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Questions on Mac mini storage

H

hajime

macrumors G3
Original poster
Jul 23, 2007
8,117
1,390
Hi, I am considering to get a M1 Mini.

If I buy the 8GB with 256GB base configuration and an external SSD, will the internal 256GB be sufficient enough to store all the programs? I store the data on an external drive.

256GB SSD may be small. Can I use an external SSD as the boot drive and forget about the 256GB SSD?

Not sure if 8GB RAM is sufficient, if memory is running out, will Mac OS use the internal SSD or external SSD to create virtual memory? Do users have a choice?

The MacBook Pro 16" 2019 I sold has 1TB SSD. If I get a mini with 256 or 512GB SSD, what will happen when I try to do a migration?
 
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Have you looked at Apple Refurbished MAC Mini's? I have a 2020 M1 16 GB 1T and it was under $900 6 months ago. I think you may be chasing $$ and will miss out on a better machine for just a few $$ more. The refurbished units come with a warranty.
 
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hajime said:
Hi, I am considering to get a M1 Mini.

If I buy the 8GB with 256GB base configuration and an external SSD, will the internal 256GB be sufficient enough to store all the programs? I store the data on an external drive.

256GB SSD may be small. Can I use an external SSD as the boot drive and forget about the 256GB SSD?

Not sure if 8GB RAM is sufficient, if memory is running out, will Mac OS use the internal SSD or external SSD to create virtual memory? Do users have a choice?

The MacBook Pro 16" 2019 I sold has 1TB SSD. If I get a mini with 256 or 512GB SSD, what will happen when I try to do a migration?
Click to expand...
One way to look at this - which one can you upgrade later - RAM or storage.
Answer: you can add external storage and when done right it can serve as your boot up quite nicely with good speed (Thunderbolt USB4 capable externals). RAM is a done deal and never to change. For that reason alone, at least get the 16 gigs to help keep your mini usable further into the future. For me, I go with the sweet spot. -16/512. This takes care of the RAM and yes I do use external drives as well along with a hub/dock.
 
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hajime said:
I never buy second hand.
Click to expand...

It's up to you of course, but Apple refurbs are just like new, with the same warranty and return policy as new but the price is typically 15% less. Have been buying them for many years, and in the case of an expensive computer, the savings add up. With a laptop, I can understand the hesitation since you might be concerned about the battery, the screen or the keyboard, but those aren't issues with the Mini.

www.apple.com

Refurbished Mac Deals - Apple

Save up to 15% on a refurbished Mac. Tested and certified by Apple including a 1-year warranty. Free delivery and returns.
www.apple.com

(1) What are Apple Certified Refurbished Products?​

Apple Certified Refurbished Products are pre-owned Apple products that undergo Apple's stringent refurbishment process prior to being offered for sale. While only some units are returned due to technical issues, every unit is evaluated to ensure it meets Apple's quality standards.

Each Apple Certified Refurbished Product:
  • undergoes full functionality testing and any defective modules identified in testing are replaced.
  • Apple Watch and Apple Pencil devices that require replacement parts are not included in the Apple Certified Refurbished Program.
  • is put through a thorough cleaning process and inspection.
  • is repackaged (including appropriate manuals, cables, new boxes).
  • includes either the Operating System originally shipped with the unit or, in some cases, a more recent version.
  • is placed into a Final QA inspection prior to being added to sellable refurbished stock.
Refurbishment procedures follow the same basic technical guidelines as Apple's Finished Goods testing procedures.

(2) What should I expect when I purchase an Apple Certified Refurbished Product?​

  • Substantial savings
  • A fully functional unit with complete documentation
  • The assurance that the unit meets Apple's premiere quality standards, and that its defective components have been replaced by genuine Apple components

(3) Can I purchase the AppleCare plan for my Apple Certified Refurbished Product?​

All Apple Certified Refurbished Products are covered by a one-year limited warranty. For more coverage, you have the option of purchasing the AppleCare Plan with your Apple Certified Refurbished Product. The AppleCare Plan provides up to three years of world-class support for Mac, and up to two years of world-class support for iPad, iPod, iPhone, Apple Watch, Apple TV and HomePod.
 
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phrehdd said:
One way to look at this - which one can you upgrade later - RAM or storage.
Answer: you can add external storage and when done right it can serve as your boot up quite nicely with good speed (Thunderbolt USB4 capable externals). RAM is a done deal and never to change. For that reason alone, at least get the 16 gigs to help keep your mini usable further into the future. For me, I go with the sweet spot. -16/512. This takes care of the RAM and yes I do use external drives as well along with a hub/dock.
Click to expand...

Thanks. That is a good idea.
 
Kenny99 said:
Have you looked at Apple Refurbished MAC Mini's? I have a 2020 M1 16 GB 1T and it was under $900 6 months ago.
Click to expand...

How did you get a 1T 16 GB M1 Mini for under $900 at the Apple Refurbished Store?
Military discount + .edu?
They’ve always been $1100.
 
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steve217 said:
How did you get a 1T 16 GB M1 Mini for under $900 at the Apple Refurbished Store?
Military discount + .edu?
They’ve always been $1100.
Click to expand...
I'd like to know too. They're $1099 before tax in the US Refurb store and there are no educational discounts for refurbs. I don't know if there are veterans discounts.
 
steve217 said:
How did you get a 1T 16 GB M1 Mini for under $900 at the Apple Refurbished Store?
Military discount + .edu?
They’ve always been $1100.
Click to expand...
Sorry about that, I left out that I traded in a 2017 MAC Book Pro. You are correct they were going for $1K+. Figured that He would use or add the $ he got fro his 2019 MAC Book to the purchad of the NEW equipment he was looking to buy.
 
hajime said:
Hi, I am considering to get a M1 Mini.

If I buy the 8GB with 256GB base configuration and an external SSD, will the internal 256GB be sufficient enough to store all the programs? I store the data on an external drive.

256GB SSD may be small. Can I use an external SSD as the boot drive and forget about the 256GB SSD?

Not sure if 8GB RAM is sufficient, if memory is running out, will Mac OS use the internal SSD or external SSD to create virtual memory? Do users have a choice?

The MacBook Pro 16" 2019 I sold has 1TB SSD. If I get a mini with 256 or 512GB SSD, what will happen when I try to do a migration?
Click to expand...
256GB is plenty if you store your data on an external drive.

8GB RAM is enough for most users, but it all depends on your usage. If you use very intensive programs and/or do heavy multitasking, go for 16GB.

Using an external drive as a boot drive used to be very easy in the Intel days, but I believe this is no longer possible with an M1 Mac. You probably won’t want to do this anyway because the SSD in the M1 Macs is extremely fast, much faster than an external drive.
 
hajime said:
Hi, I am considering to get a M1 Mini.

If I buy the 8GB with 256GB base configuration and an external SSD, will the internal 256GB be sufficient enough to store all the programs? I store the data on an external drive.

256GB SSD may be small. Can I use an external SSD as the boot drive and forget about the 256GB SSD?

Not sure if 8GB RAM is sufficient, if memory is running out, will Mac OS use the internal SSD or external SSD to create virtual memory? Do users have a choice?

The MacBook Pro 16" 2019 I sold has 1TB SSD. If I get a mini with 256 or 512GB SSD, what will happen when I try to do a migration?
Click to expand...
A while back, as a test, I bought a new M1 powered Mac mini with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage from Costco on sale for $599. With the idea that if it wasn't enough for me I had three months to use/return it. As it turned out, I am good with the 8GB/256GB configuration. But that's the deal here. It all depends on how you use it. As others have said, you're stuck with whatever RAM you buy and can add external storage but I would highly suggest buying what you need and then live happily with it. Unless you're toally strapped right now a few extra bucks up front won't seem like much a year or so from now. Also, I agree with the idea that Apple refurbs are solid machines. Best of luck!
 
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