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

[macpro_mid2014]

You are correct! I always make some confusion regarding their names
Just removed the info...

Thank you!!

 

[Gotchaman]

The safest way is to extract it from the macOS installation app (Big Sur in your case).

You must use the original SSD to update such an old version of firmware. This is an old Apple requirement for your model. EBay used to sell them sometime ago, you can check if they still sell them.

If you have an original SSD, just by installing the latest version of Big Sur, your firmware will be updated.

Also, you can update the Firmware using a ROM writing device. You can find its description in the starting pages of this thread. In my opinion it is easier to buy a used original drive for the firmware update than such device.

In addition, the latest firmware version for your model is 478.0.0.0.0 (released with the latest versions of Big Sur - I don't recall which one first brought it).
You can use SilentKnight to find firmware information besides other information about your model. https://eclecticlight.co/wpcontent/uploads/2024/09/silentknight211.zip)

Finally, your model is not compatible with Mojave. The latest compatible macOS is Big Sur. If you are running Mojave it is because you are using one of the patchers available to allow the use of newer macOS on Unsupported Macs such as OpenCore Legacy Patcher or using -no_compat.

Thank you for the explanation! Yes, I would prefer to stay on Mojave for some reasons. I have a few remaining questions:

Can I update the firmware to 478.0.0.0.0 (for example, using the original SSD) while staying on Mojave?

If I do not find the original SSD, will my firmware remain the same if I update to Big Sur?

If I find the original SSD, can I update the firmware without updating the OS on that disk? Maybe a friend has what I need, but he also doesn't want to update to Big Sur.

By the way, I found this solution for non-original disks – maybe it will work for me as well?

https://www.reddit.com/r/MacOS/comments/qm3rv0/macos_monterey_update_without_the_original_apple

 

[edevmon]

Thank you for the explanation! Yes, I would prefer to stay on Mojave for some reasons. I have a few remaining questions:

Can I update the firmware to 478.0.0.0.0 (for example, using the original SSD) while staying on Mojave?

If I do not find the original SSD, will my firmware remain the same if I update to Big Sur?

If I find the original SSD, can I update the firmware without updating the OS on that disk? Maybe a friend has what I need, but he also doesn't want to update to Big Sur.

By the way, I found this solution for non-original disks – maybe it will work for me as well?

https://www.reddit.com/r/MacOS/comments/qm3rv0/macos_monterey_update_without_the_original_apple

It is possible to update the BootROM manually:

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.

Updated link to article (spanish)

 

[Gotchaman]

It is possible to update the BootROM manually:


Updated link to article (spanish)

Thank you! I'll try!

 

[Gotchaman]

I have another question for those who know. I replaced the SSD on my a1502 (MBPro 13" Mid 2014) with a non-original one, took an Apacer 1TB.

The new SSD's PCB is slightly bent when inserted into the adapter and fastened with the factory screw. How critical is this for the disk's lifespan? Is there a hack to avoid bending? If I don't screw it, my PCB is slightly tilted relative to the adapter and will probably press against the back cover or wobble, or it may even pop out of the connector during use (although it feels tight). Unfortunately, I didn't take photos. The laptop is assembled now and everything works normally.

 

[xboxbml]

I have another question for those who know. I replaced the SSD on my a1502 (MBPro 13" Mid 2014) with a non-original one, took an Apacer 1TB.

The new SSD's PCB is slightly bent when inserted into the adapter and fastened with the factory screw. How critical is this for the disk's lifespan? Is there a hack to avoid bending? If I don't screw it, my PCB is slightly tilted relative to the adapter and will probably press against the back cover or wobble, or it may even pop out of the connector during use (although it feels tight). Unfortunately, I didn't take photos. The laptop is assembled now and everything works normally.

Which adapter are you using?. Not sure about the 2014, but my 2015 15" took the long Sintech adapter very well. I ended up with that as my original Mac-2015MBA, I had ordered the long adapter and discovered it made the SSD so elevated with the SSD I chose, that the case back was pressing down on it pretty significantly. I then ordered the Sintech short adapter and it was fine. I hung onto the long adapter and good thing I did cuz that worked fine in my 2015MBP. Having the case back press down on the SSD will definitely cause issues at some point, if not immediately. The SSD needs to be screwed down and secured. So long term you might want to look into that if it is pressing down on it with it being secured, plus it should not be in a bent position. That will also cause failure at some point.

 

[Gotchaman]

Which adapter are you using?

This one: NFHK N-941B

It is difficult to buy Sintech in Russia, even from China. I ordered another, shorter adapter with similar markings: NFHK N-941A, hopefully it will provide enough space for proper SSD installation.

 

[xboxbml]

This one: NFHK N-941B

View attachment 2578520

It is difficult to buy Sintech in Russia, even from China. I ordered another, shorter adapter with similar markings: NFHK N-941A, hopefully it will provide enough space for proper SSD installation.

Well, that looks similar to my long adapter. That's what I have in the 2015MBP. The short one like i said is what i used in the 2015MBA. I just now actually took that and the 2TB drive out of the MBA and put the 512gb Apple SSD back into it and loaded Linux Mint 22.2 on it.. that's what i'm typing on now. Good luck.. Hope the short one works better.

 

[Eore227]

Ok I looked at the compatible ssd list and I see the Samsung 990 evo. I just bought the 990 evo plus. Is this compatible or not? I have early 2015 MacBook Pro retina 13 inch. Thanks!