Mac Mini Storage Expansion -- Four 2.5" SSD Drives

Update 2026-01-20: I added an option for using a SATA to USB adapter and not on how to make it fully USB-C if your Mac Mini has the ports (I have an older version that doesn't). 

Update 2025-12-26: I added a "blank slate" version of this model so you can build whatever solution you want. See it here: https://www.printables.com/model/1529481-mac-mini-build-your-own-insert

I turned my old Mac Mini into a home server but needed more storage capacity. So, I purchased an old Mac Mini shell that I used to house a custom bracket for four 2.5" SSD drives and a USB hub. The bracket is a perfect fit, making it look like an Apple-built external drive. Mine currently has 4TB of storage and two open slots for future expansion.  

This solution can be upgraded to USB-C simply by swapping over the USB hub and cables. I have an older USB-A-only Mac Mini, so I needed to go with a USB-A solution. 

I printed the 3D bracket using white Inland PLA+ and the default print settings. No supports required. I used one of my old Ender 5 Pro printers, so any printer should work. I did paint the rear face of the bracket with flat black spray paint to match the Apple aesthetic. I supposed you could just use black filament, but I didn't have any at the time. 

Since four SSD drives will probably consumer more power than a USB-A port can provide, I opted to use a powered USB hub. You can try it without the power, but using a powered hub was easy enough.  

Assembly should take less than 30 minutes, and all the parts were less than US$100. 

Parts List: 

• Used Mac Mini case ca. 2014 -- from eBay for $19

• 2.5" SSD enclosure -- from Amazon.com $10 each, quantity 4

• USB-A hub, 4 ports, USB-C powered -- form Amazon $13

• USB cables, USB-A to USB-C, 6-inch -- from Amazon $7.50 for 5 pack

• USB-C female pigtail -- from Amazon $8 for 10

• USB-C male pigtail -- from Amazon $10 for 5 

You can also use a 2.5" SSD SATA to USB-A 3.0 adapter in place of the SSD Enclosure and USB cables listed above. This saves $10-15. Please note, the shorter the cabe the better. Space is tight, so you need to get creative with where you route extra cable length. 

• SABRENT SATA to USB Cable - USB 3.0 to 2.5” SATA I/II/III Hard Drive Adapter -- from Amazon for $9.99 each

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mac Mini case. Remove all the internal plastic brackets and soft pads from the interior of the Mac Mini case. The two brackets on the top come up easily if you pry them up from the raised corner with a flat screwdriver. The bracket in the front can be pulled out with your fingers easily.

2. OPTIONAL: Remove the adhesive. I tried several methods including Goo Gone and IPA, but Denatured Alcohol seemed to be the only thing that worked. I had to let it soak for a couple minutes using a rag and then scrubbed it. This is entirely optional and for the second expansion unit I built, I didn't remove the adhesive.   

3. Print the 3D bracket. I used white Inland PLA+ and the default print settings. No supports required. Print orientation is as shown in the images. Some of the holes may need a little touch-up, but I have an old Ender printer. 

4. OPTIONAL: Paint the 3D bracket. I wanted the back of the bracket to match the Mac Mini, so I taped off everything but the back panel and sprayed it with two coats of generic (Home Depot HDX) flat black spray paint. 

5. Disassemble the SSD enclosures. You can pry out the electronics using a screwdriver. It slides out the front with a little persuasion. Unscrew them from the plastic and keep the screws. They will be used to attach the electronics boards to the 3D printed bracket. 

6. Attach the SSD Electronics boards. Use the screws from the SSD enclosure to attach the boards to the 3D printed part. These sit directly on top of each other and use two screws each. Install the bottom ones first using the holes on the USB connector side. The upper ones also use two screws each but in the holes on the SSD connector side. See the photos for more detail. 

7. Power OPTION A: Build and install the USB-C power connector. Solder the two pigtails together so the finished length is about 6 inches. Feed the male connector end through the hole on the back right side of the 3D printed bracket. Important: Do not fully insert the female connector until after the USB hub is installed. Route the wire through the channel along the back of the 3D printed bracket and plug it into the end of the USB hub. 

8. Power OPTION B: Use a stock USB-C cable.  Route a USB-C cable through the hole in the right side of the back and plug it into the end of the USB hub.  You may need a right-angle USB-C plug on the end of the USB-C cable to fit. 

9. Install the USB hub. Feed the USB hub plug/cable through the hole on the rear right side of the 3D printed bracket.  Use some 1/2" double-sided foam tape to attach the USB hub in the recess along the back. It should fit in the space exactly. You can fully install the USB-C female power port at this time (see step 7). 

10. Install the SSDs. These simply slide in from the front and lock into the SSD board connectors. You can add a screw to hold them in place using the holes on the side of the 3D printed bracket. 

11. Connect the wires. Use the 6-inch USB cables to connect the SSD electronics boards to the USB hub. Loop the wires around as shown. It's a somewhat tight fit, but everything should go in easily. 

12. Insert the unit into the Mac Mini. Slide the assembly into the back of the Mac Mini. It should fit perfectly in the case. You may need to insert one of the rear corners first and then the other. It will lock into the cut-out sections on the sides of the Mac Mini case. To remove it. 

13. Hook it up and have fun. Attach the USB-A plug to your Mac Mini. plug in a USB-C charging cable to the port, and you are done.