Macbook with dead SSD

[Pad J]

Hi all,
my 2016 12" Macbook's SSD just decided to die. Maybe it heard about the new M1 macs, who knows.
Symptoms are:
flashing folder with ? on startup
recovery mode startup leads to rotating globe and an over the wifi installation of a ~2gig virtual disk. Disk utility shows no other disks.
I'm thinking the only repair possible is a complete logic board replacement, with will probably come in at >400quid. Given the value of this laptop, that doesn't seem good value. I'd like to replace it with a new M1 Air soonish anyway.

So, I wondered if it was possible to buy an external drive and configure that as the boot disk.

If that is possible, any recommendations as what to buy? In the current covid working from home, even a less portable laptop helps with kids studying and relieves pressure on the one desktop with have.
thanks

 

[IowaLynn]

First, and assuming your files are on other drives etc., why not just do a 100% erase deleting the volumes/partitions on it?

I traded my MB 2015 for Mini (Intel, last month) and got $240. I was using it as desktop anyway, monitor, dock, external kb/mouse and Touchpad 2.

Yes you ca boot from external. I bought Samsung T7 500GB (256GB internal SSD was getting tight), and 1TB for TimeMachine. I liked that they are bus-powered.

Use Internet Recovery / Disk Utility to fully delete/erase and then install.

 

[Boyd01]

I ran my 2012 quad mini from a 1TB Samsung T3 external SSD for about 3 years. Worked great with demanding software like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro. The T3 has been discontinued but was just a slower version of the current Samsung T5 and T7. The T7 will be about twice as fast as the T5 if your computer has a USB-C port, I get close to 900MB/sec with my two 2TB T7's. Of course, there are other brands and you can also "roll your own" by putting an SSD in an enclosure.

With older Macs you can just plug in the external SSD and choose it in the Startup Disk System Preference. If your Mac has the T2 security chip, it's a little more complicated, see this

About Startup Security Utility on a Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip - Apple Support

Use Startup Security Utility to make sure that your Mac always starts up from your designated startup disk, and always from a legitimate, trusted operating system.

support.apple.com

I would be a little reluctant to use an external SSD with a laptop, unless it will always just sit on a desk. If you accidentally knock the cable loose you could cause a lot of data corruption. This was less likely with my Mac Mini.

 

[Pad J]

I would be a little reluctant to use an external SSD with a laptop, unless it will always just sit on a desk. If you accidentally knock the cable loose you could cause a lot of data corruption. This was less likely with my Mac Mini.

Thanks.
The internal drive is completely dead, so reformatting not an option. This is about salvaging something from the hardware: a laptop that can only be used on a desk is better than nothing, and could be a reasonably cheap solution.

 

[gnasher729]

Hi all,
my 2016 12" Macbook's SSD just decided to die. Maybe it heard about the new M1 macs, who knows.
Symptoms are:
flashing folder with ? on startup
recovery mode startup leads to rotating globe and an over the wifi installation of a ~2gig virtual disk. Disk utility shows no other disks.
I'm thinking the only repair possible is a complete logic board replacement, with will probably come in at >400quid. Given the value of this laptop, that doesn't seem good value. I'd like to replace it with a new M1 Air soonish anyway.

So, I wondered if it was possible to buy an external drive and configure that as the boot disk.

If that is possible, any recommendations as what to buy? In the current covid working from home, even a less portable laptop helps with kids studying and relieves pressure on the one desktop with have.
thanks

I bought a 1TB Samsung T5 external SSD. If you have USB 3, it's not as fast as the original, but plenty fast. The drive is tiny and weighs just 50 grams, so you can attach it at the back of your MacBook with strong double sided tape and your MacBook is as portable as ever.

I paid £130 for 1 TB. They have 500 GB and 250 GB drives that are a lot cheaper. T5 is the old model; T7 is the new model that costs significantly more. It's newer, but I can't see it giving you any advantage. The drive comes with two cables (USB A and USB C) so you will be able to use it on a future Mac. The cables are quite short, so if you attach the drive in the right place, there will be very little of the cable sticking out and little risk of pulling the cable out.

 

[HiFiGuy528]

I recently encountered the same issue with my wife‘s 12” 2016 MB. She simply opened the lid and logged in as usually and 2 seconds late the MB when dead. Target Disk mode can see the drive but cannot not be formatted. Apple Genius said the SSD is dead. Repair cost is $500. The saddest part is Apple replaced the display, bottom case with battery and new keyboard only 3 months ago so aside form the logic board, the rest of the MB is brand new.

I am able to booth from ext thumb drive and use the machine but it is slow AF due to the speed of the thumb drive. Now I’m on the fence with buying a used logic board or sell it as parts on eBay. Anyone have their on which path I should take?

 

[IowaLynn]

I recently encountered the same issue with my wife‘s 12” 2016 MB. She simply opened the lid and logged in as usually and 2 seconds late the MB when dead. Target Disk mode can see the drive but cannot not be formatted. Apple Genius said the SSD is dead. Repair cost is $500. The saddest part is Apple replaced the display, bottom case with battery and new keyboard only 3 months ago so aside form the logic board, the rest of the MB is brand new.

I am able to booth from ext thumb drive and use the machine but it is slow AF due to the speed of the thumb drive. Now I’m on the fence with buying a used logic board or sell it as parts on eBay. Anyone have their on which path I should take?

Ifixit logic board is $399. Sure the repair work 90 days ago might have led to this? I would opt for a new Air model. If your use is more desktop like, then Mini. Unless you find a lb for ~$200

 

[abercrombie]

my 2016 12" Macbook's SSD just decided to die. Maybe it heard about the new M1 macs, who knows.
Symptoms are:
flashing folder with ? on startup
recovery mode startup leads to rotating globe and an over the wifi installation of a ~2gig virtual disk. Disk utility shows no other disks.
I'm thinking the only repair possible is a complete logic board replacement, with will probably come in at >400quid. Given the value of this laptop, that doesn't seem good value. I'd like to replace it with a new M1 Air soonish anyway.

Same problem as above, and same 12" Macbook. I do use a stand with a fan since the battery expanded 2 years ago and it was replaced under applecare. But now it's so old, not under warranty. When I boot up, disk utility only shows 2GB, no other disk. I notice slight 1mm from the bottom casing, suggesting the battery expanding again in this summer heat which may have contributed to the damage.

Hoping repair doesn't cost more than $500 or else, this is a paper weight.

 

[abercrombie]

Finally got around to visiting the Apple store. Dropped it off Wednesday, and it was ready for pickup on Friday where they shipped it to Texas for repair. Total cost quoted and applied was $478. Very pleased with the work, and Apple went beyond the call of duty which has been my experience where they replace components at no extra cost. It's almost as if I have a new Macbook with the only major component that is still original being the screen. Replaced:

• IO board
• Logic Board, 256gb
• Top Case with Keyboard
• Bottom Case with Battery

Love this Macbook over the Air since it's significantly lighter and great for travelling.