Are you a Mac video editor struggling with storage space? You're not alone. When I got my M1 MacBook Pro, I was blown away by its video editing performance. But there was just one problem: the 256GB storage felt impossibly small for 4K video projects.
Here's the good news: I've found an incredibly cost-effective solution that won't break the bank. In fact, it costs less than £20
The Challenge: Finding an Affordable External Drive for Mac Video Editing
When it comes to video editing on a Mac, you need three essential things from your external drive:
- Lightning-fast transfer speeds
- Reliable performance
- Mac compatibility
The Solution: LEMORELE M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure
After thoroughly looking through Amazon, I discovered the LEMORELE M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure.
Here's why it's proper good:
- Premium aluminium design that looks spot-on next to your MacBook
- 10Gbps data transfer speeds (USB 3.1 Gen2)
- Thunderbolt compatibility
- Compact enough to slip into your rucksack
- Dead easy installation - no tools needed
Real-World Performance Testing
But does it actually deliver the goods? I put it through its paces using CrystalDiskMark, and blow me down, the results were impressive:
- Read speeds: 918.31 MB/s
- Write speeds: 945.10 MB/s
To put these numbers in perspective, here's what different video formats require:
- ProRes 4K (422 HQ): 750-900 Mbps
- ProRes 4K (422): 500-600 Mbps
- ProRes 4K (422 LT): 350-400 Mbps
- DNxHR HQX (4K): 600-750 Mbps
- DNxHR HQ (4K): 400-500 Mbps
The verdict? This enclosure is more than up to the job for professional 4K video editing in Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve.
Dead Easy Setup Process
Getting started is a doddle:
- Pick your M.2 NVMe SSD (I'd recommend the Crucial P3)
- Slide open the enclosure
- Pop in the drive using the included rubber pin
- Stick on the thermal pad
- Close it up and plug into your Mac
Who Is This For?
This solution is perfect for:
- UK-based content creators on a budget
- Freelance video editors working from coffee shops
- YouTubers working with 4K footage
- MacBook users tired of seeing the "Storage Full" warning
Pro Tips for Best Performance
- Format the drive as APFS for optimal Mac performance
- Stick to trusted NVMe SSDs from UK retailers
- Keep at least 20% free space for smooth operation
- Use the included USB-C cable - don't be tempted by cheap alternatives
Value for Money
Let's break down the costs:
- Enclosure: Under £20 from Amazon UK, Amazon US
- 1TB NVMe SSD: Around £60-£90 from Amazon UK
- Total investment: Less than £110
Compare that to pre-built solutions costing £200-£300, and you're laughing.
The Bottom Line
While you could splash out on pricier options from Western Digital or LaCie at PC World, the LEMORELE enclosure paired with an NVMe SSD offers brilliant value for money. It delivers professional-grade performance without costing an arm and a leg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this handle 4K video editing?
A: Yes, the 900+ MB/s speeds are more than enough for 4K ProRes and DNxHR formats.
Q: Does it work with M1/M2 Macs?
A: Absolutely - works a treat with all modern Macs, including M-series MacBooks.
Q: Do I need to faff about with drivers?
A: Nope, it's plug-and-play with macOS.
Q: What's the largest drive size it'll take?
A: It'll handle NVMe SSDs up to 8TB, though that might be overkill for most users.
Q: Is there a warranty?
A: Yes, it comes with a 12-month UK warranty for peace of mind.
Remember, in Mac video editing, having the right tools can significantly boost your productivity. This external hard drive solution could be the upgrade your Mac video editing setup needs.