Do You Notice My Hidden 4TB SSD? Avoid Apple’s Expensive SSD Upgrades

[@i.o.underground]

If you’d like to go in depth on a dedicated video on this, YES, I would love that. Subbed

[@LeoEverydayTech]

How to Safely Move Mac Folders to an External SSD (Step-by-Step Guide) kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5aaopWVeM2ofqc

[@lgdneuro9586]

That particular sandisk has bad reputation of failing…..don’t know if it was a good choice

[@Joe-lb8qn]

Yeh i had the 1tb version if this it failed after about two years ina 3 year warranty. Did eventually get it replaced under warranty but that was a real battle.

[@prntm926]

What would you recommend?

[@Joe-lb8qn]

@@prntm926 hard to know. It's possible that the early versions of this had a manufacturing issue and they've fixed that now. Not that i have any knowledge to believe that but if they got lots of returns you'd hope they'd track down the cause and fix it. I've got two running for about a year now so far all good.

[@NilanjanMustafi]

@@prntm926 Samsung T7 or T9

[@lgdneuro9586]

@@prntm926 I would recomend a Acasis Thunderbolt 4 SSD Case. With a decent SSD inside. There is one even with cooling. Yes they are expensive but they last a long time and are better than all these sealed SSD made from Sandisk. Crucial makes decent SSD, last a good 4 or more years. Samsung and WD make decent one but latest ones from samsung seems to become read only after about 3-4 yrs. But these Sandisk ones some people have reported dying even after 1 yr use.

[@CAMISVEC]

how is the battery life of the macbook if this ssd external is always plugged in?

[@pdg1877]

Macbooks do not utilize extra performance that comes with usb 3.2 2x2. Better to buy a cheaper one lane 10gb/s ssd or go all in for thunderbolt 4 or 5 drive.

[@olihar]

These drives are horrible and they are one of the most failing drives on the market.

[@freetibet1000]

For a complete setup you also need a backup placed at a different physical location, in case of burglary, fire or hurricanes.

[@psdaengr911]

Or instead of "also" go full on offline storage and put your money into a better internet connection.

[@fx1_trader812]

I am on the same boat with regards to cost savvy and "best bang for the bucks", and we all know that Apple really aware that their products are not just a goods but a "luxury" to represent somebody's status, so they use this to tag their prices much much higher than it supposed to be. Tinkering is not bad thing. It show that you keep thinking and maximizing the dopamine effect for finding out solution which could also be useful for others. People may argue, no issue as we are having freedom of speech right.

[@tortysoft]

Yup, this is what I do, but I use Velcro and mount it on the lid. I use the same type of cable as you because it needs to bend. I want my laptop to rest flat so I don't put in on the bottom like you. I also use Velcro on my desk so that the laptop is held firmly when It's on a slant letting me type when I work sitting on a comfy chair.. Even better, the velcro on the base at both sides gives me something to hold on to when I try to pick my heavy M1 MacPro up with one hand. I use a Crucial X9 4TB Portable External SSD from Amazon, it's £200 and is smaller and thinner than the option you chose. I use is a Poyiccot Short USB C to USB C 5inch, 90 Degree cable with no problem at all. I used the SDCard slot for a while, for long term storage - keeping the fast internal SD space for swap space use, but the adaptor broke leaving the SD memory card jammed inside. Stupidly I tried to get it out and destroyed the slot connections. So, I came up with the Velcro'd SSD concept which is faster, bigger and less expensive that using the slot anyway. I'm glad you have thought of this too, it saves me making a video !

[@simplefruitsMTV]

from my experience, the sandisk gets really hot. even when it is plugged in but not used. how do you solve this

[@platterjockey]

Most of the brands do. My Western Digital external SSD gets so hot it almost burns my hand. And, heat really slows an SSD down.

[@skepticsr_us]

My 4TB Sandisk, as reviewed here, fried itself in no time and the moment I plug it into any computer the computer reboots instantly. The drive was not encrypted (big mistake!) so I am hesitant about returning it. I now use an external Crucial X6 4TB SSD which, in theory, is not as fast but in practice it's perfectly fine and it basically runs at room temperature. It doesn't get hot at all. Totally love it.

[@normanho2261]

I have a M1 MBA with 256GB and the storage is almost full due to the photos and videos I have in the Mac. Planning to get an external 4TB SSD to add onto the MBA just like this video. May I know how can I configure the backup process such that all the photos/videos that I have recorded on my iphone will go straight to external SSD? In short, how do I move the photo app into the external SSD so that I dun need to copy/paste from the 256GB storage to the 4TB SSD?

[@ianforber]

Time Machine on a NAS is essential. I’ve done it for years and use it to transfer all my data and settings when I buy a new Mac. I keep my large files on an SSD but don’t have it attached unless I’m using them (photo editing). Even so, I need to clean up the Mac every so often to remove the crap system files etc.

[@ChrisBarnesTech]

This is one reason I wish Apple would allow more control over iCloud Drive and where those files get stored (like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, etc do). If you know of a way to redirect iCloud Drive files using the methods you describe in this video please make a followup video showing us! Also, be careful with that San Disk - I bought one and quickly found that other people report this drive as a high risk for failure! I just keep mine backed up all the time in case it does. Also also... make those external drives APFS and encrypted!!

[@jonmicknono7138]

What is the process of creating a symbolic link? Please make a video on that….

[@jpdemer5]

It's fancy words for an alias. Right click on any file or folder, and "Make Alias" is right there in the menu. You want to move the folder to the external drive, then make an alias, then put the alias where the original folder was on the Mac. The alias behaves just like a normal folder, but the contents are now stored externally. Aliases can be left on the desktop as well, for folders and files that you access a lot. I keep the OS and my applications on the internal drive, and everything else on the external. That leaves plenty of space for memory swaps, and because they're spread out over that large space, you won't be wearing out the SSD as quickly. Be aware that you have to configure Time Machine to back up the external drive... otherwise, it will only save the aliases, which are little more than tiny text files.

[@AlbertoChain]

Hi, please do the video on Symbolic links, would it work for DROPBOX? Also, if you have the knowledge, it would be great to find a solution in which you can have your NAS and it could have a backup somewhere in the cloud, or better yet in another physical location.

[@WelcomeToMattsRoom]

Wow, nobody ever thought of that before

[@carloslemare6060]

Both links lead me to the usb adapter... what is the correct one for the stand?

[@LeoEverydayTech]

Thank you for pointing this out. The previous item is no longer available on Amazon. Here are some replacement options: Short 40Gbps USB C Cable www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGND6S4N?psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ct_FRCN9MF2BH5PTQPJWGE4 U-Sharped USB-C Male to USB-C Female Adapter www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWNJWM52?psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ct_FRCN9MF2BH5PTQPJWGE4_1 Self-adhesive Laptop Stand: www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4NML9CZ?psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ct_70WDXC58RJBAAP77E1JC

[@gerhardburau]

Help me understand: Why not skip the external SSD and just use a NAS? Thanks for your insights.

[@LeoEverydayTech]

Some users may need to run macOS and Windows virtual machines entirely on an external SSD. In such cases, a NAS cannot fulfill their needs.

[@Nighthawkclips]

Great video. Where did you purchase the laptop bag from; link please 🙏🏽

[@LeoEverydayTech]

I purchased a bag a long time ago and couldn’t find the link

[@Nighthawkclips]

@@LeoEverydayTech it’s all good. Thanks

[@speedee7508]

the humpback drive is a simple idea but you did it with thoughtful style, I like it, thanks

[@jojos8888]

Really good video. Could u do a video of how you port photos, download folders to external drive please? This will be so useful!!!!!! ❤

[@Dragomo-David]

Thank you for the video. I have the same set up. The only thing I don’t have a NAS I just have a external Seagate 8TB for $170 is a little more work, but I just transfer everything there for safety. Great video.

[@iandeegrees1509]

I alreday did this. I have 12 gb mounted on the display (outside of course 😂) including a USB c hub

[@null0byte]

Can you link the cables and stand you got?

[@LeoEverydayTech]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D93XG6XW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?smid=A3VVYOJ470Z821&th=1

[@LeoEverydayTech]

www.amazon.com/dp/B0D93XG6XW?psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ct_YSV97WGFTQZA2QM9NQQ2_2

[@mv80401]

I work (writing, video editing) in a comfy chair with the macbook on my lap. My solution for that same SanDisk drive was to tape a pocket for labels to the back where the drive sits, connected with a short cable.

[@Miguelkader]

@Leo Everyday Tech , I am using what you have shown thank you .However I have quesiton I’ve got two user profiles both with admin rights both of them save most of their work to their own dedicated external SSD every time they use the same machine they connect SSD and use the machine… my question is around the Time Machine for each of the said users. Can I have two users both with Admin rights and have their own Time Machine saved separately on their own dedicated external dr. Next will there be any double up the data ? Also, if the Mac dies and we have to reformat or repair or replace it and then reinstall everything from the Time Machine will I be to invoke individual data when the individual user is logged in or does this create double up of the data on the Mac.

[@LeoEverydayTech]

Yes, you can have two admin users with their own Time Machine backups on separate external drives. In the event of a Mac failure, each user can restore their own data individually without causing conflicts or duplication on the Mac. If the internal SSD is limited, you can have one user running macOS entirely from an external SSD-two separate macOS installations instead of individual user accounts.

[@Miguelkader]

@@LeoEverydayTech Thank you so much

[@caradehuachinango1291]

god forbids having to wait 30 minutes on the jetdrive lol. On a serious note, are those compatible with the new MacBook pro m4?

[@anthonyrassam7031]

only buy samsung t7/t7 shield. not only are they less likely to fail but there are better deals available. I was able to get a 4tb for around 220

[@niv8880]

I stuck a 18TB HD on my M2 Mini and it was great for months. Then last month the M2 started freezing and spinning the wheel. I reinstalled twice but in the end I've had to leave unplugged the HDD. Can't find anything online about it

[@theloniousMac]

I have found that symbolic links do not always work. Many apps that I've run into are smart enough to know that you're trying to fool them into using a symbolic link (which is not the same as an alias for those who don't know). I have clients that have a ton of email, for instance. Outlook will only talk to its genuine files in their specific locations.

[@benjaminpastrana9662]

Congrats 🎉 excellent tutorial, peaceful voice. Hola from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 here a new subscriber ❤

[@SilverXT]

Ive owned the 512GB sandisk ssd for a few years now with no problems. Im very curious why people say that particular one fails. Like what triggers it. I never go above 70% full and used it almost daily at work for documents.

[@alexron2023]

so how do you create a symbolics links? I'm running into the same problems with my external drive, I wind up with duplicate folders but the internal SSD is still almost full.

[@joewest9470]

In terminal, type " ln -s [source] [target] ", where you can drag the source path and target path directly from finder into the terminal window. "man ls" for more details. I use this for my iOS backups, and it works like a charm.

[@Sumbuddysumwhere]

The microSD card with adapter isn't bad at all for videos and music and stuff. You copy stuff to it once and it sits there waiting to be watched/listened to.

[@edgarwilhelm8055]

how do you create symbolic links?

[@WilliamLaird64]

Please share how you can create symbolic links. This was a great explanation of MAC files management!

[@LeoEverydayTech]

Sure. I will do that soon.

[@Littlebrownchicken]

There’s also cloud storage backups.

[@rono33]

NICE work Leo!! Can u do symbolic links video PLEEASE!!?? 🙏🏻 great idea for Mac photos app memory hog. Liked & Subbed. Do you think the symbolic link method also work to redirect my iPhone backups into finder? I just learned I can backup iOS to Mac finder but it uses up too much space on my Mac. (I cannot trust iCloud backups after my last iOS iCloud back up was corrup and couldn't restore my iphone!! and apple had no answers to restore it) anyway thanks Leo!

[@LeoEverydayTech]

How to Safely Move Mac Folders to an External SSD (Step-by-Step Guide) kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5aaopWVeM2ofqc

[@LeoEverydayTech]

@@rono33 using the symbolic link is the only solution that allows you to back up your iOS device into an external SSD on macOS

[@zacharyfoster6089]

I got the 1TB transcend and I love it, I keep OS images, app installers, photo archives, etc. Yes it's slow but no slower than wifi, and I don't lose a USB-C port. I wouldn't do what this guy is advocating with taping an external SSD to the back.

[@didierlin6672]

Jetlife is UHS I, BeasQi is UHS II, isnt BaseQi much Faster?

[@thefrog9119]

Symbolic links ⁉ When I started with MacOS on my Power Computing Mac clone, it was called aliases.

[@tomm5023]

Depends on your use case. I rarely face 1+ GB transfers, so a simple flash drive is for me the most elegant solution. And I just use the cloud for backup.

[@cre8view]

Thunderbolt5 m4 pro makes faster?

[@patanasoff7]

Would you create a how to video on creating a symbolic link

[@LeoEverydayTech]

Yes, will do that soon

[@edwnsoto18]

after watching this, I think I need two sandisk , anyone can recomend good disk duplicate software ?

[@dantecorbett2221]

Lets chat about creating the symbolic link and how to organize where media is saved vs everything being dumbed in the downloads folder or documents folder. Like all photos, screenshots go to a dedicated folder, music etc.

[@glaubhafieber]

Booting from a clone got much more difficult since the introduction of apple silicon but i got it working. The T7 is so small that I don’t even know it’s there

[@Gmon750]

I went with the 2TB option on my M2 MBP. Why? Because I don't want to have a wart tagging along on my laptop, having to deal with it, and micro-managing my data. I also don't want to give up SSD performance (unless it's a Thunderbolt drive) and certainly do not want to risk my data not getting corrupted on an external SSD or lost/damaged. No thank you, Yes, it's quite a bit more money to upgrade to 2TB, but I plan on keeping my MBP for many years and over the long run, outside of compactness, it's just a better value due to not having to deal with an external piece of equipment when I'm traveling.

[@noctis_rune]

"Quite a bit more money". Yeah you could buy another macbook at that price (albeit mba, not mbp). Most people can't justify that kind of price. Not to mention repair outside of warranty can get pretty expensive quickly. But eh ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯ I'm sure you've put some thought about this. Anyway, I'm curious how much storage have you used now? And what do you currently use it for?

[@m3photo726]

Heat issues?

[@LeoEverydayTech]

No heat issues

[@DavidDiaz-so5kj]

The link for self adhesive stand appears wrong now

[@LeoEverydayTech]

Alternately, try to search this on Amazon: "Hagibis Laptop Stand Adjustable Height for Desk"

[@paulaudialterampartem6906]

Smaller the parts the more risky things become. The only time I've had probs with Sandisk is when I didn't eject it properly

[@KI7PBG]

how to do the link can you fill me in i have external drive i would love to point d-loads to.

[@akashsxo]

Thank you so much, such a peace-of-mind solution

[@dbsql6238]

Every SanDisk I have had has failed. Even the Pro ones.

[@LeoEverydayTech]

That’s why I always need a NAS to backup all my data.

[@Meritumas]

My SanDisk ssd 240GB lasted 7 months….

[@dbsql6238]

I suspect my problem is firmware. I saw lots of posts from others. I have 5 drives and the way it happens is you use it and it works fine for a day or a week until it no longer mounts. I have backups so no data loss. But I can really use these drives as backups. I tried different file systems and the same thing happens. The only use for these drives is to transfer files between machines. Never have problems with crucial or Samsung or my own custom drives.

[@skepticsr_us]

@@Meritumas Lucky you!

[@skepticsr_us]

My Sandisk 4TB Pro failed quickly and nothing on it was encrypted so I can't return it😞My Crucial X6 4TB run cool or lukewarm at worst and is rock solid. I do have encrypted partitions though🙂

[@SidneyPratt]

Thanks. Over my head but I'm learning.

[@BCE-111]

That SSD isn't that fast. A 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD with an enclosure is way faster.

[@BelfastBiker]

Yup. I guess it could be attached similarly, just a little bulkier?

[@isethrockz]

Been using this method for a while now. Great that someone else thought of it too. Though, I’m a bit worried that the power doesn’t cutoff while the MacBook sleeps.

[@bangmet45]

Please elaborate more on the symbolic link 😊

[@CED.Dweller]

How is CPU cooling when this solution is in use?

[@LeoEverydayTech]

Neither the CPU nor the SSD has experienced any thermal issues in my use case.

[@CED.Dweller]

@@LeoEverydayTech Nice! I bought the X10 drive for just this purpose, but I didn't know that I was missing an important step. Thanks for this...

[@Kristhus]

There goes the nice and sleek minimalistic design of the macbook 😢… I would just bite the bitter pill and opt for the bigger internal storage + icloud backups. However, I also wish Apple would charge more reasonable prices for standard hardware such as SSD’s / NVMe’s and RAM. But they are just SOOO GREEDY 😖 Remember, you will always pay a premium for that ease of use and ‘it just works’ ecosystem - if you start taping up disks to the back of your mac you might as well buy a Windows laptop, which you can open up and actually fit the SSD inside as well as upgrade the memory at a fraction of the cost…

[@Max-xl9qv]

4:18 yeah but going out without an external power house attached to your laptop is like deploying your carrier battle group without replenishment tanker fleet 🤨

[@stevesomers7366]

I like your idea. I would like you to make the video on setting up the symbolic links. Thanks.

[@mchiu2003]

clear explanation, excellent.

I had one of these some years ago, but they were very unreliable. Since then I switched to iCloud Drive which works fine.

[@picn8460]

Literally the whole issue of taping an SSD to the back of the screen wouldn't be an issue if only MacBooks still had USB-A ports! There's several choices of 512GB USB-A Fit drives, they're so small and snug, you'd never need to worry about having to remove them, nor damaging the port when keeping it plugged in!

[@bunbohue369]

look so ghetto, I just plug it in every-time I need to excess the file.

[@Michael-gs2uq]

Good stuff, thanks!

[@HeadPack]

What Apple should have done is offer an internal M.2 slot, like you see on so many Windows laptops. Of course, it would hurt their bottom line, so they don't do it.

[@kareemdasilva]

Bro that was so good

[@Unizuka]

if macs had replaceable ssds, i would've bought one, the only thing that ever failed on me in all of my laptops is the storage, a soldered ssd in a 1000+ machine is one of the stupidest things I've ever seen.

[@WokeBroke1]

Do you realise how ridiculous that looks?

[@picn8460]

But at least no "legacy" USB-A ports! You know, because why would you want a USB-A Fit drive that are as large as 512GB without occupying hardly any space besides the USB-A port, which have all been removed by Apple?

[@DaDog297]

And hey you can install Mac OS in the SSD too! And the speed may vary from the SSD you are using!

[@KhmerTarotReading]

more details for the setup about symbolic links and staffs thanks for such a clear video 😂 that many apple sheeps didn’t dare to complain

[@paulmark992]

I have a 4tb samsung t9. Couldn’t really afford it but in the long run it was perfect.

[@jayrey7]

Not bad at all. I need to do mine like that. I have a small space. 😮

[@MsNando21]

Nice video, thanks

[@yahzeeskellington]

A MacBook is a complete system

[@steverae68]

Nice Honda CRZ in the motorway clip ❤

[@lavinchi6709]

Thank you!!!

[@xyphoto]

Internal SSD is not RAM. It would be more accurate for the diagram to say internal SSD --> external SSD --> NAS.

[@yvs6663]

meh. my old laptop could accept 2x 2.5" storage devices without sticking anything to the back(i did need to remove the DVD player but who uses those anymore). you don't need an SSD for music and video(unless you are editing it). the real world difference between a SATA and pcie is minimal.

[@musiccreation1198]

EXCELLENT !! Ty

[@adziak]

You can order ssd nands 1tb each and solder it in place of old ones. Reinstall OS and you are done, it can save you hundreds of $$

[@xabierlanda8998]

Please make video,to make a symbolic link , I will appreciate

[@kareemdasilva]

SD Card might be the best for some

[@psdaengr911]

It doesn't matter how you do it, local hardware data hoarding is a bad idea. If at all possible use cloud storage with a company that has high level redundancy and disaster survivabilty. Using continuous "near line" storage will motivate you to more carefully organize your critical data and purge the dross.

[@davidstewart4149]

How is this "hidden"?

[@dalekstrauss]

Very inventive, but by the time you buy all the components, assemble, and get the files reorganized (whether directly, like Photos, or indirectly like symbolic folders) you should spring for the $600 for 2TB of internal storage and skip all the hassle.

[@pba7]

The external drive ruins the optics of a premium laptop.

[@joewest9470]

For reliability, I really like the Samsung T5 ssd; I even used it as a boot drive on a 128GB mac mini for years. Anyway, your solution is neat, and seems good for using the macbook on a desk. But on your lap, it would be uncomfortable I think. I wonder about somehow squeezing in an internal SSD, and somehow modding the back cover, making the macbook a bit thicker. Probably hard to make it work though, and how would it connect (imagine a wire sticking out from inside and plugging into a port!)

[@corementoring]

great perspective,gg

[@randycny]

The biggest issue with this is that Apple is SUPER greedy. They charge a huge amount for an upgrade. $600 to go from 500GB to 2TB is RIDICULOUS!!! especially when the 2TB drive is like $100 retail. The way they make them not upgradable is even worse. You should be able to add this internally. But nope, more Apple Greed/scam. Just one reason I don't have a new Mac.

[@sidon1979]

How to say I am poor without duct taping a Sandisk to your laptop 😂

[@srpadua]

i had another solution.... plug the hd, use your computer.... end the day, unplug, and put on your desk... what you thing ?

[@keenobservations3050]

Two Jet drives over the last two years have failed and only used for cold storage. Garage

[@91Canjok]

External drive != Internal drive on MacOS. And I am not talking about speeds.

[@elmalleable]

big brain move

[@skyquake._]

I thought he is going to rip off the back panel n desolder the nand and resolder a new 1tb nand chip ftom micron or kioxia 🙂🙂🙂🙂 !

[@engin-oz9iu]

Best way is not to buy Apple products. If many people don’t buying then they will change it.

[@Frankvegastudio]

That wont happen….EVER

[@engin-oz9iu]

@ i am still using old iPhone 11 and old MacBook 2015. Normally I need new one but still hesitated to buy new one. It’s only one example

[@lemaneme-o8u]

It also becomes a delicious target 😂

[@sidon1979]

Simplest solution is to have more money $$$ 😂