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

[spockers]

2015 wont work with sata. Use NVME indeed

thanks mate, i'll do that. I've heard of kernel issues with NVMe, is this something to worry about?

 

[Audit13]

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?

Glad it worked out so well.

I don't use iStat so I can't comment. I have seen posts from other members that have used it so try the advanced search function and, hopefully, you will find the information you need.

Have not used it myself but there is talk of the NVMe fix that can help lower power usage too: https://github.com/acidanthera/NVMeFix

 

[Audit13]

thanks mate, i'll do that. I've heard of kernel issues with NVMe, is this something to worry about?

By kernel issues, I assume you are referring to panics. Many of these panics are related to sleep and hibernation issues encountered with NVMe drives on 2013 or 2014 MacBook Pros and Airs. The 2015 Air shouldn't have these panics.

 

[flameir]

Hello,
I updated my 2014 MacBook Pro with 1 TB Sabranet Rocket and now wifi doe not work for me. MacBook can connect to some wi-fi points, but not to all. For example, connection with iPhone`s hotspot doesnt work, also with my acces point at home, but it works with acces point at friends house. What can I do now?

 

[pgolik]

Have not used it myself but there is talk of the NVMe fix that can help lower power usage too: https://github.com/acidanthera/NVMeFix

I don't mind the power usage too much - I use the MBP as a mobile workstation, so battery life is rarely a problem. And I don't want to rely on unofficial kexts - aren't they all going to stop working in Big Sur anyway?

 

[BTopbas]

I want to share my experience with Mid 2013 Macbook Air. And I have one question about it.

I have upgraded my MacBook with Sintech adaptor and Sabrent Rocket 512GB like 1 year ago. I was set gmset sleep settings like first-page recommendations. But last 3-4 months I have kernel panics when browsing on chrome or watching youtube even random crashes when idle. My BootROM version was 112.0.0.0.0. When updating Catalina versions, my BootROM not updated and still have random kernel panics.

Also, my MacBook is old(7 years). And never changed thermal paste. 5 days ago I opened MacBook and repaste CPU, then insert the original Apple SSD and update it to the latest Catalina version. Then I insert my Sabrent SSD start MacBook, BootROM version is updated to 122.0.0.0.0. Then I read the last pages on this thread. And the decision to install NVMeFix Kext.

I downloaded the LiLu and NVMeFix Kexts. I disabled csrutil and install these kexts via hackintool. After installing kexts refreshed kexts cache. After all of these applications, my CPU and SSD temp is lower than before. Also, SSD power usage is very low than before. And I haven't any kernel panics or crashes after this. Like 5 days...

Now my question is: when Big Sur released these kexts cause any problem when upgrading to Big Sur? If the answer is yes, How can disable or remove these kexts?

 

[xboxbml]

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.

Ok, the short Sintech adapter showed up today..Wow.. Amazon delivers early!..again.. Short Sintech adapter eliminates the pressure of the bottom case. NO ISSUES!! so far anyway. This 2tb XPG ADATA SX8200 Pro is working great! 5 days now and no issues! I'll post back in a couple few weeks with results, sooner if something happens.. Great combo so far!

 

[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.

Ok, the short Sintech adapter showed up today..Wow.. Amazon delivers early!..again.. Short Sintech adapter eliminates the pressure of the bottom case. NO ISSUES!! so far anyway. This 2tb XPG ADATA SX8200 Pro is working great! 5 days now and no issues! I'll post back in a couple few weeks with results, sooner if something happens.. Great combo so far!

 

[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.

Ok, the short Sintech adapter showed up today..Wow.. Amazon delivers early!..again.. Short Sintech adapter eliminates the pressure of the bottom case. NO ISSUES!! so far anyway. This 2tb XPG ADATA SX8200 Pro is working great! 5 days now and no issues! I'll post back in a couple few weeks with results, sooner if something happens.. Great combo so far! Thanks otosan!

 

[vince22]

Now my question is: when Big Sur released these kexts cause any problem when upgrading to Big Sur? If the answer is yes, How can disable or remove these kexts?

tested not working with Big Sur beta 6 resulted in kernel panics.

 

[Charbs20]

Can anyone recommend a tool kit that's not ifixit or other overpriced brand to swap my ssd in my mid 2014 Macbook Pro.

Really I only need a P5 Pentalobe and the T5 Torx. But everything on amazon comes in packages with more. Not that its a bad thing.

Im just reading some reviews that a lot of no name tools strip too easy.

What is everyone here using?

 

[Superhai]

What is everyone here using?

I use an iFixit kit and think it is well worth the investment, they are good quality. But as long as the tools are correct size I can’t imagine they should cause any problems.

 

[Charbs20]

Ya I'm sure iFixit has great quality. I just don't wanna spend that much money for two screwdrivers that I'm only gonna use twice. Once to open MacBook and once to close it.

 

[Audit13]

I highly recommend good tools because the screws strip easily if you are not careful.

I thought I would use my screwdrivers once or twice but turned out to be a good investment since I've used them several times to upgrade and swap parts for friends and family.

 

[Charbs20]

I highly recommend good tools because the screws strip easily if you are not careful.

I thought I would use my screwdrivers once or twice but turned out to be a good investment since I've used them several times to upgrade and swap parts for friends and family.

Do you also use iFixit?

 

[Audit13]

Do you also use iFixit?

Nope, I bought my screwdriver set from Amazon Canada since I'm in Canada and iFixit is too much.

I got a set with a battery I ordered from Amazon for a mid-2014 13" and the screwdrivers included were pretty good too.

 

[otosan]

Can anyone recommend a tool kit that's not ifixit or other overpriced brand to swap my ssd in my mid 2014 Macbook Pro.

Really I only need a P5 Pentalobe and the T5 Torx. But everything on amazon comes in packages with more. Not that its a bad thing.

Im just reading some reviews that a lot of no name tools strip too easy.

What is everyone here using?

Am a xiaomi boy for things like this. Their tool kit is great in terms of quality and design.

 

[otosan]

Hello,
I updated my 2014 MacBook Pro with 1 TB Sabranet Rocket and now wifi doe not work for me. MacBook can connect to some wi-fi points, but not to all. For example, connection with iPhone`s hotspot doesnt work, also with my acces point at home, but it works with acces point at friends house. What can I do now?

Try rebuild your kext cache,

Also, try to connect to the AP while booting in safe mode. If you managed to connect it in safe mode, reboot back to normal mode, and it should be able to connect.

 

[otosan]

thanks mate, i'll do that. I've heard of kernel issues with NVMe, is this something to worry about?

2015 and later doesnt have issue with kernel panic, as long as the adapter and ssd itself is good. But i still recommend to set hibernation to 0. Just shutdown the mac when not used.

I recommend ssd with common controller like SM2262 or SM2263 and NAND from IMFT (Intel or Micron) , they rarely went buggy for compatibility issue.

 

[Charbs20]

Nope, I bought my screwdriver set from Amazon Canada since I'm in Canada and iFixit is too much.

I got a set with a battery I ordered from Amazon for a mid-2014 13" and the screwdrivers included were pretty good too.

Ya I'm also in Canada. Looking at something like this.

Precision Screwdriver Set, Kingsdun 60 in 1 Magnetic Driver Kit with 56 Mini Multi Bit Sets,Professional Repair Tool Kit for iPhone/Ipad/MacBook/PC/Laptop/Xbox/Watches & Glasses

Precision Screwdriver Set, Kingsdun 60 in 1 Magnetic Driver Kit with 56 Mini Multi Bit Sets,Professional Repair Tool Kit for iPhone/Ipad/MacBook/PC/Laptop/Xbox/Watches & Glasses

www.amazon.ca

Or this this, which is popular in the computer repair world.

ORIA Precision Screwdriver Set, 60 in 1 with 56 Bits Screwdriver Kit (Blue)

Screwdriver Set

www.amazon.ca

 

[Audit13]

Ya I'm also in Canada. Looking at something like this.

Precision Screwdriver Set, Kingsdun 60 in 1 Magnetic Driver Kit with 56 Mini Multi Bit Sets,Professional Repair Tool Kit for iPhone/Ipad/MacBook/PC/Laptop/Xbox/Watches & Glasses

Precision Screwdriver Set, Kingsdun 60 in 1 Magnetic Driver Kit with 56 Mini Multi Bit Sets,Professional Repair Tool Kit for iPhone/Ipad/MacBook/PC/Laptop/Xbox/Watches & Glasses

www.amazon.ca

I have something similar to this one. Price is good and it's eligible with Prime shipping.

 

[xboxbml]

Do you also use iFixit?

I do.. I got these a year or so ago..

 

[Audit13]

The iFixit kit looks good but it would cost $46.75 to ship to Toronto.

The Amazon kit is $14.00 with free shipping for Prime members or with a $35 order.

 

[herb2k]

Ya I'm also in Canada. Looking at something like this.

Precision Screwdriver Set, Kingsdun 60 in 1 Magnetic Driver Kit with 56 Mini Multi Bit Sets,Professional Repair Tool Kit for iPhone/Ipad/MacBook/PC/Laptop/Xbox/Watches & Glasses

Precision Screwdriver Set, Kingsdun 60 in 1 Magnetic Driver Kit with 56 Mini Multi Bit Sets,Professional Repair Tool Kit for iPhone/Ipad/MacBook/PC/Laptop/Xbox/Watches & Glasses

www.amazon.ca

Or this this, which is popular in the computer repair world.

ORIA Precision Screwdriver Set, 60 in 1 with 56 Bits Screwdriver Kit (Blue)

Screwdriver Set

www.amazon.ca

For those of you in Canada

I use this kit from Canadian Tire - often goes on sale for $16-$19.

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-specialty-precision-electronics-bit-set-66-pc-0573624p.html#srp

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tested not working with Big Sur beta 6 resulted in kernel panics.

Same - I think it's to do with Lilu, I expect the hackintosh community will have a fix out soon.

 

[dskeletov]

Mid-2014 15" 11,3 (2.5GHz, 16GB, GT750M)
OSX 10.15.6, bootrom 162.0.0.0
WD SN750 1TB, 111110WD firmware
Adapter: this Jesot, no Kapton tape needed

Did a clean install of Catalina 10.15.6 last Thursday with the above WD drive. Laptop has been powered on for the last 93 hours with no kernel panics or other anomalies of note. The only issue I'm seeing is that it takes 1-2 minutes to get to the desktop after I enter my password (no speed issues getting from POST to login screen). I do have FileVault enabled, but I don't remember it taking that long with my OEM 512GB SSUAX even when it was at 90% capacity. Other than that, it's performing as expected.

R/W of approximately 1450/1340.

Idling at 37C - 39C, load 43C - 45C. 25.5C ambient.

Idle power usage from 0.924W - 1.056W, read around 2.64W, write from 3.267W - 3.828W. ASPM showing as disabled (as expected). Installed NVMeFix 1.0.3, which doesn't seem to have done bupkis.

Currently on hibernation mode 3; the few times I put it to sleep and woke it back up didn't show any issues, but I know that isn't the main issue at hand. Haven't tried mode 25.

I read through the last ~30 pages and haven't seen too many using the WD Black drives nor this adapter, so if anyone wants me to try something out, lemme know.

Just got the same drive with the standard Sintech adapter for my Early 2015 Macbook Pro 13" Retina. The computer can see the drive if I boot from a Linux USB, but not from internet recovery. I formatted it to FAT in Linux, but still no luck detecting it. Did you have to use a bootable USB to install?

Update: disregard me, I was missing something obvious (I had to hold Option + Cmd + R at startup instead of Cmd + R, to access the right recovery menu apparently).