Upgrading the SSD of Macbook pro 2017

[Captainrizal]

Hi guys! My Macbook Pro 2017 is running out of space. Total storage is only 128 GB. I managed somehow until now. But now storage is running out fast. So, after watching some videos on YouTube, I decided to change the SSD myself. I just need to confirm the following

Most of the videos on YouTube recommend following SSD, which is availbe in about $100 in the US and Rs 17,211 in India.

So I want to use following SSD. Are the specs same and compatible? Of course i need to use an adaptor to fit in Macbook Pro.

Please assist to clear my doubt. One of the user's reviews in Amazon says it is used in Macbook Pro 2017.

Thanks.

 

[Typhon]

1 thing is the size. Check what is existing size - 2242 or 2280. The recommended one looks like 2242 and you have selected 2280, which will definitely not fit.
Next is NVMe / Sata. I wouldn’t change the type.

Also, if your model is with a touchbar, then SSD is soldered. Not sure if you can easily replace it.
Even if it is not soldered, not sure if it will work with other SSD or not since they have proprietary modules.

 

[calvin1719]

Lookup the model on ifixit.com, I'd trust that more than random YT channels.

 

[Titokhan]

@Captainrizal

• As mentioned by @Typhon, make sure you have the A1708 (non-Touch Bar) variant, not the A1707. While it is possible to upgrade the A1707 with third-party NVMe, the process is quite complicated.
• You can technically use a 2280 NVMe SSD (like the Crucial P2 you mentioned, albeit it's a really mediocre model) with a suitably sized adapter and use some thin double-sided tape to stick it, it's recommended to opt for the standard 2242/2230 sized adapter for factors such as stability and compatibility.
• In case you are ready to gamble with your data, EVM does offer some cheap 2242 modules. The company apprently provides 5 years warranty, though, so it's not like taking a leap in the dark.
• Thanks to the rising popularity of handheld gaming PCs like the Ally and the Steam Deck, you should be able to source reliable 2230 NVMe SSDs (like the WD SN530). ICYMI, the 22 + 34 Apple Blade to M.2 adapters are compatible with 2230 modules as well, so you could save some bucks in this way.

 

[Captainrizal]

1 thing is the size. Check what is existing size - 2242 or 2280. The recommended one looks like 2242 and you have selected 2280, which will definitely not fit.
Next is NVMe / Sata. I wouldn’t change the type.

Also, if your model is with a touchbar, then SSD is soldered. Not sure if you can easily replace it.
Even if it is not soldered, not sure if it will work with other SSD or not since they have proprietary modules.

Thanks. The model is not a touch bar. It is 2017 model, which is the last upgradeable model. I will check the size once again. The type is NVMe.

 

[Captainrizal]

@Captainrizal

• As mentioned by @Typhon, make sure you have the A1708 (non-Touch Bar) variant, not the A1707. While it is possible to upgrade the A1707 with third-party NVMe, the process is quite complicated

• You can technically use a 2280 NVMe SSD (like the Crucial P2 you mentioned, albeit it's a really mediocre model) with a suitably sized adapter and use some thin double-sided tape to stick it, it's recommended to opt for the standard 2242/2230 sized adapter for factors such as stability and compatibility.
• In case you are ready to gamble with your data, EVM does offer some cheap 2242 modules. The company apprently provides 5 years warranty, though, so it's not like taking a leap in the dark.
• Thanks to the rising popularity of handheld gaming PCs like the Ally and the Steam Deck, you should be able to source reliable 2230 NVMe SSDs (like the WD SN530). ICYMI, the 22 + 34 Apple Blade to M.2 adapters are compatible with 2230 modules as well, so you could save some bucks in this way.

Thank you @Titokhan

s mentioned by @Typhon, make sure you have the A1708 (non-Touch Bar) variant, not the A1707. While it is possible to upgrade the A1707 with third-party NVMe, the process is quite complicated.

It is not a touch bar. The SSD is not soldered, as I could see in the videos of the same model. I have not opened the laptop though.

You can technically use a 2280 NVMe SSD (like the Crucial P2 you mentioned, albeit it's a really mediocre model) with a suitably sized adapter and use some thin double-sided tape to stick it, it's recommended to opt for the standard 2242/2230 sized adapter for factors such as stability and compatibility.

I have selected the following adapter to use with Crucial P2 SSD.
https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B096G2P8KL/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A3H89GH4UYZJ49&psc=1

In case you are ready to gamble with your data, EVM does offer some cheap 2242 modules. The company apprently provides 5 years warranty, though, so it's not like taking a leap in the dark.

Price-wise, it seems EVM and Crucial are almost the same for 1 TB SSD. Why gamble with data? Any chances of crashing later? I will take a back up in the Time machine before replacing the SSD.

Thanks to the rising popularity of handheld gaming PCs like the Ally and the Steam Deck, you should be able to source reliable 2230 NVMe SSDs (like the WD SN530). ICYMI, the 22 + 34 Apple Blade to M.2 adapters are compatible with 2230 modules as well, so you could save some bucks in this way.

Could you please elaborate on this? Sorry, I couldn't get it completely.

Lookup the model on ifixit.com, I'd trust that more than random YT channels.

Thanks. I will check out ifixit.com.

 

[Titokhan]

I have selected the following adapter to use with Crucial P2 SSD.
https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B096G2P8KL/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A3H89GH4UYZJ49&psc=1

Yes, any such clone of the 22 + 34 Apple Blade to M.2 adapter will work.

As you can see, there are two screw holes in the adapter. The first one is 30 mm from the M.2 slot, hence you can mount a 2230 SSD on it. The further one is 42 mm from the M.2 slot, so it's suitable for a 2242 SSD. The Crucial P2, on the other hand, is a 2280 card, so not only it will stretch beyond the adapter's PCB (more than 40 mm), but there are also chances of getting the surface scratched from the standoff.

Price-wise, it seems EVM and Crucial are almost the same for 1 TB SSD. Why gamble with data? Any chances of crashing later? I will take a back up in the Time machine before replacing the SSD.

EVM is not a true OEM. They import white-label products and rebrand them. As a result, you can't expect any consistency in controller, NAND, and firmware revisions. But yes, you can't ignore the price point.

When it comes to personal data, always opt for a secondary (and if possible, tertiary) backup - that's all I can suggest.

Could you please elaborate on this? Sorry, I couldn't get it completely.

Example: https://techenclave.com/threads/214558/

While the above item has already been sold, you should be able to find many such listings of big-name 2230 SSDs, which you can use instead of the EVM 2242 one.

 

[Captainrizal]

Yes, any such clone of the 22 + 34 Apple Blade to M.2 adapter will work.

As you can see, there are two screw holes in the adapter. The first one is 30 mm from the M.2 slot, hence you can mount a 2230 SSD on it. The further one is 42 mm from the M.2 slot, so it's suitable for a 2242 SSD. The Crucial P2, on the other hand, is a 2280 card, so not only it will stretch beyond the adapter's PCB (more than 40 mm), but there are also chances of getting the surface scratched from the standoff.

Thank you for explaining.
To avoid any complications and issues later, I am ordering this one from the US. My relative is coming from the US around this month's end. He will carry it with him. Trust this should work with the adapter. Please confirm.
https://www.amazon.com/SABRENT-Rock...QG6JCRP/dp/B0BQG6JCRP/ref=dp_ob_title_ce?th=1

Thank you for your cooperation. Appreciate that.

 

[Titokhan]

@Captainrizal

Welcome!

Yes, the Sabrent Rocket 2230 should work just fine (remember to shift the standoff on the adapter from the 42 mm hole to the nearest 30 mm hole before mounting), albeit you can't utilize the full bandwidth potential of such a PCI-e Gen 4 SSD.

 

[Captainrizal]

Yes, the Sabrent Rocket 2230 should work just fine (remember to shift the standoff on the adapter from the 42 mm hole to the nearest 30 mm hole before mounting), albeit you can't utilize the full bandwidth potential of such a PCI-e Gen 4 SSD.

Yeah, I will shift the standoff to the nearest 30 mm hole. Thank you for your continous and relentless support. I have placed the order. I may contact you if I face any issues later while installing.

 

[Captainrizal]

Yes, the Sabrent Rocket 2230 should work just fine (remember to shift the standoff on the adapter from the 42 mm hole to the nearest 30 mm hole before mounting), albeit you can't utilize the full bandwidth potential of such a PCI-e Gen 4 SSD.

Hi! I finished installing a new SSD on my Macbook. I had to install it twice. First, as you have mentioned, the standoff screw was not fitting properly. The seller had provided one stand-off screw but it did not fit properly. I called the seller. He provided another adapter free of cost. Thanks for your support.