So can I install third-party M2 NVMe SSD into McB Air 2014 or not?

[chnapo]

Please, guys and girls, help me decide. I bought 2014 entry level macbook air (4/128) and I would like to upgrade to 240GB SSD. Now I browse internet for like 3 hours already, and I still don't know if third party drives are supported or not. Everybody says that one needs NVMe but some people say it is not possible and drive will not be recognized because it is not supported, others claims the only thing one needs is an adapter. So who is right? Can I upgrade my McB air with one? I don't care about speeds as long as they don't drop far bellow 500MB/s. Reason for my question is obviously price, while original Apple 240GB SSD costs at least 160eur, Kingston A1000 240GB costs 60 eur. I am planning to stay at Sierra for as long as possible without updating, but if High Sierra is needed for 3rd party SSD, I will go for it..

 

[Audit13]

You can use a third party nvme drive. I have an Intel 600p 256 GB in an early 2015 13" Air.

The mid-2013 Air to 2017 Air use the same Apple SSD and connector.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/upgrading-2013-2014-macbook-pro-ssd-to-m-2-nvme.2034976/

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/macbook-air-2017-ssd-compatibility-with-samsung-ssd.2099405/

 

[Macdctr]

chnapo, in Audit13 post above, just follow the links that was provided and you will have all the information you need to upgrade your MBA.

I currently am using a 512GB Samsung 950PRO M.2 NVMe drive in my 2015 MBA13 since March without any issues.

 

[Johnny365]

What about battery life and/or heat?

 

[Audit13]

The battery life and heat all depends on the SSD. Regardless of which third-party SSD is installed, battery life will not be as good as it is with the original Apple SSD.