External SSD for a 2020 27" imac?

[Carlo]

As the title says, just got a new (second hand) 2020 imac with an internal HD of 500GB, so am looking for a new external SSD to store my pictures mainly.
Done a little bit of searching the web for advice, but as is usually the case, I'm now probably more confused than when I started!
The 2020 imac has 2 x thunderbolt 3 ports, and 4 x USB 3.1 gen 2 ports.
I won't be looking at top of the range stuff eg: OWC, but 2TB storage will probably be my financial limit (approx £150).
Also want good transfer speeds but doesn't have to be the fastest.
Any recommendations or advice on what I'll have to look out for etc?
And can I use thunderbolt 4 cables with this mac ?
Thanks

 

[Raymond Lin]

I have the OWC for my photos but I also just got this from Aliexpress this week, it is the Hagibis 40gbps nvme enclosure. All metal, fanless like the OWC, but half the price. You can easily get this, then a 2TB nvme for around £150 all in.

 

[Carlo]

Thanks for the reply Ray
Which manufacturers would you recommend to look at? (for the nvme)

 

[Raymond Lin]

Thanks for the reply Ray
Which manufacturers would you recommend to look at? (for the nvme)

Well, it's not just the manufacturer, it is the spec.

The criteria I would place important.

1 - Faster speed than the enclosure can do. so above 4000mbps
2 - TLC over QLC, TLC has longer longevity (I know QLC is probably enough for most people but I prefer to play it on the safe side)
3 - Do you need DRAM - if you are using it for gaming, lots of swap files then perhaps it is important, would make things more snappy

Personally, I don't think DRAM is necessary (it would add about £20-30 more), but TLC for me is important. That means I have narrowed it down to.

With DRAM

1

Amazon.co.uk

2

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CK2TC9XQ/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=A30DC7701CXIBH&th=1

3

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B9C4DKKG/ref=twister_B0CY9GBKSN?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

Without DRAM

4

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CB8J9L8D/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_7?smid=A1ONPF09TBMXVW&th=1

For budget build, but speed still EXCEEDS the enclosure.

5

https://www.amazon.co.uk/speeds-nCache-Acronis-Western-Digital/dp/B0C8WPRM9T/ref=sr_1_6?crid=10H2M2IAHVSR0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vcu5KSqydhrcC9MorhCsjach4pXgsLwXqyajJuJzL-n0BM5iyrsGxuVm9B8Uu2vF2xoS9GW0uohbHV-pCkxXvq9_RrDtsdsAbAQ6_PlB0FhTRn-fkvvaxpvGHQSi_i_M2WNZsU353oq1B4ZqZx_GawnIWbrcfof9F2PorekPTpCWdW3EfWdcO6alCAK6d7fRr1meiD-XYKPSLfzjJlKGKFfQJE9rX4bfw5jjhfMHgWezipAVPZWBkcY2Exh1G4TfwLQnpLFdxHbt7fU1YLA6AFYLmYyS1FZf4gyiEdZA1CnIYZda5MC_MTE5DLyXeq5gGgNJiYPk1zJCl98a1nvMEYDpGk82I7p9eswRXTpBhDI.YP-p2OdLVIHifc-ZhPFSFYxX8dzx1-crhDnAr6dYky0&dib_tag=se&keywords=wd%2Bnvme&qid=1739538012&s=computers&sprefix=wd%2Bnvme%2Ccomputers%2C176&sr=1-6&th=1

You can use this website to compare, green colour is better than red in the comparison.

SSD Speed & Benchmark Tests

Find detailed performance tests and benchmarks for the latest SSDs. Speed tests, reviews, and more.

ssd-tester.com

For what it's worth, I have a 2TB Samsung 990Pro in my OWC, but I plan to get the 4TB Crucial T500 for my Hagibis simply because it strikes a good balance for price, TLC, and has DRAM.