How to Save Hundreds by Upgrading Your M4 Mac mini SSD to 2TB [Video]
How to Upgrade the M4 Mac Mini SSD and Save Hundreds [Video]
The base model of the M4 Mac mini is a cost-effective option, but upgrading its storage to 2TB through Apple can increase its price significantly. Apple charges $800 for this upgrade, making it a pricey proposition. However, Expand Mac mini offers a more affordable solution with their 2TB SSD upgrade kit, which costs only $320.
This article provides a step-by-step video guide on how to perform the upgrade yourself. Here's what you need and what you can expect:
What You’ll Need
- Base M4 Mac mini
- Expand Mac mini 2TB SSD
- Second Mac running macOS Sonoma 14 or later (for DFU restore)
- External SSD for Time Machine backup and restore
- USB-C to USB-C cable (supporting data and charging)
- Torx drivers (T3, T5, T8)
- Jimmy tool
- Opening pick
- Tweezer (optional)
- Spudger (optional)
Steps to Upgrade the M4 Mac Mini SSD
1. Backup Your Mac Using Time Machine
- Connect an external SSD.
- Open Settings → General → Time Machine and select your backup disk.
- Ensure Encrypt Backup is selected and set a password.
- Start the backup by selecting Back Up Now in the menu bar.
- Verify the backup completion in Settings.
- Eject the external SSD for later use.
2. Erase All Content and Settings (Optional)
- Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Erase All Content and Settings.
- Follow the prompts to erase the drive.
3. Install the New SSD
- Power down the M4 Mac mini and place it face down on a soft surface.
- Use the Jimmy tool and opening pick to remove the bottom cover.
- Remove the inner plate screws and slide the plate away from the heat sink.
- Carefully disconnect the fan ribbon cable and remove the fan.
- Unscrew and remove the existing SSD, then install the new 2TB SSD.
4. DFU Restore
- Connect the Mac mini to a second Mac using a USB-C cable.
- Enter DFU mode by holding the power button while connecting the power cable.
- Use Finder on the second Mac to restore the M4 Mac mini to factory settings.
5. Migrate Time Machine Backup Data
- Power on the upgraded Mac mini and connect it to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
- Connect the external SSD with the Time Machine backup.
- Follow the prompts to transfer data using Migration Assistant.
6. Finish Reassembly
- Reattach the inner plate and bottom cover using the screws you removed earlier.
Conclusion
The upgrade process is straightforward and can save you a significant amount of money compared to Apple’s official upgrade price. The new SSD offers better performance, especially in write speeds, and appears reliable based on initial tests.
