External Storage For Mac Pro



Take a look at the 16-inch MacBook Pro. It comes with 1TB of storage, but if you want to upgrade that to the 2TB drive, that extra 1TB will cost you a whopping $400. Getting external storage can solve a lot of problems and even make life easier. You can offload your data from your MacBook's SSD or your iMac's Fusion drive when it fills up, or keep one plugged.

  • External Storage Options. There also are numerous external storage options for the Cylinder Mac Pro. Although the system also has four USB 3.0 ports, for those interested in as much performance as possible - typically the desire of those with a high-end workstation - putting the six Thunderbolt 2 ports to good use is preferable.
  • Using external drives to save space on your Mac? Format them first. While drives are sold as plug-and-play, formatting prior to use will give you optimal performance and compatibility with your Mac.

We all love saving tons of photos, videos, and even movies on our laptops. So the default in-built storage on a MacBook can quickly run out, especially if you’ve been using it for a while. That’s why it’s handy to get an external drive too on which you can easily transfer all your big files. This will ensure your computer always has sufficient space. So without further delay, let’s go ahead and find out the best external SSDs for Mac.

#1. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable External SSD

Enjoy seamless transfers with this USB C SSD that gives up to 550MB/s read speeds. This external SSD for Mac is rugged and resistant to both water and dust with an IP55 rating.

Along with being compact and pocket-sized, it’s also durable and shock-proof. So your data can stay safe during minor falls or drops. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty. You can choose from varied capacities from 250 GB to 1 TB, according to your needs.

Pros

  • Water and dust resistant
  • Shock-proof
  • 4 storage capacities available
  • Good price

Cons

  • Slower read/write speeds

Price: $329.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon

#2. Samsung X5 Portable SSD 2TB – Thunderbolt 3

Take your storage to the next level with this SSD. Designed with Thunderbolt 3 ports, the X5 is made for busy professionals who want to render high-resolution content quickly. Its thermal management and password protection features ensure safety and security.

Further, it offers impressive read/write speeds of 2,800/2,300 MB/s. So you can transfer a 20GB 4K UHD video from your computer to the SSD in as little as 12 seconds, depending on your system configurations. The innovative design is inspired by supercars!

Pros

  • Thermal management
  • Impressive read/write speeds
  • 3 storage capacities available
  • Sleek look

Cons

  • Expensive

Price: $699.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon

#3. Seagate STJD1000400 1Tb Solid State Drive

This high-speed, portable solid-state drive is perfect for streaming stored videos directly to your Macbook. It’s an excellent choice for backing up your data on the go.

Moreover, its a mini USB 3.0 SSD with a lightweight, minimalist design that’s convenient to carry every day Finally, you can enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included three-year limited warranty.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Multiple storage capacities available
  • Good price

Cons

  • No USB C – you’ll need a separate adaptor

Price: $144.99 for 1TB capacity
Check out on Amazon

#4. LaCie Water Resistant Rugged 2TB SSD

For those who want ultimate protection on their external SSD for Mac, this rugged one can withstand the pressures of life! It can survive a 3-meter drop and a two-ton car crash. Moreover, it is IP67-rated dust water-resistant.

You can take advantage of a one-month complimentary membership to Adobe creative cloud apps when you get this drive. Further, it comes with a 5-year limited protection plan so you can have long-term peace of mind about it’s functionality.

Pros

  • Drop protection
  • Multiple storage capacities available
  • 5-year protection plan for data recovery

Cons

  • Slightly pricey

Price: $451.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon

#5. Crucial 1TB X8 Portable SSD

Incredible performance with read speeds of up to 1050 MB/s makes this one of the best SSDs for Mac. It has a durable design featuring an aluminum core. It offers drop protection for up to 7. 5 feet, and can also withstand extreme temperature. It’s shock and vibration proof so you can carry it around in your bag with ease.

Finally, you can rest assured about quality because this SSD is backed by Micron, one of the well-known storage tech manufacturers in the world. It also includes a 3-year limited warranty.

Pros

  • Withstands extreme temperatures
  • High-speed
  • Sleek design

Cons

  • Only available in 2 capacities

Price: $164.95 for 1TB capacity
Check out on Amazon

External

#6. WD 2TB My Passport Go SSD Cobalt

Check out this pocket-sized SSD for Mac and Windows computers. It’s convenient to carry and is also capable of surviving drops up to 2 meters. The protective bumper acts as a cushion and absorbs shocks and bumps.

It offers a transfer rate of 400MB/s which is pretty decent. Further, it comes with a 3-year warranty and you can get it in 2 cool color options namely cobalt blue and amber. All in all, it’s an excellent everyday choice for your storage needs.

Pros

  • Protective bumper
  • Good price
  • Color options

Cons

  • Transfer rate on slower side

Price: $329.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon

#7. Samsung T5 2TB Portable SSD

For the stylish and modern professional, this is one of the best SSDs for your Mac! With a USB 3.1 interface, the T5 provides transfer speeds of up to 540 MB/s depending on your system. So transfers and backups of large-sized data including 4K videos and high-resolution photos will be much quicker and faster.

Furthermore, the impressive performance comes in a compact package that’s easy to carry with you. Perhaps the best part is the classy color options such as blue, gold, and red.

Pros

  • Good speed
  • Value for money
  • Color options

Cons

  • Looks a bit delicate and may not have drop protection

Price: $319.85 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon

#8. Sabrent Rocket Nano 512GB USB 3.2 SSD

For ultimate portability, check out this ultra-slim SSD. It’s sleek and durable – an ideal travel companion whether for work or leisure. Easily transfer your media with the smooth plug-and-play technology.

It provides speeds of up to 1000MB/s, depending on your system configurations. Further, you can get it in 3 convenient storage capacities of 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2TB. You can also choose either black or silver color options.

Pros

  • Slim and compact
  • Good price
  • Color options

Cons

  • No drop protection

Price: $299.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon

External Storage For Macbook Air

#9. G-Technology 2TB G-DRIVE mobile SSD

Carry your data worry-free on this shock and vibration resistant SSD for Mac. The durable design comes with iP67 dust and water resistance.

The USB C connectivity offers transfer rates of up to 560MB/s. Further, you can buy with confidence given the industry-leading 5-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.

Pros

  • Dust and water-resistant
  • Shock-proof
  • 5-year warranty

Cons

  • Bulky

Price: $329.95 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon

#10. Seagate Barracuda Fast 500GB SSD

With reliable performance and a speed of up to 540MB/s, you can enjoy smooth data transfer on this external SSD for Mac. It features a minimalist design and green LED accent light.

It’s a perfect solution for carrying media on the go or even for external Xbox or PlayStation storage. It offers seamless installation and loading. Moreover, you get a limited product protection plan too.

Pros

  • Minimalist design
  • LED light indicator
  • Reliable performance

Cons

  • No drop protection

Price: $109.99 for 500 GB capacity
Check out on Amazon

Summing Up

Well, as you can see, there’s a wide variety of external SSDs for Mac. Most come with warranties so are a valuable accessory to get. Let us know in the comments below which one you prefer and why.

I have been writing about tech for over 10 years now. I am passionate about helping people solve their tech problems with easy and practical solutions. At iGeeksBlog, I write and edit how-to guides and accessory reviews for all things Apple. My work has previously appeared in Live IT and Woman’s Era magazines. When not working, I love reading and traveling.

  • https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/mehak/
    Using 'Rebuild' Feature of Database Utility in Mac Entourage
  • https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/mehak/
  • https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/mehak/
  • https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/mehak/
  • 1. Mac Files Tips
  • 2. Mac Software
  • 3. Mac Storage Tips
  • 4. Mac Troubleshooting
  • 5. Mac OS

by Jenefey AaronUpdated on 2020-01-10 / Update for OS X

You may need to boot up your Mac using an external drive or boot volume once in a while, rather than using a start up disk. Booting with an external disk has a lot of significance. Maybe you want to troubleshoot some problems, repair the disk, do partitions, format the entire disk, update, and install OS X etc. All these are executed perfectly when you use an external boot volume to boot up your Mac. In this article, we are here with the detailed step by step guide on how to boot Mac from external hard drive easily. So, let's get started…

Part 1: How to Boot Mac from USB Drive/CD/DVD

Actually, it is possible to boot Mac from external drive or a hard drive, but there are a few specific requirements needed for your Mac to become eligible for that process.

  • First, you have to have an Intel-Based Mac.
  • Second, the CD or DVD you are using to boot must contain Apple’s Super Drive or if you are using a USB drive then it should be formatted with GUID Partition, and you are also required to install OS X installer. Apple is against booting Mac from an external storage device, because you may install an older version of OS X than the one you were using.

Boot from CD or DVD:

If you want to boot your MacBook/Air/Pro/iMac from an optical media like CD or DVD you need to follow the steps below:

1. Open your Mac or restart the device if you were already using it.

2. When the startup music is playing press and hold the “C” key from the keyboard.

3. This will start the OS X installer from the CD/DVD on your Mac.

So, it is not too complicated to Mac boot from CD/DVD. You can easily burn a bootable image of OS X on a DVD by using Disk Utility.

Boot from External USB:

New Mac Pro Storage

Using your USB drive to boot Mac is not as simple as you think. You need to prepare your USB drive beforehand for this specific purpose. You have to format the USB drive and insert the proper Operating System, which is OS X.

1. Turn on your Mac.

2. As soon as the startup music begins you need to press and keep holding the 'Option' key.

3. After that release that key, the Startup manager will be launched.

External Drive For Mac Pro 2013

4. Startup Manager will begin scanning your device and you will be provided with a list of devices that are connected to your Mac.

5. Now, select the drive you want to use with your mouse.

6. Finally, press 'Return' key on the selected option to boot Mac.

This way you can boot your Mac with an external USB drive, but the most critical part is to prepare the USB drive. If you have multiple USB drives connected, then the Startup Manager shall list the drives with the bootable OS. So, this is how to boot Mac from USB drive.

Part 2: Common Problems and Fixes When Boot Mac from External Drive

You may face several issues during MacBook Pro Boot from USB or any external drive. So, a few FAQs are mentioned below which may help you when you are facing any difficulties.

  • 1. Have you tried connecting to a different USB port?

    • If you are unable to startup the installer after connecting the USB drive to your Mac, then first you should try connecting it to a different USB port. It may fix the problem.

  • 2. Have you formatted the USB drive with GUID partition?

    • If you are having problems with your USB storage device then you need to make sure that if you have properly formatted the drive with GUID partition. You have to do it properly otherwise the Intel-Based Mac won't start.

  • 3. Is your Mac shutting down after connecting the disk?

    • Actually, the MacBook contains a preventive measure and because of that computer shuts down automatically when a damaged USB drive is connected or if the USB port itself is damaged.

  • 4. Is your Disk needs repair?

    • If your Mac fails to boot from an external drive even though you have properly installed the OS X installer, then maybe your disk is damaged. You should open Disk Utility and ask permission to repair disk.

  • 5. Have you connected the USB drive properly?

    • There are two types of Apple keyboards, Wired and Wireless. There are also some keyboards with inbuilt USB ports but they may not have enough power to run the drive.

So, this is how to startup Mac from external drive. Follow the frequently asked questions to clear any doubts that you have while booting from external hard drive Mac.

In case, you want to recover any lost or deleted Mac files after a boot, we highly recommend you to go for Tenorshare Any Data Recovery for Mac. It is a utility data recovery tool capable of recovering any type of data from Mac with ease. Go for it!

Recover Unlimited Mac Data for You
  • Recover data deleted, formatted or lost on Mac;
  • Restore files from hard drive and external storage devices;
  • Recover data from failed/crashed/dead MacBook;
  • Fully supported latest macOS 10.15 Catalina;




Comments are closed.