what the fusion drive is, according to the apple experts

[Brian Merlen]

The following was somewhat helpful in figuring out what exactly this is. By that I mean I know its too small for my uses and is using up a 2.5 inch slot would rather have for a larger SSD. It seems like a good solution for someone with very small application needs, and who isn't good at media management (can't decide/manage what needs to be on the SSD vs the HDD). I inquired specifically about the mac mini, seeing as they probably would of been even more non helpful if I asked about the Imac (that isn't even on sale yet)

You are now chatting with Brittani W​

Hello there! Welcome to the Apple Online Store. How are you doing today?

I was wondering if the new fusion drive takes up both hard drive spots in the new mac mini?
Happy to help! Give me just a moment to review this for you.

I know in the previous generation there were two spots for 2.5 inch drives, so you could throw an ssd in and still have a hdd for storage. I just wanted to know the form factor on the fusion drive, if it takes up both slots or just one, etc
Okay
Yes, it would take up both spots.
The Fusion Drive is both the flash storage and regular HDD.
so if I wanted a larger ssd, say i buy third party from macsales.com or crucial, would it be able to use the fusion software?
or does it have to be the ssd you guys use? and if so what brand/model does it use? i'd like larger capacity if i could get it?
You would only be able to use the storage space offered from the Fusion Drive. You can use an external Hard Drive as well if you would like but you won't be able to add anything internally.
any chance internally there will ever be a way for me to use fusion with a third party ssd? also what ssd flash brand does the mac mini use? is it samsung still?
We don't have those details there won't be a way to add to this internally.
alright, thanks very much for your time! much appreciated!
It was my pleasure, and a delight chatting with you. I wish you all the best, hope you have a wonderful day and thanks for visiting the Apple Online Store!

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[L. Langer]

The Fusion Drive is an HDD/SSD hybrid that uses the SSD for caching your OS and frequently used programs and files while the rest of the stuff goes on the good ole HDD with the controller and software keeping things seamless with no input or configuration from you. There will be some teardowns and analysis of the new hardware over the next few weeks so just keep your peepers locked on Apple enthusiast websites to get the info.

 

[Brian Merlen]

the fact that it takes both the mac minis slots makes me think its two separate drives. this is all based on hearsay though from that apple employee..im on all the enthusiast sites on the reg, but havent seen a fusion tear down yet

 

[L. Langer]

Yeah, it would seem Anand was told that it is in fact the good ole Apple SSD module in one slot and the good ole HDD in the other, with the system software doing the talking.