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I’m looking to buy a new Mac Studio M2 and an external SSD for Time Machine backups. When I look for compatible storage in the Apple Store, the only option is the lacie rugged USB-C. I believe that this is a physical hard drive with a horribly orange exterior. I’d like to look elsewhere for an SSD, but what should I look for to make sure that it is “compatible“ with the new Mac Studio M2?
On my iMac, that I am replacing, I have a G tech hard disk for my Time Machine back up. If I'm busy on the phone or I go to lunch etc. The computer and drive go to sleep. When I wake it back up by tapping on the keyboard or clicking the mouse, the iMac will not respond until the Gtech hard disk turns on and spins up to speed. This is annoying. Will the same be true with a Mac Studio and an external hard drive? Does the same happen with a solid-state drive?
On my iMac, that I am replacing, I have a G tech hard disk for my Time Machine back up. If I'm busy on the phone or I go to lunch etc. The computer and drive go to sleep. When I wake it back up by tapping on the keyboard or clicking the mouse, the iMac will not respond until the Gtech hard disk turns on and spins up to speed. This is annoying. Will the same be true with a Mac Studio and an external hard drive? Does the same happen with a solid-state drive?
I tested and I do not have this issue using an SSD. That being said I would not use the sleep feature. Many have had issues. I would recommend that you just have the display turn off after a set time.
I bought this drive, it's being shipped, hasn't arrived yet.
I have a 1TB MacBook Pro, and will backup to this 2TB SSD.
This is Time Machine compatible.
LaCie also makes a 4TB model, although Apple doesn't carry it.
if it were me, I would go to OWC’s website. they would be best able to address your needs where capacity, speed and budget are concerned. their main focus is Mac compatible hardware.
<< SSD can make restoring a Mac much faster. >>
It certainly can.
But restoring is a one-off operation I hope to use rarely.
I use WD and Samsung SSD's as TM drives but depending on the size it may not be cost effective. SSD < 2TB are not expensive. If you want a larger drive I would stay with a spinning drive. SSD can make restoring a Mac much faster.
OWC macsales.com has a selection of HDD and SSD external drives.
see > https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/external-storage#drive-configuration:single-bay-1-drive
Time machine works in the background, at very low priority. It gets no additional benefit from a drive that is fast, so do not pay extra for fast.
I'm always fixing many Macs so speed is important but you are correct, hopefully not needed often.
mac studio m2 external ssd
