2018 Mac Mini External Storage Setup (Best Setup)

[hollywood1117]

Hey, everyone! Because of these great Black Friday deals, I’m trying to figure out what would be the best external storage setup for my 2018 Mac Mini. I currently have a 256GB 2018 Mac Mini. I would prefer to have an SSD-based external storage setup, but I’m unsure as to which type of SSD storage would take up the least amount of space on my desk.

I am planning on keeping my SSD connected/attached to my Mac Mini all the time, so I am not going to use it as a portable SSD. I was trying to find some sort of SSD station that would sit on my desk next to my Mac Mini.

Which type of SSD setup do you think would be best suited for this? I’m really just looking for the best form of SSD storage that complements a desk setup as opposed to a portable setup! Thanks again!

 

[IowaLynn]

Samsung T5

 

[rambo47]

I just got the Samsung T5 one terabyte, in red. Perfect backup solution and also great for plain external storage. Makes any project portable.

 

[iAssimilated]

I too have a Samsung T5 attached to my 2018 mini and it is great! I have my music and my games on the external drive and there is no noticeable performance issues compared to it and the internal drive. I would highly recommend the Samsung T5. If money is not an issue, you might check out the Samsung X5 (since it is TB3 vs. USB-C).

 

[Mannaerts]

Only downside is that the T5 loves to eject itself and gives errors about bad ejecting

 

[Honumaui]

T5 never had eject issues ?

then spinning HDD for other data and for TM

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

You might consider a "bare" 2.5" SSD (pick any one you like) in combination with a USB3/SATA docking station.

This way, the SSD can remain "mounted in the dock" most of the time.
But -- if you ever need to connect another drive -- just unmount the SSD, remove it from the dock, and connect the second drive. Very convenient, although it will be more "obtrusive" sitting on the desk as opposed to a "tiny" drive like the t5.

 

[iAssimilated]

Only downside is that the T5 loves to eject itself and gives errors about bad ejecting

My T5 stays plugged into my mini 100% of the time (basically an external internal drive) and I have never had it auto eject itself once in over a year of owning it.

 

[Mannaerts]

My T5 stays plugged into my mini 100% of the time (basically an external internal drive) and I have never had it auto eject itself once in over a year of owning it.

TB3 port or USB-A port? Cause i read that several people have this problem

 

[Clix Pix]

Another fan of the T5 and X5 here! Both are excellent and very fast! The T5 in particular is extremely small and portable, perfect for using on trips away from home or back-and-forth between home and office. I tend to use them for that rather than the larger, heavier (albeit faster) Thunderbolt 3 X5. I have never had any problems with any of the Samsung T series, and I've been using them since the T1.

 

[iAssimilated]

TB3 port or USB-A port? Cause i read that several people have this problem

TB3