Review on 🔧 OWC Hard Drive Installation Kit for Lower Drive Bay of 2011-2012 Mac Mini by Jon Johnson

This kit works very well. It's not that easy, but if you're patient and careful, it's doable. The included documentation was excellent! If this isn't clear enough, there are also some videos on the OWC website for further explanation. In addition to the tools included in the kit, small needle nose pliers will come in handy. I came across my drive which was in the "top" bay after already disassembling it, but I learned a few things in the process that might help others so thought I'd share it. The only difference between the top and bottom versions of the kit is that they include a small wrench and 2 small screw-sized pins to secure the drive. I found a video showing the installation method on the OWC page, which was very helpful. After watching the video I decided I really didn't need to worry about ordering additional parts for a bottom bracket. Here's what I did instead. I found 2 fine thread computer screws and used my trusty Dremel tool to cut off the head. Using a small pair of pliers, I screwed them to the side of the drive that lined up with the rubber mounting holes on the front of the mini. They should stick out about 1/8 inch or so to catch. You then use a small pair of pliers or a wrench to tighten the nuts on the underside of the antenna shield so you can remove the 2 screws - these will screw into the appropriate holes when you reattach the shield at the very end and finish the ride The foil cable is then designed to fold over on itself (on the back and around the top of the drive), which ideally uses up enough to match the spare connector on the motherboard. If you look at the ribbon cable, you will look at it Look at the fold lines - that's actually what it's designed for. Install one side of the disc. I'm sure 2 screws on the antenna plate is more than enough to secure the drive. I might just fiddle around a bit to get the first screw in as the drive will be loose.