256gb enough if I run externals? Just LR maybe Final Cut lightly

[MacDonaldTrump]

Have hit the wall budget wise, things are tight!
I’ve been using an old iMac 21.5 (2013)

just found a refurb apple store Mac mini 6core 2018 only has 256gb but I think I can work with that.

my current LR library is 480gb so need to run off externals.

can I run EVERYTING including operating system from externals?
Should I save a little more which will take a long time and at least go in with 512

thanks

 

[Fishrrman]

With 256gb, you should set it up this way:

On the INTERNAL drive:
- The OS
- Applications
- Basic home folder

By "basic" I mean that you keep your LARGE libraries of stuff (such as the LR library) on an EXTERNAL drive, SSD will do fine for this.

LR will run fine that way and you can take full advantage of the speed of the internal drive for the OS.

 

[IowaLynn]

Read speeds up to 3230MB/s
Write speeds up to 2445MB/s
Consumes less power and runs cooler
Designed for macOS 10.13 and beyond
NVMe – PCIe 3.1 x4

OWC Aura Pro X2 1.0TB NVMe SSD Upgrade Solution Forselect 27" and 21.5" iMac models (Late 2013 Current)

OWC Aura Pro X2 1.0TB SSD for iMac Models

Get all the tools and installation components you need to upgrade the SSD of your 27-inch or 21.5-inch iMac (Late 2013 - 2019).

eshop.macsales.com

 

[chrfr]

Read speeds up to 3230MB/s
Write speeds up to 2445MB/s
Consumes less power and runs cooler
Designed for macOS 10.13 and beyond
NVMe – PCIe 3.1 x4

OWC Aura Pro X2 1.0TB NVMe SSD Upgrade Solution Forselect 27" and 21.5" iMac models (Late 2013 Current)

OWC Aura Pro X2 1.0TB SSD for iMac Models

Get all the tools and installation components you need to upgrade the SSD of your 27-inch or 21.5-inch iMac (Late 2013 - 2019).

eshop.macsales.com

That doesn’t work in a 2018 Mini.

 

[IowaLynn]

I was targeting op current 2013 - tight limited resources - and hold off on new system. That was my intent.

 

[MacDonaldTrump]

I was targeting op current 2013 - tight limited resources - and hold off on new system. That was my intent.

I am really just borrowing my daughters 2013 imac when I need it. I kind of do need something.
I have been working a lot more with film photography so haven’t needed a big workhorse. I now need to start working through my image libraries though so need a system.
Have been looking second hand but this refurb seems a better deal.
Already have apple keyboard, trackpad 2 etc and a 4K Samsung 32” monitor, heaps of USBc dongles etc

only thing that worries me is the HD.
Can always run egpu later if need.
will try to add my ram myself.

definitely open to other ideas though. Thanks
[automerge]1573331069[/automerge]

[automerge]1573331099[/automerge]
I have been using my iPad Pro and photoshop beta and it’s not too bad.

 

[IowaLynn]

So refurb can cut under Apple price ?
That would be excellent.

Mac mini i7 with minimum 8/128 RAM/SSD - can it be upgraded DIY later?
$1100 + tax

Mac mini - Apple

Apple Store Search Results

store.apple.com

 

[Fishrrman]

"Mac mini i7 with minimum 8/128 RAM/SSD - can it be upgraded DIY later?"

The RAM can be upgraded later on, but it's a modestly involved procedure that requires some disassembly.

The SSD is SOLDERED IN -- cannot be upgraded, IMPOSSIBLE.