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Resolved Mac mini M1 & 5Gb Ethernet adapter

gigatoaster

gigatoaster

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Hello there

I use my Mac mini M1 connected via USB-A to my amplifier/DAC (ROTEL A14MKII) and use ROON for music playing. I use this mini to download TV shows and movies.

Sometimes, I transfer a file to a Sandisk SSD and ROON can’t detect my amp anymore, unless I restart the mini.

My ISP is sending me a new router with an Ethernet 10G plug & I’ll buy a an usb-c to Ethernet adapter from UGREEN or Cable Matters. But I’ll chose a 5G.

Which USB port shall I use and where can I see it is working as intended, on top of doing a speed test?

I’m afraid that the adapter brings issues with my DAC.
 
for 5Gbps any USB port can be used on M1

NB Does you really need it? My take just use standard ethernet port 1Gbps is fast if it's true. Its still rare speed, no matter what connection you have on WAN.
 
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Thanks. I’m not sure if I need it.

I need to plug the Apple TV to the mini via ethernet if I want to watch torrents above 80 GB file size.

First I’ll try wifi. Right now, I’m at 500 Mbit/s with wifi 5. Maybe with wifi 7 (or 6) I will have a better speed. If I put ethernet 5G, I need to install a cable trunking for the optic fiber cable.

So I’m just weighing options.
 
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my Mac Studio has 10GbE built in so I can't speak to the adapter experience directly, but on the broader question - if you're regularly pulling 80GB+ files to local storage, wired 5Gb will noticeably outperform WiFi 7 for sustained transfers. WiFi handles bursts and normal use fine, but for consistent large-file throughput wired wins because you cut out the variability. real-world 5Gb over a good cable is around 500-600 MB/s vs. WiFi 7 which fluctuates a lot depending on interference and distance.

on the DAC concern: the ethernet adapter shouldn't interfere with your USB audio setup - they're on separate controllers. that said, I'd plug in the adapter and test audio stability before running the cable, just to confirm on your specific hardware.
 
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5GB is overkill for audio applications. Torrent, as much bandwidth as u can throw at it. Streaming doesn't take much bandwidth as u think. The USB thunderbolt port should provide the most bandwidth depending on adapter's capability.
 
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Mrbobb said:
5GB is overkill for audio applications. Torrent, as much bandwidth as u can throw at it. Streaming doesn't take much bandwidth as u think. The USB thunderbolt port should provide the most bandwidth depending on adapter's capability.
Click to expand...

Most smart TVs and satellite boxes are still using 100 MB ethernet connections. I just bought a new Phillips TV a few months back and its ethernet port is 100 MB.
 
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Wi-Fi 6 is much faster than WI-FI 5, i stream my BDrips over WiFi to my projector — no issues.
gigatoaster said:
This is the adapter I am considering: https://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B0D3FM7Z4L/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A2HI77ZYQGGRR3&th=1

The streaming is just from Mac mini to Apple TV 4K. The adapter is to download faster Torrent than 500Mbit/s which what I have now on wifi. 90% of what I download is usually less than 25 Gb.
Click to expand...
Torrents speeds are unpredictable, test download speeds via built in Ethernet. But looks like you trying to create a problem, is it really you wait to much? 25GB file with 500Gbps will be downloaded in ~6 minutes.
 
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I agree. I usually go outside to the beach and come back to finish my Torrents. I will try & compare wifi 7, 1 Gbps & 5 Gbps ethernet. I read Apple TV can’t do wifi 7 but only 6, which should be fine. This is what I hope. For ethernet, I need cable trunking.

But maybe wifi 7 will be sufficient for my use-case:

- Download Torrents on Mac mini
- Stream via wifi or ethernet downloaded Torrents from Mini to Apple TV 4K
 
Exactly.

I just received the new router. I’m now on wifi 6 / 7. Torrent is the same, more or less. But overall speed is better. Slight change when browsing but it’s almost imperceptible.

Apple TV streaming not great: speed is as before and drop to 20 Mbps via Infuse Pro speed test.

I’ll try again tomorrow but now I’m going to the beach. Thank you everyone for your help!

IMG_5375.jpeg
 
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gigatoaster said:
This is the adapter I am considering: https://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B0D3FM7Z4L/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A2HI77ZYQGGRR3&th=1

The streaming is just from Mac mini to Apple TV 4K. The adapter is to download faster Torrent than 500Mbit/s which what I have now on wifi. 90% of what I download is usually less than 25 Gb.
Click to expand...
What is your actual rated maximum internet speed? Is it 10Gbps? (Not the port speed but the actual service you’re paying for from your internet provider.)
 
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8Gbits but Ethernet only, ofc. My router is wifi 7, although the 6Ghz is not available (low-cost provider called SOSH for 27€/m)
 
I canceled my order. I found a way to play big files: instead of using SMB, I use webDAV. I installed on my Mac mini WebDAVNav Server and it was extremely easy to setup. Now I can play large files with no buffering.
 
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