Difficulty and economy of replacing SSD in the latest MB Air?

DHart · Dec 8, 2012, 03:06 PM

I'm considering buying a new MacBook Air. Does it make any economic sense to purchase the model with the 128GB SSD in it and then replace it on my own with a 512GB or 750GB SSD?

Would there be much economic savings by doing this?

Is the replacement process somewhat user-do-able or definitely a professional job?

plucky duck · Dec 8, 2012, 03:35 PM

Internally, for the 2012 Air largest you can purchase is 480GB for $660 at macsales.com

DHart · Dec 8, 2012, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plucky duck

Internally, for the 2012 Air largest you can purchase is 480GB for $660 at macsales.com

Oh... ok, I didn't realize that.

I know you can get a high-end 13" MBA with 512GB SSD here:

http://www.themacstore.com/parts/show/c-nma-z0nd-ult

SO, Im wondering about getting one with 128GB SSD and then doing an upgrade. Might not be much savings is going that route, I guess.

And I still don't know if swapping an SSD in the 13" MBA is difficult or not too bad.

inaka · Dec 8, 2012, 03:42 PM

They literally have install videos showing the EXACT steps you need to take when upgrading a SSD:

http://eshop.macsales.com/installvid...book_air_2012/

It's very easy.

DHart · Dec 8, 2012, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inaka

They literally have install videos showing the EXACT steps you need to take when upgrading a SSD:

http://eshop.macsales.com/installvid...book_air_2012/

It's very easy.

inaka.... yes, sure is a piece of cake!

Now I'm wondering where to get the 512GB SSD that is used in some of the 2012 MBA's and what price it would be.

Is there much of a market for a slightly used 128GB SSD (the one removed from the new MBA)?

inaka · Dec 8, 2012, 04:04 PM

You may want to check this thread just to be safe:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1459847

Some are having reliability issues with the OWC product.

A genuine OEM 512GB SSD from Apple/Samsung can be purchased here:http://www.yourmacstore.com/samsung-...book-air-2012/

I can't vouch for yourmacstore.com though.
Please do your own research.

Since you're buying a new machine, and not upgrading an existing machine, it might be best to avoid all the headaches and just pony up for the 512GB (or largest SSD you can afford) from Apple at the time of purchase.

Dec 8, 2012, 03:06 PM	#1
DHart macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jan 2008	Difficulty and economy of replacing SSD in the latest MB Air? I'm considering buying a new MacBook Air. Does it make any economic sense to purchase the model with the 128GB SSD in it and then replace it on my own with a 512GB or 750GB SSD? Would there be much economic savings by doing this? Is the replacement process somewhat user-do-able or definitely a professional job?
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Dec 8, 2012, 03:35 PM	#2
plucky duck macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jan 2012	Internally, for the 2012 Air largest you can purchase is 480GB for $660 at macsales.com
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Dec 8, 2012, 03:42 PM	#4
inaka macrumors 6502 Join Date: Apr 2010	They literally have install videos showing the EXACT steps you need to take when upgrading a SSD: http://eshop.macsales.com/installvid...book_air_2012/ It's very easy.
	0

Dec 8, 2012, 04:04 PM	#6
inaka macrumors 6502 Join Date: Apr 2010	You may want to check this thread just to be safe: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1459847 Some are having reliability issues with the OWC product. A genuine OEM 512GB SSD from Apple/Samsung can be purchased here:http://www.yourmacstore.com/samsung-...book-air-2012/ I can't vouch for yourmacstore.com though. Please do your own research. Since you're buying a new machine, and not upgrading an existing machine, it might be best to avoid all the headaches and just pony up for the 512GB (or largest SSD you can afford) from Apple at the time of purchase.
	0