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Replacing SSD in 2012 13" MBA

O

oldtime

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Nov 27, 2007
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Is there a full list of SSDs somewhere that are compatible with this laptop? I know of some of the more popular options people go with (OWC, Samsung 850 EVO, etc) but I basically just need something to hold me over until the new MBPs are released (current SSD needs to be replaced pronto) so I'm more interested in bang-for-buck than overall performance/long lasting reliability. Hardware isn't my forte, so trying to figure out which drive and adapter to buy is a little daunting.

Bonus Q: I would also like to take a stab at repairing my 5s. Is there a decent tool kit out there that includes the necessary tools to allow me to open up/work on both the MBA and the 5s, or am I better off just buying what I need individually?
 
2012 MBAs are a step in Apple's proprietary (and increasingly faster) SSD interfaces. OWC sells SSDs that will plug-and-play. Years ago I purchased a 480GB to put in a 2012 MBA and it's worked great since. Otherwise, you'll need an adapter to enable an off-the-shelf SSD to plug into your MBA's logic board.
 
mikzn said:
Bonus Answer = iFixit - see link
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link. Would their "Do Everything Kit" have everything I need (https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/Essential-Electronics-Toolkit/IF145-348-2)?

The last time I opened up a computer to do repairs was a 1st gen CD MacBook, and it seemed a lot simpler then.
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kohlson said:
2012 MBAs are a step in Apple's proprietary (and increasingly faster) SSD interfaces. OWC sells SSDs that will plug-and-play. Years ago I purchased a 480GB to put in a 2012 MBA and it's worked great since. Otherwise, you'll need an adapter to enable an off-the-shelf SSD to plug into your MBA's logic board.
Click to expand...

OWCs are pretty expensive and have very mixed reviews. I'd rather just get a drive with an adapter, it's just finding out which ones would be compatible is a bit tough.

Ideally I'd spend <$120 on the tools, ~256 SSD, and adapter. Anything more than that would feel like a waste because I'm only going to be keeping this laptop for another 8-10 months max.
 
Last edited:
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Do a search on ebay for an adapter for 2012 MBA SSD. Work backwards from there, as to which SSD will work. You want the equivalent to a Samsung mz-epc2560/0a2, which is similar to an M.2 form factor. Best of luck.
 
Ok, found a WD drive that's about $20 cheaper than the 850 evo m.2 Samsung drive. I think I'll give it a go and hopefully it'll spring new life into my MBA. Fingers crossed.
 
mikzn said:
That kit looks like a good start - I would watch the IFIXIT video of the 5S to see if there any extra tools like the iSlack etc.

Not for the faint hearted!
Click to expand...

Thankfully my 5s is just a brick at the moment so I'm not too worried about doing any more damage to it by opening it up to fiddle around. If I get lucky maybe I can bring it back to life.
 
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