Upgrading M4 Mac Mini SSD: Pre-Soldered 2TB Chip Options

[vince22]

Thx! SO smooth

The overall package and value here is just insane for the performance

Really love this M4 Mini

thats great, i would love to do this, but i'm holding off for now, no one knows for sure what Apple will or will not do regarding future firmware updates to prevent this from working, i've already invested 2TB thunderbolt4 external drive with switched home folder, just enjoy it for now. Just my honest opinion.

 

[bbbc]

I ordered this from AliExpress. With a coupon, the total was $188 for 2tb Scandisk.

I also ordered the 2TB upgrade kit yesterday with the total working out to $188 USD. It will be interesting if Americans get their stuff now because of the halt of Chinese goods through USPS - https://www.wsj.com/business/logist...-suspends-shipments-of-china-parcels-bf6239f3 . Mine's being shipped to Canada, so I'm crossing my fingers.

EDIT - decision changed after 12 hours

US Postal Service will 'continue accepting' parcels from China and Hong Kong in quick reversal

The United States Postal Service said it will keep accepting parcels from China and Hong Kong and work to ensure the "least disruption" to deliveries.

www.businessinsider.com

To read WSJ - Bypass Paywalls Clean Extensions

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Участвуйте в разработке magnolia1234/bpc_uploads, создав учетную запись в GitFlic.

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[Jaap]

I also ordered the 2TB upgrade kit yesterday with the total working out to $188 USD.

2TB for $188? How did you do that?

 

[turbineseaplane]

2TB for $188? How did you do that?

It's a 3rd party version from AliExpress

I'm using one also and it's wonderful!

Feels, acts and reports in System Information as fully native

 

[bbbc]

2TB for $188? How did you do that?

Solid State Drive Kit 1T/2T For MAC MINI M4 SSD Capacity Upgrade Toshiba/SanDisk New Particles Upgrade Memory DIY Reair Kit - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.us

The 2TB SSD module has gone down in price since my order and there's also AliExpress coupons.

 

[hajime]

Is it safe to buy from these unknown companies using credit card?

 

[surferfb]

Is it safe to buy from these unknown companies using credit card?

I’d feel fine using a credit card, maybe not a debit card though. If your card offers it, can always use a virtual number.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Is it safe to buy from these unknown companies using credit card?

For sure

I use AliExpress all the time - never had any issues at all

 

[turbineseaplane]

Btw, here's how my 2TB AliExpress internal drive appears in SysInfo

Edit: Matters not, as I was corrected in the post below - thank you! 🙏

 

[USB3foriMac]

Btw, here's how my 2TB AliExpress internal drive appears in SysInfo


View attachment 2480546

As the SSD module only carrier the NAND chips and the controller is on Apple's main board, the SSD will always appear the same.

 

[chewedpen]

What brand of chip are people ordering and why? SanDisk vs Toshiba ?

 

[turbineseaplane]

What brand of chip are people ordering and why? SanDisk vs Toshiba ?

SanDisk ... was cheaper and I saw this on one of the listings

 

[chewedpen]

Thanks! Just ordered the 2TB SanDisk.

 

[bbbc]

here's how my 2TB AliExpress internal drive appears in SysInfo

Curious if you struggled to open your Mac mini 4 without effing up its casing? Waiting for my SSD module to arrive, but worried about scratching the mini while trying to open it.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Curious if you struggled to open your Mac mini 4 without effing up its casing? Waiting for my SSD module to arrive, but worried about scratching the mini while trying to open it.

Not at all!

Was really easy actually

Which part are you referring to?

The black plastic unclipping part I assume?

I followed this video, but there are many

 

[Maraach]

I purchased from Aliexpress Raooot store (one of the original linked ones) 2 weeks ago. Was given a tracking number and told it was sent on the 3rd of Feb, but tracking number doesn't actually exist so pretty sure it hasn't been sent yet.

Understand it was CNY so delays are to be expected but kind of thought it would be on its way by now. Contacted the seller to check and got a response "will be sent, please wait". Wasn't confidence inspiring.

Anyone having similar experiences, or more luck with other stores?

 

[magbarn]

I just ordered a 2TB also for my M4 base mini. I wanted more storage, but spending $800 for 2TB is just straight up robbery. I'm also not satisfied with external SSD boot options and MacOS issues with having an external User folder if you're still booting off the internal drive.

I'm feeling like I'm sailing the high seas, thumbing my nose at Cook

 

[chewedpen]

I purchased from Aliexpress Raooot store (one of the original linked ones) 2 weeks ago. Was given a tracking number and told it was sent on the 3rd of Feb, but tracking number doesn't actually exist so pretty sure it hasn't been sent yet.

Understand it was CNY so delays are to be expected but kind of thought it would be on its way by now. Contacted the seller to check and got a response "will be sent, please wait". Wasn't confidence inspiring.

Anyone having similar experiences, or more luck with other stores?

I ordered a 2Tb sandisk from seller Kostco Store yesterday afternoon and it was marked shipped with a tracking number by this morning.

Wonder if you could cancel your current order and order from another store on AliExpress ?

 

[Maraach]

I ordered a 2Tb sandisk from seller Kostco Store yesterday afternoon and it was marked shipped with a tracking number by this morning.

Wonder if you could cancel your current order and order from another store on AliExpress ?

That's what i was afraid of. Has it actually been shipped though? Can you see any progress? Or is it like mine where it says "shipped" with nothing more.

 

[chewedpen]

That's what i was afraid of. Has it actually been shipped though? Can you see any progress? Or is it like mine where it says "shipped" with nothing more.

Im hoping this means it’s on its way already.

 

[Maraach]

View attachment 2481309


Im hoping this means it’s on its way already.

Ok yep, that's definitely different. Thanks for letting me know, I'll cancel my order.

 

[gaule]

Solid State Drive Kit 1T/2T For MAC MINI M4 SSD Capacity Upgrade Toshiba/SanDisk New Particles Upgrade Memory DIY Reair Kit - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.us

The 2TB SSD module has gone down in price since my order and there's also AliExpress coupons.

I see 258,69€ for 2tb Sandisk from Europe. Still high price for me

 

[Pressure]

I see 258,69€ for 2tb Sandisk from Europe. Still high price for me

Because it includes VAT in EU.

 

[magbarn]

I see 258,69€ for 2tb Sandisk from Europe. Still high price for me

Compared to 920€ that's a bargain!

View attachment 2481309


Im hoping this means it’s on its way already.

Mine just shipped 24 hours after placing order. Can't wait to upgrade!

 

[Maraach]

Ok yep, that's definitely different. Thanks for letting me know, I'll cancel my order.

An update. I requested a refund and then 2 hours later I had a new shipping number. It even looked like it might be working as it got some activity "picked up, sorting centre, etc."

This morning it was removed again (so now I have no shipping number). I've complained and they've given a 3rd number which is like the first (no status).

I'd advise against using this store. Their practises seem questionable at best.