How to connect mid-2010 MacMini to a Thunderbolt only external HD?

zozo
Posted:
in Genius Bar
I'm in serious crap...  I need to access this HD 

Any creative ideas??

WD Thunderbolt HD: http://www.amazon.com/Thunderbolt-Desktop-External-Drive-WDBUTV0080JSL-NESN/dp/B00F0JXDB4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454888699&sr=8-1&keywords=western+digital+thunderbolt+8tb
MacMini 2010: https://support.apple.com/kb/SP585?locale=en_US

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 6
    zozo Posts: 3,117member
    If I attach one of these Thunderbolt - Firewire adapters to the WD drive, can I access the HDs via Firewire?


    http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD464LL/A/apple-thunderbolt-to-firewire-adapter
  • Reply 2 of 6
    MarvinMarvin Posts: 15,446moderator
    zo said:
    If I attach one of these Thunderbolt - Firewire adapters to the WD drive, can I access the HDs via Firewire?

    http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD464LL/A/apple-thunderbolt-to-firewire-adapter
    No, that connects Firewire drives to Thunderbolt ports, it doesn't work the other way. You need to get a Mac with Thunderbolt. Cheapest options are a refurb Mini from Apple or the entry model Mini or used models on eBay where you'd get a minimum 2011 model. Once you get a new one, you'd sell the old Mini and your upgrade cost shouldn't be all that high ($200-300?).
  • Reply 3 of 6
    zozo Posts: 3,117member
    ok, thanks!

    otherwise, I'll have to disassemble the WD drive and get to the drives physically with an external reader or something.

    but... they're RAID as well. Crap. This never ends...
  • Reply 4 of 6
    MarvinMarvin Posts: 15,446moderator
    zo said:
    ok, thanks!

    otherwise, I'll have to disassemble the WD drive and get to the drives physically with an external reader or something.

    but... they're RAID as well. Crap. This never ends...
    If you sneak it into a local Apple Store to "test out drive compatibility before you buy a new Mac", you might be able to take in a USB drive and copy the data off it. An Apple reseller might help you out if you buy a USB drive from them for about $50.
  • Reply 5 of 6
    zozo Posts: 3,117member
    Marvin said:
    zo said:
    ok, thanks!

    otherwise, I'll have to disassemble the WD drive and get to the drives physically with an external reader or something.

    but... they're RAID as well. Crap. This never ends...
    If you sneak it into a local Apple Store to "test out drive compatibility before you buy a new Mac", you might be able to take in a USB drive and copy the data off it. An Apple reseller might help you out if you buy a USB drive from them for about $50.
    oh... that's brilliant!! Though I  hope they won't mind me taking 6 hours copying 4.5TB of stuff to an external HD :open_mouth: 
  • Reply 6 of 6
    MacNewtonMacNewton Posts: 9member
    Your best bet is to move up to a new Mac.  Save yourself from failing Hard drive and slow performance. 

    You can look over this info : https://support.apple.com/en-in/HT204154


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