External SSD vs. internal storage on Mac Mini Pro

[gadgetfreak98]

Hi. I’m looking to replace my 2018 Mac Mini and I think the new version is a compelling upgrade. That 2018 uses a 4 TB SSD as my primary data storage, putting the home folder there. I’d love to get either 4TB or 8TB internally with the new Mac Mini, but it is SOOO expensive to do so.

Given TB5, would I really be losing much if I decided to buy a smaller capacity internal model and used the external TB5 drive to house the Home folder and all my data? I see a WD 8TB NVMe drive for $650 vs. Apple’s $2400 upgrade.

Appreciate any insights on the pros and cons. Thanks!

 

[AdamBuker]

As far as I can tell there have not been any TB5 enclosures/SSD drives released yet. I've been looking at NVMe enclosures myself and it seems that the average maximum for USB4/TB4 enclosures are about 3000 MB/S read/write. You won't get the full speed that the NVMe SSD is capable of, but it should be plenty fast enough for all but the most demanding of workflows. I plan on using a 2TB stick and using it for a 4k video editing drive.

 

[AAPLGeek]

You won't notice a single difference even with a USB4 or TB3 enclosure. TB5 drive for storing home folder and general data is utterly pointless.

 

[splifingate]

You won't be losing much, at-all.

PCIe Gen4 over TB5 is a rather enticing improvement; but day-to-day performance differentials will not drastically change your subjective experience.

USB4/TB3:4 would improve your experience by orders of comparison. USB4/TB5 offers other layers of connectivity, some of which you may be able to appreciate.

My Daily is a M2 Mac Studio, and the former already offers me a subjectively-substantial improvement (over what I used to use) in my daily computing.

I have a 2TB Internal, and have two-of-three(at any one time) PCIe Gen3 units attached.

Dare I say: any M-Series you transition-to will offer improvements, across the board . . . go with the Internal Storage you feel you need, then add Externals, as-needed

 

[gadgetfreak98]

Thank you for the replies. I am definitely not a high bandwidth user, so it sounds like it should be ok with a TB4 enclosure, of which I have a couple already. I'd love to get off the separate User folder drive bandwagon, but the price differential is just so very massive.

Appreciate the input and confirmations from everyone!