Whats the difference between ext drives attached to server vs attached to my mini?

[Jerry_Registered]

So, I configured my 2014 mini as a server and attached all my old ext SSDs with my old files from past Macs and now I can access those drives and files from my M2 mini, iPhone, iPad...but what's the difference - or benefit- of that verses just having all my old external SSDs plugged into my M2 Mini? (I have 4 right now)

Thanks!

Jerry®

[special]

If you plug the SSD directly into the M2 mini, it would be much faster, since USB-C is 5-10 or even 20-40 Gbps. That is the theoretical speed of the bus, the actual SSD will probably be much slower.

If you attach to the server, you are most likely limited to 1 Gbps assuming you have 1 Gbps ethernet, or if you have WiFi, you could have a slightly different speed. In either case, it will be slower than attaching the drivers directly to the M2.

My advice: sell the 2014 mini and use that cash for something to make your M2 better. Simplify, don't overcomplicate your life.

[Jerry_Registered]

If you plug the SSD directly into the M2 mini, it would be much faster, since USB-C is 5-10 or even 20-40 Gbps. That is the theoretical speed of the bus, the actual SSD will probably be much slower.

If you attach to the server, you are most likely limited to 1 Gbps assuming you have 1 Gbps ethernet, or if you have WiFi, you could have a slightly different speed. In either case, it will be slower than attaching the drivers directly to the M2.

My advice: sell the 2014 mini and use that cash for something to make your M2 better. Simplify, don't overcomplicate your life.

Well, all the ext SSDs I have are connected via USB-A so I totally get the speed issue. As for selling my 2014 mini - I'm wondering what I might get  with that money to make my M2 better? Maybe a Satachi hub? Any other ideas?

[special]

Assuming you could get $200 for that 2014 Mini (no idea, I never checked prices), you could consider upgrading your M2 to a unit with more RAM (but that would involve selling it and buying a new one), or more internal SSD, or a model with more GPU cores, etc.

Or just leave it as it is and enjoy life. It may not be the most elegant and simple setup, but at least you have a backup computer in case something ever goes wrong with the M2

[halbert]

The benefit of your server setup is that you can access all of those files from any device on the network. But if you don't have that kind of need, then there really isn't any benefit.