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I've just pulled the trigger on a new Mac Mini (M4 24GB RAM & 512GB Storage). The model I wanted was available in the Refurbished Store, so how could I resist? I've been using late a 2012(!) Mini running Catalina, so I will do a clean install of apps and plugins. I've read Mike H's posts concerning this, and I'll take my time. If anyone can offer any additional tips concerning the clean install process, that would be greatly appreciated.

One thing I realized was that since I'll have my VI's an external Sandisk Extreme SSD (which is USB 3.2 Gen 2) I might need to get a USB-C cable that can handle that speed to connect it to the TB4 port in the rear of the M4. I've had it previously connected to the USB3 port, so It was only getting about 410 Mb/s. Thanks in advance for your tips and advice.

Sounds like a perfect machine!

USB-C cable should do the job for your sample drive. Given your 512GB internal SSD size, you should probably get another external drive to house everything but macOS, Apps and the Data Apple makes hard to move off the internal.

Given your 512GB internal SSD size, you should probably get another external drive to house everything but macOS, Apps and the Data Apple makes hard to move off the internal.

Great point, HCMarkus. Since that Sandisk SSD is 2 TB, I can actually fit all my VI's on it as well as various files, documents and inactive DP projects with room to spare. If I find I need more storage, I'll get a TB4 hub and an additional external SSD. This way I won't have to try to run any apps on an external drive. Thank you!

Your Sandisk will need a USB 3.2 gen 2 cable to approach its 10Gb/s potential (a number that no one will see in real life 9Gb/s is closer). Using round numbers, that is 1/3 the speed of a TB4/3 external and 1/6 the speed of TB5. So, while it will do for the short term, consider TB5 to get all of the speed and bandwidth you are paying for in your new Mini.

Although I'm comparing hubs, I've included the basics about the differences between TB4/3 and TB5 here.
viewtopic.php?t=74959

… I can actually fit all my VI's on it as well as various files, documents and inactive DP projects with room to spare

No. Like plug-ins, Library and Users/ … /Library files, your active work files should stay on the System drive until you have a TB5 external to load them onto—do you really want to work at 1/6 speed? There's a lot you can offload including VIs and your Apple Music and Movie libraries but not those.

A few months ago, Apple made a change. You can now boot from an external and run everything. Again, TB5 is the only thing that makes sense.

OWC seems to be out of these.
https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/owc-envoy-ultra

It is now possible to DIY. This is the first shipping USB4.2 housing I've seen that I like. ACASIS housings are quite good. These come with heat sink strips and have a fan if needed.
https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/owc-envoy-ultra

High speed NVMe4 x4 blades are inexpensive and readily available. WD offers from 1–8TB
https://www.amazon.com/WD_BLACK-SN850X- ... r_1_5?th=1

Thank you, Mike, for the great info as always. Just to clarify, the Mini M4 I’m getting is not the Pro, so if I’m not mistaken my rear ports are limited to TB4 (40Gb/s). It might be smart to future-proof myself by getting a TB5 dock and drives if I need them, since I’m sure my next Mac will have TB5 ports (and I won’t be waiting 13 years(!) before upgrading this Mini M4.)

I intend to use the Sandisk external only for VI’s and storage- my goal is to have apps and active files only on my internal drive. Digital packrat that I am, many apps currently on my old Mini will not be installed on the M4- I’m housecleaning! (According to DasiyDisk, I even have some old iPhone backups on my current internal drive, taking up space.)

wdegillio wrote: ↑Sat Apr 05, 2025 10:30 am Thank you, Mike, for the great info as always. Just to clarify, the Mini M4 I’m getting is not the Pro, so if I’m not mistaken my rear ports are limited to TB4 (40Gb/s). It might be smart to future-proof myself by getting a TB5 dock and drives if I need them, since I’m sure my next Mac will have TB5 ports (and I won’t be waiting 13 years(!) before upgrading this Mini M4.)

I intend to use the Sandisk external only for VI’s and storage- my goal is to have apps and active files only on my internal drive. Digital packrat that I am, many apps currently on my old Mini will not be installed on the M4- I’m housecleaning! (According to DasiyDisk, I even have some old iPhone backups on my current internal drive, taking up space.)

You are correct, the M4 is TB4/3/USB4. TB5 has no advantage for you.

USB4, OTOH, does big time. Here is the housing that I recommend. Toolless, two heat sink strips included, takes a couple minutes to assemble.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C8CZB5S7?re ... tle_4&th=1

Mine has an 8TB blade and handles the heat well. Sometimes on a large file transfer (loading my NI libraries for the first time etc.), it will get very warm to the touch and I'll engage the fan. For normal use, it runs at room temperature with the fan off.

I like Crucial, WD and Samsung blares but only because I have had experience with their tech support over the years and it has been excellent. Besides the WD that goes to 8TB, I use the P3+ if I only need up to 4TB.

https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Plus-PCI ... ref=sr_1_3