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

[notgonna]

What is your OS version when your old ssd dead ? If its lower than high sierra, then internet recovery wont be able to help you initialize the new ssd,

create a Mojave USB installer, and boot from that. If there are no issue with ssd or adapter, you should be able.to format the ssd using disk utility in the installer.

Thanks. I did as you have suggested, but no update to the Boot ROM (186.0.0.0). I think I need to install my Apple SSD in order for the Boot ROM to be updated to 196.0.0.0. I may just hold off until Big Sur release 11.0.2 and do it then.

Thank you. I do have a spare volume, and tried this as you described. But, instead of truly booting from the USB drive and directly going to Install macOS Catalina, I briefly get a Recovery window and then it goes straight into the four options, of which one is the reinstall, and then select Install and choose install Catalina. This doesn't update the internal to machine Boot Rom EFI.

I deleted my Recovery volumes,

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/delete-repair-mac-recovery-partition
diskutil list

Don’t work:
diskutil eraseVolume APFS Blank disk2s3<code></code>
diskutil eraseVolume APFS Blank [disk2s3]<code></code>\
Works:
diskutil eraseVolume APFS Blank disk1s3

Yet, when restarting with the USB drive selected (built with DiskMaker X 9 for macOS Catalina), I see the same Recovery not the expected Install Catalina page.

Ugh. Any tips on how to avoid this Recovery process? Thanks.

I likely need to install my Apple SSD in order for the Boot ROM to be updated to 196.0.0.0. I may just hold off until Big Sur release 11.0.2 and do it then.

From another thread:
Did you replaced your 12+16 Apple OEM PCIe SSD for a standard NVMe/AHCI M.2? If so, install it back and then reinstall Catalina.

Some Macs need the original 12+16 Apple OEM PCIe SSD to do the firmware upgrade installed.

 

[spockers]

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to know if NVMe ssd will work on MacBook Air 13 inch 2015? I've been seeing mixed messages on whether or not this SSD will work on the latest version of Catalina. I am not the most tech-knowledgeable, i can do most things, however if it is considerably easier for me to install a regular m.2 sata drive, than messing around with an NVMe, i can do that.
Any help would be appreciated, thanks

 

[xboxbml]

One thing i can suggest is, to use short adapter for 8200 pro, because 8200 is a two sided SSD, thus it has extra thickness from the bottom part component. With long adapter, it has less space.

Yeah I was thinking about that earlier today actually.. I'm getting on to order one now.. I was trying to find a good pic of a straight on side view of the short one to see the interface offsets. I really think that's why this long one is hitting. Thanks. It's ordered. I'll know on Saturday..

 

[herb2k]

Yeah I was thinking about that earlier today actually.. I'm getting on to order one now.. I was trying to find a good pic of a straight on side view of the short one to see the interface offsets. I really think that's why this long one is hitting. Thanks. It's ordered. I'll know on Saturday..

I had the SX8200 Pro for a couple weeks to test it out - works well with the short adapter, but you need to tape the exposed pins on BOTH sides - that will effectively insulate the back side components and keep the thickness low enough so it doesn't interfere with your case.

 

[linamar]

What is your OS version when your old ssd dead ? If its lower than high sierra, then internet recovery wont be able to help you initialize the new ssd,

create a Mojave USB installer, and boot from that. If there are no issue with ssd or adapter, you should be able.to format the ssd using disk utility in the installer.

Thank youuu! This worked, I created a Mojave USB installer and it finally read the new SSD.
I didn't have another Mac to help me create the boot, so I followed the instructions of a youtube video that included download links for Mojave and TransMac (used for creating the boot with Windows). Its in Spanish but maybe it will be helpful for someone else.

 

[mrsh]

Hi, please help a girl out ) I could use a little advice, ive read the whole initial post and done some research online but not sure if im heading in the right direction. This will be my first SSD replacement and hoping for some advice I'm not the best with all the tech stuff so would be great for someone to check this for me

I have:

Macbook pro, 13" retina, Early 2015
8GB DDR 3
Current SSD 256GB (mac)

I want

to upgrade to a 1TB SSD
Mainly for storage, if speed increases that would be cool, but I'm quite ok with current speed.
Good to know: The 'strongest' program I use as Adobe PS lightroom 9.2 + Microsoft office.

Q1: which adaptor do I need - I can only find: https://tinyurl.com/yxubw4k7 - but it states late 2015 and not early 2015?

Q2: I was thinking to buy this drive ( I am on a student budget: https://tinyurl.com/y66bejwg )
Would this be faster or equal to what I have now, and is it ok for my usage purposes?

Q3: Is my empty 256 apple SSD still worth anything, and what is the best way to sell at approx what worth/price?

See below the info of current SSD:

Macintosh HD - Gegevens:
Free: 84,45 GB (84.454.154.240 bytes)
Capacity: 250,79 GB (250.790.436.864 bytes)
Mount Point: /System/Volumes/Data
File System: APFS
Writable: Yes
Ignore Ownership: No
BSD Name: disk1s1
Volume UUID: E6ACF082-9147-4C33-8509-DC3681CCEB6D
Physical Drive:
Device Name: APPLE SSD SM0256G
Media Name: AppleAPFSMedia
Medium Type: SSD
Protocol: PCI
Internal: Yes
Partition Map Type: Unknown
S.M.A.R.T. Status: Verified

Q4 I already have a screwdriver and watched some installation videos But could someone please check my to do list, am I missing something?

Here is my to do list:

- time machine backup my mac on external drive
- create bootable drive with mac OSx Mojave ( catalina is not compatible with PS lightroom classic)
- delete all user data from my original ssd (reset with clean install)
- open up lid
- deconnect battery
- take out ssd
- put in new ssd
- reconnect battery
- close lid
- re-install os x from external drive
- re-install time machine backup

Any feedback is heaps appreachiated!

 

[mrsh]

Hi @nothingtoseehere, and others

I have a mbp A1502 (early 2015), 13" retina as well, and want to upgrade my SSD too so thanks for your post.
Im moving from 256GB (apple ssd) to 1TB mainly for storage, although I do want to keep the speed at least the same as what I have now.

Mainly use my mbp for photoshop lightroom + MS office, no gaming etc.

Could you please advice which adaptor you ordered?

I could find this adapter on amazon , but it doesnt include early 2015 in the list...

Ps I could find this SSD for 104$ on amazon, any thoughts on this one?

 

[Audit13]

Hi @nothingtoseehere, and others

I have a mbp A1502 (early 2015), 13" retina as well, and want to upgrade my SSD too so thanks for your post.
Im moving from 256GB (apple ssd) to 1TB mainly for storage, although I do want to keep the speed at least the same as what I have now.

Mainly use my mbp for photoshop lightroom + MS office, no gaming etc.

Could you please advice which adaptor you ordered?

I could find this adapter on amazon , but it doesnt include early 2015 in the list...

Ps I could find this SSD for 104$ on amazon, any thoughts on this one?

There is only one 13" 2015 MacBook Pro and that is the early 2015. There is no such thing as an a1502 mid-2015 or late 2015.

 

[Aleksi Korhonen]

Hi!

Is there a youtube video or instructions how to do the SSD upgrade by using an external case/enclosure? I bought a new ssd and a NVME m.2 enclosure. I figured I would plug the new ssd into the enclosure and then clone the existing SSD in it and then just swap those. However I might need some instructions on the process and if this is not possible please let me know also!

-AK

 

[hwojtek]

You know there is cloning involved, so get a cloning app (Carbon Copy Cloner) and proceed accordingly.

 

[sawpits]

Hi, please help a girl out ) I could use a little advice, ive read the whole initial post and done some research online but not sure if im heading in the right direction. This will be my first SSD replacement and hoping for some advice I'm not the best with all the tech stuff so would be great for someone to check this for me

Q1: which adaptor do I need - I can only find: https://tinyurl.com/yxubw4k7 - but it states late 2015 and not early 2015?

That is the adapter.

Sintech NGFF M.2 nVME SSD Adapter Card for Upgrade MacBook Air(2013-2016 Year) and MacBook PRO(Late 2013-2015 Year)

 

[macpro_mid2014]

Hi, please help a girl out ) I could use a little advice, ive read the whole initial post and done some research online but not sure if im heading in the right direction. This will be my first SSD replacement and hoping for some advice I'm not the best with all the tech stuff so would be great for someone to check this for me

I have:

Macbook pro, 13" retina, Early 2015
8GB DDR 3
Current SSD 256GB (mac)

I want

to upgrade to a 1TB SSD
Mainly for storage, if speed increases that would be cool, but I'm quite ok with current speed.
Good to know: The 'strongest' program I use as Adobe PS lightroom 9.2 + Microsoft office.

Q1: which adaptor do I need - I can only find: https://tinyurl.com/yxubw4k7 - but it states late 2015 and not early 2015?

The adapter is ok!

Q2: I was thinking to buy this drive ( I am on a student budget: https://tinyurl.com/y66bejwg )
Would this be faster or equal to what I have now, and is it ok for my usage purposes?

The drive is appropriate!

Q3: Is my empty 256 apple SSD still worth anything, and what is the best way to sell at approx what worth/price?

You can sell it on eBay. Search eBay for similar SSDs and put a price on it.

See below the info of current SSD:

Macintosh HD - Gegevens:
Free: 84,45 GB (84.454.154.240 bytes)
Capacity: 250,79 GB (250.790.436.864 bytes)
Mount Point: /System/Volumes/Data
File System: APFS
Writable: Yes
Ignore Ownership: No
BSD Name: disk1s1
Volume UUID: E6ACF082-9147-4C33-8509-DC3681CCEB6D
Physical Drive:
Device Name: APPLE SSD SM0256G
Media Name: AppleAPFSMedia
Medium Type: SSD
Protocol: PCI
Internal: Yes
Partition Map Type: Unknown
S.M.A.R.T. Status: Verified

Q4 I already have a screwdriver and watched some installation videos But could someone please check my to do list, am I missing something?

You will need two different types of screwdrivers: Torx and Pentalobe

Here is my to do list:

- time machine backup my mac on external drive
- create bootable drive with mac OSx Mojave ( catalina is not compatible with PS lightroom classic)
- delete all user data from my original ssd (reset with clean install)
- open up lid
- deconnect battery
- take out ssd
- put in new ssd
- reconnect battery
- close lid
- re-install os x from external drive
- re-install time machine backup

todo list looks good.

Any feedback is heaps appreachiated!

Replied inline...

 

[otosan]

It’s actually much easier than that!

Quick guide based on my experience:

You just need the LiLu.kext and NVMeFix.kext. Note: they will not load unless you do a csrutil disable in a recovery terminal session.

Once disabled, simply use the hackintool kext install function to load them into /System/Library/Extensions and reboot.

Don’t try to install opencore or clover on a real Mac... I have heard doing so might mess up the EFI and brick your board.

Hi, i tried your method, but i install it to L/E and unfortunately my mac failed to boot with it installed. (Tried with 2014 MBP and 2017 MBP)

do i have to install it in S/L/E for it to works ?

Note :
- I disable csr already from recovery terminal
- I used hackintool for kext installation and cache rebuild
- I can boot to safe mode, which confirm that the kext was actually loaded, and unfortunately causing bootloop

 

[hwojtek]

Hi, i tried your method, but i install it to L/E and unfortunately my mac failed to boot with it installed. (Tried with 2014 MBP and 2017 MBP)

Why did you do it?

do i have to install it in S/L/E for it to works ?

I believe that's what the instructions said, or didn't they?

 

[mrsh]

There is only one 13" 2015 MacBook Pro and that is the early 2015. There is no such thing as an a1502 mid-2015 or late 2015.

Ah perfect, so the adaptor and ssd i picked should work? #Greeny on all this

 

[vince22]

Ah perfect, so the adaptor and ssd i picked should work? #Greeny on all this

i think crucial P1 is good drive but personally i would prefer WDSN550 for better read/write speeds, better power management even though its dram less design for the same amount $104 in amazon.

 

[Audit13]

Ah perfect, so the adaptor and ssd i picked should work? #Greeny on all this

Yes, they should work.

Lookup Mac Specs By Serial Number, Order, Model & EMC Number, Model ID @ EveryMac.com

EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup - lookup Apple Mac, iPod, iPhone and iPad specs by serial number, order number, model number, model ID, EMC number and more.

everymac.com

I have used the same adapter in a mid-2013 Air, mid-2014 15" Pro, and early 2015 13" Air.

 

[herb2k]

Hi, i tried your method, but i install it to L/E and unfortunately my mac failed to boot with it installed. (Tried with 2014 MBP and 2017 MBP)

do i have to install it in S/L/E for it to works ?

Note :
- I disable csr already from recovery terminal
- I used hackintool for kext installation and cache rebuild
- I can boot to safe mode, which confirm that the kext was actually loaded, and unfortunately causing bootloop

Why did you do it?



I believe that's what the instructions said, or didn't they?

Hackintool picks the correct location, based on OS version.

Catalina is /Library/Extensions
Mojave and older is /System/Library/Extensions


What version of MacOS and which kind of drive do you have where it causes a boot loop? Some drives don't behave nicely when NVMeFix is loaded.

Also, you can hold down CMD+V to get the readout during boot to see what causes the crash.

 

[Macdctr]

Ah perfect, so the adaptor and ssd i picked should work? #Greeny on all this

You will need a P5 Pentalobe screwdriver and a T5 Torx screwdriver to do the SSD swap. I find that the ifixit web site to be a good resource for both tools and repair guides. Very detailed and have plenty of pictures.

I too have an Early 2015 13 inch MBP Retina and have upgraded the SSD to a 512GB 970Pro NVMe M.2 storage drive. The upgrade process is fairly easy.

 

[xboxbml]

I had the SX8200 Pro for a couple weeks to test it out - works well with the short adapter, but you need to tape the exposed pins on BOTH sides - that will effectively insulate the back side components and keep the thickness low enough so it doesn't interfere with your case.

Did you happen to use the heat sink that comes with the drive? I did. What kind of temps were you getting? I'm getting anywhere from about 98-114f depending on what I'm doing. It hovers usually around 104-105f.

 

[xboxbml]

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to know if NVMe ssd will work on MacBook Air 13 inch 2015? I've been seeing mixed messages on whether or not this SSD will work on the latest version of Catalina. I am not the most tech-knowledgeable, i can do most things, however if it is considerably easier for me to install a regular m.2 sata drive, than messing around with an NVMe, i can do that.
Any help would be appreciated, thanks

Yes, I'm running the 2tb ADATA SX8200PNP on Catalina 10.15.6 which is the latest on my Early 2015 MBA 13". I have the long Sintech adapter which I'll be swapping out with their short adapter when it shows up Saturday. The long adapter plastic interface protrudes above everything else in the case and the bottom case presses on it when screwing it back down. I've left out the 2 long middle screws near the hinge to somewhat alleviate that pressure on the boards for now. I've got everything put back together and it works well. Been using 4 days now. No issues. I have an OWC Thunderbolt 2 dock at home and have that plugged in as well as power and a 24" monitor kbd mouse. I take it to work with me everyday and plug in a 22" monitor there into Thunderbolt port and use it occasionally during the day with just battery. Noticed I still have around 90% or so battery left when I get home. I'll try and keep track of it and give it a good run through to see how long the battery will last. I bought this Mac used with the original battery in it 2 years ago. It has 392 cycles on it and down to 88.3% total capacity, so it's a bit used, but still has a lot of life left I think. I still may replace it next year sometime. With this new 2tb drive, if it's as decent as the original Apple/Samsung drives, it should extend the use of this machine for several more years for me.

 

[vince22]

It’s actually much easier than that!

Quick guide based on my experience:

You just need the LiLu.kext and NVMeFix.kext. Note: they will not load unless you do a csrutil disable in a recovery terminal session.

Once disabled, simply use the hackintool kext install function to load them into /System/Library/Extensions and reboot.

Don’t try to install opencore or clover on a real Mac... I have heard doing so might mess up the EFI and brick your board.

herb2k, thanks for guide, nvmefix does work, I'm getting 0.1A now, and much lower ssd temp.

 

[pgolik]

The SSD could be bad but you won't know until you try another NVMe drive or adapter.

Indeed, the disk was bad. After it failed in an external enclosure, I exchanged it for another copy of Adata SX8200Pro, and the new one worked as external. Also got the genuine short black Sintech, and this time it all went perfectly. The disk was recognized in the external enclosure and I could partition it and format APFS, then I cloned (CCC) my old disk to the new, and put the new one in the MBP. It took a while to boot at first, but subsequent boots are fine, and it seems to work at full speed (4X link, >2000 MB/s). There's a lot going on in the background - after I moved my libraries from an external volume to the new drive it decided to re-upload everything to iCloud, and there's indexing etc., so I'll re-run the benchmark once it settles. The temperatures are around 37-40C, and current usage is around 0.5-0.9A. The only thing I noticed is that there are no SSD temperature sensors detected by iStat, only "Hard Drive" is shown. Is this expected?

 

[otosan]

Why did you do it?



I believe that's what the instructions said, or didn't they?

well because the official github document said so (install to L/E). And because the information is not consistent, am reconfirming it here.

 

[otosan]

Ah perfect, so the adaptor and ssd i picked should work? #Greeny on all this

The downside of P1 is its QLC Nand which has shorter lifespan. And lower speed

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to know if NVMe ssd will work on MacBook Air 13 inch 2015? I've been seeing mixed messages on whether or not this SSD will work on the latest version of Catalina. I am not the most tech-knowledgeable, i can do most things, however if it is considerably easier for me to install a regular m.2 sata drive, than messing around with an NVMe, i can do that.
Any help would be appreciated, thanks

2015 wont work with sata. Use NVME indeed