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

[KirkLC]

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

Update - successfully installed a Crucial P3 1TB M.2 PCIe Gen3 NVMe coupled to the short Sintech adapter, using a USB installer of Big Sur 11.7.10 (clean install). All round improvements seem fine and speed tests giving good results.
I doubt that I'll bother updating the OS for a good while yet, if ever.

 

[macpro_mid2014]

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/1005001874258178.html?af=1186322_1&cv=41473709&cn=45s4odbme3cpgrs02ovcgvwvjl0posgy&dp=v5_45s4odbme3cpgrs02ovcgvwvjl0posgy&af=1186322_1&cv=41473709&cn=45s4odbme3cpgrs02ovcgvwvjl0posgy&dp=v5_45s4odbme3cpgrs02ovcgvwvjl0posgy&utm_source=epn&utm_medium=cpa&utm_campaign=1186322_1&utm_content=41473709&product_id=3256801687943426&afref=https://www.youtube.com&aff_fcid=16c6ca55db08482f9010c7b195be81b4-1700908403701-08652-_9G57Xi&aff_fsk=_9G57Xi&aff_platform=portals-hotproduct&sk=_9G57Xi&aff_trace_key=16c6ca55db08482f9010c7b195be81b4-1700908403701-08652-_9G57Xi&terminal_id=54a0b014ca8846458e267b407b449c4c&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!

Please, go back four pages and start reading from there. There are some insightful tips about which SSD to buy and which adapter.

The SSDs in the video and links are built with an adapter already in place like the ones sold by OWC Aura.

NVMe+Adapter is generally cheaper than the ones already built with the adapter (video/links).

I've been using the Sintech adapter + SSD on three of my Macs without any issues for almost three years now.

 

[dogen]

These speed tests are from a 2013 1.7GHz i7 MacBook Air 6,2. The Apple SSD is the 500GB original. The upgrade is to an SK Hynix Gold P31 1TB with the short Sintech NGFF M.2 nVME SSD adapter. Here are the befores and afters from Black Magic and Amorphous speed tests. Do they look about right?

Apple AHCI SSD:

SK Hynix Gold P31:

 

[cainester2009]

Hi, can someone please help have a look at my crash report (MBA 2013)? I am using a Crucial P1 NVME SSD and a third party controller. I saw people saying Sintech adapters are more reliable but I just wanted to check with people here who may have more experience. Thanks guys.




panic(cpu 0 caller 0xffffff800c4d2860): nvme: "Fatal error occurred. CSTS=0xffffffff US[1]=0x0 US[0]=0x9d VID=0xc0a9 DID=0x2263

. FW Revision=P3CR013\n"@/System/Volumes/Data/SWE/macOS/BuildRoots/5f3ad454b9/Library/Caches/com.apple.xbs/Sources/IONVMeFamily/IONVMeFamily-557.120.1/Common/IONVMeController.cpp:5499

 

[cainester2009]

Did you try using the command as in my previous post? I was getting boot crash too, so I went into recovery mode first and opened terminal and typed: nvram boot-argS="keepsyms=1"

After that I installed the NVMeFix, Lilu and SSDPMEnabler kexts and it was fixed.

Also make sure you have the latest firmware for the Evo Plus. Go to the System Information app, then on the left click NVMExpress, and next to "Revision" it should say 2B2QEXM7, which is the latest. If it says 1B2QEXM7, you have to update it. I'm not sure how to update it as mine was already at the later version when I bought it but there's some tutorials out there if you google it.

Hi, do you have a more detailed procedure on how to go abouts installing those three kexts? I did a bit of searching and it looks really complicated

 

[natus.w]

Hi, do you have a more detailed procedure on how to go abouts installing those three kexts? I did a bit of searching and it looks really complicated

You should be able to copy them directly to your /Library/Extensions path.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/found-this-adaptor-for-2016-2017-non-touch-bar-for-ssd-upgrades.2231881/post-32308192

 

[sethnel]

Does anyone have thoughts on this Timetec SSD?

Timetec 1TB (Newegg) | Link B (Amazon)

 

[ItsHal]

Not been around for A bit but update from me
My MacBook mid 2014.
Samsung 980 NvMe working fine

OCLP Sonoma started giving me problems so gone back to Big Sur. Mac would would have battery life but some times Mac would just go to black screen would press power button put would get battery icon. So would plug in charger and it would comeback on with battery life. Happen good few times. That is why I went back to Big Sur

 

[vvest]

Hello people,

I would like to ask your opinion. I have browsed the topic, but I have additional questions. If anyone could advise me anything – I would appreciate!

SITUATION:
MacBook Pro Mid-2015 15" A1398 (11,4), 256 GB SSD. Was on Monterrey OS lately. Have been in active usage for the last 5 years. And likely SSD died last week. So, currently, I'm deciding on what to replace the original SSD with. I have visited Apple Authorized Service Center, where they offered me to replace SSD with original one. But the price is sick ~500$. That's why, I'm searching for alternative ways. There are my questions below.

1. Obviously, the simplest way – buy the same original SSD, used one. Besides unknown state of previous usage of the used SSD, today is 2023. Which means, that SSD was produced quite a long time ago. So, the chances, that it will die quite soon – quite high. Pls, correct me if I'm wrong.

2. In my location, everywhere they sell Kingspec SSD, which does not require adapter. I read in the comments of this topic, that it was not advised with this chinese SSD. Another comment said, that Kingspec made fans of the MPC working to the maximum from the very start. So, I'm not fond of buying this Kingspec. Eventhough, it's the most available thing around me. Pls, comment if anything changed lately.

3. I was advised of Odyson SSD, which doesn't require adapter either. I couldn't find much info about testing of this SSD on this topic. Neither on Reddit. So, it's quite 'grey zone' to me. Pls, share if you have experience / opinion on using Odyson SSD.

4. If to choose another way – adapter Sintech + SSD. Since Sintech adapter is not available in my local stores, I will have to order it from another country. Another comment in this topic said, that even when buying on American Amazon – you have to make sure, that seller is Sintech (another might send counterfeit). But I'm curious, if anyone ordered the adapter from the original store of Sintech? Is it better idea to receive not counterfeit adapter?

5. In combination with Sintech adapter, I'm considering TEAMGROUP MP33 2TB SSD (though, maybe I will choose 1TB instead). I read someone advised this model here recently. Pls, comment if you have additional opinion on this one.

6. Another model in combination with Sintech adapter, I'm considering Timetec 2TB SSD. Unfortunately, I didn't find comments about that. If anyone could comment – please share your opinion.

7. PNY CS1030 1TB. I didn't find any comments about it here. Pls, comment if you had experience with this one.

8. And the last model I'm considering – Crucial P3 500GB. I didn't find comments about this one in the topic. So, if anyone has an opinion / experience with – pls, share with me.

9. If anyone would advise another SSD, instead of the ones I listed above – I would appreciate your help. I read many comments about Corsair MP510, Transcend 110S here.

10. Since it's likely I would order SSD and Sintech adapter from far away (+ I don't know IF besides SSD – anything else died in my Mac), I'm concerned if I could test the ordered products properly, when they arrive. As a plan B (imagine, SSD and adapter are fine, but by some reason my Mac doesn't recognise it) – would enclosure be helpful to test SSD and Sintech adapter?

Thanks.
Cheers!

 

[se93]

Greetings community!!

Would there be a need to install a heatsink when upgrading the SSD on the Macbook to M.2 MVNe ?

 

[xboxbml]

Greetings community!!

Would there be a need to install a heatsink when upgrading the SSD on the Macbook to M.2 MVNe ?

My ADATA 2TB came with a heatsink. I figured I would install it as it came with one from the manufacturer. Haven't gotten any other brands yet so don't know what they come with or recommend.

 

[ItsHal]

Hello people,

I would like to ask your opinion. I have browsed the topic, but I have additional questions. If anyone could advise me anything – I would appreciate!

SITUATION:
MacBook Pro Mid-2015 15" A1398 (11,4), 256 GB SSD. Was on Monterrey OS lately. Have been in active usage for the last 5 years. And likely SSD died last week. So, currently, I'm deciding on what to replace the original SSD with. I have visited Apple Authorized Service Center, where they offered me to replace SSD with original one. But the price is sick ~500$. That's why, I'm searching for alternative ways. There are my questions below.

1. Obviously, the simplest way – buy the same original SSD, used one. Besides unknown state of previous usage of the used SSD, today is 2023. Which means, that SSD was produced quite a long time ago. So, the chances, that it will die quite soon – quite high. Pls, correct me if I'm wrong.

2. In my location, everywhere they sell Kingspec SSD, which does not require adapter. I read in the comments of this topic, that it was not advised with this chinese SSD. Another comment said, that Kingspec made fans of the MPC working to the maximum from the very start. So, I'm not fond of buying this Kingspec. Eventhough, it's the most available thing around me. Pls, comment if anything changed lately.

3. I was advised of Odyson SSD, which doesn't require adapter either. I couldn't find much info about testing of this SSD on this topic. Neither on Reddit. So, it's quite 'grey zone' to me. Pls, share if you have experience / opinion on using Odyson SSD.

4. If to choose another way – adapter Sintech + SSD. Since Sintech adapter is not available in my local stores, I will have to order it from another country. Another comment in this topic said, that even when buying on American Amazon – you have to make sure, that seller is Sintech (another might send counterfeit). But I'm curious, if anyone ordered the adapter from the original store of Sintech? Is it better idea to receive not counterfeit adapter?

5. In combination with Sintech adapter, I'm considering TEAMGROUP MP33 2TB SSD (though, maybe I will choose 1TB instead). I read someone advised this model here recently. Pls, comment if you have additional opinion on this one.

6. Another model in combination with Sintech adapter, I'm considering Timetec 2TB SSD. Unfortunately, I didn't find comments about that. If anyone could comment – please share your opinion.

7. PNY CS1030 1TB. I didn't find any comments about it here. Pls, comment if you had experience with this one.

8. And the last model I'm considering – Crucial P3 500GB. I didn't find comments about this one in the topic. So, if anyone has an opinion / experience with – pls, share with me.

9. If anyone would advise another SSD, instead of the ones I listed above – I would appreciate your help. I read many comments about Corsair MP510, Transcend 110S here.

10. Since it's likely I would order SSD and Sintech adapter from far away (+ I don't know IF besides SSD – anything else died in my Mac), I'm concerned if I could test the ordered products properly, when they arrive. As a plan B (imagine, SSD and adapter are fine, but by some reason my Mac doesn't recognise it) – would enclosure be helpful to test SSD and Sintech adapter?

Thanks.
Cheers!

Asking fair bit here.
But best thing to do is just stick to adapter and an NvMe drive that has been test here
Myself using 2 adapters not snitech one in Mid 2014 MacBook Pro and one in MacBook Air late 2015 Air
Pro I have Samsung 980
Air Adata Pro XPG SX8200

Tested Drives I have seen talked about here
Samsung 980
Adata Pro XPG SX8200
SK Hynix Gold P31
WD Blue SN570
WD Blue SN550

Hit and miss
Crucial P3 mostly not working what I have seen

SK Hynix Gold P31 seems to get A lot of love in here from what I have seen

As for the brands of drives you listed I have not seen anyone talk about them so don't think anyone could really tell you if they 100% work. Best thing to do is maybe Google the drive name and model MacBook Pro and see if A page comes up with some info.

 

[ItsHal]

Greetings community!!

Would there be a need to install a heatsink when upgrading the SSD on the Macbook to M.2 MVNe ?

Not really some heatsink do stick out about so maybe not shut the case right. My Adata come with one and it's fine.

 

[natus.w]

Hello people,

I would like to ask your opinion. I have browsed the topic, but I have additional questions. If anyone could advise me anything – I would appreciate!

SITUATION:
MacBook Pro Mid-2015 15" A1398 (11,4), 256 GB SSD. Was on Monterrey OS lately. Have been in active usage for the last 5 years. And likely SSD died last week. So, currently, I'm deciding on what to replace the original SSD with. I have visited Apple Authorized Service Center, where they offered me to replace SSD with original one. But the price is sick ~500$. That's why, I'm searching for alternative ways. There are my questions below.

1. Obviously, the simplest way – buy the same original SSD, used one. Besides unknown state of previous usage of the used SSD, today is 2023. Which means, that SSD was produced quite a long time ago. So, the chances, that it will die quite soon – quite high. Pls, correct me if I'm wrong.

2. In my location, everywhere they sell Kingspec SSD, which does not require adapter. I read in the comments of this topic, that it was not advised with this chinese SSD. Another comment said, that Kingspec made fans of the MPC working to the maximum from the very start. So, I'm not fond of buying this Kingspec. Eventhough, it's the most available thing around me. Pls, comment if anything changed lately.

3. I was advised of Odyson SSD, which doesn't require adapter either. I couldn't find much info about testing of this SSD on this topic. Neither on Reddit. So, it's quite 'grey zone' to me. Pls, share if you have experience / opinion on using Odyson SSD.

4. If to choose another way – adapter Sintech + SSD. Since Sintech adapter is not available in my local stores, I will have to order it from another country. Another comment in this topic said, that even when buying on American Amazon – you have to make sure, that seller is Sintech (another might send counterfeit). But I'm curious, if anyone ordered the adapter from the original store of Sintech? Is it better idea to receive not counterfeit adapter?

5. In combination with Sintech adapter, I'm considering TEAMGROUP MP33 2TB SSD (though, maybe I will choose 1TB instead). I read someone advised this model here recently. Pls, comment if you have additional opinion on this one.

6. Another model in combination with Sintech adapter, I'm considering Timetec 2TB SSD. Unfortunately, I didn't find comments about that. If anyone could comment – please share your opinion.

7. PNY CS1030 1TB. I didn't find any comments about it here. Pls, comment if you had experience with this one.

8. And the last model I'm considering – Crucial P3 500GB. I didn't find comments about this one in the topic. So, if anyone has an opinion / experience with – pls, share with me.

9. If anyone would advise another SSD, instead of the ones I listed above – I would appreciate your help. I read many comments about Corsair MP510, Transcend 110S here.

10. Since it's likely I would order SSD and Sintech adapter from far away (+ I don't know IF besides SSD – anything else died in my Mac), I'm concerned if I could test the ordered products properly, when they arrive. As a plan B (imagine, SSD and adapter are fine, but by some reason my Mac doesn't recognise it) – would enclosure be helpful to test SSD and Sintech adapter?

Thanks.
Cheers!

”Odyson” appears to sell used or third party Mac spares so that won’t be much of an upgrade..

I don’t know what country you’re in, but those sellers are able sell directly through AliExpress/Taobao, so you can get it posted internationally directly to your country (Sintech being one example)

Hardware wise you can use TechPowerUp’s database to gauge what hardware you might find inside your various available SSD SKUs (in case not all of the ones mentioned by “ItsHal” are available in your area or not inexpensive..)

 

[bobloblaw88]

Anyone know if you can transplant a drive+adapter from a 2014 to a 2015 and expect it to still boot up correctly?

More specifically, I've got a 2014 15" (w/ dGPU) whose SSD I upgraded using this thread about 3 years ago. It has since died, and because I'm a maroon, there are a few files on it I didn't manage to back up in time before it died and would like to recover. Since prices for these machines are in the gutter, I was thinking of picking up a used 2015 15" (w/out dGPU), popping the drive in, getting the stuff I need out, and then passing it off to a very young relative for whatever the current equivalent of Flash-based games from 2003 is.

I'm aware the 2014/2015 are almost identical sans the dGPU and the trackpad. My concern is the dGPU (going from an OS installed on a machine with one to a machine without). Anyone know if I'll have any issues? Thanks.

 

[mwidjaya]

Anyone know if you can transplant a drive+adapter from a 2014 to a 2015 and expect it to still boot up correctly?

Over thinking it.

Will boot up. Also can try safe mode boot (hold shift key) if not booting normally.

Other methods available as well. One is to re-install macOS over the top (don't erase disk, will preserve data).

 

[vkurtov]

Мacbook pro 15” 2014 year, install intel SSDPEKKW010T8L (760p family) 1TB
All work, hibernation work, windows work
PCI x4 work in MacOS big sur

 

[Youx]

Just did the swap on my Late 2013 13" Retina Macbook Pro (running Sonoma with OCLP), with a WD Blue SN580 1To!

Works perfectly, and the difference is quite impressive, I have benchmarked it before/after to see how it fares, and it's always much faster (from +50% to +200% depending on cases).

Before:




After:



Now, if only I could bump it from 8GB ram to 16GB ram, but there's no way without changing the logic board entirely...

---

The sentence in the first post is a bit confusing :

The 2013-2014 MacBookPro retina models originally shipped with 2x lanes PCIe 2.0 AHCI SSD (speed ~700MB/s).

The SSD slot is wired to a PCIe 2.0 x4 lane, and while the original SSD may not be have been able to tap into the potential 2000MB/s, a modern SSD does fare much better.

 

[mudflap]

Now, if only I could bump it from 8GB ram to 16GB ram, but there's no way without changing the logic board entirely...

I replaced the fried logic board in my 15" 2014 dual graphics and it wasn't as difficult as I feared. Got a 2.5gHz 16GB board for around $75 off eBay, watched some YouTube videos and used double sided tape to keep all the removed screws organized. I was being over-careful so it took a few hours. I'm actually really proud of myself lol. I threw in a 1TB Mac Pro 2013 SSD in there too because I wanted to be able to boot into older versions of macOS. All is well.

 

[ItsHal]

Just did the swap on my Late 2013 13" Retina Macbook Pro (running Sonoma with OCLP), with a WD Blue SN580 1To!

Works perfectly, and the difference is quite impressive, I have benchmarked it before/after to see how it fares, and it's always much faster (from +50% to +200% depending on cases).

Before:

View attachment 2321733


After:

View attachment 2321734

Now, if only I could bump it from 8GB ram to 16GB ram, but there's no way without changing the logic board entirely...

---

The sentence in the first post is a bit confusing :

The SSD slot is wired to a PCIe 2.0 x4 lane, and while the original SSD may not be have been able to tap into the potential 2000MB/s, a modern SSD does fare much better.

There are ways but A lot of work to do so so new board is best way.
I have found few cheap boards here as was looking for the same reason for my 2014. You can use the boards from 13 and 14 models as they are the same layout
Macbook Pro Retina 13 A1502 boards

 

[sethnel]

I can report that the SABRENT 500 GB - 2TB Rocket Nvme PCIe 4.0 with the short Sintech adapter works great on the Early 2015 Retina 13-inch MBP. I had no issues with the MBP finding, formatting, and migrating to the drive.

I also found this video helpful for anyone who needs a visual aid.

A note for anyone working on the Early 2015 Retina 13-inch MBP (or any 13-inch MBP): Get the short Sintech Adapter. The long one will not work as, in my case, it bowed when fully installed and would not allow for the bottom to be put back on. It also caused some minor, but noticeable, bowing on the NVME drive.

I hope this helps!

 

[Idly6892]

Hello,

I have two questions:

1 - if price and availability aren't a problem, which ssd would you recommend as the best in 2023 for an early 2015 MacBook Pro?

2 - I have bought a sintech adapter and their website says specifically that they are not compatible with SN570. But there are many success stories with this model lately. Should I pay attention to their recommendation or it has become obsolete?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ProFootballStats]

I can report that the SABRENT 500 GB - 2TB Rocket Nvme PCIe 4.0 with the short Sintech adapter works great on the Early 2015 Retina 13-inch MBP. I had no issues with the MBP finding, formatting, and migrating to the drive.

I also found this video helpful for anyone who needs a visual aid.

A note for anyone working on the Early 2015 Retina 13-inch MBP (or any 13-inch MBP): Get the short Sintech Adapter. The long one will not work as, in my case, it bowed when fully installed and would not allow for the bottom to be put back on. It also caused some minor, but noticeable, bowing on the NVME drive.

I hope this helps!

That's a good tip. Thanks

 

[5354]

Just did the swap on my Late 2013 13" Retina Macbook Pro (running Sonoma with OCLP), with a WD Blue SN580 1To!

Works perfectly, and the difference is quite impressive, I have benchmarked it before/after to see how it fares, and it's always much faster (from +50% to +200% depending on cases).

The SSD slot is wired to a PCIe 2.0 x4 lane, and while the original SSD may not be have been able to tap into the potential 2000MB/s, a modern SSD does fare much better.

hows the speed (ie boot up) to Sonama? and how does the system feels in general?

 

[hellodustin]

Okie dokie team. Getting ready to upgrade my Mid 2014 Macbook Pro, with an sk hynix 1tb and short sintech adaptor.

I will not be restoring a backup from my current machine. I'd like to rid of the mess and start fresh.

Current OS is latest big sur. I've formatted my usb. Downloaded latest big sur. Will follow the bootable usb guide.

I've copied any files I'd like to keep from my current hard drive to an external.

Did I read that the sk hynix shouldn't require a firmware upgrade now before installing?

Once I get it up and running, I should be able to make any adjustments for performance, correct? Anything I'm missing?

I've read various sections of the 470 pages, I think I'm about ready, any input is appreciated before I get into it one night this week. Cheers.