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External SATA SSDs

BrianBaughn

BrianBaughn

macrumors G4
Original poster
Feb 13, 2011
10,111
2,656
Baltimore, Maryland
Looks like my Hackintosh is dead so a Mac Studio is likely in my future.

I've got several SATA SSDs I'll be pulling from the case. What's the best option to get these connected externally to the new Mac? Aesthetics are not that important.
 
The best option is a JBod Thunderbolt 3 or 4 enclosure with more slots than you have drives. The OWC flex 8 is a nice option.

If you don't care about speed, put them in a bunch of USBC enclosures, connect then to a USB hub(s) and then the Studio. If you intend to buy a studio display, that may provide extra ports.
 
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Thanks for the suggestions!

I'm mapping this out and I think I can get by with a couple of new 3.5" HD enclosures and two USB-C to SATA 2.5" connectors or enclosures.
 
I have been using this one a very long time.

www.amazon.com

Inateck Aluminum USB-C RAID HDD Enclosure Dual Bay with a Portable Stand for 2x 2.5" SATA SSD/HDD Hard Drive Enclosure, USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type C Port with 10 Gbps Superspeed,FE2101

Inateck Aluminum USB-C RAID HDD Enclosure Dual Bay with a Portable Stand for 2x 2.5" SATA SSD/HDD Hard Drive Enclosure, USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type C Port with 10 Gbps Superspeed,FE2101
www.amazon.com

There is a similar one available that is available
www.amazon.com

Cable Matters 10Gbps Aluminum Dual Bay 2.5 Inch External SSD Enclosure (USB C Enclosure) with USB-C and USB-A Cables Supporting RAID 1 and RAID 0 - Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 / Thunderbolt 3 Port Compatible

The Cable Matters USB-C Gen 2 External 2.5" SSD Enclosure provides a convenient way to connect an SSD drive to a computer. Add back-up storage to a computer with USB-A, USB-C or Thunderbolt 3. The SuperSpeed+ USB 3.1 10Gbps data transfer rate speed is supported when connected to a USB ...
www.amazon.com

Highly recommended. Been using since 2018, no issues until I tried to firmware flash it and bricked it. If you buy it with the current firmware, it has trim and UASP.
 
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Is there an enclosure that holds SSD's as well as HDD's?

Or can I hook up my Mac Pro and use it like a server?
 
Most 3.5 drive enclosures include mounting holes for smaller drives, should be in the enclosure specs. Otherwise there are adapters that you mount the small drives in that are compatible with 3.5 inch bays.
 
If you're in a situation where you just need to grab data or write data every once and a while from the bare SATA SSD, you can use a cable like this that supplies power from your Mac, and handles the data connection:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJZJI84
 
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christcc2 said:
If you're in a situation where you just need to grab data or write data every once and a while from the bare SATA SSD, you can use a cable like this that supplies power from your Mac, and handles the data connection:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJZJI84
Click to expand...
We've been using these at work for a while now. It's so convenient, I've implemented a similar setup for home use.
 
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dimme said:
I have one of these holding 4 SSD's, very good product.
eshop.macsales.com

OWC ThunderBay 4: Thunderbolt 4-Bay External RAID Storage

The ultimate Thunderbolt RAID Storage Drive for creative workflows. Perfect for handling 4K video, audio, and photography with confidence and speed.
eshop.macsales.com eshop.macsales.com
Click to expand...
Yes - the Thunderbay 4 mini is geared towards SATAIII SSD's. Thanks for pointing it out.

As for the OP... You can search on amazon for an 8 bay jobd 2.5. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=8+bay+jb...&sprefix=8+bay+jbod+2.5,aps,96&ref=nb_sb_noss

1665000807843.png
 
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I found the M1 Mac to be very finicky when it comes to multi-bay 3.1 usb cases. For example I have a OWC 2 bay USB3.1 JOBO enclosure that works great on a intel Mac mini. If hooked up to a m1 mini the disk will dismount in a few hours. Search this site and you will see others with similar issues. There are also issues with som multi-bay USB c cases. What ever you try beside to check the return policy.
 
handheldgames said:
Thunderbay 4 chipsets are geared towards Hard Disk Drives. While SSD's can work as an option, performance will be much less than desired. FWIW, variants of the JMB585 seem to offer some of the best performance for SATA III SATAs.
Click to expand...
I don't think the OP was concerned about performance.
 
I am using eSATA enclosures with a Caldigit TB3 docking statiion with two eSATA ports.
 
I ended up with only two external 2.5" SSDs being necessary and I connected them with these for $15 each:

www.amazon.com

Cable Matters USB C to SATA Adapter (USB-C to SATA Gen 2 10Gpbs) Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 / Thunderbolt 3 Port Compatible - 10 Inches

The Cable Matters USB-C Gen 2 to SATA Adapter is specifically designed to connect a 2.5” SATA SSD/HDD to new computers with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3. Connect an SSD to transfer files from an old computer or upgrade the storage on your laptop. Save hours of time by directly connecting an S...
www.amazon.com

Unfortunately, I have a stack of five 3.5" HDs in USB housings that are also connected…three on all the time. To get all this off my desk and out of sight I got this for $20 and put it where the old hackintosh tower was:

www.amazon.com

HOOBRO End Table, 3-Layer Tall Side Table, Nightstand for Small Space, Beside Table in Bedroom, Sofa Table for Living Room, Industrial Style, Stable Frame, Easy Assembly Rustic Brown BF10BZ01

Are you still have trouble choosing a suitable side table for your small living room ? If so, HOOBRO this side table will be a good choice. With the width of 11 inch , this side table is ideal for a wide variety of spaces, especially for narrow nooks. When you are sitting on the sofa or chair, it...
www.amazon.com
 
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