M4 Mac Mini 256GB Storage likely slower read/write

[jcrandall]

Based on the M2 and M3 Macs, and M4 in the iPad Pro, it is highly likey the 256GB version has one NAND chip for the SSD storage while upgraded versions with 512GB or more will have two. This means the read/write speed will be approximately half of the upgraded versions. Also technically faster wear and tear but the device will still last many years.

Most noticeable in things like booting, loading software, any work with video, or moving large files.

Anyway felt it worth a mention for those preordering.

 

[Thessman]

2 NAND chips might give you faster loading for big files but they won't make a noticeable difference in booting times or whatever uses small chunks of data.

 

[page3]

I have a base M1 Air and base M2 Air. I cannot tell any difference whatsoever in disk read/write. It might be there in benchmarks, but not in the real world for me.

 

[chrfr]

Based on the M2 and M3 Macs, and M4 in the iPad Pro, it is highly likey the 256GB version has one NAND chip for the SSD storage

The M3 Air has 2 NAND chips in the 256GB configuration. The MacBook Pro with M3 starts at 512GB.

Extra NAND chip makes Apple MacBook Air M3 256GB SSD drastically faster than predecessor

Still lags behind a decent PCIe 3.0 x4 SSDs though.

www.tomshardware.com

 

[generallystupid]

For anyone thinking of the 256GB model, keep in mind it might be slower for things like booting up, loading apps, or handling big files compared to the 512GB and up.

 

[AAPLGeek]

For anyone thinking of the 256GB model, keep in mind it might be slower for things like booting up, loading apps, or handling big files compared to the 512GB and up.

No, you won't notice any difference in booting up or loading apps as max sequential speeds is an irrelevant metric for those. It's all about the random 4k QD1 and that's largely identical across all the lower storage tiers.

Moving large files might be slower, but who's gonna frequently move too many large files when your SSD is merely 500GB? Not many users I reckon.

 

[jcrandall]

I agree the difference is negligible for the majority of users. Just wanted to point out the technical difference. If someone is on the fence between 256 and 512 options there is a slight difference other than storage capacity.

Myself, I’ve ordered the 256gb version.

 

[VicVendrell]

Based on the M2 and M3 Macs, and M4 in the iPad Pro, it is highly likey the 256GB version has one NAND chip for the SSD storage while upgraded versions with 512GB or more will have two. This means the read/write speed will be approximately half of the upgraded versions. Also technically faster wear and tear but the device will still last many years.

The 256GB M2 Macs have this issue. The 256GB M3 Macs do not. Looks like the 256GB M4 iPad Pros do have significantly slower read/write speeds than the larger storage models.

Not a huge issue for most users but definitely something to keep in mind.

 

[tyknep]

I’m thinking of ordering the 256gb model and accompanying it with a 1TB SSD external … smart play?

 

[Fishrrman]

There probably isn't going to be a definitive answer to the "storage speed questions" until the new Minis are actually in the hands of users who offer their reports.

Probably 2 weeks away, yet...

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

There probably isn't going to be a definitive answer to the "storage speed questions" until the new Minis are actually in the hands of users who offer their reports.

Probably 2 weeks away, yet...

The new M4 Mac Mini's are delivered in 1 week from tomorrow. We should know on release day.