It obviously doesn't help with USB-A peripherals, unless you buy an adapter, but as always we don't recommend that, and suggest a proper cable instead, like we have always done since the dawn of computing. But, you also have a second storage bay in the unit, and three downstream Thunderbolt ports for more peripherals. So, the cost is about a wash, just counting the storage.
The OWC miniStack STX retails for $300, and adding 1TB of (slower than Apple's internal) SSD space for about $90 these days, brings it right up to that 1TB, plus you still have the 256GB internal to the Mac mini. On the M1 Mac mini, going from 256GB storage to 1TB adds $400 to the cost. Fortunately, there are lots of inexpensive alternatives for Thunderbolt 3/USB4 host computers, and we've been using it with this, with no issues.Īpple storage is fast, and expensive. In such a case, switching it out for your shortest on-hand alternative may be a good decision. An 18-inch cable is good for peripherals that aren't eGPUs, but it's far too long if you're using it with a Mac mini placed right on top, as intended. The potential to use it with other hardware is probably why OWC included an 18-inch Thunderbolt cable with the unit. You do get an 18-inch cable, which is usually a decent length, but it is way too long for this sort of use. What looks like USB-A ports aren't, and are instead the exhaust vent for the unit's fan. Occupying one Thunderbolt port on the Mac mini, the dock provides three more Thunderbolt 4 ports in exchange. OWC miniStack STX review - Ports and ConnectivityĪround the back is the business end of the miniStack STX, with it offering a selection of extra ports that could be handy for M1 Mac mini owners.
Just like the Mac mini it's under, the miniStack STX is aluminum, complete with identical rounded corners to the hardware it is supporting. The OWC miniStack STX is clearly designed to fit underneath the Mac mini.