Yellow tag says $79, or is that for the 128G version? and why would anyone bother changing an Apple 128G to another no-name $128G?
Isn't the 2TB target usd$200? It certainly is a well-made video, seem to know what they are talking about.
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Upgrading M4 Mac Mini SSD: Pre-Soldered 2TB Chip Options
- Thread starter ItsAShaunParty
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Isn't the 2TB target usd$200? It certainly is a well-made video, seem to know what they are talking about.
You can certainly get the AliExpress 2tb version for $200 or less if you find the right time / coupons. The reports of people having random issues with their modules is something I am keeping an eye on.
I have invalidated the warranty on every Mac I've bought since 1989 in pursuit of better performance at a reasonable price, and I've never had an issue.
The soldering methodology and tools use for this are second nature for anybody who is experienced in soldering. This is probably the least concerning issue.
I just wrapped them in tape to separate and set the Mac to always power on from power cut. No real need to press the broken power button in my situation.
I'd be hesitant on Amazon about getting a refund, but with AliExpress, I got a refund from vendor after demonstrating the problem. AliExpress was pretty impressive with their money back guarantee.
If you've been to these stores in China then it is an eye opener. The west has totally been left behind by China advancements in recent decades. They think of us as third world nations now.
2 month update
My 2TB Ali drive has been 100% flawless for over 2 months of daily usage now.
I never shut my Mini down (runs 24/7) and it's been absolutely rock solid.
I have the 2TB SanDisk from this listing below
www.aliexpress.us
My 2TB Ali drive has been 100% flawless for over 2 months of daily usage now.
I never shut my Mini down (runs 24/7) and it's been absolutely rock solid.
I have the 2TB SanDisk from this listing below
1TB 2TB MAC MINI-SSD Applicable To MAC Mini M4 Model Expand Hard Disk Capacity SSD Component, Direct Replacement Without Welding - AliExpress
Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
www.aliexpress.us
I blew the power supply and the GFX board on an iMac while fiddling about inside, so took it to Apple to get it fixed. They usually fix it if you don't say anything.
Thanks for the tip.2 month update
My 2TB Ali drive has been 100% flawless for over 2 months of daily usage now.
I never shut my Mini down (runs 24/7) and it's been absolutely rock solid.
I have the 2TB SanDisk from this listing below
1TB 2TB MAC MINI-SSD Applicable To MAC Mini M4 Model Expand Hard Disk Capacity SSD Component, Direct Replacement Without Welding - AliExpress
Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
I don't know how legit are these, but 10-Layer, one to one third party versions are starting to appear in AliExpress
www.aliexpress.com
JCID New M4 Mac Mini SSD Internal Hard Disk 2TB/1TB 10-Layered PCB Solid State Drive for MAC MINI High Capacity M4 SSD Upgrade - AliExpress 1420
Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
www.aliexpress.com
I feel your pain, I never have liked iMacs, but I upgraded a few for friends, and it's like a Wandering through the Jungles of Vietnam while trying not to trigger a tripwire.
I don't know how legit are these, but 10-Layer, one to one third party versions are starting to appear in AliExpress
JCID New M4 Mac Mini SSD Internal Hard Disk 2TB/1TB 10-Layered PCB Solid State Drive for MAC MINI High Capacity M4 SSD Upgrade - AliExpress 1420
Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
https://m.tb.cn/h.62pddal
They are the new juggernaut in town, totally legit. First with 10 layers, from a rather big factory, even bothered to print a box, and put out videos with English lol.
According to ifixit it is possible to put the module of an m4pro into a m4mini (see https://de.ifixit.com/News/106228/aufruestbar-ist-wieder-da-der-mac-mini-2024-im-teardown).
Unfortunately they have not tried to use the configurator to see if it can startup.
Has someone tried this up to now? I dont belive it will work but who knows. 8 TB in a mini would be new.
Unfortunately they have not tried to use the configurator to see if it can startup.
Has someone tried this up to now? I dont belive it will work but who knows. 8 TB in a mini would be new.
Electrical interference from routing the lines. With 10 layers as opposed to 4 on some of the cheapest options, you can have better options for isolating electrical signals and the positioning of surface mounted items. It's like having a big canvas to paint on rather than trying to cram everything into a postage stamp and still keep detail and legibiiity.
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http://m.tb.cn/h.6era2Av (Don't know if you can see the listing content without a login)
The NANDS are Toshiba K5A5. Overall this manufacturer just looks much more professional than the ones before.
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I thought at that price point, they would be Sandisk. They are matching the smaller producers on price with a technically more advanced product. Given that they are a larger factory, hopefully the soldering will be a bit more consistent and reliable.
I wonder if this will make it onto Amazon etc?
If you read the article, neither module is a good fit for the other Mini due to the internal layout. So this is no more than a halfway proof of concept. You would still need to manufacture the appropriate module for the respective Mini. If enough Pro Minis are sold, then the modules will probably follow. I have not seen anything above 2TB on third party modules so maybe getting hold of the larger capacity chips is still tricky right now.
Hey all, I'm late to this party. I just ordered a mini M4 with a 256gb drive. I am only interested in the Toshiba, due to bad past experiences with SanDisk mainly memory cards corrupting. It's the same reason I won't buy Seagate over WD. the 10 layer board looks really good to me, but I noticed the aliexpress seller has only sold 1 unit with no reviews. I messaged them asking what type of chip, Also it looks like that link Chancha posted has a great price for the same. Chancha, is that site and vendor trustworthy and are you sure they are Toshiba? Thanks it's been a while since I've been here, this little upgrade has me excited. Did anyone notice if the 10 layer is similar to the oem layout?
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That site / app is the second hand section of Taobao, some reseller selling the SSD not the manufacturer itself. The same can be said about the aliexpress listings. Like all things with buying from China, the risks are multiplied for overseas buyers, so I cannot say or recommend much, you do you.
10 layer board is supposedly also what Apple used, in theory it means a closer copy to the Apple original card is more likely than on the 4 layer board, which has to re-route traces perhaps with less careful considerations.
And FYI, WD has acquired SanDisk SSD division I think. SanDisk as an end product brand has a quite a bad rep in recent years, especially with how their portable SSD products failure and losing data, and yea your SD card experience is shared by many also. But as a NAND manufacturer / supplier they are fine.
I'm sure you are right, as I have not seen any problems with their NANDs. Thank you for the thoughtful response Chancha. I ordered the 10 layer board from the Aliexpress seller. I'll report back. Thanks everyone.