Macbook Pro 13' Retina SSD

[ddany]

Hello Guys!

Just a simple question, i do not find any information about.
If I buy a new MBP retina with 128gb SSD, will I be able to replace it with a larger one some time in the future? Or it is "bult-in" just like the memory? I know that I cannot change the memory in the new macbooks, because they are bult in, but as I said I could not find any info about the SSD.

Thanks

 

[Fishrrman]

The SSD PCI-e "blade drives" in the retina MBPro line are in fact "removable", and can be changed out for a larger size, BUT....

... the problem is that nobody (except Apple) -sells- such drives, nor are they likely to become available in the future (as "new" items).

The only source for larger drives may be the "used market" such as ebay, etc.

So to answer your question, yes, you -might- be able to change out the drive for a larger one, but the problem will be in -finding- a larger one...

 

[keysofanxiety]

What Fishrrman said – although they're technically replaceable, they're not user-replaceable. So buy the biggest storage now that you can afford, and consider it to be non-upgradeable in the future.

 

[ddany]

The SSD PCI-e "blade drives" in the retina MBPro line are in fact "removable", and can be changed out for a larger size, BUT....

... the problem is that nobody (except Apple) -sells- such drives, nor are they likely to become available in the future (as "new" items).

The only source for larger drives may be the "used market" such as ebay, etc.

So to answer your question, yes, you -might- be able to change out the drive for a larger one, but the problem will be in -finding- a larger one...

Why exactly?
Am I unable to install a for example Kingston SSD?

 

[Weaselboy]

The newer rMBP uses a blade storage device that is just screwed in and can be replaced, but the problem is nobody makes an aftermarket replacement. You can sometimes find Apple OEM drives on eBay that people have pulled from their rMBP to sell.

 

[Bending Pixels]

There are third party SSD's available to replace your 128 SSD. That said,l it would be smarter (and cost about the same) to simply get the right sized SSD that you need. i.e. if 256GB is what you need, get it. If 512 - get that.

 

[keysofanxiety]

Why exactly?
Am I unable to install a for example Kingston SSD?

They're proprietary PCI-e SSDs, completely different to a standard SSD you'd buy. You can only get replacements from places like OWC who specialise in this sort of thing. So basically just buy the best storage you can afford now. Consider it to be non-upgradeable.

 

[Weaselboy]

Why exactly?
Am I unable to install a for example Kingston SSD?

The rMBP uses a storage device that looks like this photo. Not the same setup as normal SSD.

 

[ddany]

Oh, All clear now. Thanks guys

 

[Weaselboy]

There are third party SSD's available to replace your 128 SSD. That said,l it would be smarter (and cost about the same) to simply get the right sized SSD that you need. i.e. if 256GB is what you need, get it. If 512 - get that.

They're proprietary PCI-e SSDs, completely different to a standard SSD you'd buy. You can only get replacements from places like OWC who specialise in this sort of thing. So basically just buy the best storage you can afford now. Consider it to be non-upgradeable.

No third party makes a replacement for the new rMBP yet. Older models yes, but not the late 2013 and on.

 

[newellj]

And just to emphasize the point, if you buy one pulled from another machine, you will (1) have no warranty, (2) pay an extremely high price due to lack of supply and (3) likely get a very poor price selling your 128GB drive because no one else wants a small version of these drives, either.

 

[ddany]

Thank you guys. Fortunately, I can use Back to School to lower the price, so I can buy the 256gb version

 

[patternjake]

The normal MacBook Pro's hard drive can be swapped with any SATA III hard drive, including an SSD.

 

[CoastalOR]

The normal MacBook Pro's hard drive can be swapped with any SATA III hard drive, including an SSD.

Not for any Retina MBP since 2012. Maybe define what do you mean by "normal".

 

[newellj]

The normal MacBook Pro's hard drive can be swapped with any SATA III hard drive, including an SSD.

But this thread is about retina MBP machines.