The introduction of the Mac Mini M4 and M4 Pro further solidifies Apple’s dominance in compact, high-performance computing. Yet, as with most minimalist designs, connectivity and integrated storage expansion remain areas where a dedicated accessory can make a world of difference. For power users needing lightning-fast external storage and expanded I/O, a 40Gbps dock is essential. These docks leverage the Mac Mini’s Thunderbolt/USB4 ports to deliver near-internal SSD speeds and a host of extra connections, transforming the little computer into a true workstation hub.
1. Raycue 40Gbps Dock
The Raycue 40Gbps dock is often recognized for its integrated design, perfectly matching the Mac Mini M4 and M4 Pro aesthetic. It’s essentially a stand and a hub combined, sitting neatly beneath the Mac Mini. The headline feature is the 40Gbps NVMe SSD enclosure, which supports various M.2 SSD sizes. Experience USB4 SuperSpeed data transfers reaching up to 40Gbps, allowing you to move a 20GB file in approximately five seconds with this essential Mac Mini M4 accessory. It features a built-in NVMe SSD enclosure that supports up to 8TB, providing extensive storage directly on your hub. A dedicated 65W power adapter ensures your Mac Mini M4 or M4 Pro stays fully powered. Support up to three vibrant 4K monitors or a single breathtaking 8K display. This hub is ideal for Mac Mini M4 users who are creators, developers, or professionals seeking expansive screen space for multitasking and productivity. Users have praised its fast SSD performance, often achieving well over 3000MB/s read/write speeds when a quality NVMe drive is installed. This dock is an excellent choice for those whose primary need is blazing-fast, seamlessly integrated storage.
2. Acasis 40Gbps Dock
The Acasis 40Gbps dock positions itself as a robust workstation solution, primarily by offering dual NVMe SSD slots. For professionals like video editors or graphic designers who need both massive capacity and high redundancy, the ability to install two high-speed NVMe drives is a significant advantage, potentially enabling custom software RAID configurations for increased security or speed. This dock typically features a broader array of ports compared to some competitors, often including extra USB-A and USB-C ports, an SD card reader, and sometimes a dedicated DisplayPort or HDMI output to supplement the Mac Mini’s native video outputs. The performance is also driven by the 40Gbps connection, ensuring both SSDs run at maximum possible speeds. The Acasis dock is designed for users who need a full-featured I/O expansion and substantial, configurable external flash storage. However, its more complex design sometimes includes an active cooling fan, which, while beneficial for maintaining top performance under heavy load, might introduce minor fan noise.
3. Qwiizlab 40Gbps Dock
The Qwiizlab 40Gbps dock strikes a balance between speed and essential utility. Like the Raycue, it maintains a clean, stackable design that integrates well with the Mac Mini M4’s chassis. The 40Gbps NVMe enclosure is the main draw, providing the expected high-speed data transfer necessary for professional workflows. Where the Qwiizlab often excels is in the strategic selection of additional connectivity. While ensuring the primary 40Gbps link is dedicated to the SSD and core ports, it usually includes easily accessible front-facing ports such as USB-A and USB-C for peripherals, as well as necessary SD and MicroSD card slots for creators. This blend makes the Qwiizlab a pragmatic choice for users who want the full benefit of 40Gbps speed for external storage while also needing the convenience of quickly plugging in camera cards or other common USB devices without reaching around the Mac Mini. It’s an all-in-one solution that avoids unnecessary complexity, focusing on core functionality and high performance.
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