USB-C vs. TB5 on Mac mini M4 Pro

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Level 1

12 points

USB-C vs. TB5 on Mac mini M4 Pro

Hi,

I plan to attach most of my USB devices to a single powered USB hub. The hub I own is a 16-port Orico one. I should use some 10 or 11 of the available ports, at the moment.

For multiple USB devices on the same port, the front USB-C ports of a Mac mini M4 Pro are fine, or should I better use one of the TB5 ports on the back? When used with a USB 3.0 hub, is there any difference in total bandwidth and reliability between the two?

Paolo

Mac mini (M4)

Posted on Mar 27, 2025 2:20 PM

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Answer 1

MartinR

Level 7

22,711 points

Mar 27, 2025 2:35 PM in response to PaoloT.

USB-C is just the type of connector.

The front USB-C ports on both the M4 & M4Pro mini support USB 3.0 (up to 10Gbps)
The rear USB-C ports on the M4Pro mini support USB 4 (up to 120Gbps), Thunderbolt 5 (up to 120 Gbps) and Displayport.

If you use a USB 3.0 hub then it doesn't make any difference which USB-C port on the mini you use because everything connected to the hub will be limited by the hub's USB 3.0 spec (5 Gbps). It also does not make any difference which USB-C port you use even if your hub is USB 3.1 (10Gbps).

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Answer 2

tbirdvet

Level 6

15,629 points

Mar 27, 2025 4:54 PM in response to PaoloT.

The rear TB5 port can carry more current than the USB ports on the front but if you have a good powered hub it may not make a difference but you can test.

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USB-C vs. TB5 on Mac mini M4 Pro