If I’m going to find a correct cable for the default HDD on the Mac Mini Mid 2010, which one is it - that will work with my SATAIII drive (that link negotiates as per Samsung Spec) on a SATA 2.0 controller? I’ve read all the other comments from Dan about swapping SATA cables but I can only find “original” SATA cables for my SATA 2.0 capable chipset (based upon the screenshot 3Gbps link speed listed). Put the original drive back in and the system booted up fine, but is still super slow and negotiated to SATA 1.0 link speed. I installed the Samsung 860 EVO and booted off a High Sierra USB, and the disk utility can’t even see the SSD :( That way you can reduce the size of the SSD you need.

Leaving your HD as the data drive for your stuff. That way you can keep your current drive and then after installing your MacOS onto the SSD as well as your User accounts & Apps switch the boot drive over to your new SSD. Or, if you have the server version then this kit: Mac mini Dual Drive Kit

As an option you can add in a second drive using this kit: Installing Mac mini Mid 2010 Dual Drive replacing your optical drive. Depending on which version of system ( 2010 Mac Mini’s (Macmini4,1) you do have a second choice. I’m not sure I understand you listing out the different drive sizes its upto you what your needs are. Not all drives do this! So you picked a winner here as your system is only SATA II (3.0 Gb/s). In truth it runs at all of the SATA speeds: SATA I (1.5 Gb/s), SATA II (3.0 Gb/s) & SATA III (6.0 Gb/s) we call these drives ‘auto sense’ as it will match up with your systems SATA Port I/O speed. Do take the time to read some of the comments before you start.Īs for your choice of SSD’s: The Samsung 860 EVO line is a great drive. Transfer it to your SSD in the same location. At Step 21 you’ll need to take the thermal sensor off, use extreme care! As its very easy to break. Here’s the IFIXIT guide you’ll need to follow to swap out your drives: Mac mini Mid 2010 Hard Drive Replacement.

Ssd upgrades mac mini mid 2010 samsung