ULTIMATE External Storage Guide for MAC πŸ‘‰ 5x LONGER WARRANTY!

Tech Notice・2 minutes read

The M2 Mac Mini offers a base 256GB SSD, with a $200 upgrade to 512GB, while external SSDs like the Samsung 980 offer a cost-effective and high-performance storage solution for Mac users. External M.2 SSDs in enclosures provide fast speeds for both Mac and Windows devices, with options like the Akasis case offering serviceability advantages and a five-year warranty.

Insights

  • Upgrading the base model of the M2 Mac Mini from 256GB to 512GB costs an additional $200, highlighting a significant price difference for storage expansion.
  • External M.2 SSD enclosures provide a versatile and cost-effective storage solution, offering incredibly fast speeds and the ability to be used interchangeably between Macs and PCs, showcasing their adaptability and performance benefits.

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Recent questions

  • How does internal SSD failure in Macs differ from PCs?

    Internal SSD failure in Macs results in complete data loss, unlike PCs where data can be recovered. This distinction is crucial as it emphasizes the importance of regular backups for Mac users to prevent potential data loss in case of SSD failure. Unlike PCs where data recovery options exist, Mac users must be proactive in safeguarding their data through backups to avoid irreparable loss.

  • What are the benefits of using external SSDs with Macs?

    External SSDs offer a solution to expand Mac storage, providing options for M.2 and SATA enclosures. These external SSDs offer comparable speeds to internal Mac SSDs, making them suitable for tasks like video editing. Additionally, external M.2 SSDs can be removed from enclosures and used in PCs for even higher performance, making them a versatile and cost-effective storage solution for users who require flexibility in their storage options.

  • What is the recommended SSD for Mac Mini upgrades?

    The Samsung 980 SSD is recommended for Mac Mini upgrades due to its performance and value compared to higher-end options. While the base model of the M1 Mac Mini comes with a 256GB SSD, upgrading to a 512GB SSD costs an additional $200. Opting for the Samsung 980 SSD provides users with a reliable and cost-effective upgrade option that enhances storage capacity without compromising on performance.

  • How do Thunderbolt-compatible M.2 enclosures impact speeds?

    Thunderbolt-compatible M.2 enclosures offer even higher speeds compared to standard M.2 enclosures, although not all advertised speeds are accurate. These enclosures provide faster data transfer rates, making them ideal for users who require high-speed storage solutions. However, it is essential to note that advertised speeds may not always reflect real-world performance, so users should consider factors beyond just speed when selecting an enclosure for their storage needs.

  • What is the process for setting up an external SSD enclosure?

    Setting up an external SSD enclosure involves inserting the M.2 SSD into the enclosure, attaching a heatsink if provided, and initializing the drive in Disk Utility. This straightforward process allows users to expand their Mac storage capacity easily and efficiently. By following these steps, users can take advantage of the benefits of external SSDs, such as increased storage space and comparable speeds to internal Mac SSDs, for various tasks like video editing.

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Summary

00:00

"Mac Mini SSD Upgrade Options and Benefits"

  • The M2 Mac Mini base model comes with a 256GB SSD, but upgrading to 512GB costs an additional $200.
  • Internal SSD failure in Macs results in complete data loss, unlike PCs where data can be recovered.
  • External SSDs offer a solution to expand Mac storage, with options for M.2 and SATA enclosures.
  • M.2 enclosures provide faster speeds, with the common 10 gigabit enclosure offering up to 1000MB/s.
  • Thunderbolt-compatible M.2 enclosures offer even higher speeds, but not all advertised speeds are accurate.
  • Enclosures vary in pricing, with options like the Orico enclosure costing $99 and the Samsung 980 SSD priced at $80.
  • The Samsung 980 SSD is recommended for its performance and value compared to higher-end options.
  • Setting up an enclosure involves inserting the M.2 SSD, attaching a heatsink if provided, and initializing the drive in Disk Utility.
  • External SSDs offer comparable speeds to internal Mac SSDs, making them suitable for tasks like video editing.
  • External M.2 SSDs can be removed from enclosures and used in PCs for even higher performance, making them a versatile and cost-effective storage solution.

13:58

"High-speed M.2 enclosure with SSD serviceability"

  • M.2 enclosure offers incredibly fast speeds, with read speeds reaching up to 3,000 megabytes per second on Windows devices.
  • Different enclosures can impact speeds, with one example showing read speeds of 2.5 gigabytes per second, surpassing internal SSD speeds.
  • Serviceability is highlighted as a key advantage, with the ability to easily replace SSDs in external enclosures like the Akasis case, offering a five-year warranty and high terabytes written spec.
  • A raffle is being held to win two Mac Minis for one pound each, with entries through a raffle.com link in the description, offering worldwide participation without the need for social media engagement.
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