Apple has launched the 2024 Mac mini, now equipped with improved hardware, including the powerful M4 Pro chip. This model is also the smallest mini PC that Apple offers in its range. However, to get a good amount of storage, you’ll have to spend a significant amount more.
Upgradeability Concerns
Recent investigations into the 2024 M4 Mac mini reveal that the SSD is not soldered onto the daughter board. This suggests that users might be able to upgrade the storage themselves, but the actual situation is more complex. The storage module is proprietary and resembles the ones previously used in the Mac Studio and Mac Pro.
Thus, it's not simply a matter of swapping in any third-party M.2 SSD for a cheaper storage upgrade on the Mac mini (for example, a 2 TB Samsung 990 EVO currently costs $129.99 on Amazon). Additionally, MacRumors has pointed out that the NAND controller is likely integrated into Apple's system-on-chip (SoC). Yet, there remains some possibility for upgrades.
Potential for Upgrades
A user on X, @ohgkg, mentioned that repair technicians in China managed to enhance the 256 GB version of the 2024 Mac mini to 2 TB by changing the NAND chips. This process isn't feasible for the typical user since it demands specialized soldering skills and tools. Therefore, even though upgrading is pricey, opting for the SSD modules offered by Apple may be the more convenient choice.
Performance Insights
Another intriguing discovery from the teardowns indicates that even the base model of the 2024 Mac mini comes equipped with an SSD module containing two NAND chips. When compared to a single chip module of 256 GB, this setup should provide enhanced transfer speeds.
Sources include The Verge, MacRumors, and TechRadar.
