Keep Your Aging Mac Mini Alive With a Few Smart Updates
The last Mac mini was released over 1000 days ago. It’s been over two years since the incredibly small and lovable machine has received some love, and eons, in the PC industry when it comes to upgrades. If you have your own Mac mini that you adore and want to keep, a little know-how, some extra components, and a few keys are all you need to keep it running until the next Mac mini debuts … when it’s damn convenient. truth.
Get your tools first
Since Apple itself does not perform aftermarket hardware upgrades over five years old, you may have to either do the work yourself or hand your device over to an Apple Authorized Authorized Service Provider.
Opening your Mac mini for repair requires special hardware. You will need hex screwdrivers, two different Torx screwdrivers, and some other auxiliary tools needed to separate the connected components. Different screws are required for different Mac mini eras, so check which tools you will need before purchasing any components. In iFixit have a list of tools that you will need to disassemble any available to you Mac mini models.
HDD
Replacing your Mac mini hard drive with a solid state drive (SSD) is like going from a gasoline car to an electric car. It takes longer to spin the disks to do just about everything, including loading, searching for files, and transferring data.
SSDs are more expensive than hard drives, but prices have dropped dramatically since the Mac mini debuted. And replacing your Mac mini’s hard drive with an SSD can reduce boot times by more than 50% and dramatically improve the performance of applications like Photoshop. If you want to boost performance for the sake of performance, an SSD will provide the most bang for your buck. Apple Authorized Service Providers can take care of these updates, so if you’re nervous just find a repair center in your area.
RAM
RAM is the difference between simply navigating through dozens of tabs in your web browser, or wasting precious time iterating through each tab. Adding extra RAM is always a good idea as your machine will run faster while you are working on multiple projects.
You should add the maximum amount of RAM to your Mac mini, which is 16GB, if you do this yourself. You can purchase RAM from specialized Mac vendors, and depending on the age of your Mac mini, you will need to purchase a specific type of SO-DIMM RAM that is compatible with your computer. You can find out what RAM to buy on sites like MacSales or iFixit .
Connection
Your old Mac mini probably hasn’t been able to take advantage of advances in wireless technology lately. After all, dual-band connections, the faster 802.11ac format, and advanced Bluetooth capabilities are missing from older models. But adding some USB adapters can help ease the transition and unlock new features while you wait for an update.
You can add Wi-Fi capabilities via a Wi-Fi USB dongle , like those often found in wireless mice. In terms of Bluetooth, some features like Continuity and AirDrop require Bluetooth 4.0 LE (Low Energy), a hardware feature not found on older Mac mini desktops. But with a USB Bluetooth 4.0 LE adapter and some changes to a few system files, you can add new features to your old Mac without much frustration.
Some problems with the update
Apple devices are becoming increasingly difficult to repair yourself. Parts of the latest Mac mini require little or no updates. For example, in the 2014 version, the RAM is wired directly to the motherboard, which means that you are stuck with the same amount of RAM from the beginning. Whenever possible, non-removable components should be upgraded to provide the power and performance you need, especially when the work you are doing will ultimately demand more.