Backing up and Upgrading SSD on Macbook Air 11" mid-2013

[mf2022]

Hi, I love my Macbook Air 11" (mid-2013), and not sure if I want to say bye and purchase the new MBA models (hate the keyboard). A technician I consulted recommended upgrading the SSD to 1TB, and updating OS from High Sierra to Mojave. I am seeking advice on 1) what order to do things in, so as to end up with optimum working machine, 2) recommended backup options (time-machine, vs. drag and drop, vs other), 3)recommended SSDs, and whether it is worth spending the money vs. buying a new machine. I did replace the battery last year, so I know at least on that front my computer is good for a while longer.
I'm thinking first I should back up the computer's hard drive (I have used Time Machine in the past, but the technician says drag and drop is better, and claims I only need to drag and drop the "User" file-- I hesitate because I know Time Machine also saves keychains and app settings, and it would be a pain if I lose some of those. I also however, like the option of choosing to keep some files exclusively on an external hard drive and not crowding my internal HD -- though I figure I could partition a 2TB external hard drive and use one for drag and drop and one for Time Machine. Any external hard drive formatting recommendations appreciated.
Should I then replace SSD and install Mojave (can I install an OS once I install a third party SSD card?). Should I keep the old SSD as a back up drive? Or should I wipe clean and upgrade OS on original SSD, restore backup, re-back up, and then replace SSD?
Are these a good option in terms of quality/$, and do I need all the extra gadgets listed in the kits? https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ssd/owc/macbook-air/2013-2014-2015
I'm sorry for the confusion, but would appreciate any advice on how to do this. Since traditionally Apple insists on not using any third party hardware, and I have never replaced things other than the battery, I am particularly hesitant to mess around with my computer. But I would also hate to let a good working machine go to waste.

 

[rm5]

Replace the SSD first, obviously after backing everything up (see below)

Two facts about the SSDs in MBAs/MBPs of the time (2013 in your case)

• If you get a standard NVMe SSD like a Crucial, etc. you will need an adapter, because the slot is slightly longer and has a different connector than the regular NVMe connector
• NVMe SSDs usually run at x8 speed (i.e. they take up 8 PCIe lanes & use x8 bandwidth). HOWEVER, on these Macs, they run at x2. It therefore would be FOUR TIMES SLOWER than the "regular" speed of the SSD. For example, if your SSD is rated at 3500 MB/s read and write, like most modern NVMe SSDs, you would get 875 MB/s read & write MAXIMUM.

The website you posted does not seem to be loading for me; however, as far as your "sub-question" goes, if you want to keep the machine and use it, go ahead and do the upgrade. BUT, if you think you need a new machine, buy a new machine.

The tech you consulted isn't necessarily wrong - copying the "Users" folder would work, but you would also have to copy every other directory in the startup disk (Applications, Library, etc.) Just use Time Machine - it'll make your life easier.

Should I then replace SSD and install Mojave (can I install an OS once I install a third party SSD card?)

Yes, you can install macOS on a third-party SSD.

You should not "clean-install then replace" - that's clunky and a waste of time. Just back everything up, replace the SSD, and install macOS.

Now, the part that's getting me is Mojave - why Mojave in particular? It's very out of date at this point, and many programs now require Catalina, and even Big Sur. Do you need to run programs that are 32-bit/only work on Mojave and earlier?

If you can, just run Catalina or Big Sur.

So, I hope I've answered well enough. Let me know if you have any additional questions.

 

[rm5]

Oh! And, for drive formatting, here ya go:

Internal SSD = APFS, GUID Partition Scheme

External HDD = APFS or JHFS+ also w/ GUID (ExFAT & MS-DOS FAT32 are limited to 1.8 TB)

 

[Audit13]

Great info is here: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/upgrading-2013-2014-macbook-pro-ssd-to-m-2-nvme.2034976/

 

[mf2022]

Replace the SSD first, obviously after backing everything up (see below)

Two facts about the SSDs in MBAs/MBPs of the time (2013 in your case)

• If you get a standard NVMe SSD like a Crucial, etc. you will need an adapter, because the slot is slightly longer and has a different connector than the regular NVMe connector
• NVMe SSDs usually run at x8 speed (i.e. they take up 8 PCIe lanes & use x8 bandwidth). HOWEVER, on these Macs, they run at x2. It therefore would be FOUR TIMES SLOWER than the "regular" speed of the SSD. For example, if your SSD is rated at 3500 MB/s read and write, like most modern NVMe SSDs, you would get 875 MB/s read & write MAXIMUM.

The website you posted does not seem to be loading for me; however, as far as your "sub-question" goes, if you want to keep the machine and use it, go ahead and do the upgrade. BUT, if you think you need a new machine, buy a new machine.

The tech you consulted isn't necessarily wrong - copying the "Users" folder would work, but you would also have to copy every other directory in the startup disk (Applications, Library, etc.) Just use Time Machine - it'll make your life easier.


Yes, you can install macOS on a third-party SSD.

You should not "clean-install then replace" - that's clunky and a waste of time. Just back everything up, replace the SSD, and install macOS.

Now, the part that's getting me is Mojave - why Mojave in particular? It's very out of date at this point, and many programs now require Catalina, and even Big Sur. Do you need to run programs that are 32-bit/only work on Mojave and earlier?

If you can, just run Catalina or Big Sur.

So, I hope I've answered well enough. Let me know if you have any additional questions.

Wow, thank you so much for this valuable information! I'm not sure I understand the issue on speed of the NVMe SSDs. Does this mean if I replace the SSD on my mac, it would run slower than it currently does with the original SSD? Or simply that it won't match the advertised high speed of the NVMe? My reason to upgrade SSD was basically so I could double the HD storage space (go from 512G to 1TB). Regarding the OS, I heard some complaints about macbook airs of this era running slow on newer OS, so I figured I would upgrade just one stop-- but if you recommend Catalina and Big Sur, I'll do that. I do have some programs that are not 64-bit (Microsoft Office 2018, Scrivener, Garage Band) but I guess I will have to update software anyway. . . Will definitely use Time Machine and I greatly appreciate your detailed advice and the tips.

 

[mf2022]

Great info is here: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/upgrading-2013-2014-macbook-pro-ssd-to-m-2-nvme.2034976/

Great info indeed! Thank you for pointing me to the thread. Will look through it.

 

[rm5]

Or simply that it won't match the advertised high speed of the NVMe?

The internal SSD is about the same speed, so yes, it will not match the speed it's supposed to be (like if you put it in a PC with a new motherboard)

Let me know how the upgrade goes.

 

[StoneJack]

Hi, I love my Macbook Air 11" (mid-2013), and not sure if I want to say bye and purchase the new MBA models (hate the keyboard). A technician I consulted recommended upgrading the SSD to 1TB, and updating OS from High Sierra to Mojave. I am seeking advice on 1) what order to do things in, so as to end up with optimum working machine, 2) recommended backup options (time-machine, vs. drag and drop, vs other), 3)recommended SSDs, and whether it is worth spending the money vs. buying a new machine. I did replace the battery last year, so I know at least on that front my computer is good for a while longer.
I'm thinking first I should back up the computer's hard drive (I have used Time Machine in the past, but the technician says drag and drop is better, and claims I only need to drag and drop the "User" file-- I hesitate because I know Time Machine also saves keychains and app settings, and it would be a pain if I lose some of those. I also however, like the option of choosing to keep some files exclusively on an external hard drive and not crowding my internal HD -- though I figure I could partition a 2TB external hard drive and use one for drag and drop and one for Time Machine. Any external hard drive formatting recommendations appreciated.
Should I then replace SSD and install Mojave (can I install an OS once I install a third party SSD card?). Should I keep the old SSD as a back up drive? Or should I wipe clean and upgrade OS on original SSD, restore backup, re-back up, and then replace SSD?
Are these a good option in terms of quality/$, and do I need all the extra gadgets listed in the kits? https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ssd/owc/macbook-air/2013-2014-2015
I'm sorry for the confusion, but would appreciate any advice on how to do this. Since traditionally Apple insists on not using any third party hardware, and I have never replaced things other than the battery, I am particularly hesitant to mess around with my computer. But I would also hate to let a good working machine go to waste.

you have to keep the original SSD otherwise you can't update because it may need some firmware updates (which require original SSD).

So update WITH original SSD to Mojave and AFTER replace the SSD with new one, recover OS from restore boot.

Finally, NVME M2 replaced SSD somewhen around 2013-2015; M2 is much much faster than SSD so if you can, upgrade to M2 directly. It will need an adaptor, but that's nothing difficult.

 

[Audit13]

you have to keep the original SSD otherwise you can't update because it may need some firmware updates (which require original SSD).

So update WITH original SSD to Mojave and AFTER replace the SSD with new one, recover OS from restore boot.

Finally, NVME M2 replaced SSD somewhen around 2013-2015; M2 is much much faster than SSD so if you can, upgrade to M2 directly. It will need an adaptor, but that's nothing difficult.

The mid-2013 Air uses a PCIe 2.0 x2 bus for the SSD so any modern NVME drive can saturate the bus. A faster NVMe drive will also result in higher power draw.

It's best to update the Air to the the most recent OS because an older OS can run on newer firmware.

 

[StoneJack]

The mid-2013 Air uses a PCIe 2.0 x2 bus for the SSD so any modern NVME drive can saturate the bus. A faster NVMe drive will also result in higher power draw.

It's best to update the Air to the the most recent OS because an older OS can run on newer firmware.

I think if it can run Catalina, thats actually very nice OS. A lot of current software runs on Catalina just fine.

 

[xLorak]

The mid-2013 Air uses a PCIe 2.0 x2 bus for the SSD so any modern NVME drive can saturate the bus. A faster NVMe drive will also result in higher power draw.

It's best to update the Air to the the most recent OS because an older OS can run on newer firmware.

Mid-2013 after Big Sur or later update is working with PCIe 2.0 x4 bus, i replaced original Apple SSD with

Dell OEM Samsung PM991a Nvme
it has half of max current than other SSD's 1,4A instead od 2,8-3,3A
so battery is happy now

aaand its now Speedy Gonzalez 1500MB write 1200 read. I'm doing max upgrades to i7 8GB 11", with OCLP it is running normally Monterey without any problem + Windows via UEFI booting, but i had problem with first boot on Win, registry edit at Setup value helped a lot to bypass error on Getting Started page, Windows 11 noTPM etc with this trick won't start.
But for cheap its overkiller 11" razor thin light blade
Also wifi is from 2017 model.