Blog Update: Mac Mini M4 SSD Emergency Surgery
I have a post that is about 90% done, but I ended up having computer problems. My Mac Mini M4 was beachballing more and more. Then it just got annoying because it was taking me too long to get tasks done. I started researching the problem, and it turns out that Mac does a pretty bad job at managing storage even when you pay the iCloud gouging fee. So, it turns out that I needed more storage. I had an option to:
Buy a new Mac (Hard to justify considering I would just run into a similar problem again).
Give one of my children to Apple as a down payment for extended SSD storage.
Buy a third-party option.
I have two teenagers, and so option 2 has days when it is tempting, but I still love the kids even though they can make it a challenge sometimes. So, I opted for option 3.
I cruised the web for a solution and found the tutorial below:
I ordered the drive from his link: https://expandmacmini.com. The SSD drive took a few weeks to arrive. So, be patient because the store is legit.
The tutorial is very, very, very well done! I had the video run on my iPad and did the upgrade as I watched the video. I do not want to rewrite what was already done, so let me just point out what I learned:
THIS IS ABSOLUTELY IMPORTANT: The video fails to mention that you need an additional Mac with at least 50GB OF FREE DRIVE SPACE! The download is only about 20GB, but then it unzips. If you do not have enough space, then the file will be deleted and not unzip. I had a devil of a time getting my computer to finish DFU, but a few clicks on Google revealed my problem. I unloaded a bunch of stuff off my MacBook, reconnected to my Mac Mini, and then the DFU restore worked like a charm.
I stripped one of the screws. I think the computer's heating and cooling cycles welded the screw in place. I got a small screw extractor, and I managed to get the screw out. Take your time when unfastening the screws!
The iFixit Kit is very useful! My hard drive did not come with the bits, but a kit like this one will help you a ton!
An SSD is very helpful for backup and restoration. I have the Samsung T7. However, you just need to do a backup using Time Machine to restore your hard drive. If you use your normal Time Machine drive, it will work, but it will just take more time. Not a huge deal if you get the computer restoring overnight.
I am not gone, but delayed. So, if your Mac is giving you some issues, this could help you fix the annoying beach ball. Things should be back to normal next week! My Mac Mini is running with the big boys now! The upgrade is TOTALLY worth it!