I have connected my HP U28 display to the Mac mini M1 via thunderbolt 3 cable. Is it safe/recommended to connect 2 external SSDs to the monitor‘s USB ports? One is my Time Machine backup drive. I have them connected via a usb hub right now.
On a side note I used to use HDMI to connect the display and it would not work after waking from suspend from time to time. No signal.
Mac mini, macOS 12.4
What year model Mac Mini?
Identify your Mac mini model - Apple Support
What external SSDs?
brand, model, USB connection, etc...
For speed and reliability, it is best to connect external SSDs directly to the Mac Mini.
If you need more high speed ports, then I suggest using a self-powered high speed Hub or Dock.
I connect my drives directly to the Mini and powered hub and use the extra monitor ports for my DVD drive and keyboard connection.
For your HDMI connection, use a cable 5’ or shorter and the following Energy Saver settings:
Safe to connect external SSD to monitor (mac mini)?
