However, when it comes right down to it, the 2006 to 2012 Mac Pros are the only Intel-based Mac models that have easily user-upgradeable drive space. If your Mac isn’t a Mac Pro, it’s likely that if you need more storage space, you’re going to go with an external drive. External drives are available in many styles, including single-drive enclosures, multi-drive enclosures, prebuilt enclosures, bus-powered enclosures (no external power supply needed) and DIY enclosures. You will have to spend some time looking for the best enclosure for the project, as well as decide which drive you want and where to purchase it. In the long run, it takes more time than just buying a ready-to-run solution. The advantage is that you end up with a quick solution to your storage expansion needs. Remove the drive from the shipping box, plug it into power and your Mac, flip the switch, format the drive, and you’re ready to go. Dealers you should check out include:
Buffalo TechnologyG-TechnologyLaCieOther World ComputingPromise TechnologySeagateWestern Digital
You’ll especially want to do this if your Mac has an SSD for a startup drive, since they generally have less space available than other storage options. Moving your user data will provide a lot of free space on the SSD. Disk Utility is the Mac’s built-in system for formatting, erasing, and repairing drives. You should acquaint yourself with it whether you’re setting up a new storage solution or maintaining your existing one.
