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Released on July 21, 2011. Core i5 or Core i7 Processor. Thunderbolt. This unit is also used to run the Mac mini Server configuration.

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Drive boots multiple times when internal but once from USB

Hello,

I have a problem with my 2011 Mac Mini, High Sierra.

When I use my drive as an internal drive, my Mac needs to reboot multiple times (1-3 mostly), but when I use the same drive and use it as an external via USB it boots just once.

Multiple boot-ups only happen from a cold boot up. Once it goes to the login screen and I log in, turn in off, and then on again, it boot ups normally.

I have reset pram, SMC, and all that stuff.

I reinstalled my os multiple times now. Now I will try to install it fresh from the bootable drive.

Also, I have swapped the flex cable from the original to a replacement one from aliexpress. I do not have the original one anymore, so I cannot test if it is the problem.

I would really appreciate some help with this matter as I want to sell it but I do not want it to fail a new buyer.

Cheers!

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You likely have a worn or damaged cable. Follow this guide Mac mini Mid 2011 Hard Drive Cable Replacement to get the drive out of the lower bay. If you have a dual drive and the boot drive is in the upper bay follow this guide Installing Mac mini Mid 2011 Dual Hard Drive Kit

Mac mini Mid 2011 Hard Drive Cable Image

Guide

Mac mini Mid 2011 Hard Drive Cable Replacement

Difficulty:

Moderate
Mac mini Mid 2011 Dual Hard Drive Kit Image

Guide

Installing Mac mini Mid 2011 Dual Hard Drive Kit

Difficulty:

Moderate

—

2 - 4 hours

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2 Comments:

Are these legit? They're quite pricey. I have tried another flex cable (alliexpress one) and the problem continued.

I think I will try to get a lower specced Mac mini or broken one for parts and try to get the cable this way.

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@sebastian.kisiel - Demand and availability dictates things ;-{ Getting these cables is getting hard.

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sebastian.kisiel will be eternally grateful.
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