Mac mini 2010 - 2014 Cables & Tools

The Mac mini 2010 launched with its all new thinner case, and this line was refreshed in 2011, 2012 and 2014. The 2010 - 2012 models were release in two configurations, the standard single drive model and a "server" variant that had 2 internal hard drives. In the 2010 machine, the non-server version had a DVD drive along with its single hard drive. Later models dropped this entirely and just had empty space where the server model had its second drive. The 2014 had no server variant, and has space for two drives in all models, one of which being a blade SSD and one being the same 2.5" SATA drive used on earlier models. This allowed the machine to be sold in hard drive, SSD, and Fusion drive (a hard drive and small SSD combined into a single logical drive) configurations.

An SSD (Solid State Disk) is an excellent upgrade to any Mac mini that was not sold with one, and can be fitted to all of these machines. In addition all the 2010- 2012 models that were sold with a single drive can be converted to the 2 driver server variant by use of a mounting kit (this replaces the DVD drive in the 2010 model). Converting a hard drive machine to SSD makes a huge difference to general performance and can turn a machine that is literally too slow to use into one that it genuinely zippy for light tasks. RAM can also be upgraded on all models apart from the 2014, where Apple decided to solder it in place.

We have extensive experience repairing all these Mac mini models.

The 2010 and 2011 machines max out at macOS 10.13 High Sierra, the 2012 will run macOS 10.15 Catalina, and the 2014 runs macOS 11 Big Sur.