Swapping out your old hard drive for a modern SSD is surprisingly affordable and results in 5X better performance: a reputable 500GB MacBook SSD can be had for around $150, while 1TB options are available for around $300 — both considerably cheaper than a new MacBook. It’s also surprisingly easy, even if you don’t know your way around the insides of a Mac.
In general, be sure to purchase your hard drive or SSD from a vendor that has tested the storage it sells with your particular type of Mac to ensure full compatibility and ideal performance. Also, be sure always to read the complete specs page for a specific Mac as some compatibility is dependent on OS version, firmware, or other details. Connect the new SSD to your Mac. You need to prepare a USB-C to USB 3.0 adapter if you want to use the SSD on the latest models of MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. Then plug the SSD into the USB-C hub of your MacBook to continue. Moreover, you need to buy a disk enclosure to hold the SSD if the manufacturer doesn't give you one. This is the best SSD upgrade for MacBook Pro made between mid 2012 and early 2013. Using mSATA 6Gb/s interface, this SSD can reach sequential write and read speeds of up to 520MB/s and 550MB/s respectively. Tear the club up thugs crazyndalazdayz zip. The fast speeds this SSD has are consistent even when the Mac is multi-tasking. But how long will it last?
Do I really need to upgrade my Mac hard drive?
Fitting a solid state drive in your MacBook Pro is a quick and simple way to boost performance but an upgrade might not always be needed.
If you only really use your Mac to browse the web and do some word processing, your current hard drive is probably fine. If your system feels a bit sluggish, try running CleanMyMac X first to clean away any resource-hogging junk. That might be the only fix you need (this way junk that is clogging up your system, such as old files, images, apps, duplicates and iPhone backups will be cleared away).
If, however, you’re noticing any of the following issues, an SSD upgrade will most certainly help:
- Slow startup
- Sluggish performance in resource-intensive apps such as Adobe Photoshop
- System crashes
- Permission denied errors to files that were previously fine
What to consider when choosing a MacBook Pro SSD
To reap the benefits of an SSD, you need a drive that’s up to the task. Here’s what to consider:
Read/write speed — SSDs are rated on their reading and writing speed. The higher the speed, the better the performance. Something in the range of 500MB/s and above is good, although actual speed will be about a third less than what’s advertised.
Memory — MLC (multi-level cell) and SLC (single-level cell) are the two options available. The former is cheaper and capable of holding more information but the latter is more reliable.
Capacity — Get as much space as you can afford. The greater the capacity of an SSD, the more it will benefit Mac performance.
Reliability — Read the reviews. See what the experts and other users say about SSD performance and reliability. You’ll typically find that brand name SSDs rank the highest. Samsung, SanDisk, Crucial, KingSpec, and Transcend are standout brands.
How to fit a new MacBook Pro SSD
Okay, let’s get down to business. SSD aside, here’s what you’ll need to fit your new hard drive:
SATA-to-USB cable
Small Phillips screwdriver
Torx T6 screwdriver
Step 1: Format the SSD
To perform a MacBook Pro SSD upgrade you’re first going to need to clone your existing hard drive so that the new one runs like clockwork when it’s installed.
Before you do this, you should use CleanMyMac X to perform a Smart Cleanup. This will clear your system of any junk files so that they’re not transferred over unnecessarily. You can download CleanMyMac X for free, here.
Cloning the hard drive can be done with a tool such as SuperDuper! or Carbon Copy Cleaner, or with Apple’s own Disk Utility program. Here’s how to do it with the latter:
- Connect the SSD to your Mac using the SATA-to-USB cable.
- Go to Applications > Utilities and open the Disk Utility.
- Click on the SSD icon, followed by the Partition tab and select 'Partition 1' from the Partition Layout.
- Click on Options and select GUID Partition Table in the next window.
- Click on the First Aid tab, followed by Verify Disk Permissions.
- Click Verify Disk, followed by Repair Disk.
- Shutdown your MacBook and restart it, holding the Option key as you do. Choose the option to boot to Recovery Disk.
- Click on Reinstall Mac OS X and choose the SSD as the destination.
- Copy your files over from the installed hard drive to the SSD. When asked to restore files from another disk, choose the currently installed hard drive.
Step 2: Remove the hard drive
Now it’s time to get hands-on.
- Make sure your MacBook is shut down.
- Locate and remove the 10 screws using the Phillips screwdriver. Put the screws in a small bowl so that you don’t lose any.
- Remove the cover and touch a metal part to release the static electricity.
- Locate the hard drive and remove the plastic bracket securing it. This is held in place with two screws.
- Gently remove the hard drive and disconnect the SATA ribbon. Do this by wiggling the connector. Don’t yank on the ribbon.
- Remove the four Torx screws attached to the hard drive and screw the posts into the SSD.
Step 3: Fit the SSD
- Carefully attach the SATA ribbon to the SSD and lower it in place.
- Fix the holding bracket back in place.
- Replace the MacBook cover and screw in the ten tiny screws.
- Switch on your MacBook Pro, go to System Preferences > Startup Disk and make sure the SSD is selected.
- Restart your computer.
See, we told you it was easy!
Enjoy a faster, smoother MacBook Pro
A new SSD drive for your Mac will make an instant impact. Apps will launch faster, files will save quicker, and multitasking will be a much smoother experience. Use CleanMyMac X to regularly remove junk files from your system and you’ll enjoy slick performance for many a year to come.
CleanMyMac X finds and removes junk files from your MacBook Pro to free up space and keep your system running to its full potential. Make it the first app you install on your new SSD!
These might also interest you:
- Testing conducted by Apple in October 2018 using preproduction 3.2GHz 6-core Intel Core i7-based Mac mini systems with 64GB of RAM and 2TB SSD, and shipping 3.0GHz dual-core Intel Core i7-based Mac mini systems with 16GB of RAM and 1TB SSD. Adobe Photoshop 19.1.6 tested using a 10GB file and rotate, unsharp mask, auto color, and scale functions.
- TL100 Firmware update may fail on Windows ® 7 if the Intel ® RSTe driver is installed. To work around this, use bootable SSD Utility to perform the update. TL100 benchmark results may degrade if re-run immediately after a previous benchmark. Workaround is to wait a.
- Mac Specs By Capability Mac Storage Upgrade Compatibility Guide. Storage info — details on speed, dimensions, and hard drive and SSD interface specifics — for all G3 and later Macs are organized below by category. Some Macs have a hard drive or SSD that can be upgraded easily, others have storage that 'unofficially' can be upgraded with.
Apple iMac SSD Upgrades for up to 2TB. OWC SSD Upgrades - are built to the highest quality standards, custom made for Mac first and rigorously lab tested for reliable performance long into the future. All OWC SSDs are backed by exceptional warranties up to 5 years, as well as our 30 Day Money Back Guarantee. 4TB SSD Kit for Mac Pro - Next Gallery Image; 4TB SSD Kit for Mac Pro. $1,600.00 All Colors. 8TB SSD Kit for Mac Pro - Previous Gallery Image; 8TB SSD Kit for Mac Pro - Next Gallery Image; 8TB SSD Kit for Mac Pro. $2,800.00 All Colors ††.
The terms of the software license agreement included with any software you download will control your use of the software.
INTEL SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENTIMPORTANT - READ BEFORE COPYING, INSTALLING OR USING.
Do not use or load this software and any associated materials (collectively,
the 'Software') until you have carefully read the following terms and
Ssd Upgrade For Macbook Air 2017
conditions. By loading or using the Software, you agree to the terms of this
Agreement. If you do not wish to so agree, do not install or use the Software.
LICENSES: Please Note:
- If you are a network administrator, the 'Site License' below shall
apply to you.
- If you are an end user, the 'Single User License' shall apply to you.
- If you are an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), the 'OEM License'
shall apply to you.
SITE LICENSE. You may copy the Software onto your organization's computers
for your organization's use, and you may make a reasonable number of
back-up copies of the Software, subject to these conditions:
1. This Software is licensed for use only in conjunction with Intel
component products. Use of the Software in conjunction with non-Intel
component products is not licensed hereunder.
2. You may not copy, modify, rent, sell, distribute or transfer any part
of the Software except as provided in this Agreement, and you agree to
prevent unauthorized copying of the Software.
3. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Software.
4. You may not sublicense or permit simultaneous use of the Software by
more than one user.
5. The Software may include portions offered on terms in addition to those
set out here, as set out in a license accompanying those portions.
SINGLE USER LICENSE. You may copy the Software onto a single computer for
your personal, noncommercial use, and you may make one back-up copy of the
Software, subject to these conditions:
1. This Software is licensed for use only in conjunction with Intel
component products. Use of the Software in conjunction with non-Intel
component products is not licensed hereunder.
2. You may not copy, modify, rent, sell, distribute or transfer any part
of the Software except as provided in this Agreement, and you agree to
prevent unauthorized copying of the Software.
3. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Software.
4. You may not sublicense or permit simultaneous use of the Software by
more than one user.
5. The Software may include portions offered on terms in addition to those
set out here, as set out in a license accompanying those portions.
OEM LICENSE: You may reproduce and distribute the Software only as an
integral part of or incorporated in Your product or as a standalone
Software maintenance update for existing end users of Your products,
excluding any other standalone products, subject to these conditions:
1. This Software is licensed for use only in conjunction with Intel
component products. Use of the Software in conjunction with non-Intel
component products is not licensed hereunder.
2. You may not copy, modify, rent, sell, distribute or transfer any part
of the Software except as provided in this Agreement, and you agree to
prevent unauthorized copying of the Software.
3. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Software.
4. You may only distribute the Software to your customers pursuant to a
written license agreement. Such license agreement may be a 'break-the-
seal' license agreement. At a minimum such license shall safeguard
Intel's ownership rights to the Software.
5. The Software may include portions offered on terms in addition to those
set out here, as set out in a license accompanying those portions.
NO OTHER RIGHTS. No rights or licenses are granted by Intel to You, expressly
or by implication, with respect to any proprietary information or patent,
copyright, mask work, trademark, trade secret, or other intellectual property
right owned or controlled by Intel, except as expressly provided in this
Agreement.
OWNERSHIP OF SOFTWARE AND COPYRIGHTS. Title to all copies of the Software
remains with Intel or its suppliers. The Software is copyrighted and
protected by the laws of the United States and other countries, and
international treaty provisions. You may not remove any copyright notices
from the Software. Intel may make changes to the Software, or to items
referenced therein, at any time without notice, but is not obligated to
support or update the Software. Except as otherwise expressly provided, Intel
grants no express or implied right under Intel patents, copyrights,
trademarks, or other intellectual property rights. You may transfer the
Software only if the recipient agrees to be fully bound by these terms and if
you retain no copies of the Software.
LIMITED MEDIA WARRANTY. If the Software has been delivered by Intel on
physical media, Intel warrants the media to be free from material physical
defects for a period of ninety days after delivery by Intel. If such a defect
Ssd Update For Macbook Air
is found, return the media to Intel for replacement or alternate delivery of
the Software as Intel may select.
EXCLUSION OF OTHER WARRANTIES. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED ABOVE, THE SOFTWARE IS
PROVIDED 'AS IS' WITHOUT ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF ANY KIND
INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, NONINFRINGEMENT, OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Intel does not warrant or assume responsibility for the
accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links or other
items contained within the Software.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. IN NO EVENT SHALL INTEL OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE
FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS,
BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, OR LOST INFORMATION) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR
INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE, EVEN IF INTEL HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME JURISDICTIONS PROHIBIT EXCLUSION OR
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL
DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. YOU MAY ALSO HAVE
OTHER LEGAL RIGHTS THAT VARY FROM JURISDICTION TO JURISDICTION.
TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT. Intel may terminate this Agreement at any time
if you violate its terms. Upon termination, you will immediately destroy the
Software or return all copies of the Software to Intel.
APPLICABLE LAWS. Claims arising under this Agreement shall be governed by the
laws of California, excluding its principles of conflict of laws and the
United Nations Convention on Contracts for the Sale of Goods. You may not
export the Software in violation of applicable export laws and regulations.
Intel is not obligated under any other agreements unless they are in writing
and signed by an authorized representative of Intel.
GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS. The Software is provided with 'RESTRICTED
Ssd Upgrade For Mac Mini 2012
RIGHTS.' Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to
restrictions as set forth in FAR52.227-14 and DFAR252.227-7013 et seq. or its
successor. Use of the Software by the Government constitutes acknowledgment
of Intel's proprietary rights therein. Contractor or Manufacturer is Intel
2200 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95052.
Reinstall from macOS Recovery
Ssd Upgrade For Mac Mini 2014
macOS Recovery makes it easy to reinstall the Mac operating system, even if you need to erase your startup disk first. All you need is a connection to the Internet. If a wireless network is available, you can choose it from the Wi-Fi menu , which is also available in macOS Recovery.
1. Start up from macOS Recovery
To start up from macOS Recovery, turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold one of the following sets of keys on your keyboard. Release the keys when you see an Apple logo, spinning globe, or other startup screen.
Command (⌘)-R
Reinstall the latest macOS that was installed on your Mac (recommended).
Option-⌘-R
Upgrade to the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.
Shift-Option-⌘-R
Reinstall the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available.
You might be prompted to enter a password, such as a firmware password or the password of a user who is an administrator of this Mac. Enter the requested password to continue.
When you see the utilities window, you have started up from macOS Recovery.
2. Decide whether to erase (format) your disk
Ssd Update For Mac Catalina
You probably don't need to erase, unless you're selling, trading in, or giving away your Mac, or you have an issue that requires you to erase. If you need to erase before installing macOS, select Disk Utility from the Utilities window, then click Continue. Learn more about when and how to erase.
Ssd Drive For Mac
3. Install macOS
When you're ready to reinstall macOS, choose Reinstall macOS from the Utilities window. Then click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions. You will be asked to choose a disk on which to install.
Ssd Update For Macbook Pro
- If the installer asks to unlock your disk, enter the password you use to log in to your Mac.
- If the installer doesn't see your disk, or it says that it can't install on your computer or volume, you might need to erase your disk first.
- If the installer is for a different version of macOS than you expected, learn about macOS Recovery exceptions.
- If the installer offers you the choice between installing on Macintosh HD or Macintosh HD - Data, choose Macintosh HD.
Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. During installation, your Mac might restart and show a progress bar several times, and the screen might be empty for minutes at a time.
If your Mac restarts to a setup assistant, but you're selling, trading in, or giving away your Mac, press Command-Q to quit the assistant without completing setup. Then click Shut Down. When the new owner starts up the Mac, they can use their own information to complete setup.
macOS Recovery exceptions
The version of macOS offered by macOS Recovery might vary in some cases:
- If macOS Sierra 10.12.4 or later has never been installed on this Mac, Option-Command-R installs the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available. And Shift-Option-Command-R isn't available.
- If you erased your entire disk instead of just the startup volume on that disk, macOS Recovery might offer only the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available. You can upgrade to a later version afterward.
- If your Mac has the Apple T2 Security Chip and you never installed a macOS update, Option-Command-R installs the latest macOS that was installed on your Mac.
- If you just had your Mac logic board replaced during a repair, macOS Recovery might offer only the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.
If you can't get macOS Recovery to offer the installer you want, you might be able to use one of the other ways to install macOS.
Other ways to install macOS
- You can also install macOS from the App Store or Software Update preferences. If you can't install macOS Catalina, you might be able to install an earlier macOS, such as macOS Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or Yosemite.
- Or create a bootable installer disk, then use that disk to install macOS on your Mac or another Mac.