M4 Mac mini Storage *Technically* Replaceable

[Gareth]

https://9to5mac.com/2024/11/08/m4-mac-mi...ge-speeds/

The SSD chips are on a proprietary but removable sub-board, like the Studio.

So, in theory, one could upgrade the storage down the road...

The company that built a blank sub-board for the Studio is currently running a Kickstarter campaign for Studio upgrades. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pol...udio-drive

Blank Board for $161 (need 2, and BYO factory blank NAND and DIY solder)
2TB for $431 (vs $600 Apple)
4TB for $862 (vs $1200 Apple)
8TB for $1186 (vs $2400 Apple)

Although still no where as easy as the 2013-2015 era MBP's, as you need blank chips and once they are paired to a machine, they can't be reused or swapped to a different machine.

[S. Pupp]

At those prices, I’d be more likely to use an external drive — unless they’ve put the Thunderbolt connector on the bottom of the Mac Mini next to the power button.

[anonymouse1]

I've seen the Youtube videos from dosdude1-pretty cool. He's bought blank boards, and installed the storage chips himself--more work than I want to do!

[sekker]

Must not be a large enough market or our sponsor would make the boards.

[RAMd®d]

At those prices, I’d be more likely to use an external drive


Same here.

Speaking of prices, I'm considering buying a couple of things sooner rather than later because of potential price increases down the not too distant road.

Otherwise I might put off bigger purchases for quite some time.

[mythchief]

dosdude1 just got his M4 Mac Mini today and has already upgraded the storage.

Yup, more work than I'd be willing to attempt.

dosdude1 M4 upgrade

[Black]

I guess that's slightly good news for anyone who might end up with a brick if the OEM SSD fails?

[Bill in NC]

Black wrote:
I guess that's slightly good news for anyone who might end up with a brick if the OEM SSD fails?

AppleCare is only $35/year for the Mini.

[Black]

Bill in NC wrote:
[quote=Black]
I guess that's slightly good news for anyone who might end up with a brick if the OEM SSD fails?

AppleCare is only $35/year for the Mini. but only 3 years, right? My newest Mac is presently a 2014 Mini (although it may soon be a 2015 MBA if my snipe is successful in a few hours)

[JoeH]

Black wrote:
[quote=Bill in NC]
[quote=Black]
I guess that's slightly good news for anyone who might end up with a brick if the OEM SSD fails?

AppleCare is only $35/year for the Mini. but only 3 years, right? My newest Mac is presently a 2014 Mini (although it may soon be a 2015 MBA if my snipe is successful in a few hours)
You have the choice of getting the annual plan and renewing each year or purchasing a 3 year plan. From what I have been understanding, the annual plan keeps renewing, and I have not seen a maximum number of years listed yet. Apple may offer to renew coverage for a 3 year plan when it is reaching its end, but there is no guarantee that they will.