What are
/r/MacStudio's
favorite Products & Services?
From 3.5 billion Reddit comments
The most popular Products mentioned in /r/MacStudio:
![Anker 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub, Ultra-Slim Data USB Hub with 2 ft Extended Cable [Charging Not Supported], for MacBook, Mac Pro, Mac mini, iMac, Surface Pro, XPS, PC, Flash Drive, Mobile HDD](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31gHkluN45L._SL500_.jpg)
The most popular reviews in /r/MacStudio:
The enclosure I've used successfully. SSD is currently 80% full and I'm seeing 2,290 write, 2,780 read.
The T7 at 80% full I'm seeing 742 write and 727 read.
Firewire4 is the shit.
I bought this one for my Studio, just plugged it in to the USB hub built into my monitor and it worked.
You don’t say what you need but this one on Amazon is pretty unobtrusive for the Mac Studio (or Mini)
I'd bought a 32" 2k Viewsonic for my Hackintosh.
$229 Prime.
Using it with my Studio Max at 2560x1440. Really like it.
For sure. My RAID solution below does 3 streams of 4K HEVC Sony FX3 files without sweat and no proxies. so they can easily handle 1080p multiple streams. Better solution yet...
Get this raid controller and get another 2TB nvme and RAID THEM. I have one of these and it gives my max TB speeds. 2600 write and 2800 read.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08S5JPWR6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
This way you get even faster speeds and save on a 2TB drive. They are on sale right now.
I would go with this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B13XC75J/ref=emc_b_5_t
At $115.99, it's the best price to performance ratio I am seeing on Amazon. The Samsung EVO 970 Plus is on sale on Amazon right now for $159.99, so you're looking at $276, all in.
A switch doesn't care - you just connect ethernet cables to it. I'm talking about unmanaged switches which are dirt cheap, like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Ethernet-Splitter-Optimization-Unmanaged-TL-SG108/dp/B00A121WN6
If you're comfortable with setting up a simple NAS (box o'disks, one or, better two disks redundant), then just got a six bay or eight bay Synology box, add 6-8 big disks, set it up for RAID 6 or 0+1, and put it on your network. Add a share (MyStuff), add some monitoring (emails and the management portal) and you're then essentially done with the device itself.
Here is a 108TB configuration, off the shelf mostly ready to go: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGQP2V9Z/ref=twister\_B0BGQKWC1N?\_encoding=UTF8&th=1
Best practice: Offsite backup. And possibly another backup too.
If you'd rather avoid all this, look at cloud storage, which has its' own set of problems but will give some redundancy/backup capability that's "managed" for you.
I use 2x 1440p (27") monitors (and a 24" 1080p) on my Mac Studio. Works great.
One from Dell and the other from LG. Just search up 27" 1440p on amazon, I'm sure you'll find some good deals with Black Friday approaching.
This one, for example. x2, will still be within your budget: https://smile.amazon.com/LG-27QN600-B-FreeSync-Virtually-Borderless/dp/B089NZCLHW
I think you'll be more productive on smaller, dual monitors than a single large, mostly due to window management. But YMMV. Good luck!
I built my two of my own from a 1TB Crucial NvME and a Sabrent enclosure for audio post production.
They've been rock solid and pretty inexpensive overall.
it s neat
OOPS! The Sabrent is a dual ( 2 ) nvme enclosure. 3 of them connected to a Cal Digit hub and the 4th to the Mac studio...sorry!!
But yes they are all Thunderbolt.
I have the Alienware 38 and 27, I had the freezes blank screens issues and re-read the Dell website they say DO NOT use USB C with a Mac. I solved it with an 8k HDMI cable and I’m running the M1 mini to 27 Alienware at 144 Hz all my issues/glitches are gone. Previously I was running USB C to displayport and the DELL fine print said that due to the Alienware supporting NVIDIA GSync do not use displayport with a mac. Finally i got this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08TRGKKR3/
I ordered another one for my Mac Studio which arrives in 2 weeks. You’ll have to go direct HDMI for Alienware. You’ll need an HDMI cable that can do the high bandwith refresh. The key phrase is “ Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable Certified (w/ Hologram Sticker)”
If they aren’t certified with a hologram sticker then don’t buy. I had stupidly after trying C to displayport put a lesser grade HDMI on and almost returned the monitor still had the wired issues but did my due diligence research and it’s rock solid.
given the mac studio dimensions this one might work
I guess it needs to be padded here and there but seems doable
For your use case, I don't think you want 4k. Text is basically unreadable on a 4k 27" monitor at full resolution. You'll just end up down-scaling it to a lower resolution. For me, 1440p at 27" is perfect. I have two Dell monitors that have worked just fine with my Studio. Get yourself a VESA monitor stand (something like this) to keep your desk clear. I know traders love their zillion-monitor setups, but I can't understand why. Your eyes quite literally can't focus on two different screens at once. Three 27" 1440p monitors with Mission Control should be great.
If any monitor you buy has built-in speakers, you likely won't be able to adjust its volume through macOS. Check out MonitorControl (haven't personally tried it).
Side note: The base Studio model is already overkill for your use case. If you can get an earlier shipping date by downgrading, I recommend it. Even if you actually need 2TB of storage, an external hard drive is easier to migrate to a new computer in the future. Cloud storage services (iCloud, OneDrive, Google Drive, DropBox) these days will automatically offload large files to the cloud without you noticing.
Oh, I'm sorry – I didn't notice the capitalization on Thunderbolt Display there and thought OP was talking about a modern third-party Thunderbolt display like my LG. Yes /u/lubec you would want something like this.
It's too simple a process to say anything about it, but the one thing I'd mention is that you don't need to blow $60 on a Thunderbolt cable. A USB 3.1 cable like this one is fine.
I bought this Wavlink Thunderbolt enclosure on Amazon for $69, which I'd recommend. Paired with a WD Blue 2TB drive, I'm getting 2200-2500 Mbps read/write.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4NKYCZV?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details
I'm having similar recurring problems with MacOS not behaving well with a number of my external USB "drive" devices. My solution was to buy a Sabrent switched USB hub...
where I can cut the device off by pressing the corresponding button on the hub. It's the only solution I've found that works consistently for all sorts of mounting anomalies.
Reporting in as I've been dealing with this problem also.
In my case, I've linked the problem to a DP cable (which I've tested by swapping between monitors)... this one by ELUTENG works fine while this newer cable from Cable Matters has to be toggled.
Not at all pleased that it's a widespread issue, but figured I'd mention if useful to anyone else.
These have a really nice design to them, too. For reference, look for local equivalent:
https://amazon.com/SanDisk-4TB-Extreme-Portable-SDSSDE61-4T00-G25/dp/B08RX4QKXS
Make sure to get the NON 2x2 version, because Mac can't take advantage of that. Wish SanDisk had a Thunderbolt version, too.
I am very happy with the Sabrent dual nvme enclosure.
And for nvme drives, you bog standard nvme's work great, I have some inlands of all and there working fine.
Same cable, same iPhone. I just swapped from the earlier USB-C port (using an adapter) to the USB-A one (no adapter).
The cable is this:
https://amazon.com/Anker-Powerline-Lightning-Samsung-Smartphones/dp/B071WNQYV6
DisplayPort cables don’t carry data that isn’t display data. So adding the usb-b cable allows the mac studio to see all of the usb devices that are plugged into the monitor.
I don’t think usb-b is going to work for you as the LG 32 doesn’t have that type of port. Additionally, the only upstream USB port is the usb-c port. An upstream connection is the connection between the computer and monitor. So anything that is not connected to the usb-c is not going to have a data connection and won’t see the webcam.
You probably need something like this. Not saying this a good switch or even decent. But it is an example https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-2-Port-Type-C-Delivery-USB-KCPD/dp/B07Y2HKN37
4TB would be a good investment. Don't keep your library internally on any pc you're using. If your computer fails, you'll be stuck. Put it on an external SSD. I have this one with a case from Sabrent: https://www.amazon.de/Sabrent-Rocket-Internal-Performance-SB-RKTQ-8TB/dp/B08957PT2K
Large padded camera bag with padded inserts and removable dividers will do the job. Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Large-DSLR-Camera-Gadget/dp/B00CF5OHZ2
Many, many bags like this available.
FWIW, I don't have any issue with this adapter. However, it's connected to an Apple display, so maybe that makes a difference. I also don't have any issue with a direct USB-C connection to my Dell. Maybe try fixing the input on DP rather than auto-detect, if you haven't already.
The acasis reviews say that it’s missing an m2 screw & that the cables are faulty & will bottleneck speeds.
Would this be the correct screw I need to add with it?
How does that ACASIS compare to the dual SABRENT?
And after researching, I’m scared of the Rocket. Would I be dumb to instead get the SAMSUNG 970 EVO in my post?
I bought this TB3 dual nvme enclosure and paired it with two Crucial 2400 MB/s drives in a RAID 0 setup. I don’t know how fast it is, but it’s unbelievably fast. I upgraded to my Mac Studio from an old 5,1 Mac Pro with a USB 3.0 card and an external platter drive. I have NEVER seen data move this fast. It’s amazing!
I bought this dual nvme enclosure and paired it with two Crucial 2400 MB/s drives in a RAID 0 setup. I don’t know how fast it is, but it’s unbelievably fast. I upgraded to my Mac Studio from an old 5,1 Mac Pro with a USB 3.0 card and an external platter drive. I have NEVER seen data move this fast. It’s amazing!
Agreed. Just grabbed these They are decent enough for now (especially when you use Boom3D) and I have airpod pros if I need better audio.
I use an AOC U2790VQ 27" 4K 3840x2160 UHD Frameless Monitor, IPS, 5ms, 1 Billion+ Colors, 108% sRGB, VESA display with my LG Ultra Fine 21.5" display. Both are 200+ ppi and colors have similar high quality accuracy in Adobe Lightroom which I use frequently.
The AOC is currently $239 on Amazon.
It can account for the network issues, especially on 2.4 GHz. Also test with all your peripherals (except keyboard and monitor) detached and moved away from the Studio.
As for the file transfer issues, I’m not sure what’s going on there. I have this hub with four external drives. I haven’t seen the issues you have, but all of mine are either HFS+ or APFS.
I just plugged in one of these. My needs are moderate tho, in the two Studio ports had a mouse dongle in one and a kb in the other, and I needed a place for an older laser printer.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L32B9C2?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
I actually have the 4-port USB-A one on that same page. I just realized the link went to the 3 USB-A / 1 USB-C variant. It’s the same but with a different port configuration.
I wonder if using this adapter would provide 24-bit support through optical audio to the d1?
I shared the same concern earlier as my wife’s imac was really toasty and nasty . Some folks was laughing at my post . So my solution is use the blueair pre filter wrap it up . No thermal issue
BLUEAIR Blue Pure 211+ Light Gray Pre-Filter, Washable Fabric Traps Pollen, Pet Hair & Dust, Lunar Rock https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZSNZ1J4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1SRC2CHERE10QEM2NJCE
I have this one on order, it seems that it ships direct from China as delivery is a couple of weeks. There are similar ones available for Mac Minis, I have one.
​
I just tried and it works great: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09JP43FRC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 No audio though, but if you use BT headphones with your PS4 it's fine.
>OWC Thunderbolt 4 Hub
Yeah that's more of a dock IMO. I was thinking more along the lines of something like this explicitly power USB hub or something similar. I hate to see those prime USB-C or TB ports used for such lowly USB 2 and/or 3 devices.
you may think about the Orbit Trackball too~~~
Most knock-off's need a specific software to make MacOS recognize some of the extra buttons. In my case, it was a vertical mouse by CSL (german amazon link) and I had to buy "Steermouse" to make everything work smoothly. Nothing to bad, but keep in mind that there is extra cost/hassle involved with mice cheaper than Logitech - if you are dependent on extra button functionality of course. I am currently using the Logitech vertical and I must say it's miles better than the CSL I had before. Love the grip, the buttons, the precision. Imho there is nothing better than this for productivity stuff except to use a Wacom, which I have also.
This is the one I have
Hideez Smart USB Bluetooth Adapter for macOS & Windows 10/11 – Low Energy, Long Range, Micro Bluetooth Adapter for Mouse, Keyboard, Headphones, Speaker and Other Bluetooth Devices https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0792NSF7M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XFWKNCY21THPG7ANY60K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I can try it out tomorrow on my studio with my old trackpad. I’d imagine just unplugging it would be similar to switching with a kvm?
Most portable batteries at the moment don't support this in the best way. In particular they don't keep themselves charged to 80% when they are plugged in all the time, which is much better for lithium ion tech. I have yet to find a battery I would work well for what you're trying to do.
Your best bet is to use the old lead acid batteries made for battery backup systems. Some come in a small power strip form factor.
Unfortunately none of these backup systems except for industrial purposes have lithium battery Tech in them and it's all lead acid.
I got this cable on Amazon UK, I found couple of others too, but on the 3 pin plug it is written 250 V/5A; if I am not mistaken I am fine as long as the current from main point is not over 240 V? My online UPS supplies constantly 230 V. Here is the Amazon UK link for the 3-pin C5 that I am interested in: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ABC-Products%C2%AE-Cloverleaf-Adapter-Toshiba/dp/B003VRBFJE/
Then there is this one about more expensive & will need 2.5” adapters bellow, Oyen Digital Mobius Pro 5C 5-Bay USB-C External Drive Enclosure (3N5-C-M) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ND3JNZ6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0N4G2QTB0SQF4FHQPZMN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
ORICO 2.5 SSD SATA to 3.5 Hard Drive Adapter Internal Drive Bay Converter Mounting Bracket Caddy Tray for 7 / 9.5 / 12.5mm 2.5 inch HDD / SSD with SATA III Interface(1125SS) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZWX6PD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TVEGTTFVDCPQM1690PRX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
You might want to take a look at this StarTech one which I’ve been looking at. Although I’m not fond of the black color but the price seems reasonable, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013TPIHNY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_81EWW1GJWWC2EZCSBSDZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I use a G-Technology 2TB Thunderbolt 3 external SSD. It's very fast, and I use it as a photography and CGI work drive, and storage.
Ok. That works it seems. I am using this
Thunderbolt 3 Two-Slot M.2 NVMe... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L952WCB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It can daisy chain. And if you use 2 SSDs it maxes the out the speeds which is really good. Also very good with heat management. I have 2 of these (video and photos raids) and two bus powered drives to each.
Does this qualify? It’s hard to find a USB3 type-c to type-c cable.
Fasgear USB C to USB C Cable, 1 Pack 10ft USB 3.1 Gen2 Type C 20V/5A Fast Charging 100W Power Delivery Cords for USB-C Device, 10Gbps Data Sync, 4K@60Hz Video Output, Quest Link for Oculus, (3m,Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083JQR7TR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GJN65RESEP53RR6P6RRM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Awesome. Thank you. Assume this will do?
StarTech.com 6ft (1.8m) Laptop Power Cord, NEMA 1-15P to C5 (Mickey Mouse), 10A 125V, 18AWG Laptop Replacement Cord, Laptop Charger Cord, Laptop Power Brick Cord - UL Listed (PXT101NB3S) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FHQTGW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XZ1FATQPGGQRQ352C62W
These Sandisk SSD’s are pricey, but for the speeds, I feel like it’s mostly fair.
Plus you can take it up to 2 or 4tb if you wanted to make sure you have room to grow.
There’s also a slower (but still speedy) older version here if speed isn’t your hang up
I use a G-Technology 2TB Thunderbolt 3 external SSD. It's very fast, I dont notice any read/write difference between it and the internal SSD.
I have tried and retuned a number of NVME enclosures for my Mac Studio. Of the ones I tried, the Acasis seems the most stable and the fastest. There are a few reviews from video folks on YouTube for it too.
Simply comparing the Disk Performance
Model below is better than yours. But it is still not perfect
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B096LMGTNG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
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But it still not perfect
I don't have the OWC hub. I have the Hagibis:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096LMGTNG?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_T2_3XNCCWPK8WHMV3TNBXW9
Overall, I am very happy. I need it less now that I have my Studio, more when I had my Mini. I bought it for the ports and the HD enclosures were an added value, but not that I have a Studio that has a reasonable amount ports, I really just use it for the enclosures now.
SSD Speeds are pretty good (400/400) and NVME speeds are excellent (850/850). First NVME drive I had in there seemed to burn itself out quickly (within 2 weeks) but the one I have in there now has been pretty stable (one day I noticed it was unmounted with no ejection notice, but I remounted and haven't had an issue since).
Two 22” LG 4k Ultrafines and the 27” Ultrafine 5k in the middle.
The mount is here, I drilled through the desk so I didn’t have to use the base mount - EZM Deluxe Triple Monitor Mount... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SYVE3CI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
The monitors don’t shake or bounce at all.
It’s just a big mouse pad, I can put drinks on it and not worry about a coaster.. mouses don’t work well on my desk and this makes it easier on my wrists.
It also has wireless charging for my phone and AirPods.. just put my phone on it during the work day and don’t ever need to plug it in at night or anything.
KINGFOM Multifunctional Office Desk Pad, Large Waterproof Pu Leather Mouse Pad, 2-in-1 Use Desk Writing Mat with Wireless Charging for Home/Office 35.4" x 16.7" (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086W56HDK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5Z917N2Y8G2Q55K7WN2A?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I found this Sabrent dual nvme thunderbolt 3 enclosure that (according to one of the reviews) does 2 GB/s write and 2.4 GB/s read with two drives in a Raid-0 setup.
Running 4K (3008 x 1692 scaled) @ 120Hz just fine from Thunderbolt 4 port with this exact USB-C to DisplayPort 1.4 cable: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J6DT070/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have the Studio on order, and am moving from a large tower PC with 4 3.5” HDDs myself. So I ordered this in hopes that it works well, price was right and didn’t need any bells and whistles aside from just drive access: Sabrent USB 3.2 4-Bay 3.5" SATA Hard Drive Tray-Less Docking Station (DS-SC4B) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y3WDHLD/
Hi thanks that’s in fact what I’ll do as we have lots of them around I was just looking at options. The one I tend use is
Sabrent 16-PORT USB 3.0 DATA HUB and Charger with individual switches [90 Watts] (HB-PU16) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07KHRLSTT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_53XBNVF163JQKQEJ0YV8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
As it’s high powered enough to work with even a few external drives.