External SSD drive question

[Foxer]

Trying to spec out a new Studio Max. Simply put, I've got an iTunes library (audio, very little video) about 2TB in size. I don't want to spend Apple prices on upgrading the internal SSD if I can avoid it, so I'm inclined to purchase an external SSD. Avoiding as much delay/lag as possible is my priority.

What options/products can anyone suggest. Should I look for a Thunderbolt drive as opposed to USB-C? Would there be any practical difference?

 

[velocityg4]

I don’t think you’d see any difference for that usage. Just go NVMe to USB 3.1/3.2 gen 2. If you can get USB 4 for cheap enough, get that.

Any SSD from Samsung should be good. Other brands can be hit or miss.

 

[ColdCase]

A USB rotational drive would be adequate to host an iTunes library. I have a 4TB library on a 5400 rpm drive on a server with several users. You would only need SSD performance if you are editing.

There are other advantages to SSD, however. Samsung SSDs are also hit or miss, we burn them out often. For durability, typically slower SSDs are better, crucial drives are typically more durable.

 

[Fishrrman]

Something like this?

SAMSUNG T7 Shield 2TB, Portable SSD, up-to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2, Rugged, IP65 Water & Dust Resistant, for Photographers, Content Creators and Gaming, Extenal Solid State Drive (MU-PE2T0S/AM), Black

Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD delivers high performance on-the-go, not matter the terrain. It has an IP65 rating for water** and dust* resistance, with Dynamic Thermal Guard to manage heat control. Transfer huge files instantly. USB 3.2 Gen 2 and PCIe® NVMe™ achieve soaring sequential read/write...

www.amazon.com

 

[Foxer]

Thanks. I definitely want to go SSD. I have an external spinning drive for storing old files, and it takes a bit of time to spin up from inactivity, and I want to avoid that. Also, I feel they'd be more likely to fail eventually,

 

[haralds]

Initially I used one of two external Thunderbolt SSDs for my large media library.
I decided to add a neat Satechi base for additional front USB ports and an M2 SATA drive. This was a much cheaper storage solution than the Thunderbolt drives, better used for other things.
It works beautifully, and you cannot tell the difference in performance.
STAND & HUB FOR MAC MINI WITH SSD ENCLOSURE
The base also elevates the Studio from the desk which reduces dust bunnies.

 

[Dr_Charles_Forbin]

Initially I used one of two external Thunderbolt SSDs for my large media library.
I decided to add a neat Satechi base for additional front USB ports and an M2 SATA drive. This was a much cheaper storage solution than the Thunderbolt drives, better used for other things.
It works beautifully, and you cannot tell the difference in performance.
STAND & HUB FOR MAC MINI WITH SSD ENCLOSURE
The base also elevates the Studio from the desk which reduces dust bunnies.

Thanks.... I want to do some looking into this.