The Mac mini boasts the fast processors, and rivals even Apple’s most pro computers despite costing significantly less. However, as great as it is, there is a problem with the Mac mini—the at-purchase storage upgrades are pricey and after you buy one, it’s nearly impossible to upgrade its internal components. However, we’re here to help.
There are two basic Mac mini models: latest M4 mini (5 inches square, 2 inches deep) and older M1/M2 mini (7.7 inches square, 1.4 inches deep). Here, we have rounded up the best hardware upgrades and accessories you can buy for either the old or newer models. Most of the M1/M2 tips work with the Apple Studio, too, as that remains the same size.
Apple doesn’t let you upgrade the Mac mini with inexpensive third-party components such as RAM or internal storage, and it prices its custom-build options at the very high end of affordability. With the earlier Mac mini Apple fixed the RAM to the processor and the SSD to the logic board so they couldn’t be swapped out after you buy one. The M4 mini is different with a detachable SSD but swapping this out is beyond most mere mortals.
Here we look at your best Mac mini upgrade options, adding: storage, memory, screen, speakers and microphone. If you want to jump straight to the reviews:
Upgrading the Mac mini: Adding memory and storage
In our FAQ at the foot of this feature we go into more detail about the difficulties of upgrading the Mac mini’s internal components—as it is with most Macs. There are solutions that are quite messy, such as adding external storage.
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Adding external storage
The simplest way to add storage to a Mac mini is the same as any other Mac: Connect an external hard drive or SSD using one of the Thunderbolt ports on the back of the computer. Even the slowest Solid-state drives (SSD) are faster than mechanical hard disk drives (HDD), but look out for speed differences—entry-level SSDs provide speeds of around 500MB/s, while more advanced models can step up to 2,000MB/s or even 6,000MB/s. See SSD or HDD in the FAQs.
Another way to add inexpensive portable storage is via an SD or microSD card—once the go-to storage format for camera users but also a great format for cheap and portable backup and archive storage. Sadly, the Mac mini doesn’t have a card reader slot, so you’ll need to add one, such as this UGreen USB-C SD Card Reader for $15.
But these are admittedly ugly methods. You’ll have wires hanging out of the back of your Mac mini and a desk cluttered with drives. It’s neater to keep storage hidden inside. Apple won’t let you do it, but there are some great solutions that we have tested here.
Adding Internal storage
The best option is to get more internal storage in your Mac mini, but Apple’s custom-built pricing means upgrading a 256GB model to 1TB will cost you an extra $500, and 2TB will cost $800, while M4 Pro options cost even more: 4TB is $1,800 and 8TB will set you back a whopping $3,800.
If you can’t swing the prices for more storage or just decide later that you need more, there are hardware solutions that connect to the mini without messing up the footprint of the small computer. We’ve tested and reviewed these Mac mini storage accessories for you. The tested Mac mini hubs feature upgradeable and inexpensive internal storage plus a range of extra ports, supporting the NVMe form factors that resemble a stick of chewing gum.
Installing SSD into Mac mini hub or dock
Below we review the best Mac mini hubs and docks. Some include a hidden SSD enclosure where you can slot your own storage card with an included screwdriver and sometimes a thermal gel pad to transfer heat away from the drive and into the metal enclosure, preventing the SSD from overheating and suffering from thermal throttling.
Simon Jary
For the M4 mini, there are SSD slots in the Ugreen 11-in-1 Mac mini Dock, Satechi CubeDock, Satechi Stand & Hub, and Orico MiniLink, reviewed below. Satechi has an M2 mini version of its Stand & Hub, and you can also choose the OWC ministack STX.
Installation is simple, with everything bar the SSD board itself included (screwdriver, screws, thermal gel pads). It’s a little fiddly but nothing to be worried about—if you can use a screwdriver, you can install the SSD board yourself.
SSD types: The docks and hubs we tested all take NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) M.2 SSDs, but check on the appropriate SSD size before investing in the SSD. Some take several lengths—for example 2230, 2242, 2260 and 2280—while others just fit the standard 2280. If that sounds scary, don’t worry as the 2280 is the most common SSD length.
SSD speeds: Note that the speed of the USB-C or Thunderbolt connection from the dock to the Mac mini will determine the data-transfer rate. A 10Gbps USB-C connection allows an SSD to achieve real-world transfer speeds of around 900 to 1,250 Megabytes per second (MBps). While 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 pipes have a theoretical maximum of 5,000MB/s, protocol overhead and enclosure translation typically cap your speeds at around 3,000MBps. An 80Gbps connection (such as Thunderbolt 5) supports real-world SSD speeds of up to 7,000MBps.
Upgrading the Mac mini: Adding ports and extra expansion
While the Mac mini has plenty of ports around the back, Apple includes just two USB-C to the front of the M4 mini, and did not bless the M2 Mac mini with any ports at the front at all. Alongside the SSD slots, all of the hubs and docks tested and reviewed here include an array of ports, including USB-A (missing from the M4 mini) and SD/MicroSD card readers (missing from the M2 and M4 Mac mini).
Thunderbolt, USB-C, Ethernet and HDMI are all included in the Mac mini. Having access to more Thunderbolt or USB-C is useful, especially if powered. Some docks feature faster Ethernet.
USB-A is the legacy port missing from the Mac mini M4, used mainly for flash drives, memory sticks and older devices. This has largely been replaced with USB-C, but having at least one at your disposal can be handy.
SD card readers are also missing from the Mac mini, and are an affordable way of adding ultra-portable storage cards, which are cheaper—but slower—than SSDs. You can buy a SanDisk memory card with 512GB of storage for under $100.
Another port-adding option is to buy yourself a Thunderbolt hub, such as the 40Gbps Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub that features four 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports (including one side-mounted upstream to the computer), four 10Gbps USB-A ports, and a power supply. The Element 5 Hub from the same company offers four Thunderbolt 5, two 10Gbps USB-C and three 10Gbps USB-A ports. We’ve tested the best Thunderbolt hubs and docks if you want even more ports than that. Granted, they won’t be as neat as the dedicated Mac mini docks and hubs reviewed here, but there are tons of options out there.
Best Mac mini M4 hubs and docks
The criteria we used for the products reviewed below was that they had to fit the Mac mini and connect to it without ruining the Apple aesthetic or the Mac mini’s compact footprint. We tested the following docks and hubs with the Apple Mac mini M4.
Satechi Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock with SSD Enclosure
Pros
- Fits Mac mini M4
- Four Thunderbolt 5 ports
- Built-in NVMe SSD slot
- Two USB-C ports
- Two USB-A ports
- SD and MicroSD card readers
- 2.5Gb Ethernet
Cons
- Premium price
- Compatible with: Any Thunderbolt Mac
- Size: 4.9 x 4.9 x 2 inches (125 x 125 x 52mm)
Ports:
- 1x USB-C (10Gbps, 30W)
- 1x USB-C (10Gbps, 7.5W)
- 2x USB-A (10Gbps)
- 1x M.2 SSD enclosure (up to 8TB)
- SD card reader (UHS-II, 312MBps)
- MicroSD card reader (UHS-II, 312MBps)
- 2.5Gb Ethernet
- 3.5mm audio jack
- 180W power supply
Of all the docks that fit the Mac mini M4’s compact footprint, only the Satechi CubeDock can be used with any Mac—it will charge a connected 16-inch MacBook Pro at a full 140W. The likelihood, however, is that you’ll want to pair this dock with the Mac mini, as they go together so well.
As a Thunderbolt 5 docking station it works best with the 80Gbps Mac mini M4 Pro but will work well with the 40Gbps mini M4. Of all the Mac mini docks we review here, it alone offers a decent charging port: a 30W USB-C that is powerful enough to fast-charge an iPhone or iPad and even keep a MacBook charged. There are a couple of USB-A ports for legacy devices such as memory sticks and flash drives. If your mini M4 is equipped with just 1Gb Ethernet, the CubeDock offers 2.5GbE for faster networks.
Simon Jary
Underneath the dock there’s a hatch that when removed reveals a slot for an SSD drive of up to 8TB. It supports 2280 and shorter 2230/2242/2260 M.2 NVMe SSD sizes (PCIe 4×4), and delivers up to 6000MBps in data transfer speed. Satechi even includes a visual SSD installation guide in the CubeDock’s packaging.
Read our full Satechi Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock with SSD Enclosure review
Ugreen Mac mini 11-in-1 Docking Station with SSD Expansion
Pros
- Fits Mac mini M4
- Built-in NVMe SSD slot
- Two USB-C ports
- Five USB-A ports
- SD and MicroSD card readers
- Cutout for mini’s power button
Cons
- Requires USB-C wall charger
- Slow card readers
- Compatible with: Apple Mac mini M4
- Size: 4.9 x 4.9 x 1 inch (125 x 125 x 26mm)
Ports:
- 2x USB-C (10Gbps)
- 3x USB-A (10Gbps)
- 2x USB-A (5Gbps)
- 1x M.2 SSD enclosure (up to 8TB)
- SD card reader (UHS-I, 104MBps)
- MicroSD card reader (UHS-I, 104MBps)
There’s not as many ports here as on the CubeDock reviewed above but there’s still plenty to add to the Mac mini’s own, including two USB-C rather than just focusing on USB-A like some Mac mini hubs do. The Satechi CubeDock”s two USB-A ports should be plenty enough for most people but Ugreen includes five, which seems like overkill.
There’s an SSD slot that takes M.2 NVMe SSDs of types 2230/2242/2260/2280, with a maximum capacity of 8TB. You’re advised to connect to a wall charger to keep the SSD working to its peak performance.
The two card readers at the front of the dock support ultra-portable SD and MicroSD cards. You could just use these for backup storage, but at 104MBps UHS-I they are probably too slow to work directly from while the dock’s internal SSD supports up to 10Gbps.
Simon Jary
If you find the Mac mini’s power button tricky to reach, the dock’s clever cutout means you can turn it on without lifting it. Anti-slip silicone pads on the bottom add stability on the desk.
Read our full Ugreen Mac mini 11-in-1 Docking Station with SSD Expansion review
Orico MiniLink 40Gbps One-Stop Storage and Dock
Pros
- Fits Mac mini M4
- Upstream 40Gbps USB4 port
- Two built-in NVMe SSD slots
- Three 10Gbps USB-A ports
- SD and MicroSD card readers
- 36W total power
Cons
- Noisy fan
- Placement can affect Wi-Fi performance
- Compatible with: Apple Mac mini M4
- Size: 4.9 x 4.9 x 1 inch (125 x 125 x 25mm)
Ports:
- 3x USB-A (10Gbps)
- 2x M.2 SSD enclosure (up ro 16TB)
- SD card reader (UHS-II, 312MBps)
- MicroSD card reader (UHS-II, 312MBps)
The Orico MiniLink gives you the requisite USB-A ports and fast card readers missing from the Mac mini. Where it differs from the other docks and hubs reviewed here is its dual SSD slots, meaning you can add up to 16TB of fast storage in the two bays.
One slot is rated at around 3000MB/s and the other around 1300MB/s because the faster slot has more USB4 bandwidth available. Start with an affordable drive today and add another later without replacing it, or dedicate one SSD to active projects and the other to backups, media libraries or archived files. 16TB of storage could set you back as much as $3,000, so you might pick this dock for the flexibility of two slots rather than the massive potential capacity.
Simon Jary
There are two basic models of MiniLink: the dual-SSD 40Gbps M47P and a 10Gbps one-slot M49P that has a couple of extra audio ports but slower card readers. Mae sure you chose the correct model because the company’s online store can be confusing as are its Amazon listings.
In testing, we did find the active cooling fan quite noisy. In a busy environment it can be ignored but if you need silence at least the MiniLink has a front-mounted power button.
Read our full Orico MiniLink 40Gbps One-Stop Storage and Dock review
Satechi Stand & Hub Mac Mini M4
Pros
- Fits Mac mini M4
- Built-in NVMe SSD slot (up to 8TB)
- Three USB-A ports
- SD card reader
- Cutout for mini’s power button
- Compatible with: Apple Mac mini M4
- Size: 4.9 x 4.9 x 0.7 inch (125 x 125 x 17mm)
Ports:
- 2x USB-A (10Gbps)
- 1x USB-A (480Mbps)
- 1x M.2 SSD enclosure (up to 8TB)
- SD card reader (UHS-II, 312MBps)
While the other docks also mimic the length and width of the mini, this is the slimmest Mac mini M4 hub at just 0.7 inches deep. There’s space for the SSD slot in the base, and this like most others can handle up to 8TB. It’s the simplest latch of the lot with no screws required until you install the SSD card itself.
Simon Jary
Of the four ports, three are legacy USB-A where we’d have preferred a USB-C in the mix—although the Mac mini provides enough for most use cases. The single card reader is SD size, but you can add an adapter for MicroSD cards, and it’s fast at 312MBps compared to the 10MBps slots on some hubs.
There’s a neat notch that allows easier access to the Mac mini M4’s power button.
Read our full Satechi Stand & Hub Mac Mini M4 review
CalDigit Thunderbolt 5 Element 5 Hub
Pros
- Four Thunderbolt 5 ports
- Two 10Gbps USB-C ports
- 150W total power
- Compact
Cons
- Sits away from Mac mini
- No extra storage capacity
- Compatible with: Any USB-C/Thunderbolt computer
- Size: 4.5 x 2.75 x 1 inch (114 x 70 x 25mm)
Ports:
- 4x Thunderbolt 5 ports (80Gbps, 15W)
- 2x USB-C (10Gbps, 7.5W)
- 3x USB-A (10Gbps, 7.5W)
This Thunderbolt 5 hub is even more compact than the Mac mini M4. It’s not designed to sit under or atop the Mac mini so will reside outside of its footprint on your desk
It gives you eight fast ports—plus the upstream Thunderbolt 5 port that connects to your Mac mini—that will also ably charge connected devices. Even if your M4 mini has Thunderbolt 4, we recommend the TB5 version as it is backwards compatible with the TB4 and we prefer the two extra USB-C ports to the CalDigit Element 4 Hub’s four USB-A.
If your Mac mini or Mac Studio has enough storage for your needs but not enough ports, this excellent hub blesses you with multiple top-rated ports.
Read our full CalDigit Thunderbolt 5 Element 5 Hub review
Upgrading the older Apple Mac mini M2 or M1
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If you own the older and larger Mac mini with either an M1 or M2 chip (pre 2024), there are a couple of great hubs that mean you can add ports plus storage drives within the same footprint as the mini.
OWC miniStack STX
Pros
- NVMe M.2 SSD bay
- 3.5-inch HDD bay
- 4x Thunderbolt 4 ports
Cons
- No front ports
- No card reader
- Black only color choice
- Compatible with: Mac Mini M2 & M2 Pro 2023; M1 2020; Mac mini 2018; Mac Studio 2022
- Size: 7.8 x 7.8 x 1.5 inches (198 x 198 x 38mm)
Ports:
- 4x Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)
- Internal SSD enclosure
- Internal HDD bay
This double-drive bay Mac mini accessory is a decent Thunderbolt 4 hub in its own right—hence its higher price tag compared to the USB-C Satechi hub reviewed below.
Its four Thunderbolt 4 ports allow you to create three independent daisy chains with up to five total Thunderbolt devices with a USB device on the end of each chain (eight devices total).
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But the real benefit of the miniStack STX is its bays that can be pre-configured or self-installed with one 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch hard disk drive (HDD) and one speedy NVMe SSD.
Buy an inexpensive (but trustworthy) HHD for a Time Machine backup or secondary storage, and a faster SSD for operational file storage. The miniStack STX offers the best of both worlds in terms of storage flexibility.
Read our full OWC miniStack STX review
Satechi Stand Hub for Mac mini with SSD Enclosure
Pros
- SSD bay
- Front-facing ports
- Supports SATA SSD and faster NVMe
- Card readers
- Silver color matches mini
Cons
- USB-C not Thunderbolt
- Compatible with: Mac Mini M2 & M2 Pro 2023; Mac mini M1 2020; Mac Studio 2022
- Size: 7.8 x 7.8 x 0.9 inches (198 x 198 x 23mm)
Ports:
- 1x USB-C (10Gbps)
- 1x USB-A (10Gbps)
- 2x USB-A (5Gbps)
- SD card reader (UHS-I, 104MBps)
- microSD card reader (UHS-I, 104MBps)
- 3.5mm audio jack
- Internal SSD enclosure
This inexpensive USB-C hub adds much-needed ports to the front of your Mac mini setup. These ports include SD and microSD card readers, which are lacking from the mini itself.
You can buy a slightly cheaper version without the SSD enclosure but we advise spending the extra $20 even if, right now, you don’t think you need any extra storage. If your Mac mini has a 512GB internal SSD, then a 1TB or greater SSD within the hub offers excellent and speedy Time Machine backup or just extra space for your files. Remember you can’t go back and increase the capacity of the Mac mini’s integrated SSD.
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The latest version lets you choose between an SATA SSD or more modern NVMe SSD. Either way, it’s much faster than a mechanical hard disk drive.
The lack of Thunderbolt is not a problem if the two (M2) or four (M2 Pro) Thunderbolt 4 ports on the back of the mini are all you require. Note that one of the mini’s Thunderbolt ports will be used to connect the hub.
Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub
Pros
- Four Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 ports
- Four 10Gbps USB-A ports
- 150W total power
- Compact
Cons
- Sits away from Mac mini
- No extra storage capacity
- Compatible with: Any USB-C/Thunderbolt computer
- Size: 4.5 x 2.8 x 0.7 inches (114 x 71 x 18mm)
Ports:
- 4x Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)
- 4x USB-A (10Gbps, 7.5W)
This super-compact Thunderbolt 4 hub differs from the OWC and Satechi hubs by being a different size and form to the Mac mini, and so it will sit outside of its footprint on your desk It offers you seven fast ports—plus the upstream Thunderbolt 4 port that connects to your Mac mini—that will also ably charge connected devices.
If your Mac mini or Mac Studio has enough storage for your needs but not enough ports (step forward the more limited non-Pro M2 Mac mini), this excellent hub blesses you with multiple top-rated ports.
Read the full Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub review
Other Mac mini accessories
Hubs and docks help you add missing ports and provide fast internal storage options, but there are many other accessories that will enhance your Mac mini setup. For starters you need a keyboard and mouse, plus at least one monitors to connect to. These work with any version of the Mac mini.
Alogic Aspekt 32-inch 4K Docking Monitor
Pros
- 32-inch 4K 60Hz touchscreen
- Omni Stand option for Mac mini M4 owners
- Extra ports
- Fine color accuracy
Cons
- Premium price
- Mac mini cradle works only with this monitor
Ports:
- 1x USB-C (upstream)
- 2x USB-C (5Gbps, 1x 30W, 1x 15W)
- 2x USB-A ports (5Gbps)
- 2x DisplayPort 1.4
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 3.5mm audio jack
The Alogic Aspekt 4K Touch is a 32-inch touchscreen monitor with docking features and an optional but very special Mac mini M4 cradle. Mac mini M4 owners will be particularly interested in the neat cradle in its optional Omni Stand that carries the mini without hampering the stand’s folding flexibility and gives you some tidy desk space back.
Simon Jary
Both front and rear Mac mini ports are easily accessible in the cradle that stays fixed even when the stand above it folds up and down.
Sadly for Mac mini owners with other monitors, the Alogic Omni Stand works with only the 32-inch Aspekt Monitor as it features a custom quick-release mechanism that means it won’t fit into other monitors, even those that support 100x100mm VESA mounts.
Read our full Alogic Aspekt 32-inch 4K Docking Monitor review
Alogic Clarity 27in UHD 4K Monitor
Pros
- 27-inch 4K 60Hz screen
- Excellent adjustable stand
- Extra ports
Cons
- Not 5K like the old 27-inch iMac’s screen
Ports:
- 1x USB-C (upstream)
- 1x USB-B (upstream)
- 2x USB-A ports (5Gbps)
- DisplayPort 1.4
- 2x HDMI 2.0
- 3.5mm audio jack
From the same company we chose its entry-level 27-inch display that boasts a superb adjustable stand, even if it lacks the Aspekt’s cute Mac mini cradle. It even has its own integrated hub offering a range of ports to complement the Mac mini’s own, including two USB-A ports that can be used to attach peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse or webcam to the computer. For the computer to see any attached devices, it must be connected to the computer by either the USB-C or USB-B upstream port.
There are now more advanced versions of the Clarity, with a Clarity Pro that adds a retractable webcam and touchscreen versions—available in either 27- or widescreen 32- and 34-inch sizes.
Read our full Alogic Clarity 27in UHD 4K Monitor review
Logitech MX Keys S For Mac
Pros
- Competitive price
- Function keys and numeric keypad
- Super sturdy
- Backlight
As you will notice when you pick up your Mac mini from the Apple Store, it comes with neither keyboard nor mouse. You can add an Apple keyboard at the point of purchase but we prefer products from Logitech’s Mac-friendly MX series of products.
The MX Keys S for Mac has a slimline, low-profile design that is smart and attractive, and available in either Space Gray or Pale Gray. It’s the most solidly built Mac keyboard we have tested, and is capable of surviving some heavy-handed typing when it needs to.
It is significantly cheaper than Apple’s Magic Keyboard (from $179 / £179), but also a lot more versatile, as it includes a dedicated set of buttons that allow you to pair it with three separate devices, including Macs, iPads, and even Windows PCs. It does, like all non-Apple keyboards, lack the Magic Keyboard’s Touch ID key. Look for the “For Mac” model as it offers a Mac dedicated layout. The Command Key is the giveaway when you want to ensure you have the regular Mac keyboard layout.
If you are committed to the mini philosophy of small peripherals, the compact Logitech MX Keys Mini for Mac ($99.99 / £84.99) drops the numeric keypad. See more of the best Mac keyboards in our roundup.
Logitech MX Master 4
Pros
- Sturdy and comfortable design
- New haptic feedback features
- Two scrolling wheels
- Lots of programmable buttons
Cons
- Right-handed only
- Premium price
Logitech’s MX Master 4 mouse, which has eight buttons and new haptic feedback technology (just for Adobe users right now), an Action Ring, and longer battery life. Its smoothly curved surface fits the palm of the (right) hand very well, along with a thumb-rest for extra comfort. It has the usual left/right buttons and a scroll wheel at the top. The scroll-wheel works in two different modes, with a feature called SmartShift that automatically switches the scroll wheel from line-by-line scrolling to super-fast scrolling when it senses you want to scroll much faster.
There’s also a second scroll wheel on the side, which allows you to scroll horizontally—which is great for photo-editing and graphics work plus very long spreadsheets—and three more buttons that can be programmed using the excellent Options+ app. If you want a simpler or smaller mouse, we’ve rounded up and tested the best Mac mice.
Read our full Logitech MX Master 4 review
Logitech MX Brio 4K webcam
Pros
- 4K webcam with HDR
- Excellent image quality
- Sturdy, aluminum frame
- Good Mac app
Cons
- Premium price
Rounding out the Logitech MX series in our recommendations, the MX Brio has a sensitive camera that provides a very sharper image, as well as a sturdy aluminum body and adjustable stand that lets you attach it to your computer screen or sit it flat on a desk. There’s a manual privacy shutter, along with two noise-reducing microphones.
It also includes AI features, including auto-light-correction designed to improve detail in low-light conditions and to focus the image directly on your face for improved visibility. It can display 4K video at 30 frames per second, and that image quality will work well for video calls with clients or colleagues.
As always, Logitech provides better Mac support than most webcam manufacturers. You can plug the MX Brio into your Mac using its USB-C cable (the Mac mini M4 has no USB-A port beloved of many webcam makers. Check out our reviews of the best Mac webcams for more solutions.
Apple HomePod mini
Pros
- Very nice design and small footprint
- Decent sound with excellent volume
- Works with more than just Apple Music
Cons
- Sound isn’t as full or deep as the original HomePod
The Mac mini’s built-in speaker is a feeble affair, which is fine for system alerts but woeful if you want to fire up Apple Music or stream video. What better option for the Mac mini than Apple’s other mini, the HomePod mini that’s available in a fun range of colors and at 3.3 x 3.9 inches is smaller than even the mini M4.
If your budget can stretch that far, we compare it to its $349 bigger sibling in our Apple HomePod vs HomePod mini face-off.
Read our full Apple HomePod mini review
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FAQ
Can you upgrade the M2 Mac mini hard drive?
Apple solders the solid-state drive (SSD) directly onto the logic board of the Mac mini when you choose the capacity at the point of purchase. While it is not possible to later upgrade the drive, you can add extra SSDs or hard-disk drives (HDD) via accessories, which we have reviewed here.
Can you upgrade the M2 Mac mini memory?
Apple builds the RAM directly as part of the M2 processor of the Mac mini when you choose the amount of memory at the point of purchase. It is not possible to later upgrade the RAM, so you must choose the most you are likely to need when buying the computer.
SSD or HDD?
Solid-state drives (SSD) have no moving parts. Data is stored on interconnected flash memory microchips, which allows for data to be pulled from many different places at once and significantly increases memory read speeds. Hard disk drives (HDD) rely on spinning metal disks to read and write data.
Most of the solutions reviewed here are focused on the faster NVMe type of SSD that speed up boot times, improve the responsiveness of your programs, and generally make your computer feel faster. However, you’ll pay more money for the same storage capacity on SSDs as HDDs. SSDs cost more per gigabyte than mechanical HDDs and aren’t often available in ultra-high capacities. Even as prices of SSDs continue to drop, HDDs will always be cheaper.
Upgrading the Mac mini: Adding faster ethernet
One of the build-to-order options offered by Apple is to upgrade the Mac mini’s ethernet from 1 Gigabit to 10 Gigabit (an extra $100). As with the RAM and storage, once you’ve picked your Ethernet speed, there’s no way to upgrade the internal connector later. But you can buy adapters quite cheaply. Cable Matters sells a 10G Ethernet Adapter for around $89 if you suddenly need faster network access after you’ve purchased your Mac mini. Ugreen has 2.5GbE and 5GbE adapters that connect to one of your Mac’s USB-C or Thunderbolt ports.
