Once the edits are done I'll move it over to the slower HDD. If I'm working on a project with a very large file (like a 4K video) then I'll do the editing with the file located on the SSD.

It's really just for backup and for storing data files. The speed of this HDD will be much slower than the internal SSD but that's okay with me. The cost per TB is much lower with an HDD. I've ordered an external 4T HDD that connects via USB for $200.

USB 3 / SATA HDD = cheapest and slowestįor Lighrtroom, some people put the catalog + cache on the internal SSD, and store full-size individual photo files on an external HDD.

USB 3 / SATA SSD -= cheapest and slowest (among SSDs).

USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 2) + NVMe PCIe SSD = medium speed and price.

Thunderbolt 3 enclosure + NMe PCIe SSD can be about as fast as the internal SSD.

Yes, it needs to be a SSD (if you need the same speed). A single mechanical hard drive won't even push the limits of USB-A / USB 3.0.ĭoes it need to be SSD and fast or is it the connection that matters most? Is there a specific name for the external hard drive? When people buy a Mac Mini (M1 Processor I’m thinking of) and have an external disk to store and work on raw files and this works virtually as fast as an Apple internal disk, what are they using exactly please?Ī NVMe PCIe SSD connected via Thunderbolt 3 I went budget, after analyzing my transfer speeds I decided USB 3 with a 10Gb/sec enclosure+cable with a budget NVMe SSD (900MB/sec) is good enough for my photo editing. The total cost can induce sticker shock.įor most uses that speed is not necessary. But every piece of that, the ultrafast SSD, the Thunderbolt enclosure, and a Thunderbolt cable supporting full 40Gb/sec, are all expensive. It must be Thunderbolt 3 or 4.Įven then it might not be exactly as fast as your MAc internal storage, but >2000MB/sec NVMe SSD and Thunderbolt 3/4 is what will get you the closest.

Next is the connection interface of your external enclosure. Although they are the cheapest, they max out at around 600MB/sec or only 20-25% of the internal Mac storage speed.

The cheaper NVMe SSDs might do only 800-2000MB/sec.Ībsolutely do not touch SATA SSDs. The ones of that speed tend to be the Pro models. You’re smart to ask, because most combinations will not get you that performance.įirst you must purchase an NVMe SSD that is that fast. I think the internal storage of the M1 Macs is the NVMe type of SSD that can do 2000-3000MB/sec.

External ssd for mac mini m1