The M4 Mac mini got here with a shock – a slotted and expandable SSD. Here is methods to set up one, run it, and what to anticipate for pace.
Mac mini upgradeability has assorted through the years. The 2012 and earlier fashions are the gold customary, with expandable RAM and storage. The 2014 mannequin has expandable storage, however no RAM. The 2018 has extra RAM slots, however not elevated storage.
When the M1 mini shipped, nothing was upgraded. And whereas Apple would not enable SSD upgrades on the M4 Mac mini, it is attainable.
We upgraded one in all our Mac minis with an aftermarket SSD. Here is what we did, and methods to go about it.
What occurred to the expandmacmini.com improve equipment
We selected SSD from expandmacmini.com. They provide a 2TB SSD for the bigger Mac mini, promoting for $259. So far, we have not seen something from a vendor for the M4 Professional Mac mini for the reason that bodily options of that automotive are completely different, however we’re positive it is coming.
Open the Mac mini
We cannot give each step right here, the parents at iFixit have executed an important job with a breakdown of the steps. Use that information.
Now we have some strategies, however we do not suggest eradicating the ability wire from the unit, and leaving that tray sitting subsequent to the Mac mini.
The tray, decrease tray, and extra, eliminated to entry the Mac mini SSD
Additionally, it’s not essential to take away the Wi-Fi module. There have been a whole lot of complaints about horrible Wi-Fi with containers down under – you realize why. The antenna is situated on the backside of the unit.
I did not look after the screwdriver that got here with the drive – however that is superb. Torx drivers or units should not low cost, and chances are you’ll want one.
Even with the included screwdriver, you should definitely apply sufficient downward drive to show the screws, and you will be superb.
After the reunion
All that is left is a enjoyable DFU. To do that, join the Mac mini to a show of some kind with an HDMI port. Then maintain the ability button down.
Whereas holding the ability button down, join the Mac mini to energy. Launch the ability button whereas the amber gentle is on.
Right here is the necessary half. Join the Mac mini to a different working Mac, with one finish of the cable within the center Thunderbolt port. The return will fail whether it is above the center port.
On the Mac host, a window will seem asking you if it’s essential join the Mac in DFU mode. Permit it to attach, and choose “restore.”
DFU restore is in progress
The precise obtain of the 16GB file varies relying in your web pace, and Apple’s server load. After downloading, the restore course of takes about 5 minutes.
A fast take a look at
I have never stayed with this mixture for too lengthy, however the first fast take a look at proves the promise. The fundamental drive is not pokey, with 2.8 gigabytes per second learn and write speeds.
Earlier than any iCloud account group, and earlier than the calculation, we hit about 4 gigabytes per second learn and write pace. It isn’t as quick because the M4 Professional Mac mini, nevertheless it’s quicker than exterior drives by way of Thunderbolt, and quicker than the arduous drive on the M4 Mac mini.
This does not make on a regular basis work really feel any snappier, after all. In order for you that, you most likely ought to have purchased extra RAM earlier than you bought the machine. However the identical pace is nice.
Good and quick on the within, much less so on the surface
I first obtained into Apple service within the ’80s, I began within the ’90s in service, and continued on the flip of the century. In fact, that is right down to some as a result of there have been fewer and fewer enhancements and common repairs.
I have been requested how a lot technical experience is required to do an improve like this, and if I’ve any expertise with the service. None of this is so simple as updating a Home windows desktop, however that does not must be the case within the service.
The primary barrier to entry will not be sensible, however having a second Mac for the DFU course of, however for many of you studying this, it isn’t a barrier.
I’ll say that Apple gear would not appear to be getting any smaller as my eyes become older.
It is an ice dice tray that I’ve used for years for small curls
Nevertheless, the price of SSD upgrades is a tough matter relating to the Mac mini. Within the M4 Mac mini, a 2TB SSD provides about $800 to the full value from Apple.
This improve is even cheaper than that, at $259 shipped to your door.
However a 4TB Teamgroup M.2 PCI-E 3 SSD prices about $205, with a USB4 card coming in at about $80. For $280ish, you may get two in storage, out, quick.
However preserving it inside is simple. I do not suppose $800 is truthful, however $289 is simple sufficient {that a} worth proposition is left to the reader.
That is all, we’re caring for the SSD manufacturing unit. Not solely is there nothing that may be executed with it, we are going to proceed to make use of it if the Mac mini must be returned to Apple for restore.
The operation will not be accepted, however we perceive that it’s the very first thing that Apple complains about if one thing goes flawed with the pc.
