How to upgrade your M2 Mac mini without paying Apple’s high prices

The Mac mini now boasts an extremely quick M2 or M2 Professional processor, and rivals even Apple’s most professional computer systems regardless of costing considerably much less. Nonetheless, as nice as it’s, there’s a downside with the Mac mini—the upgrades are expensive and after you purchase one, it’s unimaginable to improve its inside elements. Nonetheless, we’re right here to assist.

Most of the following tips work with the Apple Studio, too.

Apple doesn’t allow you to improve the Mac mini with cheap third-party elements comparable to RAM or inside storage, and it costs its custom-build choices on the very excessive finish of affordability. Like the remainder of the Apple silicon Macs, the Mac mini, Apple has fastened the RAM to the processor and the SSDs to the logic board, to allow them to’t be swapped out after you purchase one.

Right here we take a look at your finest M1, M2 and M2 Professional Mac mini improve choices, including: storage, reminiscence, display screen, audio system and microphone.

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Upgrading the M2 Mac mini: Including reminiscence

Apple built-in the RAM proper into the M2 chip bundle within the Mac mini (2023) and Mac mini (M1, 2020) and so it may well’t be upgraded. You should as a substitute configure the quantity of reminiscence you need in your Mac mini if you buy it. Sadly, there’s merely no method of including extra RAM to the Mac mini after you purchase it. Relying on the mannequin you purchase, there are three choices: 16GB, 24GB, and 32G, which price as much as $400. When you want greater than 8GB of ordinary reminiscence, you’ll need to pay for it on the time of buy.

Upgrading the M2 Mac mini: Including storage

Just like the RAM, Apple has soldered the SSD (strong state drive) storage onto the Mac mini’s logic board, which means you can’t take away it and plug in a brand new one. As with the RAM, you will need to as a substitute configure the quantity of flash storage you need in your Mac mini if you buy it. Nonetheless, there are a number of methods you can improve your Mac mini with further storage—at a fraction of the associated fee you’d need to pay Apple at construct time.

SSD or HDD?

Stable-state drives haven’t any shifting elements. Knowledge is saved on interconnected flash reminiscence microchips, which permits for information to be pulled from many alternative locations without delay and considerably will increase reminiscence learn speeds. Arduous disk drives (HDD) depend on spinning metallic disks to learn and write information.

SSDs pace up boot occasions, enhance the responsiveness of your packages, and customarily make your pc really feel quicker. Nonetheless, you’ll pay extra money for a similar storage capability on SSDs as HDDs. SSDs price extra per gigabyte than mechanical HDDs and aren’t typically obtainable in ultra-high capacities. Whilst costs of SSDs proceed to drop, HDDs will at all times be cheaper.

A great technique is to make use of an HDD for backup, secondary storage or archiving, and an SSD for the information you’re employed on day-after-day. We advocate a backup drive a minimum of twice as massive as the whole capability of your Mac—for instance, you probably have 1TB of storage in your Mac, a 2TB backup drive will can help you make a full backup whereas maintaining different information or archived backups on the identical drive.

For each HDD and SSD, there are various trusted storage manufacturers, together with Samsung, Seagate, Essential, and Kingston.

Including exterior storage

The only method so as to add storage to a Mac mini is identical as every other Mac: Join an exterior exhausting drive or SSD utilizing one of many Thunderbolt ports on the again of the pc. Even the slowest SSDs are quicker than mechanical exhausting disk drives (HDD), however look out for pace variations—entry-level SSDs present speeds of round 500MB/s, whereas extra superior fashions can step as much as 1,000MB/s and even 2,000MB/s.

Exterior HDDs are an important resolution for backups and archives as pace is much less of a problem, and the costs are less expensive than SSDs. No HDD, except mixed in RAID with others, can outstrip the 5Gbps (roughly 500MBps real-world after overhead) throughput of USB-C. The place Thunderbolt undoubtedly helps is with RAID exhausting drive setups, or extra doubtless an exterior SSD.

One other method so as to add cheap transportable storage is by way of an SD or microSD card—as soon as the go-to storage format for digicam customers but additionally an important format for reasonable and transportable backup and archive storage. Sadly, the Mac mini doesn’t have a card reader slot, so that you’ll want so as to add one, comparable to this UGreen USB-C SD Card Reader for $13.

However there are admittedly ugly strategies. You’ll have wires hanging out of the again of your Mac mini and a desk cluttered with drives.

Including Inner storage

The best choice is to get extra inside storage in your Mac mini, however Apple’s custom-built pricing means upgrading a 512GB mannequin to 1TB will price you an additional $200, and 2TB will price $600, whereas M2 Professional choices price much more: 4TB is $1,200 and 8TB will set you again a whopping $2,400. Moreover, having the storage soldered to the logic board makes it quicker, so in case you can afford it, it’s one of the best ways to go.

Nonetheless, in case you can’t swing the costs for extra storage or simply determine later that you simply want extra, there are {hardware} options that connect with the mini with out messing up the footprint of the small pc. Two of our favorites are the Satechi Stand & Hub for Mac mini with SSD Enclosure ($100) and the OWC ministack STX ($280), which characteristic bays for each an SSD drive and a 2.5- or 3.5-inch SATA exhausting drive.

We’ve written extra on these Mac mini storage equipment later on this characteristic.

Both of those Mac mini hub options upgradeable and cheap inside storage plus a spread of additional ports. They each help the slim M.2 SSD and NVMe type elements that resemble a stick of chewing gum. On the time of writing, we may discover SSD drives from revered manufacturers for $50/£50 (1TB) and $150/£120 (2TB). 4TB could be discovered for between $250 and $500—round a 3rd of what you’d pay Apple to spice up the interior Mac mini storage.

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You may add inside storage as much as the utmost suitable SSD you could find contained in the Satechi Stand & Hub for Mac mini with SSD Enclosure and OWC ministack STX. Set up is straightforward, with every thing bar the SSD board itself included (screwdriver and screws). It’s somewhat fiddly however nothing to be apprehensive about—if you should utilize a screwdriver, you’ll be able to set up the SSD board your self.

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Observe that the unique model of the Satechi Stand & Hub’s enclosure didn’t help NVMe (Non-Risky Reminiscence Categorical) SSDs, whereas the OWC ministack does. Satechi has now up to date the stand/hub to help NVMe in addition to M.2 SSD.

NVMe M.2 SSDs are designed to be quicker by utilizing a extra direct path to a pc’s processor over PCIe.5. That stated, the NVMe slot on the OWC has just one lane of PCIe allotted to it, so the efficiency is proscribed to 770MB/s in real-world use.

Whereas the Satechi stand/hub has caught up with the OWC by supporting NVMe, one remaining benefit of the OWC miniStack STX is the second drive bay, which helps a 2.5- or 3.5-inch mechanical exhausting disk drive (HDD). These old-school exhausting drives provide far-greater storage capacities at a a lot decrease price than SSDs. 2TB HDDs can price round $50. A 12TB HDD may cost underneath $200.

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Upgrading the M2 Mac mini: Including front-facing ports and further growth

Whereas the Mac mini has loads of ports across the again, Apple didn’t bless the Mac mini with any ports on the entrance just like the Mac Studio. Which means you’ll want to succeed in over to attach a peripheral gadget—which might be difficult in case you’ve slipped the very hideable pc out of sight.

However there are alternatives for including them. For instance, the Satechi Stand & Hub provides a number of front-facing ports. At 10Gbps, they aren’t as quick because the mini’s back-racked 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports, however they’re helpful for micro thumb drives that you simply may wish to plug in. You additionally get SD and microSD card readers, that are tremendous helpful for including cheap transportable storage. You should buy a Samsung reminiscence card with 256GB of storage for underneath $30/£30 and half a terabyte for round $50.

The OWC ministack STX, however, mimics the Mac mini with no ports on its entrance. However its again has extra highly effective connectors than the Satechi hub. It boasts 4 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports (one upstream to the pc) and three 5Gbps USB-A ports, however lacks card reader slots.

One other port-adding possibility is to purchase your self a Thunderbolt 4 hub. Our favourite is the Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 Component Hub, which options 4 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports (together with one side-mounted upstream to the pc), 4 10Gbps USB-A ports, and an influence provide. We’ve examined the most effective Thunderbolt hubs and docks in order for you much more ports than that. Granted, they received’t be as neat because the Satechi Stand or OWC ministack, however there are tons of choices on the market.

Upgrading the M2 Mac mini: Including quicker ethernet

One of many build-to-order choices provided by Apple is to improve the Mac mini’s ethernet from Gigabit to 10 Gigabit. As with the RAM and storage, when you’ve picked your Ethernet pace, there’s no method to improve the interior connector later. However you should buy adapters fairly cheaply. TrendNet has a 5Gb Ethernet adapter that connects to one of many mini’s Thunderbolt ports. OWC sells a 10G Ethernet Adapter, though it’s really costlier than the Apple built-in possibility.

Observe although that simply having a 10GB Ethernet port in your Mac doesn’t robotically 10x all of your networking. There are few 10Gb routers obtainable, and even fewer that don’t resemble a rack mount unit from an information middle. They usually aren’t low cost both. In case your ISP is providing 2.5Gbps, 5Gbps or 10Gbps, be ready to interchange your present community gear to really use the upper speeds.

Upgrading the M2 Mac mini: Including higher audio system

The Mac mini does have a built-in speaker, however it’s actually ok just for system bings and bongs—even Zoom calls sound tinny, and music sounds such as you’re listening to the most cost effective transportable radio.

Apple would favor you get out your bank card for considered one of its HomePod audio system by way of AirPlay, however there are cheaper desktop audio system obtainable that join by way of USB or Bluetooth.

We’re followers of the Artistic Pebble V3, which might join utilizing both USB-A or USB-C or Bluetooth.

Upgrading the M2 Mac mini: Including a webcam

It’s doubtless that you simply’ll be wanting a webcam for video calls, both perched on high of your display screen or angled in your desk. There are a selection of really useful webcams obtainable for Mac. We’ve rounded up the most effective Mac webcams for you.

Upgrading the M2 Mac mini: Including a microphone

The Mac mini doesn’t have its personal mic as Apple presumes that you simply’ll more than likely wish to use the one on the third-party webcam you utilize.

If you need a devoted microphone, you’ll be able to connect utilizing USB or by way of an audio interface for the most effective audio high quality. Try our roundup of the most effective microphones for Mac.

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Upgrading the M2 Mac mini: The last word Mac mini setup

It could be excessive for a lot of, however my eventual Mac mini improve resolution incorporates each the Satechi and OWC hubs. On the backside sits the OWC miniStack STX, with a 3.5-inch 4TB HDD and 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD, plus its 4 quick Thunderbolt 4 ports (one used to connect with the Mac mini). Above that, and with its helpful vary of front-facing ports, is the Satechi Stand & Hub for Mac mini with SSD Enclosure. Inside that, I’ve a 2TB M.2 SATA SSD—my setup began with the non-NVMe Satechi hub however I’ll improve to the NVMe model.

And sitting on high is my M2 Professional (12‑core CPU & 19-core GPU) with 32GB of RAM and an inside 1TB Apple SSD. Because the Mac mini ships with out a keyboard or mouse, I caught with Apple’s trusty Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse.

The identical Mac mini with 8TB of storage would price $4,399 (£4,499 within the UK) to construct at Apple, however price me underneath $3,000 (£2,850), and I get an additional 9 usable ports—an additional TB4 port, as two on the Mac mini are used to attach the 2 hubs, and three USB-A, one USB-C, an audio port and SD and microSD card readers on the entrance.

As I used to be changing my trusty previous 27-inch iMac (classic 2015 and beginning to present its age) I wanted a decent-sized monitor for my new Mac mini. I selected the 27-inch Alogic Readability show, which is 4K quite than a 5K Retina however encompasses a terrific adjustable stand that makes the previous iMac look positively static.

1. OWC miniStack STX

Professionals

• NVMe M.2 SSD bay
• 3.5-inch HDD bay
• 4x Thunderbolt 4 ports

Cons

• No entrance ports
• No card reader
• Black solely shade alternative

Worth When Reviewed:

From $279.99

Appropriate with: Mac Mini M2 & M2 Professional 2023; M1 2020; Mac mini 2018; Mac Studio 2022

Dimension: 7.8 x 7.8 x 1.5 inches

Ports:

• 4x Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)
• Inner SSD enclosure
• Inner HDD bay

This double drive bay Mac mini accent is an honest Thunderbolt 4 hub in its personal proper—therefore its increased price ticket in comparison with the USB-C Satechi hub.

Its 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports can help you create three unbiased daisy chains with as much as 5 complete Thunderbolt gadgets with a USB gadget on the top of every chain (eight gadgets complete).

However the true advantage of the miniStack STX is its bays that may be pre-configured or self-installed with one 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch exhausting disk drive and one speedy NVMe SSD.

Purchase an affordable (however reliable HHD for a Time Machine backup or secondary storage, and a quicker SSD for operational file storage. The miniStack STX affords the most effective of each worlds when it comes to storage flexibility.

2. Satechi Stand Hub for Mac mini with SSD Enclosure

Professionals

• SSD bay
• Entrance-facing ports
• Helps SATA SSD and quicker NVMe
• Card readers
• Silver shade matches mini

Worth When Reviewed:

$99.99

Appropriate with: Mac Mini M2 & M2 Professional 2023; Mac mini M1 2020; Mac Studio 2022

Dimension: 7.8 x 7.8 x 0.9 inches

Ports:

• 1x USB-C (10Gbps)
• 3x USB-A (10Gbps)
• SD card reader (UHS-I, 104MBps)
• microSD card reader (UHS-I, 104MBps)
• 3.5mm audio jack
• Inner SSD enclosure

This cheap USB-C hub provides much-needed ports to the entrance of your Mac mini setup. These ports embody SD and microSD card readers, that are missing from the mini itself.

You should buy a barely cheaper model with out the SSD enclosure however we advise spending the additional $20 even when, proper now, you don’t assume you want any further storage. In case your Mac mini has a 512GB inside SSD, then a 1TB or larger SSD inside the hub affords wonderful and speedy Time Machine backup or simply further area in your information. Keep in mind you’ll be able to’t return and improve the capability of the Mac mini’s built-in SSD.

The newest model helps you to select between an SATA SSD or extra trendy NVMe SSD. Both method, it’s a lot quicker than a mechanical exhausting disk drive.

The dearth of Thunderbolt isn’t an issue if the 2 (M2) or 4 (M2 Professional) Thunderbolt 4 ports on the again of the mini are all you require. Observe that one of many mini’s Thunderbolt ports can be used to attach the hub.

3. Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 Component Hub

Professionals

• 4 Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 ports
• 4 10Gbps USB-A ports
• 150W complete energy
• Compact

Cons

• Sits away from Mac mini
• No further storage capability

Worth When Reviewed:

$199.95

Appropriate with: Any USB-C/Thunderbolt pc

Dimension: 4.5 x 2.8 x 0.7 inches

Ports:

• 4x Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)
• 4x USB-A (10Gbps, 7.5W)

This super-compact Thunderbolt 4 hub differs from the OWC and Satechi hubs by being a distinct dimension and type to the Mac mini, and so it should sit exterior of its footprint in your desk

It affords you seven quick ports—plus the upstream Thunderbolt 4 port that connects to your Mac mini—that will even ably cost related gadgets.

In case your Mac mini or Mac Studio has sufficient storage in your wants however not sufficient ports (step ahead the extra restricted non-Professional M2 Mac mini), this wonderful hub blesses you with a number of top-rated ports.

Learn the total Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 Component Hub evaluate

4. Alogic Readability 27in UHD 4K Monitor

Professionals

• 27-inch 4K 60Hz display screen
• Wonderful adjustable stand
• Additional ports

Cons

• Not 5K just like the previous 27-inch iMac’s display screen

Worth When Reviewed:

$799.99

Ports:

• 1x USB-C (upstream)
• 1x USB-B (upstream)
• 2x USB-A ports (5Gbps)
• DisplayPort 1.4
• 2x HDMI 2.0
• 3.5mm audio jack

If you need your Mac mini to duplicate the display screen glory of the discontinued 27-inch iMac, this same-sized exterior show is a good possibility. With its very good adjustable stand, it’s extra versatile than the previous static iMac display screen.

It even has its personal built-in hub providing a spread of ports to enhance the Mac mini’s personal.

The Readability’s two USB-A ports can be utilized to connect peripherals comparable to a keyboard, mouse or webcam to the pc. For the pc to see any hooked up gadgets, it have to be related to the pc by both the USB-C or USB-B upstream port.

There at the moment are extra superior variations of the Readability, with a Readability Professional that provides a retractable webcam and a touchscreen model—each. obtainable in both 27- or widescreen 32-inch sizes.

Learn our full

Alogic Readability 27in UHD 4K Monitor evaluate

5. Kensington W1050 webcam

Professionals

• Inexpensive
• 1080p decision
• Good Mac app

Worth When Reviewed:

$49.99

Kensington’s W1050 is among the most reasonably priced 1080p (1920-x-1080) webcams we’ve seen up to now. It gives a vivid sharp picture that’s clear, and gives a 95-degree viewing angle, with fixed-focus to make sure that all the picture stays in focus always.

The adjustable stand can relaxation in your desk or connect to your pc display screen, and lets you tilt and rotate the digicam to get the appropriate viewing angle. Twin microphones characteristic noise-cancelling to scale back background noise, and there’s a privateness shutter on the entrance of the digicam too.

The W1050 makes use of a USB-A interface, which perhaps isn’t a foul factor because it doesn’t burn up one of many Mac mini’s treasured Thunderbolt ports.

Kensington’s Konnect app gives further controls for adjusting brightness, distinction and different settings, however its most helpful characteristic is the flexibility to create and save profiles with settings which might be appropriate for various areas or lighting circumstances.

6. Artistic Pebble V3 audio system

Professionals

• A lot-improved audio on Mini’s speaker
• Compact
• Bluetooth, USB-A or USB-C

Cons

• Deep bass lovers is likely to be disenchanted

Worth When Reviewed:

$39.99

The Mac mini’s built-in speaker is a feeble affair, which is okay for system alerts however woeful if you wish to hearth up Apple Music or stream video.

These dinky (123-x-120-x-118mm) stereo audio system persist with the mini’s mini-ness, and can be found in both white or black. They join by way of both USB-C or USB-A, with the added possibility of wi-fi Bluetooth if you wish to pair along with your iPhone.

Sound high quality is outstanding for the scale and value. The bass might be stronger however it’s an important enchancment on the mini’s speaker.

$1,199

$1273

$1299

$1299

$1299