Old Mac Mini as USB hub for a new Mac?

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Level 1

4 points

Old Mac Mini as USB hub for a new Mac?

Just replaced my late 2012 Mac Mini with a basic M2 Mini. I opted for 16GB of RAM, but kept the 256GB storage. I have several external multi-terabyte SSD drives available. Unfortunately, there are only two USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 ports on my new Mini.

However, there are four USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 ports on my old Mini. Is there a way to connect the two machines such that the old Mini would work as a USB hub?

I'm saving up for a CalDigit TS4 hub, but it is going to be a while before I can afford it.

TIA for any tips or advice!

Mac mini, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jul 15, 2024 11:42 AM

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Answer 1

samtenor

Level 4

1,744 points

Jul 15, 2024 1:47 PM in response to keethie

I do not think it would be feasible for access 2012 Mac Mini's USB ports from M2 directly.

You can try network and use "shared" folder etc. to access the data - it would be a bit complicated.

Unless you want to access all the external SSD all at once, you can just attach 1 drive at a time.

Going for Thunderbolt Hub is a good idea - unfortunately, Caldigit TS4 is quite pricy. I found OWC Thunderbolt 3 hub to be my "go to" in my home usage.

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Answer 2

Jul 15, 2024 7:13 PM in response to keethie

keethie wrote:

TIA for any tips or advice!

There are powered USB hubs like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCWDGVTM/. (This is just an example - not an endorsement.). Takes one of your USB-A ports, and gives you four, for $16 + tax and shipping.

There are many variations on the theme, but you would want a hub with its own power supply. A USB host port can supply 900 mA of 5V power (4.5 watts), but some individual bus-powered drives will try to take that much power all for themselves.

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

242,747 points

Jul 15, 2024 1:38 PM in response to keethie

It'd only work if you setup the older Mini for File Sharing.

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Answer 4

keethie Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 15, 2024 3:06 PM in response to samtenor

How about if I run my old Mini as a server? Switch it into my home network with the external SATA drives attached?

When I bought the M2, my plan was to externalize a 4TB Samsung Pro NVMe stick with an empty OWC Express 1M2 case. I bought the Samsung on sale last year when NVMe drives were still cheap… I knew I was going to have to upgrade/replace my old Mini, although it still ran perfectly. I haven't used the NVMe since. It's just sitting around my desk.

Anyway, my plan was to install Sonoma on the external NVMe drive and start the M2 from there. I would leave the OS on the internal drive and update it occasionally. My 4TB Time Machine SSD and my two 2TB external SATA SSDs could attach to the old Mini via USB (until I get a good hub). Would the USB devices attached to the old Mini be available in that kind of setup?

BDAqua mentioned File Sharing. Is that all I would need to turn my old reliable Mini into a server?

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Answer 5

BDAqua

Level 10

242,747 points

Jul 15, 2024 3:14 PM in response to keethie

BDAqua mentioned File Sharing. Is that all I would need to turn my old reliable Mini into a server?

Basically yes.

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