ACASIS 40Gbps Mac mini M4 Dock User Manual

1. הקדמה

The ACASIS Mac mini M4 Dock is an advanced expansion workstation designed to enhance the capabilities of your Mac mini M4 and M4 Pro. This dock provides high-speed connectivity, extensive display support, and integrated storage solutions, making it an ideal all-in-one solution for demanding workflows. It features 40Gbps host connectivity, dual 4K display outputs, multiple USB-A 10Gbps ports, dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots, and SD/TF 4.0 card readers. Additionally, it offers 30W Power Delivery for stable operation.

Figure 1: ACASIS 40Gbps Mac mini M4 Dock, a compact and powerful expansion unit.

2. פּעקל אינהאַלט

ביטע באַשטעטיקן אַז אַלע זאכן וואָס זענען אויסגערעכנט אונטן זענען פאַראַן אין אייער פּעקל:

• Mac mini M4 dock/hub
• 40Gbps cable
• עלעקטריק מאַכט מקור
• PD power cable
• שרויפנ - ציער
• SSD snap
• Thermal pad for SSD
• באַניצער מאַנואַל
• פּאַקינג קעסטל

באַמערקונג: SSDs are not included and must be purchased separately.

Figure 2: All components included in the ACASIS Mac mini M4 Dock package.

3. Product Features and Port Layout

3.1 פּאָרט אויסלייג

The ACASIS Mac mini M4 Dock provides a comprehensive set of ports for enhanced connectivity and functionality.

פיגורע 3: דעטאַילעד view of the ACASIS Mac mini M4 Dock, highlighting its various ports and features.

• HOST (40Gbps): Connects to your Mac mini M4/M4 Pro for high-speed data transfer.
• DP (x2): Dual DisplayPort outputs supporting up to 4K@144Hz for a single display or 4K@60Hz for dual displays.
• PD (30W): Power Delivery input for stable power to the dock and connected devices.
• 3*USB-A (10Gbps): Three USB-A 3.1 ports for connecting peripherals and external storage.
• 2*M.2 Port (20Gbps): Dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots for expandable storage.
• SD/TF 4.0: High-speed card readers supporting up to 312MB/s.
• SSD1/SSD2 Indicator Light: Provides status indication for installed SSDs.

3.2 High-Speed Data Transfer

The dock features a 40Gbps HOST interface, ensuring ultra-responsive performance. The dual M.2 slots support 20Gbps each, and when configured in RAID 0 with two identical SSDs, speeds can combine to a screaming-fast 40Gbps, ideal for 4K video editing and data-intensive tasks.

Figure 4: Illustrates the rapid data transfer capabilities of the dock, showing a 10GB transfer completed in approximately 4 seconds.

3.3 טריפל דיספּליי שטיצע

Achieve enhanced productivity with triple display support. The dock's dual DisplayPort outputs, combined with your Mac Mini's native HDMI/Thunderbolt port, enable seamless MST expansion. This setup is perfect for video editors, multi-screen office environments, creative design, and live streaming.

• Single screen (DP * 1): Up to 4K@144Hz
• Dual screen (DP * 2): Up to 4K@60Hz
• Three screens (DP * 2 + HDMI or Thunderbolt port): Up to 4K@144Hz + 5K@60Hz + 4K@60Hz

Figure 5: Diagram showing a triple display configuration using the dock's DisplayPort outputs and the Mac mini's native video output.

3.4 Dual-Bay NVMe SSD Enclosure with RAID Functionality

The integrated dual M.2 SSD enclosure supports up to 16TB of storage and various RAID modes for flexibility and data security.

The enclosure supports M-Key and M&B Key NVMe/PCIe SSDs in 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 sizes. It does not support M&B Key NGFF/SATA or B Key NGFF/SATA SSDs.

Figure 6: Illustrates the compatible M.2 SSD sizes (2230, 2242, 2260, 2280) and supported key types (M Key, M&B Key NVMe/PCIe).

3.5 USB-A 3.1 Ports

Three ultra-fast 10Gbps USB-A 3.1 ports provide ample connectivity for your peripherals, backward compatible with USB 3.0/2.0. These ports are suitable for connecting keyboards, mice, portable hard drives, printers, and audio interfaces. Each USB interface supports up to 4.5W (5V/0.9A) power supply for external devices.

Figure 7: Shows the dock connected to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, demonstrating the utility of the USB-A ports.

3.6 SD/TF 4.0 Card Readers

Pro-grade SD/TF 4.0 card speeds (up to 312MB/s) allow for instant transfer of RAW photos and 4K videos, streamlining workflows for drone and DSLR users.

Figure 8: The dock's SD and TF card slots are shown alongside a camera, indicating their use for media transfer.

3.7 Aluminum Shell and Heat Dissipation

The dock features an all-aluminum shell designed for excellent heat dissipation, ensuring stable performance even under heavy loads. This helps maintain optimal operating temperatures for both the dock and the integrated Mac mini.

Figure 9: Illustrates the cooling design of the aluminum shell and a temperature test graph showing lower temperatures compared to other solutions.

4. סעטאַפּ גייד

4.1 Preparing the Enclosure and Installing Your Computer

1. Step 1: Prepare the Enclosure. Use the provided screwdriver to remove the four screws on the bottom panel of the dock. Gently remove the bottom cover.
2. Step 2: Install Your Computer. Align the product's power button with your computer's auxiliary power button. Securely install the Mac mini unit into the dock. Replace the bottom cover and tighten all four screws.

Figure 10: Visual guide for preparing the enclosure and installing the Mac mini into the dock.

4.2 Installing Your Hard Drive and Making Connections

3. Step 3: Install Your Hard Drive. Remove the screws from the hard drive cover. Insert the M.2 SSD drive at a 45-degree angle into the slot. Apply the thermal paste and secure the SSD with the rubber plug. Replace the cover and tighten the screws.
4. Step 4: Make Connections. Connect the PD power cable to the dock's PD port. Connect the 40Gbps host cable from the dock's HOST port to your computer's Thunderbolt port. Turn on the power switch on the dock to begin use.

Figure 11: Visual guide for installing M.2 SSDs and connecting power and data cables to the dock.

5. אָפּעראַציע

5.1 מאַכט אויף

After connecting all necessary cables, press the power button on the dock to turn it on. The blue LED indicator light will illuminate.

5.2 Using Display Outputs

Connect your monitors to the DisplayPort outputs on the dock. For triple display setup, utilize your Mac mini's native HDMI or Thunderbolt port in addition to the two DisplayPorts on the dock. Ensure your monitor input source is set correctly to DisplayPort.

5.3 Managing Storage (RAID Modes)

The dock supports Default, RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD modes for the dual M.2 SSDs. Refer to the RAID Functionality Overview table in Section 3.4 for details on capacity, speed, and security ratings for each mode. Configuration of RAID modes is typically done via software or specific hardware settings, which may vary based on your operating system and SSDs.

5.4 Using USB Ports and Card Readers

Connect your USB-A devices (keyboard, mouse, external drives, etc.) to the 10Gbps USB-A ports. Insert SD or TF cards into the respective slots for high-speed data transfer. The dock provides sufficient power for most USB peripherals, but for high-power devices, ensure the dock is connected to its external power source.

6. וישאַלט

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your ACASIS Mac mini M4 Dock, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• רייניקונג: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior of the dock. Avoid using liquid cleaners or abrasive materials.
• ווענטילאַטיאָן: Ensure that the ventilation openings are not obstructed to allow for proper airflow and heat dissipation.
• סטאָרידזש: ווען נישט אין באַנוץ פֿאַר לענגערע פּעריאָדן, האַלט די דאָק אין אַ קיל, טרוקן אָרט אַוועק פון דירעקט זונשייַן און עקסטרעמע טעמפּעראַטורן.
• קאַבלע פאַרוואַלטונג: האַלט די קייבלס אָרגאַניזירט און פריי פון קנייטשן אָדער איבעריקע בייגן צו פאַרמייַדן שעדיקן.

7. טראָובלעשאָאָטינג

די סעקציע באהאנדלט אלגעמיינע פראבלעמען וואס איר קענט באגעגענען און גיט לייזונגען.

Q1: My DisplayPort isn't detecting the monitor. Is this a product defect?

If your monitor shows 'No Signal', here are a few possible reasons and steps to try:

• You might be using a DP to HDMI cable, which can cause compatibility issues. We recommend using a direct DP to DP cable without any adapters.
• The monitor's input source may be set incorrectly. Make sure to set the monitor input to DP.
• The HOST cable must be connected to a Thunderbolt port on your Mac Mini M4 for the dock to work.

Q2: My USB port isn't recognizing devices. Is this a product defect?

If your USB devices aren't working, here's what might be happening:

• The HOST connection might be unstable.
• The dock may not be powered on.

פּרוּווט די פאלגענדע:

1. Use the original USB-C to USB-C cable to connect the HOST port to your computer's Thunderbolt port. Make sure the dock is turned on.
2. Connect the original power adapter to the dock's PD power port.
3. Plug your USB device (flash drive, mouse, keyboard, etc.) into the dock and check if it works.

באַמערקונג: If the device still doesn't work, try plugging it into another computer to see if the issue is with the device itself.

Q3: My dock disconnected during use, and my SSD isn't being detected.

If your dock disconnects or your SSD isn't detected during use, here's why that might happen:

• The M.2 SSD or HOST connection may be loose.
• Your SSD may require more power—make sure the dock is connected to a power source.

Here's what you can do:

1. Turn off the dock and unplug it. Remove the SSD and gently clean the gold connectors with an eraser before reinserting it.
2. Always use the power adapter when connecting high-power devices like SSDs to ensure stable performance.

באַמערקונג: When using multiple devices at once, always keep the dock plugged into power for best results.

Q4: Do I need to connect the dock to a power source during use?

Yes, it is highly recommended to connect the dock to its external power adapter during use. This ensures that every connected device receives enough power to run at full speed reliably, without draining your Mac's battery or causing performance issues.

Q5: The indicator lights on the device are too bright. Why are they there?

The power light shows whether your Mac Mini M4 is on, and the SSD light tells you if your SSD is installed correctly. These lights help you understand what's happening—like whether the device is powered on, transferring data, or experiencing an error—without needing to check your computer. If the lights are too bright, you can place a small piece of tape over them to soften the glow.

Figure 12: Common troubleshooting steps for DisplayPort and USB connectivity issues.

Figure 13: Solutions for dock disconnection, SSD detection problems, power requirements, and indicator light brightness.

8. ספּעסאַפאַקיישאַנז

8.1 Performance Test Data

The following tables provide performance test data for the ACASIS dock with Mac mini M4 and M4 Pro configurations.

Mac mini M4 Speedometer

Figure 14: Read/Write speeds for various hard disk modes and configurations with Mac mini M4.

Mac mini M4 Pro Speedometer

Figure 15: Read/Write speeds for various hard disk modes and configurations with Mac mini M4 Pro.

9. וואָראַנטי און שטיצן

ACASIS is committed to providing high-quality products and excellent customer service. For any inquiries, technical support, or warranty claims, please contact us through the following channels:

• E- בריוו שטיצן: support@acasis.com
• אָנליין סערוויס: 7x24 hours online service is available.

Please have your product model number (M002Pro) and purchase information ready when contacting support to expedite the process.