Better solution to extend MacMini Late 2018 disk space

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Better solution to extend MacMini Late 2018 disk space

I have a MacMini Late 2018 with 32 GB RAM and 256 GB of internal SSD. Currently I have an old external 1 TB SSD connected via USB 3 with read speeds of about 93 MB/s, so I am looking to replace it with a newer, faster and better-looking solution to:

1) Extend my working storage capacity

2) Add extra external ports (USB and SD card reader)

My current candidate is an external hub designed specially for MacMinis that solves both problems:

My only problem with this otherwise perfect solution is that, according to the reviews, the internal SATA interface max speed is about 600 MB/s, either for the 2.5 slot or the M.2 slot. Is way better than the current 92 MB/s I have right now, but way worst than the 2.500 MB/s I could get from an SSD in an external (and uglier) Thunderbolt 3 enclosure... but the enclosure doesn't solve the need for more external ports, specially the SD card reader, so I would be forced to but another device to cover that.

So, I decided to search for other possible solutions that other MacMini's owners may have adopted.

TIA

Victor Espina

Mac mini (2018)

Posted on Aug 12, 2023 9:36 AM

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Answer 1

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VictorEspina Author

Level 1

12 points

Aug 12, 2023 11:32 AM in response to den.thed

Thanks. Since I posted this a couple of hours ago I found some more insights about this:

a) It seems that if I power the hub I can get speeds from the m.2 up to 800 MB/s, which I think will be more than enough not only to access my media files or documents, but also to bounce Logic Pro projects (its my hobby, I am an amateur musician).

b) There is a pricer alternative that delivers TB3 speeds on the m.2 connected to the hub: the Trebleet Thunderbolt 3:USB4 Dock Station for Mac Mini. Costs 3x more but its not crazy expensive, so it can be an option to upgrade from the Qwiizlab in the future.

So I believe I am going to stick to my plan of getting the Qwiizlab and then save some money to upgrade to the Trebleet in a year or so.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

90,634 points

Aug 12, 2023 10:29 AM in response to VictorEspina

Generally it is your Photos, Movies and Music Libraries that take up most of the space.

In your case Qwiizlab hub at 600 MB/s is plenty fast enough to move and store your Photos and Music Libraries on.

If you did that, then you should have room to keep macOS and everything else on the 2018 Mac mini's faster SSD.

Move your Photos library to save space on your Mac - Apple Support

Change where your music files are stored on Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

90,634 points

Aug 12, 2023 12:58 PM in response to VictorEspina

You're welcome.

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Better solution to extend MacMini Late 2018 disk space

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