Do they have some sort of speed degradation forced by the firmware? I read on Reddit that some of they may have a firmware that slows them down so they will never be as fast as an internal HDD. Did you notice something similar?

My idea was to run it in a mini PC, where I self host some services. I’m not sure if there are HBAs in a small form factor that would allow me to install it on the mini PC (GMKtec G10).

I see some WD Elements external HDDs and they seem to be cheaper than internal HDDs. I don’t know if they’re worth it, though. For example, a 5TB one is about $130.