Why does my new M4 Mac keep ejecting my external SSDs?

I just wanted to give an update.

Using a Acasis powered thunderbolt 4 raid enclosure/dock, has cured all the issues.

Running x3 monitors (x2 thunderbolt & x1 on hdmi) and the enclosure/dock, with no issues. (On thunderbolt)

So it’s definitely a lack of power causing the issues when using all the ports.

Quite shocking really from Apple.

MacBook Pro had no issues, but the Mac mini and Mac mini pro can’t handle it!

Sounds like the Mac mini is not suppling enough power to run all three bus powered drives at the same time.

What you need to do, is get and test an externally-powered Thunderbolt/USB-C hub or Thunderbolt dock.

For a couple of examples:

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/owc-thunderbolt-hub

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/docks/owc-thunderbolt-3-dock

Same issue here. I have 3 external drives running off my Apple display. One of them - which happens to be my Time Machine backup seems to disconnect/drop after a few days. I have to imagine that the apple display should be providing sufficient power!

Awesome, thanks for the update. Again, you're welcome.

I also use a powered hub with my Mac Mini M4 for the same reason. Works great.

Ramblinmanva wrote:

den.thed: Thanks for the response and info on this.

You're welcome.

I do have a non-powered USB-C hub from U-Green. I noticed doing some testing today that if I connect one of the external SSDs into this hub, which is then connected to the Mac mini, for some reason this does not result in the same error messages. Not sure why though.

That does sound more like a weak or bad connection between the external SSD and Mac mini.

A lot of drive manufactures bid for the lowest priced cables to help up their profit.

Maybe try replacing a cable or two to see if that helps.

I would feel better exploring the powered route. I will check out the links. Thanks again.

Yes that ensures that there is more than enough power to run multiple drives and charge devices.

My M4 is a Pro one, 64GB 8TB - got 2 4K Dell monitors on it, one via HDMI, the other on a back USB-C T4/5 door.

Plugging a SSD thunderbolt 4 to any of the those back doors make it disconnect non stop and as hot enough to burn hands - even the cable gets very hot.

The computer keeps working, hot when demanded, but acceptable.

Monitors don’t show anything strange, cables do not heat.

Definitely there is hardware/engineering problem that made me loose a 8TB brand new disk.

I have many others M MacBooks and Mac mini. None of them eject or burn external the same SSDs with the same cable.

I’m having the same issues.

Cant handle 3 displays and an external ssd. Will order a powered hub.

I have the same problem with just one 2TB Sandisk SSD connected. The problem isn't very frequent but is giving me enough fear of losing files.

Thank you!!!

👍 You’re welcome.

A TB4 drive can run hot especially under load. When it gets hot the drive either slows down or will stop. Some TB enclosures/drives are better than others. Mine has a built in fan and no issues.