A comprehensive video tutorial demonstrating how you can install a 2nd hard drive (SSD in my case) into a 2011-2012 Apple Mac Mini desktop computer. Installing an SSD into my computer made my Mac Mini impressively quick when booting up and loading up applications. I opted to use the iFixit Data Doubling Kit (Cost $29.99 USD + Shipping) so that I could install an SSD and my 500GB traditional rotating platter hard disk. The SSD because of its limited size of 256GB it is best left for the operating system and applications drive while the old hard drive be used as the data store. In my Mac Mini I had already once upgraded the stock 5400RPM drive to a high performance 7200 RPM Seagate Momentus XT hybrid SSD drive. For those that don't know what hybrid hard drives are they are essentially a traditional hard drive but with a 4GB high speed SSD cache. The hybrid drive's algorithm determines which files are most often used and keeps those on the solid state portion of the drive.

My video shows the before and after results of running my operating system and applications from a hybrid drive to an SSD and the results are nothing short of impressive. If you're still using the stock Apple drive in your Mini then your results will be even MORE impressive than what my video depicts.

My video is quite long and detailed however, I can assure those that are watching my tutorial that you won't regret the decision to move to a SSD drive.

Supplies and Tools needed to perform the upgrade:
1 - iFixit Data Doubling kit. Doubling kit INCLUDES the screwdriver and the corresponding bits to properly dismantle your Mini. This kit will ONLY work on these two model years and not on the 2010 model with optical drive

1 - 2011 or 2012 Mac Mini computer (duh!).

1 or 2 - 2.5" form factor drives (laptop drives) for your upgrade. You may opt to replace BOTH drives to SSD, a single SSD and your old hard drive or maybe and SSD and a high speed rotating drive. The combinations of what you install is up to you.

1 -- Can of compressed air to clean out your Mac Mini IF it's dirty inside.

1 -- Download "Trim Enabler" from www.groths.org You need this utility to enable trim support on OSX which essentially will maintain an SSD's performance and extend it's life.

Optional items:
1 - Anti static mat -- it's always BEST practice to use an anti static mat when working on anything electronic but I didn't have one and I took some precautionary measures to ensure I don't inadvertently "zap" my computer's internal parts.

2 -- RAM SO-DIMMS that meet's your Mac Mini's specs. If you've got the cover off and you're only running 2GB -- 4GB it might be a good time to drop 8-16GBs of RAM to make your Mini scream even faster!

1 -- Operating system and application reinstall disc or USB installer. Only needed IF you're putting the OS on the SSD. Most apps can be downloaded from the Internet and App Store AFTER you get the OS re-installed and booted up with an Internet connection.

Enjoy the video and good luck!