Macbook Pro 2015 SSD upgrade

[stevobucko]

Hey, I'm thinking of investing in a new Macbook pro after the new year. My question is:

Is it advisable to buy the 128gb model then upgrade the SSD with a 3rd party, like the one I have linked below:

http://www.dabs.com/products/sandis...-9KBT.html?refs=14-52780000&catid=15004&src=3

I understand the write/read speed is slower, however for my needs I don't think the difference will be a huge issue.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Bending Pixels]

It would be best to purchase a rMBP with the right size SSD in the first place.

 

[stevobucko]

It would be best to purchase a rMBP with the right size SSD in the first place.

Yes but the price for a storage upgrade is huge compared to buying a 3rd party one.

 

[Bending Pixels]

The main issue is the rMBP's screws are specially designed and the screwdrivers are not readily available. Opening the back cover isn't recommended.

 

[Spudlicious]

Hey, I'm thinking of investing in a new Macbook pro after the new year. My question is:

Is it advisable to buy the 128gb model then upgrade the SSD with a 3rd party, like the one I have linked below:

http://www.dabs.com/products/sandis...-9KBT.html?refs=14-52780000&catid=15004&src=3

I understand the write/read speed is slower, however for my needs I don't think the difference will be a huge issue.

Thanks for any help.

None of the drives shown on the Dabs page you link to will fit into the Macbook Pro, you do know that? Apple use a proprietary SSD interface.

 

[stevobucko]

I didnt realise the SSD's used a PCie port. This is why I asked. thanks for the help

 

[Erdbeertorte]

None of the drives shown on the Dabs page you link to will fit
into the Macbook Pro, you do know that? Apple use a proprietary SSD interface.

Yes, that's sad but true.

If your rMBP is a 2012 or Early 2013 there are 3rd party options, because these models use mSATA blade SSDs.

If it's a newer one you have to buy a PCIe blade SSD, but not the ones you can buy everywhere, because the connector size won't fit. It has to be one that someone pulled out of a MBP or maybe Air (depends on year and size of the model) and maybe sells it on eBay.

The only way to use SATA SSDs on your MBP is by putting them into a USB or Thunderbolt enclosure and connect them externally.

 

[GAUG3]

Yes, that's sad but true.

If your rMBP is a 2012 or Early 2013 there are 3rd party options, because these models use mSATA blade SSDs.

If it's a newer one you have to buy a PCIe blade SSD, but not the ones you can buy everywhere, because the connector size won't fit. It has to be one that someone pulled out of a MBP or maybe Air (depends on year and size of the model) and maybe sells it on eBay.

The only way to use SATA SSDs on your MBP is by putting them into a USB or Thunderbolt enclosure and connect them externally.

wonder how long it will be before the 3rd parties start coming out...

 

[old-wiz]

wonder how long it will be before the 3rd parties start coming out...

People have been waiting for quite a while. there have been 3rd parties that promise it, but none have delivered.

 

[T5BRICK]

wonder how long it will be before the 3rd parties start coming out...

Apple has been using the same SSD interface since the late 2013 models were released. I'm wondering if the market for since a niche product just isn't big enough to really make any money.

 

[TheIguana]

wonder how long it will be before the 3rd parties start coming out...

We have all collectively been waiting a very long time...

 

[Mike in Kansas]

The main issue is the rMBP's screws are specially designed and the screwdrivers are not readily available. Opening the back cover isn't recommended.

https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/P5-Pentalobe-Screwdriver-Retina-MacBook-Pro-and-Air/IF145-090-3

 

[mariogt]

We have all collectively been waiting a very long time...

Well the waits is over, but for that price I will prefer a nice thunderbolt 2 external drive (RAID) with lots an lots of Gigabytes !!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151605593746?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[terminator-jq]

If you can last a few more months you may want to wait for the 2016 Macbook Pro's. Rumor has it, they will be revealed at a March 2016 event (along with the Apple Watch 2 and possibly the iPad Air 3). It will most likely be slightly thinner, offer the same color options as the new Macbook (silver, grey & gold), replace the Thunderbolt 2 ports with USB-C (or thunderbolt 3) and of course it will have more CPU and GPU power.

The new MacBooks come with the 256gb SSD standard so I'm sure Apple will follow the same trend with the new Macbook Pro's. Of course, even if you don't buy the 2016 model, the 2015 models will fall in price so you might be able to get a 256gb model or even a 512gb model for much cheaper than they are now (especially if you get a refurbished).

I currently have a 128gb model (I am upgrading as soon as the new models release) and its been quite frustrating trying to budget my space. I find myself checking my available space at least one a week, which is something I almost never had to do on my last laptop which had a 512gb Hard Drive. So if you can wait just a little longer, it will be worth it.

 

[laurihoefs]

The main issue is the rMBP's screws are specially designed and the screwdrivers are not readily available. Opening the back cover isn't recommended.

Luckily pentalobe drivers are available from many sources, like Amazon, eBay and iFixit. Opening the bottom plate and switching the SSD blade are easy to do, and there's little risk of damaging anyting.

If your rMBP is a 2012 or Early 2013 there are 3rd party options, because these models use mSATA blade SSDs.

The connector is not mSATA, it's a similar but non-standard connector. But the SSDs are SATA, so adapters and third party upgrades are readily available.