Memory and SSD size sweet spot?

[richpjr]

I've been using the Samsung T5s with:

Late 2018 MacBookPro 2.6 GHz Six-Core i7 ~ 32 GB RAM ~ 512GB SSD
Late 2012 27" iMac 3.4 GHz Quad-Core i7 ~ 16 GB RAM ~ 1 TB Fusion Drive

With the MBP, the drives are mounted on occasion, not continuously.
With the 27" iMac, I'm using a Samsung T5 500GB SSD as the primary start-up drive.

Have not had a single problem with heat, nor with disconnects.

My MacMin i3.2 GHz Six-Core i7 ~ 16 GB RAM ~ 512GB SSD will be arriving on Wednesday, and my intention is to use the internal SSD as the primary/start-up drive, with the Samsung T5 1TB SSD continuously mounted for RAW camera files and music files for GarageBand.

Did your Mac Mini arrive? How is it working out for you?

 

[DHart]

Did your Mac Mini arrive? How is it working out for you?

It sure did. Sooner that I expected, as well. Connected to my 27" Thunderbolt 2 Display, using the internal 512GB SSD for the OS, all the apps, and some files.

And I also have a Samsung T5 1TB SSD external connected to a TB3 port.

I'm using one of those aluminum stands about 14" wide and 1.5" high - sitting OVER the Thunderbolt Display stand, to hold my trackpad, a place to put my wireless keyboard under the stand, and a couple of small trays to hold guitar picks and some Allen screw tools for guitar adjustments.

The aluminum stand has a TB3/USB3 dock built into the side of it, which I have connected to the MacMini into a TB3 port. From the stand's USB dock I have a USB card reader connected.

The Mac mini sits vertically behind the TB display and I have no need to see it or touch it. It is as though it isn't even there.

I am using the MacMini connection to the Thunderbolt2 27" display to drive the speakers in the TB display, which sound good, short of using large, external stereo speakers.

Flawless functioning. And so far, 16GB has been enough memory to keep "pressure" all in the green.

I am totally pleased with the performance of the new MacMini i7. No issues of any kind.

I think when the day comes (won't be soon) that I replace my 27" iMac (which I love!), I may well go with another MacMini, as that offers maximum flexibility with display choices, and the Mac and display being independent of each other allow upgrading either individually.

Also, I don't see myself ever going with a display larger than 27". That is all the size I desire and need. Just perfect. I may upgrade to 4k or 5k, someday, but will stick with 27". In the meantime, the Apple Thunderbolt 2 Display remains a stellar monitor, that I have no urge to replace!