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I'm about to switch my Windows PC to a Mac mini m4.

I will probably go for the base model with 256GB of memory.

Since it has a relatively small hard drive, I will get some external storage.

I saw many videos with regard to all of them however, I couldn't understand if it's a common practice in Mac computers to keep the external SSD always connected to the computer. I want it to act just as another drive.

Specifically, I'm talking about keeping an enclosure connected with some nvme ssd or some SanDisk.

My main concern is the heat of the SSD, and in general is there are things that I'm not aware of in Mac.

I'm not editing videos or something, just storage drive.

Also, most of the videos talk about enclosures for NVME, I was wondering if it will also be good to get an enclosure for sata 2.5" and use the SSD I currently have in my PC.

Thank you

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  • Just an opinion: In the long run you may regret a 256GB internal drive. macOS likes space, it is difficult to run your home folder on an external. There are some performance and lifetime benefits to a larger drive. Commented Apr 4 at 22:57
  • Thank you, sounds like a good idea. Commented Apr 5 at 10:09
  • Of course, you don't need to move your home folder -- just create a top-level folder on your external called "My Documents", and just put stuff there. Commented Apr 5 at 20:18

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The best performance match for that model is an M.2 NVME drive in a Thunderbolt 4 enclosure. The ports on the base mini are rated for 40 Gb/s. For future-proofing, you can go with Thunderbolt 5 (nominally 120 Gb/s), although only the M4 Pro model supports it. The drive and the enclosure can be sourced separately, if you like. Leaving it always connected is no problem.

The above suggestion is for primary storage to extend the internal drive. For backup purposes, it's overkill. A USB-C drive will be adequate.

Mac mini (2024) - Tech Specs (support.apple.com)

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  • Agreed, but @Ben might find that a lower cost USB 3.x solution is more than sufficient for general storage. And particularly if he ups the internal to 512GB. Commented Apr 4 at 23:02
  • Thanks for the comment! Commented Apr 5 at 11:58
  • Is it ok to keep them constantly connected tho? Or every time i want to move files i should reconnect it? Commented Apr 5 at 11:59
  • As I wrote in the answer, there's no problem leaving it connected. That said, any device can be made to overheat. Make sure it's not buried in a pile of hot electronics. Commented Apr 5 at 21:20
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I have had several external SSDs and HDDs attached to my Macs for years, without problem.

SATA drives may be quite slow; but whether you will notice this will depend on the work you do, and how fast you need to read/write files.

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