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Optimal SSD Choices for External Storage Speed

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by (120 points)
Which external SSDs are advised for Mac Mini M2 users seeking a speedy external storage setup?

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by (740 points)
Western Digital Black SN770 NVMe SSD specific is the external smart storage for M2 Mac Mini which is very fast. It is efficient as well as cost effective offering 5150 MB bandwidth. For Acasis TBU-405 the other valid SSDs are Samsung 980 Pro, Western Digital SN850 or SN850X. But it may be dearer. It is always best to choose enclosures that are reputed to have good performance speed in order to achieve SSD design compatibility with the enclosure.
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by (100 points)
You don't have to buy the Samsung 980 pro the 970 series is good enough the difference is minimal and you don't need the pro the normal series good enough. I got that and the speed is the same. And the price comparing the WD Black is the same although the black is PCE 4 but that does not matter much
by (100 points)
Great content Craig, I wanted to know if you would recommend a newer NvMe SSD by WD or just stick to the one in your content?
by (100 points)
Thank you for such a brilliant and insightful content. I hope you might be able to help me out here.
So I have a mac mini M2 16 Gbyte 256 Hd. I bought the Satechi Hub with the NVME enclosure underneath. I only got it a few days ago.
Am I correct in saying that the Satechi hub would slow down the performance of the WD Black SSD and if so if I buy the enclosure and the WD Black does it work better when connected to the actual Mac Mini and not the Satechi hub?

Sorry if this is a silly question.
Thanks.
by (100 points)
Just followed your instructions on M1 Mac and works GREAT but have a question. Should I enable Trim in macOS from the terminal application?
by (100 points)
Acasis does make some pretty rock solid Thunderbolt SSD enclosure, and for a fair price too. So far I have both TB34 and TBU405 as well as a TBU412 dock with an internal NVMe m.2 SSD slot. Will try to post comparison results soon

Communicated with Acasis China recently...it appeared that there will be a new version of the enclosure coming out real soon. Should be functionally similar to TBU405 but with added internal cooling fan and the enclosure will be tool less (probably secured with a magnet like the TBU412?)

Time to start looking out for a new SSD...I have a Samsung 980 Pro 2TB, anyone have comparison results of this with the 990 Pro?
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