Upgrading 2013-2015 Macbook Pro SSD to M.2 NVMe

[User9]

[Update]

15" rMBP mid-2014 11,3, a new WD Black NVMe M.2 7.2017/fw B35500WD and a CY adapter. Old BootROM MBP112.0138.B16.

Updated BootROM to latest MBP112.0142.B00
With a Apple AHCI SSD as internal drive, updated, swapped in the NVMe. Installed OS.

Success. WD Black NVMe M.2 formatted 4k sector size, Journaled GPT, installed 10.13 and then 10.12. Internal NVMe SSD works as boot drive.

One hitch in my system with the WD Black, in both 10.12 & 10.13:
Restart/Reboot times out to ? folder. With Battery or AC.
Shutdown then Power Button successfully boots.
Sleep-Wake works with a quick, cursory test.
During the OS install, with auto-reboots, I manually shutdown and powered up (otherwise boots from external Installer drive). The NVMe drive always appeared as a boot drive when Option key was held [Edit:] [at cold-boot].

Will another NVMe brand be trouble-free?

Hi there, did you manage to find a fix for your reboot then hang issue with the WD Black NVMe as I am having the exact same damn problem! Thanks!
[doublepost=1509096588][/doublepost]Could someone please confirm for me that Kingston HyperX predator SSD AHCI does not have any of the sleep hang and reboot to ?Folder errors? Thanks
[doublepost=1509096801][/doublepost]Kingston HyperX predator SSD AHCI works with no problems what so ever? Would someone confirm for me as I need to be able to use the laptop with sleep, hibernate, power saving for battery and can safely reboot without errors. Thanks!

 

[wawon]

I find similar phenomena at MacX86(Hackintosh). Because of using 3rd party SSD, it may be similar MacX86.

https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/hard-drive-icon-yellow.64156/
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/orange-disk-icons-in-lion.23175/

Internal Disk(s) apear external Disk(s), 25-30sec delay boot, It is similar. The Solution is like that "Install IOAHCIBlockstorageinjector via Mulitbeast".

Mulitbeast:
http://www.multibeast.com

IOAHCIBlockstorageinjector:
https://www.hackintosh.zone/file/1028-hackintosh-high-sierra-basic-kexts/

I feel like I'm getting deeply into the depth.

It explains how to fix NVMe SSD which installed as external disk into internal disk with MacX86.

https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...0-13-on-x99-full-success.227001/#post-1542618

Look at "E.4) M.2/NVME Configuration:".
This method uses "Clover" (boot loader). Even for native MacBook Pro/Air, Clover can be applicable, But I don't want. We should learn about that method. I want to use more simple and easy way, not using Clover, if possible.

Clover:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/cloverefiboot/

As for later 2015 Macs (MacBook Pro/Air), this patch is not need because NVMe SSD installed as internal disk.


Additional notes　2017/10/28

I found a patch for kext that could be applied.

https://github.com/RehabMan/patch-nvme

"That way HackrNVMeFamily-*.kext can be used for 10.12/10.11 and IONVMeFamily.kext (native) can be used on 10.13."
"The result is HackrNVMeFamily-10_11_5.kext. You can install it to /S/L/E, /L/E, or use Clover kext injection with it. It will not interfere with IONVMeFamily.kext and system updates will not change it."

/S/L/E = /System/Library/Extensions
/L/E = /Library/Extensions

I tried, a error with "Vanilla MD5 does not match" had occurred. (now I am on 10.12.6 Sierra) But there are pre-bult kext(s) in that zip file, you may use soon. (I don't have test environment now.)

 

[User9]

Thanks for the info! Any chance you have come across the Kingston HyperX predator SSD if it had the same sleep and reboot hang issues?

 

[DarkMeLo]

Thanks for the info! Any chance you have come across the Kingston HyperX predator SSD if it had the same sleep and reboot hang issues?

I am using a XP941 which is a Samsung PCIe AHCI ssd with Sintech adapter on my mbpr Mid 2014 13". Unlike @gilles_polysoft's report, I've been using it for about a few days without any issues with sleep or hibernation. I haven't touched the terminal either, which means with the adapter it is working out of the box.

HOWEVER, I have noticed that there are two different adapters both branded "Sintech". One adapter is from ebay, is smaller and the connection to the ssd and the logicboard was very lose and did not 'click' satisfyingly. With this adapter, I found various issues such as ?folder or the drive not being recognised at all. It was both kapton taped and insulated properly, still no stable success.

I received another 'sintech' adapter directly from their website, in which the pins were a lot more bigger and the adapter itself had a bigger pcb. With this one, the ssd clicked in solidly as well as to the logicboard. So far no issues (quick sleep, long 8+ sleeps, reboot) and all work fine. The ssd speeds have also literally doubled (check screenshot).

I cannot say for the Kingston Predator, but I assume there won't be any difference with the AHCI protocol? (Check out how the system report shows the XP941 on the screen shot)

Please pm me if anybody wants to see how the two adapters compare, I will then post a thorough comparison here. I would also then like to see if the NVMe testers are using the shorter (dodgy) adapter or the better bigger adapter.

Cheers,
Timothy

 

[xelanaiznac]

hi guys.
strange situation here.
MacBook Pro 15 mid-2015, usb high Sierra installer.
it doesn't recognize my 960 evo, connected trough cenyang adapter

 

[wawon]

hi guys.
strange situation here.
MacBook Pro 15 mid-2015, usb high Sierra installer.
it doesn't recognize my 960 evo, connected trough cenyang adapter

Is that 960 evo formatted? High Sierra Disk Util (App) dose not recognize un-formatted Disk. you can use command -line tool with Terminal. if that 960 evo is formatted, click "show all" from menu at Disk Util (App).

 

[xelanaiznac]

Dose that 960 evo is formatted? High Sierra Disk Util (App) dose not recognize un-formatted Disk. you can use command -line tool with Terminal. if that 960 evo is formatted, click "show all" from menu at Disk Util (App).

Thank you for the answer.
960 evo is brand new.
What’s the command to initialize it from terminal?

 

[Earl Urley]

For my 960 EVO, I had to do the following trick in High Sierra Disk Utility:

1- Run Disk Utility from menu

2- Select View All Devices

3- Quit Disk Utility

4- Relaunch Disk Utility

5- Select View All Devices again and SSD should be visible in list

After this the 960 EVO was visible in the list of devices and could be formatted with Disk Utility; I used APFS format and a single partition, was able to install HS after.

Note: I had already updated the Late 2013 rMBP to High Sierra and the new Boot ROM on a Samsung PM 951 AHCI. If the Boot ROM isn't updated you won't see the 960. On my machine that Boot ROM is MBP121.0171.B00.

 

[alainma91]

hello

if it is not visible with disk utility,
https://tinyapps.org/blog/mac/201710010700_high_sierra_disk_utility.html
it was the solution for my MBA 2014 with WD Black 512go

 

[User9]

I am using a XP941 which is a Samsung PCIe AHCI ssd with Sintech adapter on my mbpr Mid 2014 13". Unlike @gilles_polysoft's report, I've been using it for about a few days without any issues with sleep or hibernation. I haven't touched the terminal either, which means with the adapter it is working out of the box.

HOWEVER, I have noticed that there are two different adapters both branded "Sintech". One adapter is from ebay, is smaller and the connection to the ssd and the logicboard was very lose and did not 'click' satisfyingly. With this adapter, I found various issues such as ?folder or the drive not being recognised at all. It was both kapton taped and insulated properly, still no stable success.

I received another 'sintech' adapter directly from their website, in which the pins were a lot more bigger and the adapter itself had a bigger pcb. With this one, the ssd clicked in solidly as well as to the logicboard. So far no issues (quick sleep, long 8+ sleeps, reboot) and all work fine. The ssd speeds have also literally doubled (check screenshot).

I cannot say for the Kingston Predator, but I assume there won't be any difference with the AHCI protocol? (Check out how the system report shows the XP941 on the screen shot)

Please pm me if anybody wants to see how the two adapters compare, I will then post a thorough comparison here. I would also then like to see if the NVMe testers are using the shorter (dodgy) adapter or the better bigger adapter.

Cheers,
Timothy

Thanks! Would you mind post the pictures of the adapters that work best for you here for us to compare as sounds like there are different versions. Needs to make sure my is not the version 1 lol

 

[xelanaiznac]

For my 960 EVO, I had to do the following trick in High Sierra Disk Utility:

1- Run Disk Utility from menu

2- Select View All Devices

3- Quit Disk Utility

4- Relaunch Disk Utility

5- Select View All Devices again and SSD should be visible in list

After this the 960 EVO was visible in the list of devices and could be formatted with Disk Utility; I used APFS format and a single partition, was able to install HS after.

Note: I had already updated the Late 2013 rMBP to High Sierra and the new Boot ROM on a Samsung PM 951 AHCI. If the Boot ROM isn't updated you won't see the 960. On my machine that Boot ROM is MBP121.0171.B00.

thank you, it did the trick

 

[wawon]

Thank you for the answer.
960 evo is brand new.
What’s the command to initialize it from terminal?

1 diskutil list

check your drive. ex. /dev/disk0

2 diskutil eraseDisk JHFS+ "MacintoshHD" /dev/disk0

replace /dev/disk0 to your disk. "MacintoshHD" is disk name. JHFS+ is format type.

3 exit

then return to diskutil.app (not command-line). reformat your disk using diskutil.app again.

 

[DarkMeLo]

Comparing TWO 12-16pin adapters, both labelled "Sintech":

Macbook Pro 13" Mid-2014
Samsung XP941 AHCI 256GB
1 x Sintech Adapter - EBAY
1 x Sintech Adapter - Sintech Website

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison

In the photos, LEFT is from eBay and RIGHT is from the Sintech website. Please keep in mind that they are both labelled SINTECH. Both were tested with kapton tapes and rubber strips.

EBAY adapter- I had troubles with the eBay Sintech adapter. Troubles mostly involved drive recognition and failure during macos installation etc (connection issue).

Sintech- The RIGHT one from the Sintech website worked flawlessly with Samsung XP941 AHCI. No problems with sleep, hibernation, rebooting, heavy load etc, without any modifications to the "pmset" command. Speed has doubled from the original apple ssd.

1. Size

The two seem to be different in size. The photo should be quite clear the SINTECH is taller, longer, and thicker. This actually affects the way the bottom cover sits on the laptop (refer to image 1). However this is not a problem once you press it down and screwing it in (refer to image 2). It has not affected heat, connection or anything so far.

2. Quality

It is also evident in person that the SINTECH adapter has much better quality. As evident in the comparison photos, the pins are much bigger, clearer, and longer than the eBAY adapter. Connection to both the ssd and the logic board is also evidently solid. It "clicks" better, stays put, and is positioned much better. The eBay adapter fails to do so and is very loose.

- Referring to images 3 and 4, the eBay adapter is very loose and the screw hole doesn't align properly no matter how many times i recheck the connectivity. It hardly recognises the drives anyway.
- Referring to images 5 and 6, the Sintech adapter springs up the ssd like a normal m.2 slot does and once you place it down the ssd notch matches up with the screw hole perfectly.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conclusion:

Both adapters were labelled "Sintech", yet one worked better than the other.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Important Notes:

1. My testings showed that the eBay adapter struggled to make a stable connection, even with all the kapton taping and rubber strips. It may be possible that users who have had connectivity issues may have used the eBay one and not the better SINTECH adapter. (Possible effects could include issues with sleep/hibernation, rebooting, drive recognition, or inconsistent speeds)

2. I'm genuinely wondering if the quality of the adapters are having any influence on the users' results with any ssd's. It may be the case that the "connectivity" issue is also affecting NVMe drives particularly with sleep/hibernation or inconsistent performance.

I would like to ask all users who have tried out the adapters so far (even other brands) to check whether theirs fit any description I have shown. Please report on which connector you have and how your results are with what machine and drive. It would be interesting to see if it does have any influence on performance, drive recognition, and even NVMe compatibility.

Regards,
Timothy

 

[BiscottiGelato]

My original Samsung SSD just died on my Late 2013 13" rMBP. Thinking of buying a OWC Aura Pro as replacement. Anybody got experience with that?
https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/owc-aura-pro-x-ssd

 

[User9]

Comparing TWO 12-16pin adapters, both labelled "Sintech":

Macbook Pro 13" Mid-2014
Samsung XP941 AHCI 256GB
1 x Sintech Adapter - EBAY
1 x Sintech Adapter - Sintech Website

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison

In the photos, LEFT is from eBay and RIGHT is from the Sintech website. Please keep in mind that they are both labelled SINTECH. Both were tested with kapton tapes and rubber strips.

EBAY adapter- I had troubles with the eBay Sintech adapter. Troubles mostly involved drive recognition and failure during macos installation etc (connection issue).

Sintech- The RIGHT one from the Sintech website worked flawlessly with Samsung XP941 AHCI. No problems with sleep, hibernation, rebooting, heavy load etc, without any modifications to the "pmset" command. Speed has doubled from the original apple ssd.

1. Size

The two seem to be different in size. The photo should be quite clear the SINTECH is taller, longer, and thicker. This actually affects the way the bottom cover sits on the laptop (refer to image 1). However this is not a problem once you press it down and screwing it in (refer to image 2). It has not affected heat, connection or anything so far.

2. Quality

It is also evident in person that the SINTECH adapter has much better quality. As evident in the comparison photos, the pins are much bigger, clearer, and longer than the eBAY adapter. Connection to both the ssd and the logic board is also evidently solid. It "clicks" better, stays put, and is positioned much better. The eBay adapter fails to do so and is very loose.

- Referring to images 3 and 4, the eBay adapter is very loose and the screw hole doesn't align properly no matter how many times i recheck the connectivity. It hardly recognises the drives anyway.
- Referring to images 5 and 6, the Sintech adapter springs up the ssd like a normal m.2 slot does and once you place it down the ssd notch matches up with the screw hole perfectly.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conclusion:

Both adapters were labelled "Sintech", yet one worked better than the other.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Important Notes:

1. My testings showed that the eBay adapter struggled to make a stable connection, even with all the kapton taping and rubber strips. It may be possible that users who have had connectivity issues may have used the eBay one and not the better SINTECH adapter. (Possible effects could include issues with sleep/hibernation, rebooting, drive recognition, or inconsistent speeds)

2. I'm genuinely wondering if the quality of the adapters are having any influence on the users' results with any ssd's. It may be the case that the "connectivity" issue is also affecting NVMe drives particularly with sleep/hibernation or inconsistent performance.

I would like to ask all users who have tried out the adapters so far (even other brands) to check whether theirs fit any description I have shown. Please report on which connector you have and how your results are with what machine and drive. It would be interesting to see if it does have any influence on performance, drive recognition, and even NVMe compatibility.

Regards,
Timothy

Shi*t! I might have the infrrior adapter... re-order it is. Thanks!

 

[supergaia]

I use these settings and haven't had any kernel panics, crashes, or other issues. Also I close the laptop and wake it up after random periods (30 minutes-several hours) and no problems waking up or running after.

hi does it work imac too?
thanks

 

[User9]

Comparing TWO 12-16pin adapters, both labelled "Sintech":

Macbook Pro 13" Mid-2014
Samsung XP941 AHCI 256GB
1 x Sintech Adapter - EBAY
1 x Sintech Adapter - Sintech Website

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison

In the photos, LEFT is from eBay and RIGHT is from the Sintech website. Please keep in mind that they are both labelled SINTECH. Both were tested with kapton tapes and rubber strips.

EBAY adapter- I had troubles with the eBay Sintech adapter. Troubles mostly involved drive recognition and failure during macos installation etc (connection issue).

Sintech- The RIGHT one from the Sintech website worked flawlessly with Samsung XP941 AHCI. No problems with sleep, hibernation, rebooting, heavy load etc, without any modifications to the "pmset" command. Speed has doubled from the original apple ssd.

1. Size

The two seem to be different in size. The photo should be quite clear the SINTECH is taller, longer, and thicker. This actually affects the way the bottom cover sits on the laptop (refer to image 1). However this is not a problem once you press it down and screwing it in (refer to image 2). It has not affected heat, connection or anything so far.

2. Quality

It is also evident in person that the SINTECH adapter has much better quality. As evident in the comparison photos, the pins are much bigger, clearer, and longer than the eBAY adapter. Connection to both the ssd and the logic board is also evidently solid. It "clicks" better, stays put, and is positioned much better. The eBay adapter fails to do so and is very loose.

- Referring to images 3 and 4, the eBay adapter is very loose and the screw hole doesn't align properly no matter how many times i recheck the connectivity. It hardly recognises the drives anyway.
- Referring to images 5 and 6, the Sintech adapter springs up the ssd like a normal m.2 slot does and once you place it down the ssd notch matches up with the screw hole perfectly.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conclusion:

Both adapters were labelled "Sintech", yet one worked better than the other.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Important Notes:

1. My testings showed that the eBay adapter struggled to make a stable connection, even with all the kapton taping and rubber strips. It may be possible that users who have had connectivity issues may have used the eBay one and not the better SINTECH adapter. (Possible effects could include issues with sleep/hibernation, rebooting, drive recognition, or inconsistent speeds)

2. I'm genuinely wondering if the quality of the adapters are having any influence on the users' results with any ssd's. It may be the case that the "connectivity" issue is also affecting NVMe drives particularly with sleep/hibernation or inconsistent performance.

I would like to ask all users who have tried out the adapters so far (even other brands) to check whether theirs fit any description I have shown. Please report on which connector you have and how your results are with what machine and drive. It would be interesting to see if it does have any influence on performance, drive recognition, and even NVMe compatibility.

Regards,
Timothy

So to confirm in the picture the one that is bigger is the better one with the 17 on it?

Just looked Sintech now sells the inferior one only now...

 

[DarkMeLo]

So to confirm in the picture the one that is bigger is the better one with the 17 on it?

Just looked Sintech now sells the inferior one only now...

No, the sintech eshop website showed the product image the same as the ebay one, but sent me the better one. I'm assuming that their adapters are now new and the inferior ones are from an older batch which the ebay resellers still have in stock. Shipping from the sintech website was pretty quick (to Australia at least), give it a try. Let us know which one you receive if you do.

 

[Audit13]

I just received a Sintech adapter that I ordered from the Sintech website about 3 weeks ago and it is the bigger version, not the smaller version.

I'm going to order the 256 GB Intel 600p for an mid-2013 Air.

 

[DarkMeLo]

I just received a Sintech adapter that I ordered from the Sintech website about 3 weeks ago and it is the bigger version, not the smaller version.

I'm going to order the 256 GB Intel 600p for an mid-2013 Air.

That adds to the possibility that Sintech did improve the adapters. Let us know how you go with sleep/hibernation with the 600p and 2013 air, since it’s NVMe.

I’ll also try a 600p or a 960evo with the mk II adapter if I can get access to one of the drives.

Regards,
Timothy

 

[Audit13]

That adds to the possibility that Sintech did improve the adapters. Let us know how you go with sleep/hibernation with the 600p and 2013 air, since it’s NVMe.

I’ll also try a 600p or a 960evo with the mk II adapter if I can get access to one of the drives.

Regards,
Timothy

Not sure if I should get the 960 EVO instead. Price is CAD $143 for the 600p and CAD $185 for the 960.

 

[DarkMeLo]

Not sure if I should get the 960 EVO instead. Price is CAD $143 for the 600p and CAD $185 for the 960.

They do have different drivers though, interested to see if there are any effects compared to the previous reports from the users.

 

[xelanaiznac]

hi guys.
I'm experience strange behavior here.
MacBook Pro 15 mid-2015
samsung 960 evo 500gb + cenyang adapter
high Sierra 10.13 hfs (not apfs)

really bad ssd thermal throttling, anyway to fix it? I have 960 evo in my Hackintosh + small heatsink and that did the trick. I have seen this issue running both agates and blackmagic disk speed test
how can we make colder the ssd in MacBook Pro?

 

[Audit13]

Hi,

I found someone selling an HP OEM sm951 (MZVPV256HDGL ) and a Dell OEM SK Hynix (HFS512GD9MND-5510A).

I've heard about thermal throttling on the Samsung drives. Anyone know anything about the Hynix? I'm in the process of finializing my purchase and would appreciate any advice.

Thank you.

 

[xelanaiznac]

Comparing TWO 12-16pin adapters, both labelled "Sintech":

Macbook Pro 13" Mid-2014
Samsung XP941 AHCI 256GB
1 x Sintech Adapter - EBAY
1 x Sintech Adapter - Sintech Website

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison

In the photos, LEFT is from eBay and RIGHT is from the Sintech website. Please keep in mind that they are both labelled SINTECH. Both were tested with kapton tapes and rubber strips.

EBAY adapter- I had troubles with the eBay Sintech adapter. Troubles mostly involved drive recognition and failure during macos installation etc (connection issue).

Sintech- The RIGHT one from the Sintech website worked flawlessly with Samsung XP941 AHCI. No problems with sleep, hibernation, rebooting, heavy load etc, without any modifications to the "pmset" command. Speed has doubled from the original apple ssd.

1. Size

The two seem to be different in size. The photo should be quite clear the SINTECH is taller, longer, and thicker. This actually affects the way the bottom cover sits on the laptop (refer to image 1). However this is not a problem once you press it down and screwing it in (refer to image 2). It has not affected heat, connection or anything so far.

2. Quality

It is also evident in person that the SINTECH adapter has much better quality. As evident in the comparison photos, the pins are much bigger, clearer, and longer than the eBAY adapter. Connection to both the ssd and the logic board is also evidently solid. It "clicks" better, stays put, and is positioned much better. The eBay adapter fails to do so and is very loose.

- Referring to images 3 and 4, the eBay adapter is very loose and the screw hole doesn't align properly no matter how many times i recheck the connectivity. It hardly recognises the drives anyway.
- Referring to images 5 and 6, the Sintech adapter springs up the ssd like a normal m.2 slot does and once you place it down the ssd notch matches up with the screw hole perfectly.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conclusion:

Both adapters were labelled "Sintech", yet one worked better than the other.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Important Notes:

1. My testings showed that the eBay adapter struggled to make a stable connection, even with all the kapton taping and rubber strips. It may be possible that users who have had connectivity issues may have used the eBay one and not the better SINTECH adapter. (Possible effects could include issues with sleep/hibernation, rebooting, drive recognition, or inconsistent speeds)

2. I'm genuinely wondering if the quality of the adapters are having any influence on the users' results with any ssd's. It may be the case that the "connectivity" issue is also affecting NVMe drives particularly with sleep/hibernation or inconsistent performance.

I would like to ask all users who have tried out the adapters so far (even other brands) to check whether theirs fit any description I have shown. Please report on which connector you have and how your results are with what machine and drive. It would be interesting to see if it does have any influence on performance, drive recognition, and even NVMe compatibility.

Regards,
Timothy

hi, did you order this one?
http://eshop.sintech.cn/ngff-m2-pcie-ssd-card-as-2013-2014-2015-macbook-ssd-p-1139.html

or the b version?
http://eshop.sintech.cn/ngff-m2-pcie-ssd-card-as-2013-2014-2015-macbook-ssd-p-1143.html