MBA rev. B, drive swap mod for 1.8" micro-sata

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Holy crap that is frikkin hard core.. congrats

 

[hybster]

Xbench scores, two to show reproducibility (I think the 4k seq write is just to the cache.. dunno):

 

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What were the before scores?

 

[Scottsdale]

Incredible. Way to go!

I always am impressed when someone is able to think something like this out and actually follows through with an idea.

Please tell us overall the speed differences between the two and the size differences between the drives. I couldn't tell from your screen shot.

Congrats on the progress for all of us. Now just need to sell your idea to a cable company who can just make a modified cable for us MBA owners who want to swap drives. Until then, off to soldering school I go.

 

[tubbymac]

Wow nice! I've soldered before but that really looks like it has a tiny margin of error between the pins. That's one scary experiment. Amazing you pulled it off!

 

[hybster]

Incredible. Way to go!

I always am impressed when someone is able to think something like this out and actually follows through with an idea.

Please tell us overall the speed differences between the two and the size differences between the drives. I couldn't tell from your screen shot.

Congrats on the progress for all of us. Now just need to sell your idea to a cable company who can just make a modified cable for us MBA owners who want to swap drives. Until then, off to soldering school I go.

Well the speed difference is quite remarkable The fit is good and not too tight.
The pins on the cable are about 0.4mm *including* spacing. Test the connections and make sure your solder points are good..

It might be worth noticing that although this is probably the same ssd as apple ships with, the writes on my mod are about double of that of the apple originals. Maybe this is firmware optimization related?

 

[Scottsdale]

Well the speed difference is quite remarkable The fit is good and not too tight.
The pins on the cable are about 0.4mm *including* spacing. Test the connections and make sure your solder points are good..

It might be worth noticing that although this is probably the same ssd as apple ships with, the writes on my mod are about double of that of the apple originals. Maybe this is firmware optimization related?

I wondered about those write speeds. Much better than mine. So you went from 120 GB HDD to 128 GB SSD? Couldn't remember..

I want to go from 128 GB SSD. And I imagine will be able to get a pretty penny since an MBA buyer will buy it. Then I want to put a 256 GB SSD in it.

I haven't looked into availability yet. But I am hopeful there is one out there that will fit using same mods you made.

Cheers.

 

[imax2k2]

Congratulations Very well done!, the soldering does look tricky, but I will give it a shot soon!

Great to see its working great!

 

[ducatidoc]

kudos! am also considering upgrading when 256gb SSDs drop in price. this guide will be a TREMENDOUS help. nice work.

 

[fteoath64]

Bravo, well done!. One small success in so many other attempts (all pretty much disappointments) gives some hope for the rest of us.

Now only would OWC or iFixIt will do a proper kit and people will buy.
I reckon gettng one of those 2.5 inch SSDs and lose the metal casing might just squeeze in there somewhere. The bare contact of plastic to the metal casing would serve as a heatsink of sorts ...

 

[sk1nhd33t]

i was wondering if this method can be done on the REV A machine?

 

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Rev A is PATA, so no, not like this..

 

[tsubikiddo]

thank you so so much~
I definitely would subscribe to this post and keep an eye on how things go

love to put sth like an Intel X18 in it

 

[Scottsdale]

Hi there OP. Any more news for us? How is it working for you? Any problems with the cable you soldered? Any improvements made?

Just wondering if I should look into a bigger SSD for my rev B MBA... I am getting anxious, but don't know if I should wait to see if April/May brings us an updated MBA with an SL9600 CPU and a 256 GB SSD and the so desired 4 GB RAM.

I really need more space than my 128 GB, but I don't want to go through all of this trouble unless it's really the only way to do it, and Apple doesn't plan to offer a BTO 256 GB SSD for the MBA anytime soon. Since Apple updated the BTO options last week for the MB and MBP but not for the MBA, I wonder what Apple is thinking???

Anyways, more news on the stability and results would be great. I assume the SSD will be fine without the removed drive cage in the MBA, but just want some verification you have had no issues.

I searched NewEgg.com and found a variety of 250 to 256 GB SSDs. Most are in the $700+ price range, in addition to finding an electronics company to modify the cable along the lines of what you did, will add another $100 or so I am sure. This is making me really think I should wait two more months and see if Apple updates the MBA or at that time the SSD prices will probably have dropped another $200. Also, the Intel SSD looks to be the best but is only 160 GB SSD. I don't think I am willing to go through the trouble for 32 GB of extra space over my stock SSD.

Anyways that is the latest for any of you considering this. I think the biggest reason to do this would be for those of you that already have an HDD who want to upgrade to SSD. There are a bunch of options in the $300 range for 128 GB of SSD.

Also note, the write speeds for the OP's tricked out version is double the standard SSD in the MBA.

 

[shokunin]

I really need more space than my 128 GB, but I don't want to go through all of this trouble unless it's really the only way to do it, and Apple doesn't plan to offer a BTO 256 GB SSD for the MBA anytime soon. Since Apple updated the BTO options last week for the MB and MBP but not for the MBA, I wonder what Apple is thinking???

Apple was thinking that there are no 256GB SSD's in 1.8" form factor that the MBA uses yet... All those drives on newegg are 2.5" notebook drives.

 

[Scottsdale]

Apple was thinking that there are no 256GB SSD's in 1.8" form factor that the MBA uses yet... All those drives on newegg are 2.5" notebook drives.

Good to note, but, I am not real sure what drive the OP used here. I know he had to remove the MBA drive protector/enclosure to make it fit.

I have not really researched other than looking at those prices.

I know the 256 GB SSD will become available for the MBA on its next revision, it's just a matter of WHEN. I would definitely rather buy a new MBA... assuming other updates are there also.

BUT, in the long run something has to happen for me, or I will be forced to figure out a way to make this happen.

Definitely will check more into the size of the drive the OP used. And will use that before ever buying one and trying this out. Also, I know I cannot do the soldering, and I would probably go to an electronics custom cable maker to get the cable modified rather than doing it myself. This would all add up to a lot of hassle.

So, please Apple, update the MBA with the SL9600 next month, put a 256 GB SSD in it, include or BTO 4 GB RAM, and use the silky smooth glass trackpad... that would make me really happy.

BUT, in the meantime, for all of the people that have a HDD rev B who want to upgrade to SSD, this thread is your possible solution. And for those of us who want more drive space, it's a starting point.

Good luck everyone.

 

[hybster]

So far, smooth sailing It really is a great difference compared to the 120gb hdd... Regarding the size of the new ssd, it is 1.8", 3.5mm thick and 79 mm long. It is a Samsung 128gb 1.8" slim ssd, as seen on http://www.samsungssd.com . The drive is traded a lot on ebay and can be had for as low as 168ukp (~230usd) including shipping, at least in europe.

Good luck!

 

[hippocratesnoah]

Would you manage to do this again - for me

So far so good. To summarize my findings:
- The soldering on the ribbon cable is quite tricky, be careful not to stress the solder joints when mounting the other ends to the replacement disk.
- I had to kill off three ground leads because I needed additional space for the data lines.
- I wrapped the disk in electrical tape, and it actually fits very well only using this for mounting combined with the ribbons going over it.
- It has been worth it, but you need to really want to do this.

xbench etc. coming later.

Hi,

would you consider doing this again for me. I would send you my micro sata samsung drive as well as the needed HHD cable. You would do your magnificent work. I would pay you a fee of course. If you would agree to this, please contect me: hippocratesnoah@gmail.com

TIA
h.

 

[Scottsdale]

Hi,

would you consider doing this again for me. I would send you my micro sata samsung drive as well as the needed HHD cable. You would do your magnificent work. I would pay you a fee of course. If you would agree to this, please contect me: hippocratesnoah@gmail.com

TIA
h.

That's funny. I would pay $50 for a deal like that... but honestly, I think the person doing it probably deserves $100.

Wondering OP, is everything still running smoothly with it? Still have double write speeds? How do you like the SSD?

If anyone is interested in going in business together to make these cables and sell them, let me know. I have a cable supplier who can do a prototype and the actual cables really cheap. I have had custom cables made before by this supplier, and I see this as a great potential. Would be a great place like MR to get the word out on what we have for sale here. I am only interested in doing this if I have a partner, as I don't have enough time to do all work myself.

Anyone interested in being a Mac parts supplier with me? Could be fun too, to work with something we love. I have also thought about getting into iPod/iPhone accessories, as it's a larger target market and seems to be a lot of profit potential in accessories.

 

[hybster]

Hi,

would you consider doing this again for me. I would send you my micro sata samsung drive as well as the needed HHD cable. You would do your magnificent work. I would pay you a fee of course. If you would agree to this, please contect me: hippocratesnoah@gmail.com

TIA
h.

Sorry but I am not opening a shop for this, the point of the thread was to supply an upgrade option for the daring

That's funny. I would pay $50 for a deal like that... but honestly, I think the person doing it probably deserves $100.

Wondering OP, is everything still running smoothly with it? Still have double write speeds? How do you like the SSD?

If anyone is interested in going in business together to make these cables and sell them, let me know. I have a cable supplier who can do a prototype and the actual cables really cheap. I have had custom cables made before by this supplier, and I see this as a great potential. Would be a great place like MR to get the word out on what we have for sale here. I am only interested in doing this if I have a partner, as I don't have enough time to do all work myself.

Anyone interested in being a Mac parts supplier with me? Could be fun too, to work with something we love. I have also thought about getting into iPod/iPhone accessories, as it's a larger target market and seems to be a lot of profit potential in accessories.

Yea it really works quite well, havent seen any issues at all. Battery time has gone up about 15-20 min over the hdd model, so really the best 250 usd upgrade I have ever had. Thanks for the opportunity of a joint-venture, but I do not have the time for anything much besides uni at the moment.

Is it not about time somebody else did this and posted pics? Come on Scott...

 

[hippocratesnoah]

Well, I'm desperate

Sorry but I am not opening a shop for this, the point of the thread was to supply an upgrade option for the daring
Scott...

I just finished studies, left my university behind and can tell what final exams etc means. I do understand. However: Since there is absolutely no way for me to repeat the steps you did - even given the pics you uploaded - and since there is NO LIF to micro/sata adapter, NO LIF drive on free market and NO solution in sight - I would ask you one more time to have mercy with a desperate soul and do it just once again (see what I mean - I'm really in despair). All you have to do is the soldering. Everything else would be shipped to you, ready to go. Just solder, and ship back.

If you wish you can also send me your drive and keep my (new samsung micro sata 128GB SSD).

If my drive is damaged: My bad luck. I won't press any charges.

You on the other hand can make some cash for your service. If you wish in advance via PayPal.

(I'm begging right? Better stop.)

TIA
h.

 

[Scottsdale]

Sorry but I am not opening a shop for this, the point of the thread was to supply an upgrade option for the daring



Yea it really works quite well, havent seen any issues at all. Battery time has gone up about 15-20 min over the hdd model, so really the best 250 usd upgrade I have ever had. Thanks for the opportunity of a joint-venture, but I do not have the time for anything much besides uni at the moment.

Is it not about time somebody else did this and posted pics? Come on Scott...

My MBA was stolen. I am waiting on a rev C MBA. Problem is, there is no 256 GB SSD on the market that meets the size requirements. It's not worth doing it if already have SSD as only thing gained is improved write speed.

Like I said earlier in the thread, I know a cabling company that has made some specialized cables for me. We could get a prototype of this LIF/SATA cable made for a few hundred bucks. The problem is, there are no bigger SSDs on the market, so the only upgraders would be from HDDs. Tough market until a 256 GB SSD is made that will fit in a rev B. Then upgraders from 128 GB SSD and HDD would make the switch.

I just want a rev C MBA with SSD now. Had my rev B not been stolen, I would have strongly considered upgrading the SSD if there was one available with 256 GB.

If a rev C MBA doesn't have the extra CPU, RAM, and drive space, the rev B may continue to live on, but I expect the rev C to be a big improvement and move us all to the rev C.

 

[mac jones]

Those SSDs are a huge improvement over the 4200rpm drives.

I just couldn't even use the 4200rpm any longer.

I was concerned when I heard that Apple used a LIF SATA cable in the rev.B machines as I had an feeling it was going to be hard to find outside of Apple.

The rev. A situation is better these days as you can now get a Kingspec that supposedly works in the Air (can be had on EBAY: 1.8,ZIF,5mm,64GB or 128GB , $270US for the 64GB) or use the Samsung ZIF (even though they want way too much money for them still)

I have the Kingspec but am using it in another machine.

I'm totally sold on SSDs.

(ok a worthless post ...just wasting time on a Sat. afternoon )

 

[Scottsdale]

Those SSDs are a huge improvement over the 4200rpm drives.

I just couldn't even use the 4200rpm any longer.

I was concerned when I heard that Apple used a LIF SATA cable in the rev.B machines as I had an feeling it was going to be hard to find outside of Apple.

The rev. A situation is better these days as you can now get a Kingspec that supposedly works in the Air (can be had on EBAY: 1.8,ZIF,5mm,64GB or 128GB , $270US for the 64GB) or use the Samsung ZIF (even though they want way too much money for them still)

I have the Kingspec but am using it in another machine.

I'm totally sold on SSDs.

(ok a worthless post ...just wasting time on a Sat. afternoon )

You know I totally agree. The difference for $500 is a completely usable primary Mac as an MBA with SSD. With the 4200 rpm HDD, it isn't even fun or usable! It is extremely disappointing! Most people get pissed when I say this, but it really is worth every penny to do the SSD upgrade. And if you have a HDD, do this mod and buy a Samsung SSD for $225 now!

 

[mhobelsb]

hello there

so these

http://cgi.ebay.com/KingSpec-128GB-...4|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

will work in an rev.b air?