Chosen Solution
I intend to install Western Digital’s 12.5mm 1TB hard disk into the new MacMini 2011 model. is there an issue in fitting this thicker drive into the case? Samsung just released a 9.5mm 1TB hard disk and Western Digital should release one soon if not already.
OWC, the arguably, expert on hard drive upgrades, lists only 9.5 mm drives for this machine. See the column on the far right: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/hard-driv…
It is possible to put a 12.5mm drive in a Mac Mini, but it is a project and requires a Dremel tool with small grinding bits. We just finished doing one. There is enough room, but the Mini case has four plastic risers along the outside edge that lift up a 9.5mm drive to the right height. You need to shave these risers down enough to fit the drive in, but not so much that you sever them entirely, as they double as case supports. The most important risers to shave down are the ones nearest the connector. These need to be brought down flush with the metal frame. That will probably sever at least the front most one. You can leave enough plastic on the riser furthest from the connector, but that means you will need to enlarge the hole for the screw on the side. It is a tight fit, and my only concern is that this may reduce necessary space for cooling air and could lead to overheating. Well, time will tell!
Go check out the Teardown at step 7. It seems like it would fit, or you could cram two of those Samsung drives in there, if you can get the necessary cable.
Wish I’d read this before attempting to install my WD 1TB 2.5" into my 2011 MM. Didn’t quite fit - had the same probelm as Jerry. Samsung here we come!
