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

[MrAverigeUser]

I've got the 2B2QEXM7 firmware which is the latest for my drive. I tried to update it to 4B2QEXM7, but it seems the latter is for 970 EVO PLUS with another type of controller.
Thank you for the hardware diagnostics tip. I ran the test, the only issue I got was the "battery missing" (which I had previously pulled it out myself since it was swollen). So, the RAM works great.

Looking up for info on the internet, I found that the Samsung drives have issues with the controller. It is not optimised for MacOs, at least for Monterey.

I have now two identical MBP 15“ from mid 2015 running perfectly with the Samsung 970 EVO plus with the „old“ firmware 2.x…. Read/Write about 2.800.

I posted twice the reasons why Samsung switched from the „old“ Phoenix controller to that of the 980 Pro:
It was just because of pandemic-related productiin problems with the Phoenix controller, nothing else.

For further info just read the related two former postings in which I precised this.

 

[Doctor Blue]

Thank you for the clarification, @MrAverigeUser! I thought that, having the old controller, may cause these issues. Are you running the latest Monterey?
I think my issues may be from the fact that I am running on the AC power only, as @macpro_mid2014 suggested. I will try to buy a new battery.

 

[maily.spamy]

Hi!

I have a rMBP mid-2014, and I've been facing a problem for a few days: the SSD (m.2 nvme Kingston NV1 500GB) is not recognized by the machine.

When I open the installer's Disk Utility (either through Internet Recovery or from the thumb drive), the disk does not appear. I go to the Terminal and give the "diskutil list", and nothing appears there either.

I bought two adapters that are very popular and recommended by other consumers. Because of the problem, I returned the first one thinking it was a problem with him and got another one, from another model, from another seller. It didn't work either.

With this second adapter (which is what I have now), I took another SSD (m.2 SATA WD Green) that has Windows installed and put it on to see if it recognized it. Unsuccessfully.

I read that it could be outdated NVME SSD firmware, and as I was booting from it in Internet Recovery, there was no way to update it. I put the OS on the flash drive, and still nothing changed.

Considering that (1) I changed the adapter twice and (2) I put in two different SSDs (I couldn't test NVME on another machine, but I bought brand new from an authorized seller; SATA works), I think the problem can only be in the my machine.

I reset the SMC and NVRAM every time, and nothing changed. Today I have Big Sur installed (ie the Boot ROM is up to date (System Firmware Version: 432.60.3.0.0)).

Any idea what should I do?

Hi, for two months I was also upgraded to nvme my macbook pro mid 2014 and had no problems. But with this (system firmware 431.140.6.0.0). The drive was without problems recognized and latest big sur installed from the flash drive. I would sugest you to completely wipe the drive in other system (linux), delete also all partitions. If it does not help, than I would try to initialize the drive as GPT also in linux but do not create any partitions, so again, completely wiped drive but initialized. And boot from flash usb instal drive, no timemachine or something like it.

But after the nvme upgrade, I cannot connect to any 2.4 GHz wifi. Can you please try, if your latest bigsur OS can connect to 2.4GHz wifi? It will be very helpfull to my issue, to get more info.

 

[MrAverigeUser]

Thank you for the clarification, @MrAverigeUser! I thought that, having the old controller, may cause these issues. Are you running the latest Monterey?
I think my issues may be from the fact that I am running on the AC power only, as @macpro_mid2014 suggested. I will try to buy a new battery.

I had neither problems with Monterey 12.3 nor do I have them now with 12.3.1

My two MBP 15“ mid 2015 each with the 2TB 970 PRO plus under Monterey 12.3.1 are by far the nicest combination I ever had. Read/write about 2.800 each.
I recommend this combo.

edit: my 970 EVO plus run with Firmware 2.x


cheers

 

[MrAverigeUser]

Thank you for the clarification, @MrAverigeUser! I thought that, having the old controller, may cause these issues. Are you running the latest Monterey?
I think my issues may be from the fact that I am running on the AC power only, as @macpro_mid2014 suggested. I will try to buy a new battery.

just two additional remarks:

1) my 15“ mid 2015 MBP got a new battery some months ago.
I recommend the original Simplo battery, since this was not only a long-time producer for the apple-devices and got very good reputation for long-time reliability,
but after installing it had even 103% of the original system-capacity which was a very nice add-on for me.

2) For those who hesitated to do clean installs …

Because I own two identically equipped MBP I had the chance to do an interesting test:

After just only updating my MBP every 2-3 years (skipping some OSX and MacOS versions because of their not_so_good reputations) between 2007-2022 , I did now my first clean install with Monterey On one of my two identical MBP While I just cloned the SATA III SSD of my old MBP onto the new 970 EVO plus (still high Sierra) on my second MBP. And then I only upgraded my second and absolutely identical MBP amid 2015 to Monterey - Which was a nice and impressing test.

The result: The MBP being clean-installed needs about 20 seconds to start until lock-in screen while the „just updated one“ needs 130-160 seconds….
just waiting about 2 minutes for a start is not a problem for me, but this showed ME very impressively how much garbage and inutile processes I took with me… and I got an idea of how much energy saving can be done by a clean install….

So - Just for those who did not want to invest all that time being needed for a clean install or those who were too often just too lazy for doing it like I was for many years… which was also very tempting (at least for me) NOT to do a clean install because their MBP ran without problems after updating the OSX or MacOS:

Do a clean install - it takes some time but it is really worth it. At least if you did this not at all or only a long time ago…

Nearly everyone knows this and this message is not at all a new one - but I think many did not and still do not. I hope this will motivate some people to invest a day doing this.

nice also: battery time will expand as I saw as well, but I cannot precise this.

cheers

 

[Ediflash]

I wanted to replace my SSD on my old 15" mid 2015 MBP. So I got the long Sintech adapter and an WD SN750. Everything fitted perfectly and I had my install USB ready but then... nothing.

Just the chore sound and you could see the backlight of the screen lighting up but thats it. I could not get into boot mode or recovery mode. PRAM reset didnt do anything.

After putting the original SSD back inside everything went back to normal.
I guess it may be a faulty adapter or SSD but unfortunately I dont have an enclosure on hand to test the SSD.

Did anyone have similar issues or has any ideas?

 

[vince22]

I wanted to replace my SSD on my old 15" mid 2015 MBP. So I got the long Sintech adapter and an WD SN750. Everything fitted perfectly and I had my install USB ready but then... nothing.

Just the chore sound and you could see the backlight of the screen lighting up but thats it. I could not get into boot mode or recovery mode. PRAM reset didnt do anything.

After putting the original SSD back inside everything went back to normal.
I guess it may be a faulty adapter or SSD but unfortunately I dont have an enclosure on hand to test the SSD.

Did anyone have similar issues or has any ideas?

just basic Troubleshooting guide from OP: this may or may not solve your issues. Good luck.

1. Make sure the machine's boot ROM is the latest version. Check your version in "About This Mac" / "System Report" under Boot ROM Version.
   • The latest available boot ROM updates (in Big Sur) for various machines is here: https://eclecticlight.co/2020/11/16/which-firmware-should-your-mac-be-using-version-5/ .
   • On a very old boot ROM (<400.0.0.0) use an empty/formatted original Apple SSD get the lastest ROM. Do a temporary fresh install of MacOS from USB, the install should get you to the latest ROM.
   • After 400.0.0.0 systems with aftermarket SSDs can get boot ROM updates.
   • With the latest boot ROM, any previously installed or old version of MacOS should work (some prefer older OSes)
2. Install the latest firmware for your SSD, if there is one. Some SSD update utils install firmware using Windows so use a PC or BootCamp. Some SSD updater utils blank the drive, so make a backup of the drive.
3. Clean the contacts of the SSD, motherboard and the sintech adapter using isopropyl alcohol and a qtip/cotton bud.
4. Ensure the sintech adapter and SSD are fully seated and centred. Even a slight skew or unseated drive can cause crashes and reboot issues. Touching the contacts during install can also lead to instability.
5. you may also have faulty sintech Adapter or some old Sintech adapter made in 2017-2018 need some Kapton insulation tape covering soldered connection area.

 

[Ediflash]

just basic Troubleshooting guide from OP: this may or may not solve your issues. Good luck.

1. Make sure the machine's boot ROM is the latest version. Check your version in "About This Mac" / "System Report" under Boot ROM Version.
   • The latest available boot ROM updates (in Big Sur) for various machines is here: https://eclecticlight.co/2020/11/16/which-firmware-should-your-mac-be-using-version-5/ .
   • On a very old boot ROM (<400.0.0.0) use an empty/formatted original Apple SSD get the lastest ROM. Do a temporary fresh install of MacOS from USB, the install should get you to the latest ROM.
   • After 400.0.0.0 systems with aftermarket SSDs can get boot ROM updates.
   • With the latest boot ROM, any previously installed or old version of MacOS should work (some prefer older OSes)
2. Install the latest firmware for your SSD, if there is one. Some SSD update utils install firmware using Windows so use a PC or BootCamp. Some SSD updater utils blank the drive, so make a backup of the drive.
3. Clean the contacts of the SSD, motherboard and the sintech adapter using isopropyl alcohol and a qtip/cotton bud.
4. Ensure the sintech adapter and SSD are fully seated and centred. Even a slight skew or unseated drive can cause crashes and reboot issues. Touching the contacts during install can also lead to instability.
5. you may also have faulty sintech Adapter or some old Sintech adapter made in 2017-2018 need some Kapton insulation tape covering soldered connection area.

Thanks a lot for collecting the Troubleshooting points!

1. Firmware is up to date 428.60.3.0.0 running the latest Monterey
2. Havent tried that to be honest. I figured it wont be necessary since the drive was produced Sep 21 and I read a couple of posts saying the SN750 being a solid choice despite being a little bit power hungry.
3. The contacts on both, the SSD and adapter are brand new and super clean
4. Tried it a couple of times all with the same result.
5. Got the adapter directly from Sintech in china and it has the "Kapton mod" already build in.

So it seems there must be an issue with the long adapter and the newer SN750 drives or I just got unlucky and one of them got damaged during shipping.

 

[DaKKs]

Has anyone here tried the A2000 with a Mid-2015 15"?

I had distinctly lower speeds than other A2000 users when the drive was in my 2015 13". Now i'm still only getting 1300-1400 when i installed it in my 15". From reports here in the thread it should be much fastar in a 2015 15".

 

[Ediflash]

Has anyone here tried the A2000 with a Mid-2015 15"?

I had distinctly lower speeds than other A2000 users when the drive was in my 2015 13". Now i'm still only getting 1300-1400 when i installed it in my 15". From reports here in the thread it should be much fastar in a 2015 15".

The 15" from mid 2015 should have a pci-e 3.0 x4 connection unlike the 13" which runs pci-e x2. Some adapters still run at x2 speeds though. I guess that might be the problem.

 

[DaKKs]

The 15" from mid 2015 should have a pci-e 3.0 x4 connection unlike the 13" which runs pci-e x2. Some adapters still run at x2 speeds though. I guess that might be the problem.

I would buy that if i didnt already have 3 different adapters, 2 aliexpress and a sintech from their store. They all get the same speed. I'm thinking its probably the drive itself.

 

[MrAverigeUser]

I wanted to replace my SSD on my old 15" mid 2015 MBP. So I got the long Sintech adapter and an WD SN750. Everything fitted perfectly and I had my install USB ready but then... nothing.

Just the chore sound and you could see the backlight of the screen lighting up but thats it. I could not get into boot mode or recovery mode. PRAM reset didnt do anything.

After putting the original SSD back inside everything went back to normal.
I guess it may be a faulty adapter or SSD but unfortunately I dont have an enclosure on hand to test the SSD.

Did anyone have similar issues or has any ideas?

I own the same MBP 15“ from mid 2015, using the Sintech long Adapter As well - but with a Samsung 970 Evo plus (with PhLenox controller and 2.x firmware.
it works excellent, read/write about 2.800 each. Look at my posting about the blackmagic results and others.

IMHO your SSD might be the problem.

 

[Ediflash]

I own the same MBP 15“ from mid 2015, using the Sintech long Adapter As well - but with a Samsung 970 Evo plus (with PhLenox controller and 2.x firmware.
it works excellent, read/write about 2.800 each. Look at my posting about the blackmail-results and others.

IMHO your SSD might be the problem.

Thats also possible.
I read somewhere that WD also silently changed their controller on their SN750 drives.
It seems like almost every manufacturer is doing this lately and I find this incredibly frustrating.

Samsung also switched out the Phoenix controller on their 970 evo plus drives. I guess Ill send this one back and give it at least a try before just going the simple route and getting an Apple OEM drive.
Do you know the manufacturing date of your evo plus?

 

[druminfected]

Hello everyone and thanks for taking the time to read this. I've read the wiki on the first page and also a few other websites and videos for upgrading SSD and I just had a couple of questions.


Model Identifier: MacBookPro11,3
Boot ROM Version: 162.0.0.0.0
EFI Version: MBP112.88Z.F000.B00.2006101814

I'm going to upgrade my Late 2013 macbook Pro that has High Sierra 10.13.6 for the OS and on this one website it says for formatting the new SSD that "must use APFS for Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave or High Sierra, earlier versions use Mac Extended Journaled".

I checked my SSD that's it in now and it actually says the OS is Mac Extended Journaled. my question is should I stick to Mac Extended Journaled or should i chose APFS when I format?

I also wanted to know if i need to do anything extra because I also have a 256gb TarDisk which is a small solid state device which provides permanent onboard storage for MacBook Air/Pro through use of the computer’s SDXC port.

When I upgrade to a NVME I plan to remove the 256gb tardisk since I assume it will just slow my new NVME down. (correct me if i'm wrong)

Any help is greatly appreciate and thank you very much!

 

[Kaida]

SN770 doesn't work, frequent lost of MMIO space

 

[MrAverigeUser]

Thats also possible.
I read somewhere that WD also silently changed their controller on their SN750 drives.
It seems like almost every manufacturer is doing this lately and I find this incredibly frustrating.

Samsung also switched out the Phoenix controller on their 970 evo plus drives. I guess Ill send this one back and give it at least a try before just going the simple route and getting an Apple OEM drive.
Do you know the manufacturing date of your evo plus?

yes,
production date of both is 7/2021

 

[ThinhNC]

Seeking advice from anyone having A2000. I got the Kingston A2000 for my MBP 13" Early 2015 and install the latest version of Monterey when doing migration. Latest Boot room is updated and no issue thus far but the performance is kinda low from what I saw from other in this thread. Is the performance I got is normal? Or anything that I can try to improve it?

 

[DaKKs]

Seeking advice from anyone having A2000. I got the Kingston A2000 for my MBP 13" Early 2015 and install the latest version of Monterey when doing migration. Latest Boot room is updated and no issue thus far but the performance is kinda low from what I saw from other in this thread. Is the performance I got is normal? Or anything that I can try to improve it?



*pic removed*

I'm getting about the same speeds when my A2000 was in an early-2015 13". Its slightly faster now that it got moved into my mid-2015 15", but not by much.

I tried three different adapters, including one sintech. No difference at all. Suspecting its the ssd thats no performing very well.

 

[drawz]

So what's the current thought on the long vs short adapters?
What about reliability of Aliexpress options (the one recommended in the first post has short and long adapters)?

This would be for a Late-2013 15" Retina Macbook Pro (11,3) that has really slowed down a lot over the years and runs very very hot. It has a stock 512GB Samsung AHCI (SSUAX) drive running the latest Big Sur. Thermal paste was replaced in the last year with Arctic MX5, but it still runs very hot. I can't decide if a clean install and/or Monterey upgrade (via OCLP) will bring it back to it's former glory. Or downgrade to Mojave? Note, last clean install was Sierra or High Sierra when I bought it used in 2017.

 

[tphan91]

Hey all,

I've been searching around this big thread and I couldn't find anything regarding the new WD SN570. I know that WD is phasing out the SN550 and replacing it with this SN570.

I read reviews from Tom's Hardware, etc. And they all praise this new kid on the block albeit its bottleneck in sustained writing. So, has anybody used this SSD on their machine yet? Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

TIA.

 

[herb2k]

Hey all,

I've been searching around this big thread and I couldn't find anything regarding the new WD SN570. I know that WD is phasing out the SN550 and replacing it with this SN570.

I read reviews from Tom's Hardware, etc. And they all praise this new kid on the block albeit its bottleneck in sustained writing. So, has anybody used this SSD on their machine yet? Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

TIA.

This question about opinion or preference of SSD comes up a lot in the thread.

Slower sustained writing speeds are because of a smaller SLC cache and a general trend in the industry to move their SSDs to QLC from TLC (SLC is the fastest, TLC slower and QLC slowest).

In all honesty - this thread is a discussion about upgrading now 7+ year old laptops that will never have PCIe 4.0 (or now PCIe 5.0) - our PCIe 2.0 (or PCIe 3.0 on the later 15" models) bus speeds are always going to be a bottleneck; even the slowest PCIe 4.0 drive on the market will never reach it's full potential in these machines.

So, the question(s) we need to ask ourselves when contemplating "which SSD" to purchase:

1. Does the bottleneck in sustained write speeds for a QLC based really impact my use case? (Are you normally writing 30GB/100GB/500GB files to the SSD?) If not, then any modern SSD on the market will suit.

2. How much space do I need?

3. Do I care about battery run-time, heat generation, etc. (This will inform if you need any of the KEXTs discussed in the past 2 years)

4. Do I want to buy an SSD from a reputable brand, or an inexpensive relatively newer brand from an online shop such as Amazon? (Most SSDs today are based on a few different reference designs - even those by Seagate and WD share the same components as less expensive units)

Good luck!

 

[rando_onDaInterweb]

Anyone running BigSur on MacBook Pro late 2013 with an upgrade SSD ? How stable is it ?

 

[Adiif1]

Macbook pro 15 2015
NVME : PNY 3030 E12 - 512 g
OS : Monterey
i think all work good ? i only use one kext pmenabled from github
without kext +- 0.20. with 0.05 - 0.07

Edit 2 : with lilu + nvmefix drop to 0.02

but how to add pernament boot-args? i dont have opencore

 

[Saulvb]

New to the forum and need some advice on the qquipment needed to do an upgrade on a 2017 MacBook Air A1466.
I have seen a few different video tutorials with different ssd makes and models. I was just wondering if there are any recommendations of what combinations of ssd’s and adapters work well. I’m kind of new to making upgrades and this is my first foray into upgrading a Macbook but have been tinkering with computers for some years now. I am mainly going to use this MacBook Air for some DAW (recording, sampling, sequencing) using GarageBand and Logic Pro. I can do with around 1TB.
Any recommendations on SSD’s that will be stable and fairly easy to install and format?
Also which adapter would I need if any?

Thanks!

 

[xboxbml]

New to the forum and need some advice on the qquipment needed to do an upgrade on a 2017 MacBook Air A1466.
I have seen a few different video tutorials with different ssd makes and models. I was just wondering if there are any recommendations of what combinations of ssd’s and adapters work well. I’m kind of new to making upgrades and this is my first foray into upgrading a Macbook but have been tinkering with computers for some years now. I am mainly going to use this MacBook Air for some DAW (recording, sampling, sequencing) using GarageBand and Logic Pro. I can do with around 1TB.
Any recommendations on SSD’s that will be stable and fairly easy to install and format?
Also which adapter would I need if any?

Thanks!

See my sig. I've got 2015 MBA and I believe they're almost identical. I like my ADATA 2TB with short Syntec adapter.. a couple others are more affordable and possibly more power efficient, but I've never had an issue. I forget which one others have been recommending lately.. maybe go back about 20 pages or so and read.. I thought like the first page had a table in it with data.. Good luck.