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Mac mini (Late 2014) Thunderbolt ports

I would like to connect a high capacity drive with a USB-C cable to the Thunderbolt 2 port directly or through an adaptor/adaptor cable. Any recommendations?

Mac mini, macOS 12.3

Posted on May 7, 2022 8:53 AM

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Posted on May 7, 2022 1:35 PM

I am not trying to replace my internal drive, this is to replace an external drive. The drive I bought is a 4 TB Crucial X6 portable SSD. It will replace my 1 TB Toshiba which works fine but it is running out of room as a Time Machine backup disk. The new drive is described as follows: "Crucial X6 4TB Portable SSD – Up to 800MB/s – USB 3.2 – External Solid State Drive, USB-C - CT4000X6SSD9". It comes with a short cable with USB-C terminals at both ends.


Note that the new drive is not powered externally, I assume the USB-C connection provides the power.


Thank you for your help!

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 7, 2022 1:35 PM in response to den.thed

I am not trying to replace my internal drive, this is to replace an external drive. The drive I bought is a 4 TB Crucial X6 portable SSD. It will replace my 1 TB Toshiba which works fine but it is running out of room as a Time Machine backup disk. The new drive is described as follows: "Crucial X6 4TB Portable SSD – Up to 800MB/s – USB 3.2 – External Solid State Drive, USB-C - CT4000X6SSD9". It comes with a short cable with USB-C terminals at both ends.


Note that the new drive is not powered externally, I assume the USB-C connection provides the power.


Thank you for your help!

May 7, 2022 2:03 PM in response to read_baron

You can not connect that drive to your 2014 Mac Mini’s Thunderbolt port.


If it also came with a USB-C to USB-A cable the you will need to use that cable.

If not, them you will need to try a female USB-C to Male USB-A adapter.


for example > https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-USB-C-USB-Adapter-CTUSBCFUSBAMAD/dp/B08FSDMVNP/ref=pd_aw_fbt_img_sccl_1/144-3340786-9915212?


or > https://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Type-Type-C-Adapter-Converter/dp/B07KCL8WZK/ref=asc_df_B07KCL8WZK/?

Mac mini (Late 2014) Thunderbolt ports

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