Upgrading Your MacBook Pro with an SSD: A Comprehensive Guide

MacBooks from 2012 onwards came standard with SSDs, which means that if you are considering upgrading from a hard drive to an SSD, your Mac must be a very old model. For instance, the oldest MacBook I’ve upgraded to an SSD was a Late 2007 MacBook Black. However, 10-year-old Macs cannot support the latest version of macOS. Hence, carefully evaluate whether upgrading such an old machine would benefit your workflow, especially since Apple no longer provides timely software updates.

The upgrade process is only feasible for MacBooks Pro from 2015 or earlier. Later models are already equipped with SSDs and are soldered onto the motherboard, making an internal upgrade impossible. If your Mac is from 2015 or earlier, online stores like offer the necessary tools and videos to guide you through the process.

Common Upgrades for Older MacBooks Pro

Unless you have a MacBook from 2015 or an older model, you cannot add or upgrade your SSD internally, as it is soldered in. However, 2016 non-touch bar MacBooks Pro support SSD upgrades. An alternative method is using a Thunderbolt-based external SSD, which is costly but offers better performance. You can find Thunderbolt SSD cases for $170 or more, which do not include an SSD. Alternatively, you can use slower and cheaper M.2 to USB adapters for $15 to $30.

Thunderbolt NVMe External SSD Case

You can purchase a Thunderbolt NVMe external SSD case from eBay. For instance, the ORICO Thunderbolt 3 M.2 NVME SSD Enclosure 40Gbps Support is a popular option that supports 2TB SSDs with an aluminum C-to-C cable.

M.2 NVMe to USB Case

The M.2 NVMe to USB case is another option, which allows you to connect your M.2 SSD to a USB port. An example is the M2 SSD Hard Case NVME PCIe Enclosure M.2 to USB Type C 3.1 GEN2 M Key Adapter from eBay.

Step-by-Step Guide for Upgrading Your Mac

For pre-Retina models, the process is quite straightforward. Ensure you back up your data to an external drive using Time Machine. Then, unscrew the bottom case. There are usually just a couple of screws securing the hard drive caddy. Remove the caddy and fit it with your SS Do not forget to follow the detailed guides available on Ifixit for your specific model. To restore your system, hold down the Command (?) and power on your Mac. After some time, you will get internet recovery and can install macOS over the air. If you prefer not to use internet recovery, download the installer from the App Store and create a bootable USB drive using the DiskMaker X utility. Once you have the bootable USB, plug it in and boot from there.

Conclusion

Upgrading your MacBook Pro with an SSD can significantly boost its performance and extend its life. However, it is essential to carefully assess your Mac’s age and the feasibility of the upgrade before proceeding. With careful preparation and the right tools, you can breathe new life into your older Mac and continue to enjoy its capabilities.