External boot NVME 2017 iMac

[West End Lane]

Hi. After some research here I've decided on a TB3 SSD/enclosure to use as the boot drive on my 2017 imac.

Specs: 5k 27inch/4.2Ghz Quad C I7/24GB

Am currently using both TB3 ports for an external screen and audio interface. Do some enclosure have multiple outs or am I looking to add a TB3 Dock to the shopping list?

I'm kinda lost which drive and enclosure to go with as there seems to be infinite choice. My budget is around £150 for both ssd and enclosure. 1tb would be nice but 512k would be workable as well I think.

Would really appreciate suggestions.

I run this iMac mainly for Logic Pro with mostly all VST instruments stored on a pair of Samsung t7's.

TIA

 

[PaulD-UK]

WD D50 TB3 dock:
Exactly right and within budget if you get a cheap SSD, which should have a heatsink.

Snap it up if you feel you could open it up to put an SSD inside.

I have two of them - 100% reliable. And silent - the fan never comes on.
The downstream TB3 port allows pass through to either a monitor or any other TB3 device - probably including your audio interface.

0 TB WD_BLACK D50 Game Dock | SanDisk

Transform your laptop into the ultimate gaming machine with the ultra-customizable WD Black D50 Gaming Dock. Play all your favorites with new connectivity. Shop now.

shop.sandisk.com

Or it’s just under £200 with WD’s 1TB in it.
VAT is included in the price, for either.

https://shop.sandisk.com/en-gb/prod...d-black-d50-game-dock-nvme-thunderbolt-3-ssd?

Edited for links.

 

[apostolosdt]

I own a more or less similar iMac and I use a Samsung T7 Shielded 1TB for external OS drive. That T7 is within your budget and it is quite functional. Not the best solution, though; separate NVM's and enclosures are better, but more expensive. If interested, try OWC.com in USA, but they send their items worldwide.

 

[West End Lane]

I own a more or less similar iMac and I use a Samsung T7 Shielded 1TB for external OS drive. That T7 is within your budget and it is quite functional. Not the best solution, though; separate NVM's and enclosures are better, but more expensive. If interested, try OWC.com in USA, but they send their items worldwide.

Thanks yes I have two T7's for additional storage and they've been great faultless units. I'm swaying to the enclosure/ssd for the extra speed and ins/outs for the boot drive I think.

 

[West End Lane]

WD D50 TB3 dock:
Exactly right and within budget if you get a cheap SSD, which should have a heatsink.

Snap it up if you feel you could open it up to put an SSD inside.

I have two of them - 100% reliable. And silent - the fan never comes on.
The downstream TB3 port allows pass through to either a monitor or any other TB3 device - probably including your audio interface.

0 TB WD_BLACK D50 Game Dock | SanDisk

Transform your laptop into the ultimate gaming machine with the ultra-customizable WD Black D50 Gaming Dock. Play all your favorites with new connectivity. Shop now.

shop.sandisk.com

Or it’s just under £200 with WD’s 1TB in it.
VAT is included in the price, for either.

https://shop.sandisk.com/en-gb/prod...d-black-d50-game-dock-nvme-thunderbolt-3-ssd?

Edited for links.

Thanks Paul this looks pretty spot on. The 1TB version looks ideal really and ticks all the boxes and enough to stretch the budget. Can't complain for that price. 👍

 

[Fishrrman]

I think you'll want any external boot SSD to be plugged DIRECTLY into the tbolt port on the back of the iMac.

The other devices, you'll have to work out afterwards.
A tbolt3 dock may be in order...