Storage Hub For Your M1 and M2 Mac Mini

[@grubsch]

Bought the hub with a 2tb SSD first thing after I got my M1 Mini. I can only underline everything you said. Works flawless since day one and is plenty of fast for everyday use.

[@craigneidel]

Thanks for the update and for posting. I appreciate it and it helps others looking to buy this hub.

[@kenzone]

Bought this when I ordered my Mac Mini 2. It works great with my 2TB SSD storage that I use as my Time Machine. And having the SD card reader is a real boon.

[@djrandyuniverse]

CAn I install apps directly on it?

[@mr.w3805]

Just watched the video again. Super informative especially on the M.2 SSD addition to the hub. Thanks for an excellent presentation,. Super helpful for all the Mac Mini users out there.

[@craigneidel]

Thanks for the feedback on the video. Appreciate it.

[@DadVibe]

For $30 more, I really like the Qwiizlab UH25 MAX. It has NVME, and SSD, and HDMI and Display port for dual monitors. It doesn't have the base holder on top, as it's just a flat top, and uses two thunderbolt ports, but it's great. I still have 4 thunderbolt ports after install, and now have 5 usb, the same sd slots, and usbc + DUAL/Triple (A/A/B) DISPLAY. Check it out, do a direct comparison.

[@craigneidel]

Thanks. I just do showcases to show people what's out there but will check that out. Thanks for sharing so others can see. I did a review on another qwizzlab hub a while back but it only used one port to connect. Check out that video ... Search qwizzlab on my channel.

[@RobsMemoryLane]

Are you able to edit video smoothly from the NVME drive?

[@paulhorn24]

Dear Craig, thanks for all of you videos. Just some ideas: The stock footage inserts aren’t needed. They are very different regarding style, persons etc. and you could save money and time finding and buying these short video clips. Rather you could show something like „sit back and relax“ by filming your sofa couch or a relax chair with a nice drink in a glas and some snacks. Something you could film next time you watch sports or a movie and keep in your archive for future use. You could take your own photos from the devices / products, especially the details. And of course film it with a little movement („b-roll footage“). I would prefer some photos cut in your main video rather than some stock footage with different people and settings.

[@paulhorn24]

Ah, and the font size of the text could be larger (high definition screens make Small fonts harder to read) and let the text stay on the screen longer. A good rule of thumb is to read it twice and the time you need to read it twice is the time it should be visible on the screen.

[@craigneidel]

Hi Paul, right now I work about 50 hours on a normal job but still find time to post about 3 videos a week. Crazy schedule for me. In the future if I get big enough to do this full time I have a ton of ideas for sure. But, right now I'm stretched and barely make any money on the videos so I need to do things that save me some time. As I grow that will slowly change but right now with my 9 to 5 job I might be working about 80 hours per week so filming the B-Roll takes a back seat. But, eventually I will have some time I hope and have plans to add more b-roll. I do put some in for sure (this one had about 6 or 7 clips) but it's hard to do that entirely. So in the end this is the max I can do.

[@paulhorn24]

@@craigneidel Yes. To me it seems easier to film the ports of a Mac mini on my desk than to hunt down stock footage video clips in the internet. But your mileage may vary. Keep the fun in doing KZbin videos. Have a great day.

[@bryans8656]

The beauty of these hubs is that they put needed ports on the front of the mini.

[@craigneidel]

Yes and they can always just be unplugged if you need the other port on the back. I think people forget about that.

[@jgarb24]

Great Video. Thank You for helping me decide what to buy as my upgrade from 2017 iMac at a fraction of the cost.

[@craigneidel]

Thanks for watching and good luck with everything.

[@eduardowatkinz]

I like, "If it's not for you, don't watch the video".

[@craigneidel]

Funny that I need to say it but about 5% of people are just on youtube to point out flaws etc. (they are born to do that I guess), and they do it over and over. So in the end I figured I would just let them know from the start. They are like I do 10 Bit 5 and 6K editing and that is not fast enough for that (for the tenth time). Of course it's not. And I'm like 90% of people are not even doing video editing so no worries. Thanks for watching Eduardo.

[@MrLalando]

Great video! Love it and love the honesty and clarity. Also the demo was great. Keep it up!!!

[@craigneidel]

Thanks for the nice words Cesar.

[@MeroxNorway]

it works great on macbook pro too, i hanged mine under the table. Hidden, and works great

[@craigneidel]

Thanks for sharing and yes, they work with any Macs for sure.

[@albrunelle2022]

Best review of product, thanks

[@craigneidel]

Appreciate that for sure. Thank you.

[@mr.w3805]

Great video and instruction.

[@craigneidel]

Thanks for watching and feedback

[@amandajoy263]

Yes, so clear and concise - thank you!

[@craigneidel]

Thank you for watching.

[@juancarlosmartinezmora7682]

Thanks for your honesty Craig, it has helped me a lot to know if I am interested for my Mac Mini M2 pro.

[@craigneidel]

Thanks Juan.

[@carolinesanderson5950]

Another great review. This is exactly the sort of info needed to determine which usb dock is right for my needs. I like the way you explain who it's for & why as not every Mac mini user is a content creator. I've watched several other videos that aim content at a difference audience & different price point. Cheers :)

[@craigneidel]

Thanks for the nice words and for watching.

[@djrandyuniverse]

Can you install your apps on the ssd like you would on your main drive?

[@craigneidel]

I'm pretty sure you can and also run your video editing off it.

[@kyleb4327]

Hey, long time! You're my go-to every time i upgrade something! Question for ya.. I'm looking at an m1 16gb 256gb with this dock. I'm wondering if there's any advantage in looking for a larger factory storage (512 or 1tb) unit if i plan on getting this dock anyways for the ports. Any insight would be great. Btw, i do CAD work mostly, a little photo stuff and I'm looking into simple video editing.

[@craigneidel]

I would get 512 if you can swing it just because it's a little better to have app storage on the device. But if you get 256 then external storage is fine. How much is m1? The M4 at $599 is such a powerful system so just curious. Thanks.

[@LordAlucar01]

thats pretty cool for extra storage, but i think mac mini allready comes with all ports you need

[@craigneidel]

Yes, just another option out there for sure. Pros and Cons but in the end it's just like any other hub and you can disconnect it when not in use to make room for other items. Thanks for watching.

[@MarioCastillion]

This video made me a subscriber. Thanks!!!!

[@craigneidel]

Thanks Mario, appreciate it. I have about 500 Apple related and storage related videos so I hope you can find a few you like.

[@texas737pilot]

Great video! Thank you!

[@craigneidel]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@piyhaw]

Great review Craig! Would you recommend this over Minisopuru that you reviewed earlier? Which one do you think is better? Thanks.

[@craigneidel]

The Minisopuru was for an iMac so they are quite different. So it depends on needs and they both work great. Thanks for watching.

[@Daniel-wt9bh]

I liked the video & subscribed.

[@craigneidel]

Thanks for the sub

[@naizondj]

look i will be honest with you ! your nose breath it's so loud that gaves me anxiety but it's so addictive at the same time that i cannot stop looking at the video!!!! great videos bro!

[@craigneidel]

Ok, I guess that is kind of good.

[@naizondj]

@@craigneidel Obviously yes because i just did what u show here! ahahah top is working! and cheap!!! thanks mate (im italian so the humor)LOL

[@craigneidel]

Thanks and I was in Italy a few years ago and loved it.

[@naizondj]

@@craigneidel ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@craigneidel]

Thanks.

[@jayxpea]

Exactly the info i was looking for thanks so much. What's the maximum storage you add to it? Would a 4tb work?

[@craigneidel]

I have not tried 4TB. I think it states 2 TB but I would go to the Amazon page and see what others were able to do since I'm guessing it could take more. Thanks.

[@billbuckleytutorials]

great videos

[@craigneidel]

Thanks for comment

[@robsteal3887]

Great video, like the attitude, for those of you that don't need it, don't watch the video lol

[@craigneidel]

@@robsteal3887 yep.. why would you. Funny

[@MarkGrevers]

Hi Craig! Great review! Do you have any videos on how to configure these drives in the mac OS? For example, how to configure this that SSD so your programs run on it, or your downloads. Thankyou!

[@craigneidel]

Not specifically but I do it in may videos. There are a ton of good resources on how to do this online so do a search on Google. Here is one - support.apple.com/guide/disk-utility/erase-and-reformat-a-storage-device-dskutl14079/mac . Just make sure you don't erase and reformat your main hard drive and only select the external SSD.

[@kreadive]

This is the video I needed! Very informative and straight to the point. My only question is, would the SSD be plug & play or do you have to copy the files and OS from the Mac Mini over to the SSD?

[@craigneidel]

Once you install the SSD in the hub you need to format it. There are a ton of videos on how to format an SSD on a Mac but just make sure you format the new hub drive and not your main drive. Once formatted it would show up as a storage drive on the mac when you plug it in.

[@kreadive]

@@craigneidel That's what I figured but I wasn't sure. Thank you so much for your quick response! I also sub'd!

[@craigneidel]

@@kreadive thanks

[@EElgar1857]

Great review! I just wish that hub was powered; it would be much more useful, IMO, and might even have enough for a proper NVMe stick.

[@craigneidel]

Thanks for watching. I agree too and I just do product showcases really to let people know what is out there. For some this is fine but I can see that others will want the NVME capability for sure.

[@leholie93]

@@craigneidel what's the difference between the NVME and others? Great info :)

[@djrandyuniverse]

Can I run my adobe premier pro app directly from the SSD ?

[@craigneidel]

You should be able to run apps off the external.

[@TXansinMississauga]

Craig, great video. Heat is a problem with nvme ssds. So the need for thermal pad. Whats the damage for overheating nvmes?

[@craigneidel]

Damage could be a broken SSD or external enclosure. Not always common but I know it can happen if heat gets too hot.

[@greyroom6730]

So it has to be SATA SSD for the memory? Because the link you provided is for NVMe, thanks.

[@craigneidel]

I'll go back and check but the link to the enclosure should have that info there for you. Some can take both and some only SATA or NVMe.

[@geraldbalzer2429]

I own this hub myself and quite like it. But I think the current USB-C speed (USB 3.2 Gen. 2 / 2x2) would be appropriate. TB-4 would be nice, but would at least double, maybe tripple, the price.

[@craigneidel]

I agree and thanks for watching.

[@karldillenkoffer4860]

So if I have a Studio 1TB Computer with which Satechi claims is compatible with this dock and I put in a 2TB SSD will I know have a 3TB capacity computer? Thanks for the great review it’s nice to now you like it. I just ordered one today. 3:06

[@craigneidel]

It will show up an external storage so not be part of your main drive. You need to put in the drive (format the new drive and make sure and don't format your main drive). After that it will snow up as an external drive as an icon.

[@nicholaslacovara2381]

Nice Job!

[@craigneidel]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@dr_taka]

I took your advice and brought what you recommended but your money is slightly off 😅. That’s extra 512Gb plus 256Gb internal for extra $106 $200 from Apple only add another 256Gb

[@craigneidel]

Thanks for the update and for watching.

[@jeff_tj]

Technically Apple is not even charging 800 for 2TB, it’s 800 for 1.75TB (since you are going from 256GB -> 2TB), but yes that’s even more expensive than just getting this hub and adding an actual 2TB.

[@craigneidel]

Yeah everybody's got different needs and budgets in the end. I just say get what works best for the individual. This type of storage can work in most cases.

[@kayetroniczentertaimentmus7048]

Question ...The model I'm going to buy says Nvme is that the type of SSD internal drive I should get ...I just brought a Mac mini m2 a couple of months ago ...I heard you mention two types of SSD

[@craigneidel]

Yes, you need to get a M.2 NVMe SSD. They also sell M.2 Sata SSDs but you want to make sure it's NVMe so it works on the enclosure. It's a faster technology.

[@sammieseoul5544]

curious to know, does this hub affect the wifi connection? also, what happens to the external drive when the mac goes to sleep?

[@craigneidel]

I didn't notice anything on the wifi connection. The system doesn't dismount when the system goes to sleep. I would also read all the amazon comments.

[@sammieseoul5544]

@@craigneidel Thanks for the reply. the majority of the amazon comment were good but a few mentioned issues related to the question I had however your answer gives me confidence to actually buy this.

[@craigneidel]

@@sammieseoul5544 you can always test it and return if it doesn't work as needed.

[@HEREONOUTBAILEY]

Thanks for the video. Does anyone make a full Thunderbolt version? I’m thinking about using the hub as my main SSD 😊

[@craigneidel]

I did video on the acasis enclosure up to 2800 MB/s. Watch that one but it's only enclosure.

[@HEREONOUTBAILEY]

@@craigneidel Thank you

[@craigneidel]

Thanks.

[@smoothe39]

Hi, I clicked on the link for the Leven 2TB and it was set for “Gen4 PCIe 6600Mbs”. I’m buying and m2 Mac mini and the satechi hub. Will the 6600mbs be correct for what I’m buying? I didn’t want to buy the wrong item. Thanks in advance for help! 👍🏾🙏🏾

[@craigneidel]

It needs to be a SATA M.2 Drive and not a PCIe M.2 Drive. I would check out the Amazon link to see what SSDs they recommend. I'm not sure why it is saying PCIe gen 4 and they could of changed the link.

[@greyroom6730]

Having never added an external drive to my mac mini, once I get this and connect it, will the OS see that there's a new drive? Will I have to format it?

[@craigneidel]

Yes, you will need to format the drive. Go to Disk utility and format the drive at APFS if on a Mac or Exfat if you want to use between mac and win pc. Make sure you don't format your main drive as that would be bad.

[@intanmaslin6448]

Can you do a review using Hagibis MC25 USB-C Hub for Mac Mini M2 ? is it better than Satechi ? tq

[@craigneidel]

I'll see what I can do and if I can get that I'll do a review.

[@SalemLeCat]

Hello, thank you for your informative video. have you heard of the minisopuru hub for mac mini? It seems to be excellent

[@craigneidel]

Yes, I have done a video on that hub. check out my channel a few weeks ago. Thanks for posting.

[@72gekko]

Hi Craig, did you test a Time machine setup with this solution? Time machine just 'spits out' my extenal usb SSD drives on M2 mini.

[@craigneidel]

I have not has any issues with that. I don't think I saw that and do think I did a Time Machine update.

[@benniesims]

On the Satechi website they say don't use M.2 SSD with heatsink. The Leven you advertised there in your video has heatsink. Do you know for sure if it will work with the hub or cause eventual problems?

[@craigneidel]

All I can say is do what you think is best. I think they say that some with heatsink won't fit but not sure. I just do initial product showcases with that specific drive but have not tested others. In the end I would read Amazon comments to see if you drive is mentioned. Thanks for watching.

[@coy9898]

I picked one up matches so nice

[@craigneidel]

They are nice to add that storage and not give all our money to Apple. Yes, it's way slower speeds but still plenty for most normal users or for general storage. Thanks for watching.

[@OOTheBlueAir]

what if you Video edit of this? will it handel 4k with a lut and vFX?

[@craigneidel]

I showed you the speed to determine if enough, and it should be, but of course there are some faster options also. Thanks again for watching the channel

[@Pokli12]

Can i use android tab as a primary monitor for mac mini?

[@craigneidel]

I don't think so but may think it depends on the tablet. I have not seen that before. Maybe with some remote software it's possible but not 100% sure. I'm guessing it would not be a good experience though with a tablet as a monitor.

[@Shabbir-A.]

Is the hub getting power from this USB-C? and how much power does this hub need to function?

[@craigneidel]

It can as it has a few cables. I would look at the Amazon page and it has a full description of power there and should answer all your questions on that. Thanks again for watching.

[@Shabbir-A.]

@@craigneidel I could not find power consumption details. it would draw power from Mac Mini if there is no other power source for the hub

[@craigneidel]

@@Shabbir-A. yes it will get power from Mac mini. Thanks Shabbir.

[@TheSonglander]

Will this work with the Mac Studio as well?

[@craigneidel]

I don't see why not. I don't have a studio with me to test and just make the sure dimensions are the exact same and it should work.

[@Beauty.and.FashionPhotographer]

genius , although one youtuber thought it is the cause of continous bluetooth disconnections.... i wonder now

[@craigneidel]

I haven't had any issues with that or heard of that from others but I guess anything can happen. Thanks for watching.

[@kestaoltontrotman461]

Do they overheat any crashing issues ?

[@craigneidel]

So far they have not but I don't push them that much and use the SSDs as basic storage.

[@kestaoltontrotman461]

@@craigneidel thanks for the feedback

[@craigneidel]

No problem.

[@kestaoltontrotman461]

@@craigneidelquestion I’ve noticed that other hubs are powered could it be that the satechi only uses one drive and not two ? Or if you plug in certain peripherals in the satechi it unmounts from the Mac mini because it is not powered ?

[@MegaLundquist]

You can charge in the front ports. I charge my phones from there 😀

[@craigneidel]

Small devices will work.

[@dplj4428]

Thank you for pointing out thIs does SATA, not MVE. And common sense advice for the average Mac user.

[@craigneidel]

Yes, my channel is never about reviews but showcasing products. For some people products work and for others they don't but I try and just showcase a product so people get a better look at them. I don't get paid by these companies and I just like tech and like to take a look.

[@dadude-rs7ub]

I just want it for the memory and the sd card slot

[@craigneidel]

for sure.

[@OShackHennessy]

$800 for 2TB of storage is criminal Apple, come on! One question though, do these attached drives disconnect when the computer sleeps? My Sabrent adapter with SSD I use for the wife’s Time Machine loves to disconnect on occasion.

[@craigneidel]

I haven't had any issues on it yet but I test so many items and have only been monitoring for a few weeks. So far though so good.

[@resyor]

The Satechi M2 Hub destroys WiFi performance. Mine went from 250mbps to 25mbps, in the end had to use a network cable and powerline adapters which wasn't the original plan. Avoid.

[@craigneidel]

I have not seen that on my side.

[@lawofaverages5373]

I thought 2 of the ports were 10Gbmps and 2 were 5Gbmps ?????

[@craigneidel]

I'm not sure what you are asking but in the video's description I have a link to the product to review all the specs.

[@lawofaverages5373]

My mistake,, I was actually looking at the newer version of the Hub. That has 2 ports with 10Gbps speeds. @@craigneidel

[@craigneidel]

@@lawofaverages5373 ok thanks

[@kevinmbarry44]

Mine overheated within seconds with compatible m.2. Maybe just a bunk unit, but man. Not impressed.

[@craigneidel]

I have not had that issue at all and I'm assuming it depends on SSD you used and type of cooling setup.

[@kevinbarry6441]

@@craigneidel could be, I suppose. Popped the Samsung ssd and heatsinc into another enclosure with no issue. Cruising in fact. I think I got sent a used (and defective) unit despite ordering a new one on Amazon. The unit box was rough around the edges. Enough to scare me off. Returned for a more powerful (but uglier) dock.

[@craigneidel]

@@kevinbarry6441 yeah I haven't seen that before so returning it was a good idea.

[@GTI8855]

Apple made it impossible to install yor SSD inside Mac mini, so you have to buy a huge external hub for it. Not user-friendly, I must say.

[@craigneidel]

We all know that Apple is not user friendly if you want to upgrade it. That has been the case since the introduction of the M1. But, these are still great computers especially at the $499 price for a student.

[@Knudjensen54]

So slooooow,my old 2014 Mac Mini can read 485 Mb/sec on USB 3.0 on a normal Kingston SSD......

[@craigneidel]

It can backup data just fine and while maybe not the best for 4K editing, for everything else like backups it works great and most won't even notice. It's an ssd.

[@Knudjensen54]

I know its a ssd,its just the speed thats a bit weird for a new machine and ssd,I see the same on my Mini M2,slooow,but I have ordered a real ssd in a USB-C inclosure,and that will be on port nr. 2 in the mini..... :-)

[@craigneidel]

Thanks again for watching and the comment. Yes, a little slower but still will work good.

[@Knudjensen54]

Off course,and its not so important,Backup is,no matter the speed. Merry Christmas to You and Your family..... :-)

[@craigneidel]

Thanks and Merry Christmas.

[@Wannes_]

It's 2023, why waste money on SATA / NGFF SSDs and enclosures to put them in ? It's yesteryear's technology, and painfully slow. If you need 2.5" SATA or NGFF , use an NVME SSD with an adaptor

[@craigneidel]

It's not painfully slow and quite fast for the average user. I would say anybody not doing things like video editing off it would be 100 percent fine. Sata also runs much much cooler so you don't need to worry about cooking as much. Finally it's a few bucks cheaper for drives. I fully understand nvme is faster and in the end that is better but I would argue for basic storage it's plenty fast and most won't notice any slowness when backing up 2 gb files which is what most do. Anyhow I understand nvme is better and I'm just showcasing the device. Thanks for watching.

[@JonahGilmore]

These hubs are all garbage unless they are powered. They will not handle more than 2 drives plugged in without failure, and had one brand ruin a hard drive.

[@craigneidel]

I haven't had any issues and use it for additional storage as it's built into hub

[@kosta7613]

HEY MAN THIS SATECHI MODEL ITS A OLD MODEL I DONT LIKE IT

[@craigneidel]

They still sell this and it does exactly what I outlined in the video. I do product showcases and leave it up to the viewers to research and decide on. Thanks for watching.