8TB SSD storage expansion for Apple Mac Mini: Satechi launches new enclosure
While many other docking stations for the Apple Mac Mini offer an M.2 SSD slot, Satechi's new USB4 Slim NVMe SSD Enclosure doesn’t sport any additional connectivity options, but focuses on a slim design instead. This accessory is just 0.63 inches thick, and just like the current Apple Mac Mini, it’s 5 inches long and wide.
This allows the SSD enclosure to be conveniently placed on top of or underneath the Mac Mini, so it takes up no additional desk space. The short USB-C cable can be stored directly within the enclosure for better portability. Since this storage expansion device connects via USB-C, it is also compatible with other Macs and even Windows computers. However, a compatible SSD is not included in the box. The enclosure is compatible with regular heatsink-less NVMe SSDs in the M.2 2280 format.
SSDs with up to 8TB of capacity are supported. This might save users a lot of money, since Apple charges an additional $800 for 2TB of internal SSD storage for the Mac Mini. For comparison, a 8TB WD Black M.2 SSD currently retails for $609 on Amazon, while 2TB SSDs can be found for roughly $115 on Amazon. According to Satechi, this enclosure maxes out at 3,100 MB/s in terms of speed.
Price and availability
The Satechi USB4 Slim NVMe SSD Enclosure for the Apple Mac Mini is now orderable for $119. The company has not provided details on a global launch, but Satechi products usually become available in other regions within a few weeks of their launch in the US. As already mentioned, a compatible SSD for storage expansion has to be bough separately.
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