I Upgraded My Mac mini M4 with a 4TB SSD and Avoided Apple's Ridiculous Storage Prices – Here's How
Apple's Mac minis are fantastic little machines, packing a powerful punch in a compact form factor. However, the sting of Apple's storage upgrade pricing is a familiar pain for many. When I configured my M2 Mac mini, the cost of factory-installed storage was eye-watering. So, I opted for the base model and decided to upgrade the SSD myself. Here's how I added a spacious 4TB SSD and saved a considerable chunk of change.
Why Upgrade?
Let's be honest, Apple's storage upgrades are expensive. You can easily spend hundreds, even thousands, more for built-in storage compared to buying a separate SSD. Doing the upgrade yourself gives you significantly more storage for your money. In my case, a 4TB upgrade from Apple was exorbitant, whereas purchasing a compatible 4TB SSD separately was considerably less.
Before You Begin:
This upgrade isn't for the faint of heart. It involves opening your Mac mini, which voids the warranty. Proceed with caution and at your own risk. You'll need the following:
- A compatible 4TB SSD: Ensure the SSD is an M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4×4 NVMe drive. Do your research and choose a reputable brand. I used [Insert SSD brand and model here – including an affiliate link if you want].
- A Mac mini compatible SSD enclosure: This is crucial for cloning your existing macOS installation. I recommend [Insert enclosure brand and model here – including an affiliate link if you want].
- A USB-C to USB-A cable: For connecting the enclosure to your Mac mini.
- A T6 Torx screwdriver: To open the Mac mini's case.
- A P5 Pentalobe screwdriver: Also needed for opening the case.
- A spudger or plastic pry tool: To help separate components without damaging them.
- Anti-static wrist strap (highly recommended): Protects your components from static electricity.
- Patience and a steady hand: This is intricate work. Take your time and be careful.
The Upgrade Process:
- Clone Your Existing Drive: Connect your new SSD to your Mac mini via the enclosure. Use Disk Utility to create a bootable clone of your existing macOS installation onto the new SSD. This is crucial, as it allows you to seamlessly transfer your entire system to the new drive.
- Open Your Mac mini: Power down your Mac mini and disconnect all cables. Carefully use the T6 and P5 screwdrivers to remove the bottom cover.
- Disconnect the Existing SSD: Locate the existing SSD and carefully disconnect the cable. Then, remove the screws securing the SSD and gently lift it out.
- Install the New SSD: Place your new 4TB SSD into the slot and secure it with the screws. Reconnect the cable.
- Reassemble Your Mac mini: Carefully replace the bottom cover and secure it with the screws.
- Boot Up and Enjoy: Connect your Mac mini to power and turn it on. It should boot from your new 4TB SSD with all your data intact.
The Results:
I now have a blazing-fast 4TB SSD in my Mac mini M2 for a fraction of the price Apple wanted. The performance improvement is noticeable, and I no longer have to worry about storage space. While this upgrade requires some technical know-how and patience, the significant cost savings and performance boost make it well worth the effort.
Disclaimer: This process voids your warranty. Proceed at your own risk. Ensure you have the correct tools and compatible hardware. If you're not comfortable performing this upgrade yourself, consult a qualified technician.
This blog post provides a good starting point. Remember to replace the bracketed information with specific product recommendations. Consider adding photos or a video to enhance the guide. And, most importantly, always emphasize the importance of proceeding with caution and at your own risk.
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