MiniStack

I just set one up, but could not get the Mac to see it using the supplied TB cable. In theory, the TB 4 cable should work with the TB 3 ports on the 2018 Mini.

I'm also finding it disconcerting that it has no on/off switch. But I could live with that if the computer could find it. I installed two drives; one of them is formatted, but the M2 SSD is not, yet.

I will play around with it more, but it would be nice to know that it can work.

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My life goes smoothly and in regular intervals



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/08/2022 01:28PM by ka jowct.

What did OWC say when you called or chatted with them?

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Edited 999 time(s). Last edit at 12:08PM by jdc.

Check in System Profiler and see what shows up on your Thunderbolt chain.

Quote
ka jowct
I'm also finding it disconcerting that it has no on/off switch.

I found very few TB4/3 'docks' with hardware power switches.
My Plugable TBT3-UD1-85W uses software switching. M1 Mini is off &
the TBT3 shuts off. If Mini goes to sleep, same for the TBT3 Dock.
methinks it's something Intel built-in to the TB chipset?

Quote
jdc
What did OWC say when you called or chatted with them?

Me too, like to know what is what.

iirc, the SATA-III SSD drive is limited to 5Gbps, only the NVMe drive can
take advantage of the Thunderbolt speed.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/08/2022 02:04PM by MrNoBody.

Quote
MrNoBody
iirc, the SATA-III SSD drive is limited to 5Gbps, only the NVMe drive can
take advantage of the Thunderbolt speed.

NVMe is limited to 10 GB/s.

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Edited 999 time(s). Last edit at 12:08PM by jdc.

Are you connecting your Mini to the correct port?

“ F. Thunderbolt 4 host port – Use this port to connect the miniStack STX to a host. “


[www.owcdigital.com]

Quote
btfc
Are you connecting your Mini to the correct port?

“ F. Thunderbolt 4 host port – Use this port to connect the miniStack STX to a host. “


[www.owcdigital.com]

This is the solution. A trifecta of old eyes, small print, and awkward location derailed my first attempt. It works like a charm hooked up to the Host port. The 6TB drive I installed was already formatted and the Samsung 980 SSD (on sale at B&H recently) showed up immediately for initialization.

For anyone thinking of getting the new MiniStack: it has a massive power supply, and the four screws holding the case together were VERY tight. Make sure you have just the right Philips (there's one in the Newer toolkit) on hand for those screws.

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My life goes smoothly and in regular intervals