the edge of the perforated screen must rest on a very narrow ledge on the case. If any part of the screen is below the ledge, the screw holes will not line up.

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from DIY Kit: 'Data Doubler' 2.5" HDD/SSD Mounting Kit for Mac mini 2011, 2012 & Later Models. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: BishVO Location: Long Island, NY Age: 55-65 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Simple and straightforward December 12, 2017 I purchased a 2012 Mac Mini with a single 2TB HDD as a house media server and wanted to install my (already owned) 256GB SSD as a boot drive. The kit came with all the parts needed and a small (but very comprehensive) kit of the required tools. The online instructional video made the job very simple and straightforward. The only problem I encountered was a memory error when the Mini was restarted... but that was solved by simply re-seating the memory modules.

I would recommend this item to a friend! Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer Top 250 Contributor

Reviewer: LightMaster1 Location: Toronto, Canada Age: 25-34 Experience Level: Hobbiest Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 4/5 So far so good September 28, 2017 Used it with my new SSD and it works good.

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from DIY Kit: 'Data Doubler' 2.5" HDD/SSD Mounting Kit for Mac mini 2011, 2012 & Later Models. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: sweddell Location: New Zealand Age: 55-65 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Great service and an excellent product August 29, 2017 I purchased the OWC 'Data Doubler' 2.5" Hard Drive/SSD Installation Kit for the Mac mini. I'm delighted with this, and the service from MacSales was excellent. I would however suggest paying the extra and using a courier for delivery. I waited almost a month for this to clear our international mail exchange (in NZ), which of course was no fault of the vendor.

I would recommend this item to a friend! Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Pellatonian Location: Switzerland Age: Over 65 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Successful in updating 2014 Mac mini July 11, 2017 I added a second (SATA) SSD to my late 2014 Mac mini which already had an 250 GB Apple NVMe SSD.

The kit has everything you need to add an SSD or HDD except the retention bracket which locks the connector to the mainboard. Since earlier versions of the Mac mini didn't use this bracket I felt safe not having it.

The kit is excellent and I would recommend it to anyone.

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC 'Data Doubler' 2.5" HDD/SSD Upper Drive ALT Bay Installation Kit for Mac mini 2012.. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: WillR Location: California

Rating: 5/5 A bit challenging but easy with Macsales incredible customer support! July 5, 2017 This is not the easiest of installations as it requires removing most of the internals of the mac mini. I ran into multiple issues and had to call customer service a couple of times. They were exceptionally helpful, friendly and effective. I'd face a a technical glitch any day with these guys at my back!

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC 'Data Doubler' 2.5" HDD/SSD Upper Drive ALT Bay Installation Kit for Mac mini 2012.. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer Top 250 Contributor

Reviewer: Kuko Location: Calgary Age: Over 65 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: over 6 months

Rating: 5/5 Mac MIni 2012 June 19, 2017 Comes with instructions and tools, works flawlessly, A+

Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Nascasho Location: San Francisco, CA Age: 25-34 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Worked great! March 20, 2017 Super simple install, took under 15min! High RSSI is a thing of the past, no more lagging mice!

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC Bluetooth module shielding kit for Apple Mac mini 2012 models. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: MarkWL Location: Big Lake, MN Age: Over 65 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Just What I Needed February 23, 2017 I've been waiting so long to get an affordable Late 2012 Mac mini to replace my 2011 version.I finally obtained one, and the first thing I did was order the data doubler. I already had the two SSD's on hand and couldn't wait to get them in place and running. As many have said, this upgrade is not for the faint of heart. It involves delicate handing of the fragile connectors along with close attention to the directions. Not to mention the various tiny fasteners. But the end result is virtually a new computer. It boots super fast, apps launch quicker, it is just an all around faster, more efficient machine. Data Doubler is the way to go.

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from DIY Kit: 'Data Doubler' 2.5" HDD/SSD Mounting Kit for Mac mini 2011, 2012 & Later Models. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: OwcMarc

Rating: 4/5 Just as shown in the video February 1, 2017 Very easy to follow instruction and the result is just as described.

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC Bluetooth module shielding kit for Apple Mac mini 2012 models. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Alancamp

Rating: 5/5 Kit + Instructional Video = Easy Install January 30, 2017 This kit came with everything needed to install my additional SSD. In my 2011 Mac Mini. The process too about an hour, with me going very slow not to miss any steps. I used the instructional video that walked me through the process step by step. My MAC Mini is just like new again. BETTER than new.

I would recommend this item to a friend! Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: jRG1 Location: Folsom, CA Age: Over 65 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Right OnThe Money December 30, 2016 The new harddrive for my mac book air arrived in jiffy quick time, was easy to install, and worked perfectly immediately. It gave me a huge amount of free capacity and improved the performance. Great product. Great result.

I would recommend this item to a friend! Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: StuFL Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Leave it to OWC to determine the problem and resolve it December 15, 2016 This tiny little piece of shielding has made a huge difference in my Mac Mini. Before installing it the wireless trackpad and mouse would start getting lost during heavy CPU usage. Now that issue is gone. I am extremely happy with this and that OWC took the time to create a solution for the problem.

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC Bluetooth module shielding kit for Apple Mac mini 2012 models. Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: SuperBeard Location: Southwest Florida Age: 45-54 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: over 6 months

Rating: 5/5 Right Tool for the Right Job!!! November 18, 2016 I got this kit thinking I would use it just once.

So far I have used this kit about 6 or 8 times. If you have a Mac Mini you Need this kit!!

I would recommend this item to a friend! Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: WillbuyOWCproducts Location: Texas Age: Over 65 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Love the results November 13, 2016 This products functions exactly as is is supposed to function.

I would recommend this item to a friend! Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: RatCityPNW Location: Seattle Age: 25-34 Experience Level: Home User Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 Simplistic and Elegant November 7, 2016 What a great product. Simple design, great instructions, and wonderful way to increase your mac mini storage. Worth every penny.

I would recommend this item to a friend! Customer Videos:

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: oneofthejohns Location: Portland, OR

Rating: 5/5 Really amazing October 23, 2016 I picked this up to install a Samsung SDD into my late 2012 Mac Mini to speed it up since I was having ridiculously long load and save times on many of my apps such as Clip Studio Paint and Photoshop. The installation took a bit, but was pretty straightforward and the videos that OWC provides were great help. There even came to a point where I needed to call in to ask a question and their customer support was incredibly nice and helpful. Overall, it took me about 2 hours, but I was taking my time making sure to do everything just right.

I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from OWC 'Data Doubler' 2.5" HDD/SSD Upper Drive ALT Bay Installation Kit for Mac mini 2012.. Customer Videos:

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OWC DIY Installation Kit Includes: OWC Data Doubler Mounting Kit and Tools for Mac mini 2011 & 2012 Models

Includes

Reviews

Gallery

Customer Ratings

OWC DIY Installation Kit

Includes: OWC Data Doubler Mounting Kit and Tools
for Mac mini 2011 & 2012 Models