The M4 Mac mini introduced an unexpected feature — an upgradeable SSD slot. Let’s explore the installation process, what to anticipate regarding performance, and some helpful insights.
The evolution of Mac mini’s upgrade capabilities has been quite inconsistent. The models released prior to 2012 set a high bar with both RAM and storage being user-upgradable. The 2014 variant allowed for storage upgrades while locking the RAM in place, followed by the 2018 model featuring RAM slots but no option to upgrade its internal storage.
Upon the arrival of the M1 mini, all forms of upgradability were eliminated. Although Apple doesn’t officially endorse SSD enhancements for the M4 Mac mini, it remains technically feasible.
We’ve personally upgraded one of our Mac minis with a third-party SSD. Here’s our experience and a rundown on how we accomplished it.
Contents of the ExpandMacMini Upgrade Kit
We opted for a 2TB SSD from expandmacmini.com priced at $259. Currently, there is no aftermarket option available for the M4 Pro variant due to differing physical specifications; however, we anticipate options will emerge soon.
Dismantling Your Mac Mini
We won’t provide an exhaustive step-by-step here; iFixit offers comprehensive guidance that you should refer to during disassembly.
We do have some tips worth noting: refrain from disconnecting the power cable completely—it’s better left in place beside your device while working on it.
Dealing With Internal Components
There’s also no need to unscrew or remove the Wi-Fi module during this process. Many users have reported connectivity issues with recently designed dock solutions—this may be linked to interference as noted by its location at base level within your device.
While I wasn’t impressed with included screwdriver quality in our kit—a good set of Torx drivers is economical and couldn’t hurt to own anyhow—making careful movements while screwing down should ensure success regardless of gear quality.
Reassembly Process
Once you’ve reassembled everything correctly; perform a DFU (Device Firmware Update) restoration next. Connect your Mac mini via HDMI to any display before applying power while holding down its main button until you see an amber blinking light indicating readiness for setup process initiation.
- Keep pressing until plugged into power source then let go after observing amber flash;
- Attach it through Thunderbolt interface only using central port—connecting elsewhere might hinder restore progress;
Establishing Connection For Restore
You’ll receive a prompt query confirming establishment connection over DFU mode once you’ve connected properly—accept it leading into “restore”. We noticed varying download requirements based upon personal internet speed rates alongside Apple’s network load at this moment!
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The Results: Performance Evaluation
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After executing all this successfully though haven’t extensively navigated yet speed tests show promising figures originating around;
reading/writing speeds hitting approx (( range )) GBps! Initially pre-indexed & etc engaged wasn’t startlingly different from default but bettered external drives instantly boosts finishing touches!'
To put simply each boost externally only raised among common peripherals won’t impress greatly compared improvements using daily applications unless heavy loaded memory allocations sit confused somewhere raising need clarity counts!
n Quoting background influences also given my years submerged within Apple servicing space since late ’80s’ll help grasp obstacles regarding undertaking such tasks easier face pacing differences sizing formats particularly screws seem minuscule maintenance wise than expected nowadays tightened further which might concern users struggling between experience levels needed actually tackling unit modifications again taking mind pressure encountering respective future interruptions pose above remedial expensed failures emerging everywhere especially;
