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

[Openalltheboxes]

Hi there. I’ve read through this thread a fair bit and think I’ve got a fairly good grasp of things, but have a question I can’t seem to figure out.

I have a 2015 MacBook Pro 15” and I’m planning on upgrading to a WD Blue SN580 2TB. I’m currently running Catalina 10.15.5 and don’t have any intention of updating if I can avoid it due to certain software logistics. As far as I’m aware this means my firmware should have NVME support already.

I’m wondering if there is there any reason why I shouldn’t be able to simply clone my current SSD onto the new WD drive using an external enclosure and CCC and then dropping the new one in, as opposed to installing Catalina on the new SSD using a bootable USB and then restoring from a Time Machine back up.

Thanks in advance and sorry if I’m being a dummy!

 

[natus.w]

Hi there. I’ve read through this thread a fair bit and think I’ve got a fairly good grasp of things, but have a question I can’t seem to figure out.

I have a 2015 MacBook Pro 15” and I’m planning on upgrading to a WD Blue SN580 2TB. I’m currently running Catalina 10.15.5 and don’t have any intention of updating if I can avoid it due to certain software logistics. As far as I’m aware this means my firmware should have NVME support already.

I’m wondering if there is there any reason why I shouldn’t be able to simply clone my current SSD onto the new WD drive using an external enclosure and CCC and then dropping the new one in, as opposed to installing Catalina on the new SSD using a bootable USB and then restoring from a Time Machine back up.

Thanks in advance and sorry if I’m being a dummy!

I believe that should be possible, if you keep the internal SSD in you could upgrade to 12.x temporarily (to ensure you get the firmware up to date whilst keeping your existing install..)

 

[edevmon]

Hi there. I’ve read through this thread a fair bit and think I’ve got a fairly good grasp of things, but have a question I can’t seem to figure out.

I have a 2015 MacBook Pro 15” and I’m planning on upgrading to a WD Blue SN580 2TB. I’m currently running Catalina 10.15.5 and don’t have any intention of updating if I can avoid it due to certain software logistics. As far as I’m aware this means my firmware should have NVME support already.

I’m wondering if there is there any reason why I shouldn’t be able to simply clone my current SSD onto the new WD drive using an external enclosure and CCC and then dropping the new one in, as opposed to installing Catalina on the new SSD using a bootable USB and then restoring from a Time Machine back up.

Thanks in advance and sorry if I’m being a dummy!

It is possible to upgrade the BootROM firmware without upgrading the OS though, and it would save you some time. This method doesn't require the original SSD stick either:
Actualizar BootROM manualmente (spanish)

TL;DR:
1. Download latest OS version officially supported
2. Mount the SharedSupport.dmg image found inside the installer app
3. Extract ZIP file inside MacSoftwareUpdate directory
4. Locate the right EFI Payload for your model
5. Bless the EFI Payload file, shutdown the computer and turn it on

That blog entry is heavily based on some old posts in this threat and you should use the appropriate file for your own MacBook model (might be MBP114 or MBP115, you can find that on System Report information).
Let me stress the importance of reading the whole article and double check everything, though.

 

[genexx]

For Catalina the Firmware Version as you can find in the Systemreport should be:

Which EFI firmware should your Mac be using? (version 4)

macOS 10.15 Catalina brings EFI firmware updates for all supported models, and subsequent updates have changed those for most models too. This article lists the firmware versions of Macs which have…

eclecticlight.co

MacBook Pro:

• MacBookPro9,1, MacBookPro9,2 429.0.0.0.0
• MacBookPro10,1 429.0.0.0.0
• MacBookPro10,2 429.0.0.0.0
• MacBookPro11,1 433.140.2.0.0
• MacBookPro11,2, MacBookPro11,3 433.140.2.0.0
• MacBookPro11,4 430.140.3.0.0
• MacBookPro12,1 430.140.3.0.0
• MacBookPro13,1 451.140.1.0.0
• MacBookPro13,2 451.140.1.0.0
• MacBookPro13,3 451.140.1.0.0
• MacBookPro14,1 451.140.1.0.0
• MacBookPro14,2 451.140.1.0.0
• MacBookPro14,3 451.140.1.0.0
• MacBookPro15,1, MacBookPro15,2 1731.140.2.0.0 (iBridge: 19.16.16064.0.0,0)
• MacBookPro16,1, MacBookPro15,2 1731.140.2.0.0 (iBridge: 19.16.16064.0.0,0)

The WD SN580 seems to work as good as the WD SN570 but i have no clue what MacOS and what Firmware he had used:

#11,701

Montery will install the following Firmware:

Which firmware should your Mac be using? (version 6)

This article lists the firmware versions of Macs which have been successfully updated to run macOS 12.7.6. Apple doesn’t provide an official list of the current firmware versions which should…

eclecticlight.co

MacBook Pro:

• MacBookPro11,4, MacBookPro11,5 489.0.0.0.0
• MacBookPro12,1 489.0.0.0.0
• MacBookPro13,1 529.120.1.0.0
• MacBookPro13,2 529.120.1.0.0
• MacBookPro13,3 529.120.1.0.0
• MacBookPro14,1 529.140.2.0.0
• MacBookPro14,2 529.140.2.0.0
• MacBookPro14,3 529.140.2.0.0

Be aware that Firmware Updates are only working with the Original SSD/NVME.

 

[zazaki]

Little feedback about a WD SN770 install in MB mid 2014. I previously had a Kingston (dead in less than 2 year) ; an ADATA (dead in 30 months). The ADATA encountered serious problem to be recogniszed as a startup disc. But I managed to do a last Time Machine backup. When I installed the WD SN770, the same problem happens. Under Recovery or diskutil list, the SSD wasn't seen. I installed it in Sonnet M.2 PCIe card and there was nothing to work on. I finally managed to format it trough a NVME external box plugged in a Mac Studio. The SN770 was then visible from the OSX installer on a bootable USB drive, but it WASN'T IN RECOVERY...

 

[natus.w]

Little feedback about a WD SN770 install in MB mid 2014. I previously had a Kingston (dead in less than 2 year) ; an ADATA (dead in 30 months). The ADATA encountered serious problem to be recogniszed as a startup disc. But I managed to do a last Time Machine backup. When I installed the WD SN770, the same problem happens. Under Recovery or diskutil list, the SSD wasn't seen. I installed it in Sonnet M.2 PCIe card and there was nothing to work on. I finally managed to format it trough a NVME external box plugged in a Mac Studio. The SN770 was then visible from the OSX installer on a bootable USB drive, but it WASN'T IN RECOVERY...

I believe some third party drives may not be able to be accessed from Internet Recovery due to some reason, there is nothing that you can do about that..

 

[Olt]

Hi guys, anyone ever tried the Kioxia/toshiba Exceria plus G3 for the upgrade ?
I am upgrading my rmbp (mid-2015, 15 inch) with a 2T nvme. Given the information from this thread and the initial guide, it seems that the Hynix P31 gold is a safe choice, however, the Kioxia Exceria plug G3 has a much better price.

 

[natus.w]

Hi guys, anyone ever tried the Kioxia/toshiba Exceria plus G3 for the upgrade ?
I am upgrading my rmbp (mid-2015, 15 inch) with a 2T nvme. Given the information from this thread and the initial guide, it seems that the Hynix P31 gold is a safe choice, however, the Kioxia Exceria plug G3 has a much better price.

Try it and see.

Specs look similar to other drives tested here in this thread, you may just have to test and see, worst case..

Kioxia Exceria Plus G3 2 TB Review

The Kioxia Exceria Plus G3 M.2 NVMe SSD is a fantastic choice for those seeking excellent value. Our review confirms solid performance that beats many other budget drives. However, it's worth noting that the drive tends to run a bit hot under heavy loads, so additional cooling might be required.

www.techpowerup.com

 

[Olt]

Try it and see.

Specs look similar to other drives tested here in this thread, you may just have to test and see, worst case..

Kioxia Exceria Plus G3 2 TB Review

The Kioxia Exceria Plus G3 M.2 NVMe SSD is a fantastic choice for those seeking excellent value. Our review confirms solid performance that beats many other budget drives. However, it's worth noting that the drive tends to run a bit hot under heavy loads, so additional cooling might be required.

www.techpowerup.com

Thanks for the input. I ordered a Kioxia Exceria Pro 2 TB today, for the DRAM and two efficient cores out of a total of 5 from the PS5018-E18-41 Phison controller.

will see how it goes..

 

[Nanashi_]

Hi, 2015 11 Inch MacBook Air owner here. I've had success with a 1TB teamgroup-something something NVMe (I bought it years ago without really knowing the brand beforehand) and it works perfectly but I'm running out of storage.
I'm looking to get a 4TB ssd since I'll still be using this laptop long term. Any drives of this capacity confirmed to work with this particular machine? I don't care about the speeds, I just need the storage.

Any info appreciated.

 

[DeltaMac]

If you don't need to stay with Teamgroup, but your storage needs are "crucial" for you, then why not go to the Crucial brand. 4TB - https://www.crucial.com/ssd/p3/ct4000p3ssd8
However, rather than completely swap out to a different drive -- Why not just move the files that you don't need every day to an external SSD (which will allow you to upgrade to as much storage space as you need, without needing to consider heat, or going through the hassle of moving everything to a different internal drive.

If you need to be completely mobile, and keep everything with you at all times, maybe consider carrying an external storage drive (can be a USB external NVME with 4TB, or even 8TB, on a single drive, that you keep with you, transferring files so you don't run low on space on the internal drive, and you don't need to "start over with a completely new internal replacement" just because you are running out of space. Let an external drive help you with this.
But, if you really need to keep everything that you do always available on the internal storage, you will continue to fill up whatever you have as internal storage. Think about it!

 

[Nanashi_]

Thanks for the reply, it's just I'm really tired of juggling external drives, even if it's just one with big capacity. I just wanna keep all my entertainment in the internal storage since the main purpose of this laptop is portable media consumption, and a 4TB SSD would be the perfect solution.

Is that Crucial P3 confirmed to work with the 11 inch Air? It's a bit more expensive than what I expected. I found this Kingston "NV2" that's more reasonably priced but I'm not entirely sure if it'll work. In fact I don't even really understand what makes a drive compatible or incompatible.

I'll get the Crucial P3 if it's the only option. Will it kill my battery life? I get around 3 hours with my current setup, running Ventura. Battery at 695 cycles.

 

[DeltaMac]

I have read that the P3 is considered an efficient SSD (good for battery life)
I have one, but in an external, and don't use it as a boot drive.
I have a 2017 MBAir, and get OK battery life, using a Solidigm NVME, not sold with 4TB. max for that brand is 2TB.
That's something that you will find: not many brands sell larger than 2TB.
The Kingston NV2 should work, but is a Gen4 drive. I think you should look for Gen3 drives for your boot drive. (some of the Gen4s can get pretty hot)

(My 2017 MBAir is on its second battery, and I am now looking to replace that one, only get about 2 hours when I watch videos. )

 

[misterminibus]

I have a 2013 MBP with an Apple 256 SSD in and wish to swap for a bigger Samsung SSD 980 but I need an adapter from the Proprietary Apple connector to the standard which I think is called NVME M.2.

I have bought 2 so far and each time it's been the wrong one, is there any way I can check from the model number which adapter I need?

 

[Audit13]

The adapters don't fit or the Samsung isn't recognized?

Is the Macbook running a High Sierra bootrom or newer?

 

[JDW]

Yes, battery takes a hit (I believe this has to do with third party nvme doesn't sleep like Apple ones, and still consumes higher power).

If you want to retain battery in sleep, you need to force standby (RAM gets written to SSD and whole laptop goes into standby (deeper sleep)).

Default pmset -g values for:
standbydelayhigh 86400 (default) 24 hours
standbydelaylow 10800 (default) 3 hours

You can change defaults using:
sudo pmset -a standbydelayhigh 1500
sudo pmset -a standbydelaylow 1500

1500 (25 mins) after sleep, it will go into standby (deeper sleep).
You decide if 25 mins is suitable. Anything between 20 mins to 3 hours would be appropriate.

Regarding the above quote which says that all non-Apple SSDs consume higher power DURING SLEEP, I personally want specific info as to what that means. I have a mid-2015 15" MBP with internal Apple 1TB SSD and discrete GPU. Can anyone provide me with power consumption data on the Apple 1TB versus the Hynix 1TB or 2TB DURING SLEEP?

Because if the current consumption and temperatures DURING SLEEP are pretty much the same between the Apple 1TB SSD and the Hynix, it makes no sense to resort to Terminal hacks like the above quote suggests.

I returned my 2TB Hynix P31 Gold module as performance was inferior to WD Blue SN570 & SN580. It was also running hotter (50C vs 40C).

That is the first and only report I've seen in this monolithic thread saying such. Can anyone else confirm if the WD Blue SN570 or SN580 beat the Hynix in terms of PERFORMANCE and HEAT, as the above quote suggests?

 

[natus.w]

I have a 2013 MBP with an Apple 256 SSD in and wish to swap for a bigger Samsung SSD 980 but I need an adapter from the Proprietary Apple connector to the standard which I think is called NVME M.2.

I have bought 2 so far and each time it's been the wrong one, is there any way I can check from the model number which adapter I need?

Your description mentions you have an ‘A1286 Retina’, of which there is no such thing, do you have another machine which you have not listed in your profile? (if it’s the one I’m thinking of it sounds like you have a late-2012-early 2013 Retina machine which is not compatible with NVME at all; only the Late 2013-Mid 2015 machines support NVME booting)

This chart here and thread here are going to be your friend in terms of finding the right adapter..

 

[natus.w]

Regarding the above quote which says that all non-Apple SSDs consume higher power DURING SLEEP, I personally want specific info as to what that means. I have a mid-2015 15" MBP with internal Apple 1TB SSD and discrete GPU. Can anyone provide me with power consumption data on the Apple 1TB versus the Hynix 1TB or 2TB DURING SLEEP?

Because if the current consumption and temperatures DURING SLEEP are pretty much the same between the Apple 1TB SSD and the Hynix, it makes no sense to resort to Terminal hacks like the above quote suggests.

I believe he’s referring to full suspend to disk/swap vs passive sleep (which is where most of the reported power drain issues occur).

Moving the threshold for full suspend to disk down means the machine will not stay in passive sleep for as long (and thus battery drain is annulled)

That is the first and only report I've seen in this monolithic thread saying such. Can anyone else confirm if the WD Blue SN570 or SN580 beat the Hynix in terms of PERFORMANCE and HEAT, as the above quote suggests?

From the sounds of things this could have been a lower binned sample or other issue with the drive/machine (firmware in drive or MacBook out of date, I cannot tell as Nigel did not provide much other details in his case..)

My SN580 seems to work fine in terms of performance/heat levels (doesn’t run that warmly and I’m able to max out a MacBookAir7,1s PCIE interface)m so if you just need an upgrade for space/speed it should be more than enough..

 

[JDW]

I believe he’s referring to full suspend to disk/swap vs passive sleep (which is where most of the reported power drain issues occur).

I still would like to know how much power the Apple 1TB SSDs draw versus the 1TB or 2TB Hynix (and versus the SN580 too) during normal sleep (not deep sleep), as that is the kind of sleep we use most by simply closing the lid and walking away from the machine.

I'd rather not move any threshold and just keep using the machine as I always have.

Knowing the power consumption would allow me to make an informed decision. We have 485 pages and 12,119 posts in this thread, but no one has provided that important power consumption info. Yikes!

 

[natus.w]

I still would like to know how much power the Apple 1TB SSDs draw versus the 1TB or 2TB Hynix (and versus the SN580 too) during normal sleep (not deep sleep), as that is the kind of sleep we use most by simply closing the lid and walking away from the machine.

I'd rather not move any threshold and just keep using the machine as I always have.

Knowing the power consumption would allow me to make an informed decision. We have 485 pages and 12,119 posts in this thread, but no one has provided that important power consumption info. Yikes!

There are some tests done for idle power consumption, you can also measure it yourself using iStatMenus (the rudimentary sheets on page 1 have some results for the SN570, you can compare those to your stock drive and the 580..)

 

[misterminibus]

Your description mentions you have an ‘A1286 Retina’, of which there is no such thing, do you have another machine which you have not listed in your profile? (if it’s the one you’re looking at it sounds like you have a late-2012-early 2013 machine which is not compatible with NVME at all; only the Late 2013-Mid 2015 machines support NVME booting)

This chart here and thread here are going to be your friend in terms of finding the right adapter..

Yes it's another mac please see the image for the details, any help would be fantastic

 

[misterminibus]

The adapters don't fit or the Samsung isn't recognized?

Is the Macbook running a High Sierra bootrom or newer?

The adapters don't fit. I can sort a new OSX out when I can get the correct adapter

 

[Audit13]

The adapters don't fit. I can sort a new OSX out when I can get the correct adapter

What's the model # of your MacBook?

Only the late 2013 to mid 2015 work with nvme drives.

 

[JDW]

There are some tests done for idle power consumption, you can also measure it yourself using iStatMenus (the rudimentary sheets on page 1 have some results for the SN570, you can compare those to your stock drive and the 580..)

Sure I can test my own SSD because I own a registered copy of iStatMenus, but I cannot test the SN570, SN580, Hynix or any other SSDs I don't yet own. And I don't yet own them primarily because I am waiting to hear power consumption numbers from people who do own 1TB or 2TB SN570, SN580 and Hynix P31 Gold SSDs.

I'd like to repeat that more people have raved about the Hynix P31 than the SN570 or SN580 in this thread in terms of performance and power consumption, but without detailed power consumption numbers, it's all talk and no show.

So I implore you owners of the SN570, SN580 and Hynix P31 Gold to test and report your numbers.

Thanks.

 

[natus.w]

Yes it's another mac please see the image for the details, any help would be fantastic
View attachment 2412308

That looks to be a very early A1398 which does not support NVME.

You can use a 7+17pin to SATA/mSATA and a corresponding M.2 SATA or mSATA drive.

Short adapter

M.2 NGFF M Key SSD to Compatible for MacBook Pro Retina 2012 A1398 A1425 Adapter Converter Card

M.2 NGFF M Key SSD to Compatible for MacBook Pro Retina 2012 A1398 A1425 Adapter Converter Card

www.amazon.com

JMT MSATA SSD to 7+17 Pin Adapter Card SSD Converter Card Compatible for MacBook Pro 2012 Retina A1398 A1425 SSD

JMT MSATA SSD to 7+17 Pin Adapter Card SSD Converter Card Compatible for MacBook Pro 2012 Retina A1398 A1425 SSD

www.amazon.com

Long adapter

Sintech M2(NGFF) SATA SSD Card,for Upgrade 24Pin 2012 Year MacBook PRO Retina SSD (Fit M.2 SATA 2280 SSD,Not Fit M.2 nVME SSD)

ST-M2PRO-B M.2(NGFF) SATA KEY B+M SSD to 2012 MACBOOK PRO Retina adapter card as IMAC MC975 MC976 ssd is used to convert your M.2 NGFF SSD as 2012 MACBOOK PRO Retina for IMAC MC975 MC976. 1. Fit the following models the Apple 2012 MACBOOK PRO laptop and IMAC: MC975 MC976 2. size is same as 2012 p...

www.amazon.com

GODSHARK 7+17 pin mSATA to A1398 A1425 (2012 & Early 2013) Adapter for MacBook Pro Retina SSD Replacement, Mini PCIe SATA SSD Converter Card

GODSHARK 7+17 pin mSATA to A1398 A1425 (2012 & Early 2013) Adapter for MacBook Pro Retina SSD Replacement, Mini PCIe SATA SSD Converter Card

www.amazon.com