Why I Use an External SSD as Main Disk for M4 Mac Mini $599: Tips, Tricks, and What to Avoid

Summary

Video Summary: Using an External Drive as the Main Drive on the M4 Mac Mini

In this video, filmmaker and content creator Jeff Haagen explains how to use an external drive (specifically the OWC Thunderbolt 4 drive) as the main storage for an M4 Mac Mini—without fully booting from it.

Key Points:

1. Why Use an External Drive?

   • The base M4 Mac Mini only has 256GB of internal storage, which is insufficient for heavy workloads like video editing.
   • Upgrading internal storage via Apple is expensive, while an external SSD (like the OWC Thunderbolt 4) offers faster speeds and more capacity for less money.

2. How It Works (Home Folder Method)

   • Instead of booting entirely from the external drive (which risks system failure if the drive disconnects), Jeff recommends moving only the Home folder to the external drive.
   • This keeps system files on the internal drive while storing apps, documents, and user data externally, freeing up space.

3. Recommended Drive: OWC Thunderbolt 4

   • Faster speeds (~3,000 MB/s read/write) than the Mac Mini’s internal SSD.
   • Built-in heat sink prevents overheating, unlike budget drives like the Samsung T7.
   • More cost-effective than upgrading Apple’s internal storage.

4. Drives to Avoid (Samsung T7 & Others)

   • The Samsung T7 is too slow (~70% slower than OWC) and overheats when used as a main drive.
   • Not reliable for 24/7 use—Jeff strongly advises against it for this purpose.

5. Safety Tips

   • Create a secondary admin account on the internal drive in case the external drive fails.
   • Avoid full external booting—it’s risky and unnecessary since the Home folder method is safer.

6. Final Thoughts

   • The M4 Mac Mini is a great value ($599), but external storage is essential for serious work.
   • The OWC Thunderbolt 4 drive is the best solution for speed, reliability, and expandability.

🔗 Jeff provides a tutorial link in the description for setting this up and teases an upcoming full M4 Mac Mini review.

Conclusion: If you need more storage on a budget Mac Mini, the OWC Thunderbolt 4 drive is the best choice—just avoid slower, overheating alternatives like the Samsung T7.

(Summary tailored for clarity and conciseness while retaining key technical details.)

Details

• Duration: 8m 11s
• URL: Why I Use an External SSD as Main Disk for M4 Mac Mini $599: Tips, Tricks, and What to Avoid

Tags

• MacMiniM4
• ExternalSSD
• StorageSolutions
• Thunderbolt4
• MacOptimization
• TechTips
• OWCDrive
• BudgetSetup
• YouTube
• Video