Recently, I’ve noticed a significant increase in the number of people around me using Mac Minis. In the past, they were primarily popular among creators involved in video editing or photo retouching. However, the trend has shifted recently. With the performance of Apple Silicon gaining a reputation in the AI and machine learning fields, many developers are now purchasing Mac Minis.
Although I’m not a developer, the nature of my work has made it unavoidable for me to study AI. After much deliberation, I decided to get a Mac Mini M4 Pro. Unlike the Windows-based gaming PCs or mini PCs I was accustomed to, there are quite a few accessories to consider.
The Mac Mini M4 Pro only offers Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports, so if you want to connect USB-A type peripherals, you’ll need a separate adapter or hub. As adapters and cables start to pile up on your desk, the compact charm of the Mac Mini diminishes.
Today, I want to introduce a product from Satechi that Mac Mini M4 users might find interesting: the Mac Mini M4 Stand & Hub. It’s not just a simple USB hub; it also includes an NVMe SSD enclosure, making it highly practical.
Satechi is a premium tech accessory brand founded in 2005 in San Diego, USA. It’s particularly known for products tailored to the Apple ecosystem. In 2019, their USB-C multi-port adapter became a huge hit, leading to an official partnership with Apple. It’s one of the third-party accessory brands sold directly in Apple Stores, recognized for its design quality and reliability.
Specifications and Components
Let’s start by summarizing the product specifications.
Product Specifications
Product Name: Satechi Mac Mini M4 Stand & Hub with SSD Enclosure
Compatible Models: Mac Mini M4 / M4 Pro
Connection Method: USB-C 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbps)
Front Port Configuration:
– USB-A 3.2 Gen2 x 2 (up to 10Gbps)
– USB-A 2.0 x 1 (up to 480Mbps)
– SD Card Slot UHS-II (up to 312MB/s)
SSD Enclosure: Supports M.2 NVMe PCIe (2230/2242/2260/2280 sizes, up to 4TB)
Dimensions: 127mm x 127mm
The package includes the stand & hub body, a built-in USB-C host cable, thermal pad, fixing screws and screwdriver, and a user manual.
External Design and Features
Upon first receiving the Satechi stand, I was impressed by its excellent finish quality. The aluminum exterior matches the silver color of the Mac Mini M4 almost perfectly, making them look like a set when placed together. The size is an exact match at 127mm x 127mm, providing a seamless fit, and it weighs about 200g.
The top of the stand is finished with rubber to ensure the Mac Mini sits securely. However, there’s no locking mechanism, so it can shift slightly when connecting or disconnecting USB devices. The center of the top is designed to be recessed, allowing heat to escape naturally without obstructing the cooling fan at the bottom of the Mac Mini.
Opening the cover at the bottom reveals the NVMe SSD enclosure and a space to neatly store the main cable connecting to the Mac Mini.
Looking at the front port configuration again, it includes an SD card slot (UHS-II, up to 312MB/s), two USB-A 3.2 Gen2 ports (up to 10Gbps), and one USB-A 2.0 port (up to 480Mbps). The biggest advantage of this product is that it allows you to use the USB-A ports and SD card slot, which are missing from the Mac Mini, directly from the front.
The Mac Mini M4 has its power button at the bottom, requiring you to lift the unit to turn it on or off. However, this stand has a dedicated hole aligned with the power button, allowing easy access with your finger.
The host cable is USB-C type and should be connected to one of the USB-C ports on the back of the Mac Mini M4. While it uses one Thunderbolt port, it provides four additional ports at the front.
The method for installing the NVMe SSD is straightforward enough that you might not even need the manual, which is accessible via a QR code in the package.
Open the cover at the bottom of the stand, remove the protective film from the included thermal pad, and attach it inside the enclosure.
Insert the M.2 NVMe SSD into the slot and secure it with the provided screw and screwdriver to complete the installation. Supported SSD sizes are 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280, with compatibility for up to 4TB. Note that products with attached heatsinks are not compatible, so check before purchasing.
When you see the Mac Mini M4 Pro mounted and connected, the aluminum finish and size of the stand perfectly complement the Mac Mini, giving it the appearance of an official Apple accessory. Its integrated, premium look ensures it doesn’t look out of place in desk setup photos.
Most importantly, the convenience of being able to turn it on without lifting the power button is a significant advantage in everyday use.
Desk Setup
One of the biggest advantages of the Mac Mini is its compact size. It takes up minimal space on your desk while delivering desktop-level performance. However, using a typical USB-C hub or docking station can clutter your desk with additional cables and the hub itself, diminishing this advantage.
The Satechi Mac Mini Stand fits neatly under the Mac Mini, requiring no additional horizontal space. Other than adding about 2cm in height, it doesn’t alter your desk layout. In fact, the slight elevation of the Mac Mini provides a more stable visual appearance and improved port accessibility.
Performance Test
Upon booting the Mac Mini, the installed NVMe SSD, connected external SSD, and SD card were all recognized, and speed tests were conducted. To summarize, the USB-C 3.2 Gen2 interface theoretically supports speeds up to 10Gbps (approximately 1,250MB/s), and actual measurements fell within this range. For NVMe SSDs, speeds over 900MB/s are sufficient for storing video editing sources, Time Machine backups, or music libraries.
Samsung T5 External SSD (Old Model)
Read: 562.10MB/s
Write: 534MB/s
Micron X10 Pro External SSD
Read: 967.32MB/s
Write: 775.34MB/s
WD BLACK SN750 500TB
Read: 916.24MB/s
Write: 1002.27MB/s
ProGrade Memory Card V60
Official Specs: Read 250MB/s / Write 130MB/s
Measured Results: Read 278.05MB/s / Write 96.61MB/s
The SD card slot supports UHS-II, allowing for quick transfer of photo and video files. The ability to use an SD card slot directly from the front, which the Mac Mini lacks, is a definite advantage for those who frequently transfer videos and photos from cameras.
User Experience
After using the Satechi Stand & Hub for about a week, the first thing I noticed was the excellent design integration. With the same aluminum material, matching silver color, and precise size as the Mac Mini, it blends seamlessly on the desk.
Secondly, it resolves the issue of missing USB-A ports. You can conveniently connect USB-A devices like mouse receivers, external hard drives, and various dongles without additional adapters. Plus, with the SD card slot and NVMe SSD enclosure, this product solves storage expansion issues all at once.
Thirdly, it excels in space utilization. The stand fits snugly under the Mac Mini, with no dangling cables or hubs occupying desk space. It retains the Mac Mini’s minimalist advantage while expanding its functionality.
Conclusion
The Satechi Mac Mini M4 Stand & Hub is more than just a port expansion product. It cleverly addresses the shortcomings of the Mac Mini while preserving its compact appeal. By placing USB-A ports and an SD card slot at the front, it enhances accessibility, and the built-in NVMe SSD enclosure offers a cost-effective alternative to Apple’s expensive storage upgrades.
Certainly, the USB-C 3.2 Gen2 interface has its limitations in transmission speed compared to Thunderbolt 4, and the lack of a locking mechanism to fully secure the Mac Mini is a bit disappointing. However, considering the high cost of Thunderbolt alternatives, this product offers excellent value when you balance price, design, and performance.
Furthermore, purchasing through Leedo Company, the official domestic importer, ensures a smooth and convenient after-sales service process in the future.
If you are a Mac Mini M4 user looking for an additional hub or storage expansion, the Satechi Mac Mini M4 Stand & Hub is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
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