Thunderbolt 5 Mac Mini M4 Dock by Beelink

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Published on June 14, 2025 3:10:51 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKnJG_9mkRQ

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Sourcehttps://www.techradar.com/pro/this-mac-mini-m4-docking-station-can-add-16tb-of-storage-to-your-beloved-apple-mini-pc-but-it-comes-with-a-big-flaw..

The Beelink Mate mini docking station is designed to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Mac mini M4, focusing on expanding both connectivity and storage without increasing the desktop's physical footprint. It seamlessly attaches underneath the Mac mini, a design choice that ensures aesthetic integration, with its all-aluminum, silver finish perfectly matching Apple's compact machine. This product targets Mac mini users who require additional ports and storage but wish to maintain a tidy and space-efficient setup.

A core technological highlight of the Mate mini is its support for Thunderbolt 5, enabling impressive 80Gbps data transfer speeds. This is crucial for users who rely on fast external SSD performance and seamless connectivity with various peripherals. The inclusion of two Thunderbolt 5 cables ensures users have the necessary equipment out of the box. Beyond its high-speed data transfer, the dock offers substantial storage expansion through two distinct models. Model A features dual PCIe x2 M.2 slots, providing a total capacity of up to 16TB, while Model B, though offering less overall capacity, boasts a single PCIe x4 slot for higher individual drive speeds, reaching up to 6228MB/s read.

In terms of connectivity, the Beelink Mate mini delivers a comprehensive selection of ports. These include a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port for high-speed wired networking, multiple USB-A 3.0 ports for connecting a variety of accessories, an SD 4.0 card reader for convenient media transfer, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Additionally, a Type-C PD (Power Delivery) port is integrated, allowing the dock to supply power to peripherals that demand more than the Mac mini’s built-in 15W output. To ensure stable operation even during heavy use, the docking station incorporates a quiet fan and 360-degree cooling vents. Physically, the unit is lightweight, weighing only 250g.

The article identifies a key trade-off within the Mate mini's design, particularly concerning its storage options. To achieve the maximum 16TB of storage, users must opt for Model A, which utilizes PCIe x2 slots. This configuration is noted as "slightly less efficient" in terms of speed compared to the PCIe x4 slot found in Model B. While this difference in efficiency is unlikely to impact the majority of users, the article points out that "professionals working with massive files or needing the fastest transfer speeds might feel the pinch." This highlights a deliberate choice by Beelink, balancing high capacity with peak speed, requiring users to prioritize their specific needs.

Currently priced at $279, down from its initial $339, the Beelink Mate mini positions itself as a valuable accessory for Mac mini M4 users. It successfully fulfills its role of extending the Mac mini's capabilities by providing essential additional ports and significant storage expansion within a compact and aesthetically integrated form factor. Despite the minor performance trade-off for maximum storage, the device offers a well-rounded solution for those seeking to augment their Mac mini setup without adding clutter.

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