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

[otosan]

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.

If you turned on filevault 2 on catalina 10.15.6

Please turn that off 1st. In my experience file vault been messing up so many things, from boot failure, difficulty to format disk and elses,

I hate how apple turn it on automatically during some OS version update.

 

[Superhai]

If you turned on filevault 2 on catalina 10.15.6

Please turn that off 1st. In my experience file vault been messing up so many things, from boot failure, difficulty to format disk and elses,

I hate how apple turn it on automatically during some OS version update.

If there are no issues it is better to leave it on if you want the security it provides. Never caused problems for me, but naturally slower boot is a consequence. Accessing and formatting will pop up some warnings and require password. But that’s of course inherent.

 

[Audit13]

I have no issues with 10.15.6 and File Vault on an early 2015 13" Air with an HP ex900.

 

[Surfinsam]

Anyone have any suggestions for an enclosure for my MBP 2014 drive? Something that might fit that adapter? The OWC one is just too expensive for my taste. I was thinking maybe this one + the sintech adpter?: https://smile.amazon.com/Enclosure-Thunderbolt-Compatible-Adapter-Include/dp/B085L76D3P

 

[herb2k]

Anyone have any suggestions for an enclosure for my MBP 2014 drive? Something that might fit that adapter? The OWC one is just too expensive for my taste. I was thinking maybe this one + the sintech adpter?: https://smile.amazon.com/Enclosure-Thunderbolt-Compatible-Adapter-Include/dp/B085L76D3P

This takes a standard PCIe drive and converts it to usb/usb C. Did you want something to convert your internal Apple SSD? If so, that would be something like this: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0173ODBCE...olid=3DXGHZL1VCIEQ&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

[Surfinsam]

well that’s the adapter but I also need an enclosure so I can plug it into another mac and pull my data off it, there’s some issue with my mbp, I was able to pull up my Windows partition but of course I need to plug it into another mac to access my mac partition.

Edit: the enclosure I linked earlier doesn't support AHCI drives...the only one I can find seems to be the OWC Envoy Pro but it's $80, it's ridiculous.

 

[herb2k]

well that’s the adapter but I also need an enclosure so I can plug it into another mac and pull my data off it, there’s some issue with my mbp, I was able to pull up my Windows partition but of course I need to plug it into another mac to access my mac partition.

Edit: the enclosure I linked earlier doesn't support AHCI drives...the only one I can find seems to be the OWC Envoy Pro but it's $80, it's ridiculous.

Most of the external adapters/enclosures to convert Mac SSDs to either USB or standard NVMe I have come across are at least $50-$80, unfortunately.

Edit: I linked the wrong style adapter - this is what I was thinking (similar to the OWC version, but I can't find on amazon anymore):

2013-2014 Macbook A1465 1466 A1398 A1502 SSD USB 3.0 External Ca [PA-2013-USB3380C] - $79.99 : Sintech Eshop!, The World of PC Adapter Card

Sintech Eshop! 2013-2014 Macbook A1465 1466 A1398 A1502 SSD USB 3.0 External Ca [PA-2013-USB3380C] -

eshop.sintech.cn

 

[Surfinsam]

Most of the external adapters/enclosures to convert Mac SSDs to either USB or standard NVMe I have come across are at least $50-$80, unfortunately.

Edit: I linked the wrong style adapter - this is what I was thinking (similar to the OWC version, but I can't find on amazon anymore):

2013-2014 Macbook A1465 1466 A1398 A1502 SSD USB 3.0 External Ca [PA-2013-USB3380C] - $79.99 : Sintech Eshop!, The World of PC Adapter Card

Sintech Eshop! 2013-2014 Macbook A1465 1466 A1398 A1502 SSD USB 3.0 External Ca [PA-2013-USB3380C] -

eshop.sintech.cn

I could stomach $50 new but $80 new?

 

[Charbs20]

What's the difference between the long sintech

Sintech NGFF M.2 nVME SSD Adapter Card for Upgrade 2013-2015 Year Macs(Not Fit Early 2013 MacBook Pro)

NOTICE:because too many customers can use it,I suggest you to try it again if your MAC can't detect nVME SSD. Pls notice to insert card fully into SSD slot and you must prepare bootable USB disk(see third point) with High Sierra to format M.2 SSD first, it can't support recover from internet. mai...

www.amazon.ca

And the short one

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

NOTICE:because too many customers can use it,I suggest you to try it again if your MAC can't detect nVME SSD. Pls notice to insert card fully into SSD slot and you must prepare bootable USB disk(see third point) with High Sierra to format M.2 SSD first, it can't support recover from internet. mai...

www.amazon.ca

They seem the exact same.

I'm leaning towards the short one. It's cheaper and will allow for more air flow around the drive I think.

Im also considering the WD Blue SN550

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07YFF3JCN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mThAFb0YZQF4B

If anyone has experience with it, good or bad, let me know. MacBook Pro Retina Mid 2014

Thanks.

 

[Audit13]

What's the difference between the long sintech

Sintech NGFF M.2 nVME SSD Adapter Card for Upgrade 2013-2015 Year Macs(Not Fit Early 2013 MacBook Pro)

NOTICE:because too many customers can use it,I suggest you to try it again if your MAC can't detect nVME SSD. Pls notice to insert card fully into SSD slot and you must prepare bootable USB disk(see third point) with High Sierra to format M.2 SSD first, it can't support recover from internet. mai...

www.amazon.ca

And the short one

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

NOTICE:because too many customers can use it,I suggest you to try it again if your MAC can't detect nVME SSD. Pls notice to insert card fully into SSD slot and you must prepare bootable USB disk(see third point) with High Sierra to format M.2 SSD first, it can't support recover from internet. mai...

www.amazon.ca

They seem the exact same.

I'm leaning towards the short one. It's cheaper and will allow for more air flow around the drive I think.

Im also considering the WD Blue SN550

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07YFF3JCN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mThAFb0YZQF4B

If anyone has experience with it, good or bad, let me know. MacBook Pro Retina Mid 2014

Thanks.

No difference between the short and long adapter other than physical size.

I have always used the short adapters the Airs and Pros.

 

[303]

Hi Guys!

I'm an owner of a 2015 Macbook Air 13'' and an want to upgrade the SSD from the original 128GB to 512GB.

I've bee working through this thread since a few days and it seems that the Sabrent Rocket or the Adata SX8200 are some prefered SSD's.

What i understand, the problem with the Adata one is more heat than the Sabrent Rocket for example. So i would go for the Sabrent. But now i've just read that they changed the Controller (from E12 to E12S) and the layout of this SSD. I also read on a other side that some people complain that the SSD died really quickly.

I don't know how up to date the helpful first enty of this post is. I've already ordered the short Simtech Adapter.

Could you guys please recommend me a good SSD with low power consumption, good performance and less heat?

Thanks!

 

[otosan]

Hi Guys!

I'm an owner of a 2015 Macbook Air 13'' and an want to upgrade the SSD from the original 128GB to 512GB.

I've bee working through this thread since a few days and it seems that the Sabrent Rocket or the Adata SX8200 are some prefered SSD's.

What i understand, the problem with the Adata one is more heat than the Sabrent Rocket for example. So i would go for the Sabrent. But now i've just read that they changed the Controller (from E12 to E12S) and the layout of this SSD. I also read on a other side that some people complain that the SSD died really quickly.

I don't know how up to date the helpful first enty of this post is. I've already ordered the short Simtech Adapter.

Could you guys please recommend me a good SSD with low power consumption, good performance and less heat?

Thanks!

Macbook air wont be able to benefit much from a high speed model like SX8200 pro. The board itself can give at most around 1600Mb/1300Mb read and write, so you gonna waste the money for ssd that actually can go for more than 3000Mb/s, not to mention, high performance ssd oftenly mean higher temperature as well.

If you are looking for one that should do fine with your macbook, i think WD SN550 would do good, it's compact, doesnt generate much heat, and have a reasonable cost. Speed should be good enough as well, since it spec'ed at 2400Mb/s , still more than what your MBA board can give you

Other good option for macbook air with good stability is Lexar, either NM610 or NM700.

If you want phison controller, go for Patriot P300

 

[303]

Macbook air wont be able to benefit much from a high speed model like SX8200 pro. The board itself can give at most around 1600Mb/1300Mb read and write, so you gonna waste the money for ssd that actually can go for more than 3000Mb/s, not to mention, high performance ssd oftenly mean higher temperature as well.

If you are looking for one that should do fine with your macbook, i think WD SN550 would do good, it's compact, doesnt generate much heat, and have a reasonable cost. Speed should be good enough as well, since it spec'ed at 2400Mb/s , still more than what your MBA board can give you

Other good option for macbook air with good stability is Lexar, either NM610 or NM700.

If you want phison controller, go for Patriot P300

Thanks. What about the Crucial MP510? This one seems also always on top of the charts on the first post. And the Sabrent isn't recommended with the new controller and layout?

 

[herb2k]

Thanks. What about the Crucial MP510? This one seems also always on top of the charts on the first post. And the Sabrent isn't recommended with the new controller and layout?

The MP510 is the same Phison controller as Sabrent and other variants. I use the Seagate BarraCuda 510 and can confirm that it's the Phison controller with the same low temp and power characteristics as the Sabrent.

I went with the Seagate as I have been reading similar information on the "new" Sabrent controller (or Firmware) being not as good.

I can also confirm the SX8200 Pro runs quite hot when idle and under load (always a minimum of 42-47C)... it is FAST though, even on a PCIe 2.0 x4 Interface

 

[303]

The MP510 is the same Phison controller as Sabrent and other variants. I use the Seagate BarraCuda 510 and can confirm that it's the Phison controller with the same low temp and power characteristics as the Sabrent.

I went with the Seagate as I have been reading similar information on the "new" Sabrent controller (or Firmware) being not as good.

I can also confirm the SX8200 Pro runs quite hot when idle and under load (always a minimum of 42-47C)... it is FAST though, even on a PCIe 2.0 x4 Interface

Thanks. Can you please link to the one you have? I found 2 different Versions (one with white and one with black sticker)

 

[herb2k]

Thanks. Can you please link to the one you have? I found 2 different Versions (one with white and one with black sticker)

This is the one I purchased: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07ZPRV8JY/ref=dp_iou_view_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (500GB/250GB/1000GB) vs the (512GB/256GB/1024GB models which has onboard encryption support (useless on MacOS).

 

[quaresma]

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.

I followed your guide, and the kexts do load (both Lulu and NVMEfix), but according to Istat Menus I'm still getting 0,20A. Why is it not working?

This is on a MBP 2015 with Adata SX8200 pro on Catalina.

 

[303]

This is the one I purchased: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07ZPRV8JY/ref=dp_iou_view_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (500GB/250GB/1000GB) vs the (512GB/256GB/1024GB models which has onboard encryption support (useless on MacOS).

Cool thanks. So the black sticker Version with 512GB is the same but the one with encryption (which is useless).

Just had a look, the 500GB and 512GB Versions are about the same price and the latter gives me some extra storage.

So i guess i can't go wrong with either of them?

 

[herb2k]

Cool thanks. So the black sticker Version with 512GB is the same but the one with encryption (which is useless).

Just had a look, the 500GB and 512GB Versions are about the same price and the latter gives me some extra storage.

So i guess i can't go wrong with either of them?

I believe so. I hadn't uncovered much differences, if any, in terms of the hardware between the two - it's most likely firmware. The 500GB version was more readily available in my area, so I just went with that.

 

[herb2k]

I followed your guide, and the kexts do load (both Lulu and NVMEfix), but according to Istat Menus I'm still getting 0,20A. Why is it not working?

This is on a MBP 2015 with Adata SX8200 pro on Catalina.

From the NVMeFix notes - "Some SSDs misbehave when APST is on. NVMeFix attempts to detect broken motherboard and SSD combinations and work around them. Motherboard is detected via IORegistry keys injected by Clover, or NVRAM variables provided by OpenCore."

I was wondering the same thing when I tried the SX8200 Pro, so I took a look in the NVMeFix code and noticed that the SX8200 (similar to certain Samsung PM951 devices) have the lowest power state disabled, even with NVMeFix due to issues (I assume with being unable to resume, etc.)

 

[sawpits]

...
Im also considering the WD Blue SN550

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07YFF3JCN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mThAFb0YZQF4B

If anyone has experience with it, good or bad, let me know. MacBook Pro Retina Mid 2014

Thanks.

I have a 1TB WD Blue SN550 on order for my 2015 MBP 13.

 

[macpro_mid2014]

Hi Guys!

I'm an owner of a 2015 Macbook Air 13'' and an want to upgrade the SSD from the original 128GB to 512GB.

I've bee working through this thread since a few days and it seems that the Sabrent Rocket or the Adata SX8200 are some prefered SSD's.

What i understand, the problem with the Adata one is more heat than the Sabrent Rocket for example. So i would go for the Sabrent. But now i've just read that they changed the Controller (from E12 to E12S) and the layout of this SSD. I also read on a other side that some people complain that the SSD died really quickly.

I don't know how up to date the helpful first enty of this post is. I've already ordered the short Simtech Adapter.

Could you guys please recommend me a good SSD with low power consumption, good performance and less heat?

Thanks!

The Silicon Power uses the Phison E12 controller, the same used by the Sabrent Rocket SSD: https://tinyurl.com/y2c2tprw

I've been using two (512 and 1tb) for some time without any heating issues. I cannot tell about batery because I keep it 99.99% of the time plugged in.

Cheers,

 

[otosan]

The Silicon Power uses the Phison E12 controller, the same used by the Sabrent Rocket SSD: https://tinyurl.com/y2c2tprw

I've been using two (512 and 1tb) for some time without any heating issues. I cannot tell about batery because I keep it 99.99% of the time plugged in.

Cheers,

Some lower end model of silicon power are using SM2263XT. So you might want to write down the specific model name, hahaha.

But even the lower end model perform just good for Air and non 15 inch of retina model.

After all, any NVME drive would still be an upgrade compare to apple preinstalled SSD.

 

[otosan]

Thanks. What about the Crucial MP510? This one seems also always on top of the charts on the first post. And the Sabrent isn't recommended with the new controller and layout?

I think you mean "Corsair" MP510 ? Since i never heard Crucial releasing NVME blade with that code, lol

Corsair drive is not easily found in my country, and the price is quite high. So i never really have much experience with it. Although spec wise, it should serve you just fine,

But again, a 3000++ spec ssd is an overkill for your macbook air. Unless it cost reasonably cheap in your country, i wont suggest it.

 

[xboxbml]

What's the difference between the long sintech

Sintech NGFF M.2 nVME SSD Adapter Card for Upgrade 2013-2015 Year Macs(Not Fit Early 2013 MacBook Pro)

NOTICE:because too many customers can use it,I suggest you to try it again if your MAC can't detect nVME SSD. Pls notice to insert card fully into SSD slot and you must prepare bootable USB disk(see third point) with High Sierra to format M.2 SSD first, it can't support recover from internet. mai...

www.amazon.ca

And the short one

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

NOTICE:because too many customers can use it,I suggest you to try it again if your MAC can't detect nVME SSD. Pls notice to insert card fully into SSD slot and you must prepare bootable USB disk(see third point) with High Sierra to format M.2 SSD first, it can't support recover from internet. mai...

www.amazon.ca

They seem the exact same.

I'm leaning towards the short one. It's cheaper and will allow for more air flow around the drive I think.

Im also considering the WD Blue SN550

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07YFF3JCN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mThAFb0YZQF4B

If anyone has experience with it, good or bad, let me know. MacBook Pro Retina Mid 2014

Thanks.

I've seen people answer there is no difference.. On my 2015 Macbook Air there is.. The long adapter gets strongly pressed down by the bottom case. The regular short one does not. Motherboards and connector interfaces usually don't like a lot of undue stress like that.. I left the 2 middle screws by the hinge out for a couple days while the short one was shipping, to avoid the case pressing down on it. I believe the interface offsets are different or something.. Short one works great!