M4 Mini Pro keeps randomly ejecting external SSD

Running a 48 GB M4 Mini Pro, Sequoia 15.3.2, with only one display, along with an external 4TB SSD in a hyperdrive TB4 enclosure. The system seems to randomly disconnect with the drive not ejected properly error. Ironically, the power still seems to be delivered to the unit as the indicator on the case suggests so. Having to repeatedly disconnect and reconnect the drive is a pain. Hyper doesn't seem to be offering any suggestions.

Posted on Mar 31, 2025 3:22 PM

Reply
8 replies
Sort By: 

Apr 13, 2025 11:53 AM in response to Ajrubinstein

Some additional information. I've been reading various posts suggesting that perhaps one of the issues is that the Mac mini may not be able to power the SSD sufficiently and it was suggested to look at the current draw under "System Information". Well, the drive is mounted and displays properly under "Storage" though if one looks for the controller under either USB or TB/USB4, nothing appears other than the monitor which is plugged in via one of the ports on the back:


Reply

Apr 14, 2025 7:40 PM in response to Ajrubinstein

Another update. I took the SSD and routed the cable towards the right and away from the machine. Previously it was routed over the video cable towards the left. The drive has remained mounted for two days without any problems and interestingly, it now appears in the TB/USB4 tab whereas it never did before. I am beginning to wonder whether the M4 Mac mini has some issues with either RF interference or the ports themselves? Again, the drives work fine on a M1 MBP, so I don't think it is either the drives or cables.


Reply

Mar 31, 2025 4:22 PM in response to Ajrubinstein

Many seem to have similar issues. I have also run into that. Need to try different TB cables and different TB ports. I have also found that some drive enclosures are more susceptible to disconnects. Just need to methodically go through each hardware piece. Mac's are very sensitive to hardware integrity.

Reply

Apr 2, 2025 5:29 AM in response to Ajrubinstein

For the WD what is the model, i.e. WD Black, Blue, Red and 550, 70, 850 etc.?


Also, does the vendor have a list of compatible SSD that they have tested? If so, purchase on of them. If they do not have any verified SSD list, then either get an enclosure that does otherwise it could be a mix and match until it works.


FWIW, when using DIY enclosures, I have had good results with Samsung 980 Pro and 990 Pro.

Reply

Apr 2, 2025 6:35 AM in response to Ajrubinstein

My external drives are WD SN850X in a Trebleet enclosure and a Samsung 990pro in a Satechi enclosure. Both work fine. However, I have had drive ejection warnings occasionally for no apparent reason but I may have over loaded the system when I had both drives running and another SSD attached at the same time.

Reply

Apr 19, 2025 7:14 AM in response to Ajrubinstein

It's been a week since I moved the SSD away from the machine and over to the right side (when facing it). It has survived 5 days of usage and an OS upgrade without disconnecting once. All of this leads me to believe that the issues may be related to RF interference/shielding issues.

Reply

M4 Mini Pro keeps randomly ejecting external SSD

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.