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Rob JJ

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 17, 2015
26
3
I have a mid-2014 MBP Retina 15", 2.5 GHz Intel Core i7 with 16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 memory (not sure if anything else is needed to mention). My 500GB SSD is almost maxed out, so would like to get a 1TB SSD, but am confused by the various models being offered on eBay. I'm not a huge techie, so not sure if things like heatsink are really needed, or if one model is really better than another. But, I would prefer to get one of the better ones (if there is really a great deal of difference among them), so could someone help me identify what to look for for the better ones? Such as model number, is a heatsink really helpful, and any other pertinent info to help me with my search.

I had planned to get an OWC, but then have read stories about these maybe not being so great, so have decided to stick with real Apple items. Is Samsung the only maker used by Apple (in suitable SSDs for my machine)? If there are others, (Toshiba?), which is best?

TIA
 
I would suggest you go with a Samsung. They are reliable.
It appears there are several Samsung "versions"/"models"...do you know if one is significantly better than the next? Also, some seem to have a heatsink, some don't. How important is this?
 
I don't recommend a Samsung unless it's an OEM apple drive made by Samsung.

You have two choices: buy a used apple OEM drive or a nvme drive with an adapter.
Yes, I am only interested in an Apple OEM drive...just hoping someone can help me with some specifics so I can identify the right (best) one to get.
 
The next size up I believe is the 1 TB which can only be purchased as a used item. I believe all of the 256 and larger drives are made by Samsung and, AFAIK, Apple and its authorized resellers/repair depots do not sell them brand new.

I'm in Canada and the 1 TB drives and crazy expensive off eBay.
 
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I put Samsung evo 8xx series SSD’s in over 20 Macs over the past 3 years and have not had a single complaint or problem. They are quick and reliable.(and far from the most expensive you have regular promos since they get updated quite a lot) Don’t forget to enable TRIM after installing tough to expand the lifespan of your SSD speed
 
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Oh, sorry I did not inform myself on the drives ^^
World leading repair and upgrade services suggest the OWC Aura Pro X SSD
Although they do get expensive
 
Oh, sorry I did not inform myself on the drives ^^
World leading repair and upgrade services suggest the OWC Aura Pro X SSD
Although they do get expensive
I actually had purchased the OWC you mention...before reading quite a few not so positive reports on it...so returned it as soon as it arrived, which is why I am now seeking an OEM solution. Just to reiterate, I am seeking a 1TB OEM SSD that is the best solution for my mid-2014 MBP Retina. I will then sell the maxed out 500GB drive.

Things I could use help with are things like...some that are selling SSDs that they say will fit my model, state the SSD has a heatsink...and then some say the one they are selling state theirs has NO heatsink, but still fits my machine. I have no idea if one is better than the next...does it matter?

Here is one that has my attention. Can anyone tell me if this is a decent one and if the adapter is ok to use in my machine, so that this one would then work as well as they promise?
Samsung 970 EVO Series - 1TB PCIe NVMe - M.2 Internal SSD for Mac
w/ SSD KIT for Apple Macbook (Regular, Pro and Air) - see supported years and versions below

Blazingly fast - much faster than regular Mac SSD's!

What you'll get is a Mac compatible SSD including:

(1) Brand new Samsung 970 Evo Series 3D NAND NVMe M.2 with MacOS Mojave pre-installed.

(2) Sintech M.2 NVMe adaptor card for Mac
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I put Samsung evo 8xx series SSD’s in over 20 Macs over the past 3 years and have not had a single complaint or problem. They are quick and reliable.(and far from the most expensive you have regular promos since they get updated quite a lot) Don’t forget to enable TRIM after installing tough to expand the lifespan of your SSD speed

See my post below about the 970EVO. If I were to get it, would TRIM (no idea what that is or means, but will research separately) still need to be enabled with this SSD?
 
Trim is used for garbage file collection and deletion. I recommend enabling trim at all times to maintain SSD performance: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/simple-questions-what-trim-ssds-why-it-useful

Trim is enabled by default when using an original Apple SSD and needs to be enabled through a terminal command when using a non-Apple SSD.

I would not get an SSD with a heatsink as it will prevent the bottom casing from closing properly. SSDs with a heatsink would have come from a Mac Pro. The heatsink appears to be been applied with a heatsink adhesive that is not easy to remove.
 
Trim is used for garbage file collection and deletion. I recommend enabling trim at all times to maintain SSD performance: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/simple-questions-what-trim-ssds-why-it-useful

Trim is enabled by default when using an original Apple SSD and needs to be enabled through a terminal command when using a non-Apple SSD.

I would not get an SSD with a heatsink as it will prevent the bottom casing from closing properly. SSDs with a heatsink would have come from a Mac Pro. The heatsink appears to be been applied with a heatsink adhesive that is not easy to remove.
Thank you very much...now I know about the heatsink and whether to go for it, or avoid it. Avoid it is!
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SSUBX from eBay
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...A0.H0.Xssubx+1tb.TRS0&_nkw=ssubx+1tb&_sacat=0
heatsink it's not a problem, difference between 970 evo 1TB and ssubx 1TB it's about $130, but you will get better resale value using proprietary part
Can you see any concerns with this one? He states "100% tested working" so I assume there is an OS pre-installed...is that a fair "assumption" on my part? https://www.ebay.com/itm/223344255122?ViewItem=&item=223344255122
 
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Can you see any concerns with this one? He states "100% tested working" so I assume there is an OS pre-installed...is that a fair "assumption" on my part? https://www.ebay.com/itm/223344255122?ViewItem=&item=223344255122
The drive looks suitable. One thing I noticed is that there is no warranty period in the ad. I could also see the price climbing to more than $450.

There may not be an os on the drive because the seller would not know which version of OSX is needed by the buyer. The seller may have just loaded an os to ensure the drive boots properly with no errors, kernel panics, or freezes.
 
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Thank you very much...now I know about the heatsink and whether to go for it, or avoid it. Avoid it is!
[doublepost=1548440926][/doublepost]
Can you see any concerns with this one? He states "100% tested working" so I assume there is an OS pre-installed...is that a fair "assumption" on my part? https://www.ebay.com/itm/223344255122?ViewItem=&item=223344255122

looks fine and price is good, you have a eBay protection if there any issues up to 30 days

the thing about heatsinks, I had SSD with heatsink and it's not a problem for rMBP, there is no problem to close bottom cover, but I wouldn't risk to remove the heatsink, it's not worth the hassle and can cause the damage
 
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