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

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ItsHal said:
Lovely work.
May look into getting A 1TB or 2TB WD Blue SN580
Click to expand...
In case anywone is wondering I tried the same setup with a 2TB WD Blue SN570 and speed is almost identical to the SN580 (a tad faster to read and slower to write, surprisingly) and power consumption feels identical, so if that's the only model you can find/this one is cheaper in your region that works too.
 
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danielristic said:
Glad to help!

I haven't found any clear explanation/tutorial as to how to use Open Core Legacy Patcher other than the "Getting Started" section on the official website. The great thing is that is you follow my 3 step instructions from one of my previous messages, you end up with Lilu and NVMeFix already installed and operational (it's part of open core by default) so no extra steps needed for that.

Regarding ssdpmenabler, it's also pretty much the same instructions as on the official github page, except that since you installed through open core, you don't need to disable part the SIP (boot in recovery mode, ...) so you just follow the instructions for Monterey/Big Sur (does not matter if you run something more recent, I've tried on Ventura and Sonoma and it works just the same) which consists of pasting this single line of code in the terminal (assuming that you've already downloaded the .kext from the release page in your Downloads folder):

Code: 
sudo cp -R ~/Downloads/SsdPmEnabler.kext /Library/Extensions

Then, after granting the necessary permissions when asked and rebooting, you can verify ssdpmenabler is loaded by pasting this in the terminal (it will show two lines ending with "Enabled PCIe PM on SSD"):

Code: 
log show --style syslog --last boot | grep \(SsdPmEnabler
Click to expand...
Thanks again.

I actually found a great Youtuber (Mr. Macintosh) that has many OCLP videos, super clear and well put together. So I will walk through that when working on my own MBA.

Ah then what I might do is install BigSur and apply the OCLP to the fresh NVME, and monitor hibernation / sleep, and power draw.
If power seems to be a challenge I can always add SsdPmEnabler, and if hibernation is a problem with kernal panics etc, just use "sudo pmset -a hibernatemode 0 standby 0 autopoweroff 0" to just turn everything off 🤞🏽

I will document the whole thing incase others want to know. Just need to be patient while that damn adapter arrives now 😂
 
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danielristic said:
You're in luck, I've spent the past few weeks testing several modern drives on an MBP Early 2015 (slightly more recent model than yours but close enough) and here are my main findings:

  • Crucial P3: fine but the flash memory type is QLC which is arguably less durable.
  • Crucial P5 Plus: slightly faster than the P3, power consumtion average, occasional warning message "hash checksum didn't match drive" but didn't seem to do any harm.
  • Samsung 980 Pro: the fastest drive I've tried but high average power consumption and terpermental (had a weird issue with filevault that took days to complet, slow boot times, ...) don't buy!
  • WD Blue SN580: second fastest, lowest power consumption, my recommendation so far.
Also, regarding power consumption note that you should at the very least install ssdpmenabler, as stock firmware will give you a higher power consumption with any drive, but the best thing is to install Mac OS with open core legacy patcher (which comes with its own ssd power management) and then install ssdpmenabler, which is even better (also your model might have sleep issues which can also be resolved with a setting in open core legacy patcher).

Can't comment on Bootcamp compatibility, I use bootcamp to boot windows 10 but only from an external drive with its own EFI partition.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Hello, new here. I have a Macbook Pro Retina (early 2015). Due to your comment and expertise, I'll probably be getting the WD Blue SN580 from your recommendation. Thanks for the helpful comments.

My Macbook has been fine (outside of the reoccurring issue of the trackpad and keyboard not working due to the flex cable seemingly becoming faulty). I'll be replacing the flex cable by myself for the first time and have been researching about other updates I can do (replacing battery, increasing storage etc.) to keep this machine running to 2030 and beyond (might be slightly optimistic :p).

It's been a great laptop and I hope to keep it working for a long time. I'll update my experience with WD Blue SN580 when I get it installed.
 
ProFootballStats said:
My Macbook has been fine (outside of the reoccurring issue of the trackpad and keyboard not working due to the flex cable seemingly becoming faulty). I'll be replacing the flex cable by myself for the first time and have been researching about other updates I can do (replacing battery, increasing storage etc.) to keep this machine running to 2030 and beyond (might be slightly optimistic :p).
Click to expand...

Replacing the flex cable is no small feat on this model, because to access the keyboard & trackpad you need to remove the battery first which is glued to the frame with tons of glue and you’ll need a new battery anyway because chances are you won’t be able to take it out without damaging it to some extent.

In fact I got my battery replaced at the Apple Store a year ago and I was surprised to see that their official way is to actually swap the entire bottom case for a new one (bottom aluminium assembly with keyboard trackpad and battery already assembled), and they move all the other components (motherboard, …) from the original case. If you run the diagnostics at boot does it show your trackpad as faulty? If they still do it in 2023 that it’s not a bad deal as they only charge you for the new battery (220€ which is about $240).

Also for anyone wanting to get their Mac serviced by Apple after swapping the drive note that you’ll need to put the original drive in (or just remove the drive and adapter altogether, they actually do not need your system to be bootable to run their diagnostics).
 
danielristic said:
Glad to help!

I haven't found any clear explanation/tutorial as to how to use Open Core Legacy Patcher other than the "Getting Started" section on the official website. The great thing is that is you follow my 3 step instructions from one of my previous messages, you end up with Lilu and NVMeFix already installed and operational (it's part of open core by default) so no extra steps needed for that.

Regarding ssdpmenabler, it's also pretty much the same instructions as on the official github page, except that since you installed through open core, you don't need to disable part the SIP (boot in recovery mode, ...) so you just follow the instructions for Monterey/Big Sur (does not matter if you run something more recent, I've tried on Ventura and Sonoma and it works just the same) which consists of pasting this single line of code in the terminal (assuming that you've already downloaded the .kext from the release page in your Downloads folder):

Code: 
sudo cp -R ~/Downloads/SsdPmEnabler.kext /Library/Extensions

Then, after granting the necessary permissions when asked and rebooting, you can verify ssdpmenabler is loaded by pasting this in the terminal (it will show two lines ending with "Enabled PCIe PM on SSD"):

Code: 
log show --style syslog --last boot | grep \(SsdPmEnabler
Click to expand...

So the adapter arrived earlier than I thought, and couldn't wait so I sat down yesterday for a few hours.

Setup:

Macbook Air (MBA) (2014?) 6.2 4GB
Sintech NGFF M.2 NVME "long" Adapter (Bought on Amazon shipped by Sintech in CN)
Samsung 970 EVO Plus 2TB M.2 NVME
"JOREST Precision Screwdriver Kit Tool Kit" (any kit with the right Torx (T5) and Pentalobe (P5) will do)
USB drive with 16GB min (I believe that should be enough, I used a 64GB drive)

High level process:

  1. Fresh OS install with updates on exisiting SSD (Steps 1-6 below)
  2. Build OpenCore Bootable USB (Steps 7-8 below)
  3. Install new SSD hardware (Step 10 below)
  4. Install OS (OpenCore "patched") on new SSD (Steps 11-20 below)
  5. Post Install OpenCore config (Steps 21-24 below)
  6. Enjoy your new SSD

Detailed process:

  1. Built a "standard" Bootable USB drive as per Apple instructions. Big Sur for me.

    Create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support

    You can use a USB flash drive or other secondary volume as a startup disk from which to install the Mac operating system. These steps are primarily for system administrators and other experienced users who are familiar with entering commands in Terminal.
    support.apple.com support.apple.com
  2. Booted from USB (Hold Alt / Option), with the ORIGINAL SSD still in the MBA.
    Disk Utility, formatted the drive.
  3. Fresh install of Big Sur.
  4. Booted from the internal drive.
  5. Setup Big Sur.
  6. Applied all available updates.
  7. Installed Open Core Legacy Patcher (OCLP) from https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/
    • Followed instructions by Mr. Macintosh's great youtube video (
      ) - Official Instructions are also great (https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/INSTALLER.html)
    • Note: the above video is a month old, and OCLP has had a UI refresh so will look slightly different. But the process is straight forward.
    • Select "Create MacOS Installer" -> "Download MacOS Installer" -> Pick desired OS (BigSur for me) -> "Flash Installer" -> Select OS you just downloaded -> Select the correct USB drive -> Wait. You now have a Bootable USB created, like step 1. Not sure if it is really needed, but better to go through it all via OCLP IMO.
  8. Now you can build and install OpenCore on the bootable USB
    • Note: I did not change / fiddle with any settings in OCLP. I made sure the correct model was selected (does so by default) and left everything as is. Based on your model it will add / not add things like "NVME Fix" / TRIM enable etc.
    • Back in OCLP main menu select "Build and Install Open Core" -> You will see a window with a bunch of text scrolling as it builds the correct version of OpenCore (top of the window shows your Mac model, confirm that is correct) -> "Install OpenCore" -> "Install to Disk" -> "Select the correct USB drive you just build as bootable" -> "Select "EFI" on that drive" -> Wait, and Success
  9. Created a time machine backup to a different USB, just in case and never ended up using it.
  10. Opened up the bottom of the case, disconnected the battery, took out the original SSD, placed the Samsung SSD into the adapter, inserted adapter / SSD combo into the logic board /motherboard, reconnect battery, and close up.
  11. Insert USB (created in steps 7-8) and power adapter.
  12. Hold Alt/Option, and power on MBA.
  13. Select "EFI Boot" option.
  14. Select "Install "YOUR OS JUST BUILT"" So mine said "Install macOS BigSur"
  15. "Recovery Mode" screen should appear
  16. Disk Utility find my new SSD, and select "Erase" -> "Name" -> Format "APFS" -> Scheme "GUID Partition Map" -> Wait
  17. Exit Disk Utility
  18. Select "Install/Reinstall macOS BigSur" or whatever OS you downloaded -> Make sure to select your new SSD
  19. Wait patiently. It will go through the regular install process which can take a while (30-60 mins atleast). It will likely reboot a number of times. You may need to select the OS on the boot load screen if that shows up, but the process usually handles itself.
  20. Once your new OS has loaded, setup as usual.
  21. OCLP should already be install and will "pop up".
  22. If you want to turn off the "Boot Picker" everytime the machine turns on go to Settings in OCLP -> Under Build -> Untick "Show OpenCore Boot Picker"
  23. Back in OCLP main menu -> "Build OpeCore" like step 8 BUT when selecting "Install to Disk" make sure to select your new internal SSD.
  24. Reboot.
Done, you now have a SSD up and running!

I have yet to test power draw (old battery wayyyy past useable, so waiting on a replacement). So will hold off on ssdpmEnabler KEXT.
Will test putting the laptop to sleep for and extended time (so it hibernates) and see if it will wake up properly / have kernal panics etc.

Thanks to all those in this thread for the great info, and a special thanks for Mr. Macintosh for the OCLP instructions / update videos, and the folks contributing to OCLP (what an awesome user friendly tool!!).
 
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neekulp said:
So the adapter arrived earlier than I thought, and couldn't wait so I sat down yesterday for a few hours.

Setup:

Macbook Air (MBA) (2014?) 6.2 4GB
Sintech NGFF M.2 NVME "long" Adapter (Bought on Amazon shipped by Sintech in CN)
Samsung 970 EVO Plus 2TB M.2 NVME
"JOREST Precision Screwdriver Kit Tool Kit" (any kit with the right Torx (T5) and Pentalobe (P5) will do)
USB drive with 16GB min (I believe that should be enough, I used a 64GB drive)

High level process:

  1. Fresh OS install with updates on exisiting SSD (Steps 1-6 below)
  2. Build OpenCore Bootable USB (Steps 7-8 below)
  3. Install new SSD hardware (Step 10 below)
  4. Install OS (OpenCore "patched") on new SSD (Steps 11-20 below)
  5. Post Install OpenCore config (Steps 21-24 below)
  6. Enjoy your new SSD

Detailed process:

  1. Built a "standard" Bootable USB drive as per Apple instructions. Big Sur for me.

    Create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support

    You can use a USB flash drive or other secondary volume as a startup disk from which to install the Mac operating system. These steps are primarily for system administrators and other experienced users who are familiar with entering commands in Terminal.
    support.apple.com support.apple.com
  2. Booted from USB (Hold Alt / Option), with the ORIGINAL SSD still in the MBA.
    Disk Utility, formatted the drive.
  3. Fresh install of Big Sur.
  4. Booted from the internal drive.
  5. Setup Big Sur.
  6. Applied all available updates.
  7. Installed Open Core Legacy Patcher (OCLP) from https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/
    • Followed instructions by Mr. Macintosh's great youtube video (
      ) - Official Instructions are also great (https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/INSTALLER.html)
    • Note: the above video is a month old, and OCLP has had a UI refresh so will look slightly different. But the process is straight forward.
    • Select "Create MacOS Installer" -> "Download MacOS Installer" -> Pick desired OS (BigSur for me) -> "Flash Installer" -> Select OS you just downloaded -> Select the correct USB drive -> Wait. You now have a Bootable USB created, like step 1. Not sure if it is really needed, but better to go through it all via OCLP IMO.
  8. Now you can build and install OpenCore on the bootable USB
    • Note: I did not change / fiddle with any settings in OCLP. I made sure the correct model was selected (does so by default) and left everything as is. Based on your model it will add / not add things like "NVME Fix" / TRIM enable etc.
    • Back in OCLP main menu select "Build and Install Open Core" -> You will see a window with a bunch of text scrolling as it builds the correct version of OpenCore (top of the window shows your Mac model, confirm that is correct) -> "Install OpenCore" -> "Install to Disk" -> "Select the correct USB drive you just build as bootable" -> "Select "EFI" on that drive" -> Wait, and Success
  9. Created a time machine backup to a different USB, just in case and never ended up using it.
  10. Opened up the bottom of the case, disconnected the battery, took out the original SSD, placed the Samsung SSD into the adapter, inserted adapter / SSD combo into the logic board /motherboard, reconnect battery, and close up.
  11. Insert USB (created in steps 7-8) and power adapter.
  12. Hold Alt/Option, and power on MBA.
  13. Select "EFI Boot" option.
  14. Select "Install "YOUR OS JUST BUILT"" So mine said "Install macOS BigSur"
  15. "Recovery Mode" screen should appear
  16. Disk Utility find my new SSD, and select "Erase" -> "Name" -> Format "APFS" -> Scheme "GUID Partition Map" -> Wait
  17. Exit Disk Utility
  18. Select "Install/Reinstall macOS BigSur" or whatever OS you downloaded -> Make sure to select your new SSD
  19. Wait patiently. It will go through the regular install process which can take a while (30-60 mins atleast). It will likely reboot a number of times. You may need to select the OS on the boot load screen if that shows up, but the process usually handles itself.
  20. Once your new OS has loaded, setup as usual.
  21. OCLP should already be install and will "pop up".
  22. If you want to turn off the "Boot Picker" everytime the machine turns on go to Settings in OCLP -> Under Build -> Untick "Show OpenCore Boot Picker"
  23. Back in OCLP main menu -> "Build OpeCore" like step 8 BUT when selecting "Install to Disk" make sure to select your new internal SSD.
  24. Reboot.
Done, you now have a SSD up and running!

I have yet to test power draw (old battery wayyyy past useable, so waiting on a replacement). So will hold off on ssdpmEnabler KEXT.
Will test putting the laptop to sleep for and extended time (so it hibernates) and see if it will wake up properly / have kernal panics etc.

Thanks to all those in this thread for the great info, and a special thanks for Mr. Macintosh for the OCLP instructions / update videos, and the folks contributing to OCLP (what an awesome user friendly tool!!).
Click to expand...
A 2013/14 machine should be natively supported by Big Sur, did you need to install OCLP? (even if you are using it just for the power management you may not need to go all the way..)


https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ch-bar-for-ssd-upgrades.2231881/post-32308192

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ch-bar-for-ssd-upgrades.2231881/post-32699957
 
danielristic said:
Replacing the flex cable is no small feat on this model, because to access the keyboard & trackpad you need to remove the battery first which is glued to the frame with tons of glue and you’ll need a new battery anyway because chances are you won’t be able to take it out without damaging it to some extent.

In fact I got my battery replaced at the Apple Store a year ago and I was surprised to see that their official way is to actually swap the entire bottom case for a new one (bottom aluminium assembly with keyboard trackpad and battery already assembled), and they move all the other components (motherboard, …) from the original case. If you run the diagnostics at boot does it show your trackpad as faulty? If they still do it in 2023 that it’s not a bad deal as they only charge you for the new battery (220€ which is about $240).

Also for anyone wanting to get their Mac serviced by Apple after swapping the drive note that you’ll need to put the original drive in (or just remove the drive and adapter altogether, they actually do not need your system to be bootable to run their diagnostics).
Click to expand...
That actually surprises me, because from the videos I saw online, and from taking it to the genius bar (who recommended I do it myself), the inside should look like the image attached. The flex cable replacement should be quite easy without having to effect the battery at all.
 

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natus.w said:
A 2013/14 machine should be natively supported by Big Sur, did you need to install OCLP? (even if you are using it just for the power management you may not need to go all the way..)


https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ch-bar-for-ssd-upgrades.2231881/post-32308192

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ch-bar-for-ssd-upgrades.2231881/post-32699957
Click to expand...
You are right. It should be just fine with a regular BigSur install, but I guess I went for a belts and braces approach. After reading up on OCLP it made sense (to me) to go this route, and it seemed pretty straight forward too.

So far it's been great. I am waiting on a new battery and then will see how well it's all worked... Or not 🙄
 
Hello,

I have a MacBook Pro, early 2015 and I'd like to upgrade its ssd from 128GB to 1TB

I bought SAMSUNG 990 Pro 1TB but it doesn't recognize... I followed youtube videos but failed at this point.

I saw one with SAMSUNG 980 and everything was fine. I know the 990 Pro its too powerful but it should work as well...

HELP :/
 
ryannorcott said:
Hello,

I have a MacBook Pro, early 2015 and I'd like to upgrade its ssd from 128GB to 1TB

I bought SAMSUNG 990 Pro 1TB but it doesn't recognize... I followed youtube videos but failed at this point.

I saw one with SAMSUNG 980 and everything was fine. I know the 990 Pro its too powerful but it should work as well...

HELP :/
Click to expand...

Have you looked through the thread to see what you need to do with the original SSD installed, before swapping out?

e.g. Ensure MacOS is the latest possible version for your Mac, with the original SSD/HDD?
Correct bootrom version, with the original SSD/HDD?
Adapter is compatible with your Samsung SSD?
etc..?
 
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neekulp said:
Have you looked through the thread to see what you need to do with the original SSD installed, before swapping out?

e.g. Ensure MacOS is the latest possible version for your Mac, with the original SSD/HDD?
Correct bootrom version, with the original SSD/HDD?
Adapter is compatible with your Samsung SSD?
etc..?
Click to expand...

First thing I did was format the new SSD to APFS with external encloure.

Thought entering recovery mode and installing default os will work, but it doesn't recognize.

I will try installing latest os for MacBookPro Early 2015 which is Monterey

SSD pin addapter is right, I bought it in Amazon from a tutorial I watched. Seems fine... I guess lol

Correct bootrom version: idk
 
ryannorcott said:
First thing I did was format the new SSD to APFS with external encloure.

Thought entering recovery mode and installing default os will work, but it doesn't recognize.

I will try installing latest os for MacBookPro Early 2015 which is Monterey

SSD pin addapter is right, I bought it in Amazon from a tutorial I watched. Seems fine... I guess lol

Correct bootrom version: idk
Click to expand...
Did you check with your old SSD installed that you were on the latest OS (Monterey)?

If you search this thread for BootROM you can find out how to check and what version to look for.

How did you install macOS on your new SDD? Internet recovery? Partition from your internal drive? Bootable USB?
 
neekulp said:
Did you check with your old SSD installed that you were on the latest OS (Monterey)?

If you search this thread for BootROM you can find out how to check and what version to look for.

How did you install macOS on your new SDD? Internet recovery? Partition from your internal drive? Bootable USB?
Click to expand...

1. The old SSD is in the latest OS which is Monterey

2. For what I need BootROM? Never had a look to it before.

3. I plugged the new SSD inside the enclosure and downloaded macOS Catalina installer, then proceed the clean installation in the external SSD. The problem comes when I swap the disks and instead of loading it boots to recovery mode and can't do nothing. Should start normally :(
 
ryannorcott said:
1. The old SSD is in the latest OS which is Monterey

2. For what I need BootROM? Never had a look to it before.

3. I plugged the new SSD inside the enclosure and downloaded macOS Catalina installer, then proceed the clean installation in the external SSD. The problem comes when I swap the disks and instead of loading it boots to recovery mode and can't do nothing. Should start normally :(
Click to expand...
2. Like I said give this thread a search for "BOOTROM" and you should find the relevant post. I don't have that to hand right now.

3. Did you install the OS on the new SSD using your existing drive (e.g SSD in enclosure, select "install macOS..." In your applications folder?
If you did that might be the issue.
Create a bootable USB like in details step 1-3 in my above post.
With you new SDD in the MBP (not in its enclosure) plug in the bootable USB. Turn on your MBP holding option and boot from the USB to create a fresh install to your new internal SSD.
Once it's done it should boot to the internal drive
 
neekulp said:
So the adapter arrived earlier than I thought, and couldn't wait so I sat down yesterday for a few hours.

Setup:

Macbook Air (MBA) (2014?) 6.2 4GB
Sintech NGFF M.2 NVME "long" Adapter (Bought on Amazon shipped by Sintech in CN)
Samsung 970 EVO Plus 2TB M.2 NVME
"JOREST Precision Screwdriver Kit Tool Kit" (any kit with the right Torx (T5) and Pentalobe (P5) will do)
USB drive with 16GB min (I believe that should be enough, I used a 64GB drive)

High level process:

  1. Fresh OS install with updates on exisiting SSD (Steps 1-6 below)
  2. Build OpenCore Bootable USB (Steps 7-8 below)
  3. Install new SSD hardware (Step 10 below)
  4. Install OS (OpenCore "patched") on new SSD (Steps 11-20 below)
  5. Post Install OpenCore config (Steps 21-24 below)
  6. Enjoy your new SSD

Detailed process:

  1. Built a "standard" Bootable USB drive as per Apple instructions. Big Sur for me.

    Create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support

    You can use a USB flash drive or other secondary volume as a startup disk from which to install the Mac operating system. These steps are primarily for system administrators and other experienced users who are familiar with entering commands in Terminal.
    support.apple.com support.apple.com
  2. Booted from USB (Hold Alt / Option), with the ORIGINAL SSD still in the MBA.
    Disk Utility, formatted the drive.
  3. Fresh install of Big Sur.
  4. Booted from the internal drive.
  5. Setup Big Sur.
  6. Applied all available updates.
  7. Installed Open Core Legacy Patcher (OCLP) from https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/
    • Followed instructions by Mr. Macintosh's great youtube video (
      ) - Official Instructions are also great (https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/INSTALLER.html)
    • Note: the above video is a month old, and OCLP has had a UI refresh so will look slightly different. But the process is straight forward.
    • Select "Create MacOS Installer" -> "Download MacOS Installer" -> Pick desired OS (BigSur for me) -> "Flash Installer" -> Select OS you just downloaded -> Select the correct USB drive -> Wait. You now have a Bootable USB created, like step 1. Not sure if it is really needed, but better to go through it all via OCLP IMO.
  8. Now you can build and install OpenCore on the bootable USB
    • Note: I did not change / fiddle with any settings in OCLP. I made sure the correct model was selected (does so by default) and left everything as is. Based on your model it will add / not add things like "NVME Fix" / TRIM enable etc.
    • Back in OCLP main menu select "Build and Install Open Core" -> You will see a window with a bunch of text scrolling as it builds the correct version of OpenCore (top of the window shows your Mac model, confirm that is correct) -> "Install OpenCore" -> "Install to Disk" -> "Select the correct USB drive you just build as bootable" -> "Select "EFI" on that drive" -> Wait, and Success
  9. Created a time machine backup to a different USB, just in case and never ended up using it.
  10. Opened up the bottom of the case, disconnected the battery, took out the original SSD, placed the Samsung SSD into the adapter, inserted adapter / SSD combo into the logic board /motherboard, reconnect battery, and close up.
  11. Insert USB (created in steps 7-8) and power adapter.
  12. Hold Alt/Option, and power on MBA.
  13. Select "EFI Boot" option.
  14. Select "Install "YOUR OS JUST BUILT"" So mine said "Install macOS BigSur"
  15. "Recovery Mode" screen should appear
  16. Disk Utility find my new SSD, and select "Erase" -> "Name" -> Format "APFS" -> Scheme "GUID Partition Map" -> Wait
  17. Exit Disk Utility
  18. Select "Install/Reinstall macOS BigSur" or whatever OS you downloaded -> Make sure to select your new SSD
  19. Wait patiently. It will go through the regular install process which can take a while (30-60 mins atleast). It will likely reboot a number of times. You may need to select the OS on the boot load screen if that shows up, but the process usually handles itself.
  20. Once your new OS has loaded, setup as usual.
  21. OCLP should already be install and will "pop up".
  22. If you want to turn off the "Boot Picker" everytime the machine turns on go to Settings in OCLP -> Under Build -> Untick "Show OpenCore Boot Picker"
  23. Back in OCLP main menu -> "Build OpeCore" like step 8 BUT when selecting "Install to Disk" make sure to select your new internal SSD.
  24. Reboot.
Done, you now have a SSD up and running!

I have yet to test power draw (old battery wayyyy past useable, so waiting on a replacement). So will hold off on ssdpmEnabler KEXT.
Will test putting the laptop to sleep for and extended time (so it hibernates) and see if it will wake up properly / have kernal panics etc.

Thanks to all those in this thread for the great info, and a special thanks for Mr. Macintosh for the OCLP instructions / update videos, and the folks contributing to OCLP (what an awesome user friendly tool!!).
Click to expand...
I don't know about the 2014, but with the 2015 I had issues with the LONG Sintech adapter and the ADATA SSD I got. With that combination, it made the MBA bottom cover press pretty firm against the SSD. This would inevitably create a failure in the future. I got the SHORT Sintech adapter and no more pressing... You shouldn't have to force the MBA bottom cover down to screw it in.. Just so you know...
 
neekulp said:
2. Like I said give this thread a search for "BOOTROM" and you should find the relevant post. I don't have that to hand right now.

3. Did you install the OS on the new SSD using your existing drive (e.g SSD in enclosure, select "install macOS..." In your applications folder?
If you did that might be the issue.
Create a bootable USB like in details step 1-3 in my above post.
With you new SDD in the MBP (not in its enclosure) plug in the bootable USB. Turn on your MBP holding option and boot from the USB to create a fresh install to your new internal SSD.
Once it's done it should boot to the internal drive
Click to expand...
I think the pin adapter does not support PCI 4.x ... I'll need to buy new one.
 
xboxbml said:
I don't know about the 2014, but with the 2015 I had issues with the LONG Sintech adapter and the ADATA SSD I got. With that combination, it made the MBA bottom cover press pretty firm against the SSD. This would inevitably create a failure in the future. I got the SHORT Sintech adapter and no more pressing... You shouldn't have to force the MBA bottom cover down to screw it in.. Just so you know...
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up.
The SSD doesn't seem to be touching the bottom cover. Goes on just fine, and took a look with the cover off and the SSD sits just below/at the highest point which is the thermal piping if I am not mistaken.

On a general update, I swapped the dead battery with a new one. Calibrated and left over night with a 100% charge (Sleep from Apple Menu). 13 hours later opened the lid, and get the login screen instantly. No battery drop.
So far so good. Will see over the coming weeks if the battery drain over longer periods is the same / better / worse, and watch out for kernal panics, as it wont be regularly shut down.

All in all, new SSD, Battery and a good clean has given the MBA a new lease on life. Hope the other half can use this for quite sometime.
 
Wow. The 2TB HP EX900 Plus is currently on sale for only $62.99 on Amazon US. Still recommended? No sleep issues? This price seems too good to be true. If it’s solid I’ll grab one today for my 15” 2014 MBP.

UPDATE: Sale's over already. I missed it. :(
 
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When I updated the SSD on my wife's MBA early 2015 back in 2021 with a Silicon Power A80, the computer started to present some Kernel Panics related to NVME.
I solved the issue by placing Kepton tape on the laptop's botton cover just below the SSD. The computer never had another KP.
 
danielristic said:
In case anywone is wondering I tried the same setup with a 2TB WD Blue SN570 and speed is almost identical to the SN580 (a tad faster to read and slower to write, surprisingly) and power consumption feels identical, so if that's the only model you can find/this one is cheaper in your region that works too.
Click to expand...
Hi and thanks for the intersting posts. I'm new here and exploring options to upgrade my Mid-2014 MBP (Retina 15", 2.2 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7, 16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3, Intel Iris Pro 1536 MB and APPLE SSD SM0256F) and found a good deal for a WD SN750 1TB (this size suits me) but have got a bit lost and confused with the information here and on YouTube, so please can you, as the person closest to my spec that I can see on here) or anybody else, please help by elaborating on the pros and cons between the short and long models of the Sintech adapters? Thanks in advance! Kirk
 
KirkLC said:
Hi and thanks for the intersting posts. I'm new here and exploring options to upgrade my Mid-2014 MBP (Retina 15", 2.2 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7, 16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3, Intel Iris Pro 1536 MB and APPLE SSD SM0256F) and found a good deal for a WD SN750 1TB (this size suits me) but have got a bit lost and confused with the information here and on YouTube, so please can you, as the person closest to my spec that I can see on here) or anybody else, please help by elaborating on the pros and cons between the short and long models of the Sintech adapters? Thanks in advance! Kirk
Click to expand...

I think the long adapters are not for double-sided SSDs.
 
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Hi all I have a early 2015 13' MBP and I was wondering what would be the cheapest way to get an ssd upgrade but also getting the most for storage and reliability. I am relatively new to this forum and I just fell down this rathole of ssd's and whats compatible or not. This is for black friday 2023 btw!!
 
Mad_Martin_Real said:
Hi all I have a early 2015 13' MBP and I was wondering what would be the cheapest way to get an ssd upgrade but also getting the most for storage and reliability. I am relatively new to this forum and I just fell down this rathole of ssd's and whats compatible or not. This is for black friday 2023 btw!!
Click to expand...
PCPartPicker is a good place to start getting price data for drives, they have data for a number of retailers..

Here’s a filter for 1TB drives.

You can use TechPowerUp’s database and other third party reviews to gauge what hardware you might get (do be aware drive specs may change without warning..)
 
Hi, guys! I'm interested in buying a used MacBook Pro Mid 2015. The exact model identifier is MacBookPro11,4 and it uses a 2,2GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7 and 256GB SSD. As the storage is totally not enough for me I'm looking for opportunities to change the storage. As I understand it's not that easy to do it on a MacBook and the machine I'm interested in is one of the last that even supports it.

I understand that I need an adapter for that procedure. But I received very negative information about those adapters from my local computer service (the owner is a friend of mine). They failed often and caused additional problems. I watched that video guide for a SSD upgrade:


The guy didn't say anything about adapters. And he linked in the description some SSD models which are said to be made for those MacBook models specifically. As I understand it - they don't need adapters. I will post them here:

1) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07QY9W...60b823dd71d14bd7da440185e826e&tag=howfixit-21
2) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07XG3P...145e6d12fb1ae1eb7ec5da6335324&tag=howfixit-21
3) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...c4c&afSmartRedirect=y&gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt

What do you guys think of those SSD? Are they good and can I use them without an adapter?

And how your machines are working overall with those aftermarket SSD drives? Are you satisfied? Do you have any problems?

Thanks for your responses and info in advance! :)
 
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