Mac mini (Late 2014) data recovery

How to identify it

Model identifier

Macmini7,1

Model number

A1347

Released

October 2014

Processor

Intel Core i5 / i7 (Haswell)

Storage

Hard drive (500GB, 1TB 2.5in SATA HDD; 1TB/2TB Fusion Drive (HDD + 128GB PCIe blade SSD); 256GB/512GB/1TB PCIe flash (blade))

Drive connection

2.5in SATA bay plus Apple proprietary PCIe blade SSD slot (12+16-pin, AHCI)

Security chip

None

The model number (A followed by four digits) is printed on the underside or back of the Mac. On a Mac that still starts, the model identifier is in System Information.

Recovery methods for this Mac

• Logical recoverySoftware-level recovery from a working device
  Yes

  Deleted files, reformatted or erased disks and damaged HFS+ or APFS volumes. We work from a sector-by-sector image, never the original drive.

• Physical recoveryRepairing failed hardware to read the data
  Yes

  Failed heads, motor or platter damage are handled in our clean room with matched donor parts. PCB and firmware faults are repaired on the bench.

• Chip-on recoveryReading the NAND in place, through the original controller
  Not needed

  Not needed. The drive comes out, so a dead logic board doesn't stop recovery.

• Chip-off NAND recoveryRemoving the memory chips and reading them directly
  Not needed

  Doesn't apply. A hard drive stores data on magnetic platters, not NAND chips.

About this model

• Fusion configs split data between SATA HDD and PCIe blade.
• Both needed.
• RAM soldered.
• No T2/encryption by default.

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