Upgrading 2013-2015 Macbook Pro SSD to M.2 NVMe

[MacMorrison]

Thanks! I wasn't able to get clear information on the OWC hibernate/standby issues by searching other sites.

 

[sidgallup]

Has anyone succesfully update EFI formware using MacBRTool? i have a MBP 2014 with an old firmware, from what ive read it has the Yosemite update, i dont have OEM SSD and i want to avoid buying one just for updating the firmware on my machine since the prices on these are ridiculous.
Ive been having a lt of problems and errors trying to update it with MacBRTool, i found out that the only way i can make the tool actually TRY to flash the new firmware is by using a USB formatted asn Mac OS Journaled with GUID partition, every other combination throws an erorr that says something like "shell cannot read from drive" at the command line where you have to input the updatebr command, anyways, now i can make MacBRTool detect the firmare, and try to update it, it gives a message about "firmware is ready computer will now reboot to finish the update" or something like that, then the machine reboots but nothing else happens, i hear the chyme fter a few seconds and then im back at the EFI bootloader and the firmware is still on the old version.

Anyone had this issue ?

 

[danielristic]

Has anyone succesfully update EFI formware using MacBRTool? i have a MBP 2014 with an old firmware, from what ive read it has the Yosemite update, i dont have OEM SSD and i want to avoid buying one just for updating the firmware on my machine since the prices on these are ridiculous.
Ive been having a lt of problems and errors trying to update it with MacBRTool, i found out that the only way i can make the tool actually TRY to flash the new firmware is by using a USB formatted asn Mac OS Journaled with GUID partition, every other combination throws an erorr that says something like "shell cannot read from drive" at the command line where you have to input the updatebr command, anyways, now i can make MacBRTool detect the firmare, and try to update it, it gives a message about "firmware is ready computer will now reboot to finish the update" or something like that, then the machine reboots but nothing else happens, i hear the chyme fter a few seconds and then im back at the EFI bootloader and the firmware is still on the old version.

Anyone had this issue ?

Unfortunately it looks like this tool is no longer maintained. I assume you checked that your particular model is listed in the supported devices and that you removed the internal storage prior to attempting the update?

 

[nigelbb]

Has anyone succesfully update EFI formware using MacBRTool? i have a MBP 2014 with an old firmware, from what ive read it has the Yosemite update, i dont have OEM SSD and i want to avoid buying one just for updating the firmware on my machine since the prices on these are ridiculous.
Ive been having a lt of problems and errors trying to update it with MacBRTool, i found out that the only way i can make the tool actually TRY to flash the new firmware is by using a USB formatted asn Mac OS Journaled with GUID partition, every other combination throws an erorr that says something like "shell cannot read from drive" at the command line where you have to input the updatebr command, anyways, now i can make MacBRTool detect the firmare, and try to update it, it gives a message about "firmware is ready computer will now reboot to finish the update" or something like that, then the machine reboots but nothing else happens, i hear the chyme fter a few seconds and then im back at the EFI bootloader and the firmware is still on the old version.

Anyone had this issue ?

You can use the smallest available Apple SSD to do a firmware update. The 128GB sticks are as cheap as chips because nobody wants them as the capacity is too small for normal use.

Apple Ssd 128GB Macbook Pro 2014 for sale | eBay

Find great deals on eBay for Apple Ssd 128GB Macbook Pro 2014. Shop with confidence.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[edevmon]

Has anyone succesfully update EFI formware using MacBRTool? i have a MBP 2014 with an old firmware, from what ive read it has the Yosemite update, i dont have OEM SSD and i want to avoid buying one just for updating the firmware on my machine since the prices on these are ridiculous.
Ive been having a lt of problems and errors trying to update it with MacBRTool, i found out that the only way i can make the tool actually TRY to flash the new firmware is by using a USB formatted asn Mac OS Journaled with GUID partition, every other combination throws an erorr that says something like "shell cannot read from drive" at the command line where you have to input the updatebr command, anyways, now i can make MacBRTool detect the firmare, and try to update it, it gives a message about "firmware is ready computer will now reboot to finish the update" or something like that, then the machine reboots but nothing else happens, i hear the chyme fter a few seconds and then im back at the EFI bootloader and the firmware is still on the old version.

Anyone had this issue ?

It is possible to update the BootROM manually:


Updated link to article (spanish)

 

[xboxbml]

Has anyone succesfully update EFI formware using MacBRTool? i have a MBP 2014 with an old firmware, from what ive read it has the Yosemite update, i dont have OEM SSD and i want to avoid buying one just for updating the firmware on my machine since the prices on these are ridiculous.
Ive been having a lt of problems and errors trying to update it with MacBRTool, i found out that the only way i can make the tool actually TRY to flash the new firmware is by using a USB formatted asn Mac OS Journaled with GUID partition, every other combination throws an erorr that says something like "shell cannot read from drive" at the command line where you have to input the updatebr command, anyways, now i can make MacBRTool detect the firmare, and try to update it, it gives a message about "firmware is ready computer will now reboot to finish the update" or something like that, then the machine reboots but nothing else happens, i hear the chyme fter a few seconds and then im back at the EFI bootloader and the firmware is still on the old version.

Anyone had this issue ?

As others have said, try to find a 128gb OEM drive for it. Should be cheap. If you were local to me I'd do it for you as I have a couple.

 

[B_Boss]

Thanks for all the help and assistance folks. I’m currently working on a 13in Retina, A1502 MacBook Pro. Goodness I have 3 adapters, WDSN580 (bought in “open box” condition but seems to appear working well and even formatted it as APFS, etc).

2 of the adapters are Sintech and 1 is a Mustpoint which has seemingly (provably?) worked flawlessly in the 2019 imac. This MacBook is not noticing anything except its own apple NVMe (about 120gb) and interestingly enough, the MacBook would not even notice the iMac’s original NVMe SSD I used for testing. Not sure what’s up other than perhaps it’s something to do with the MacBook’s electronics itself. Not 100% but any help would be appreciated of course.

I’m simply trying to upgrade the 120gb NVMe to the WDSN580 I have but the MacBook does not even recognize any other SSD+adapter combo. Hell the provably well working Mustpoint literally arrived a few hours before this post and when I slap the WDSN580 in it, the MacBook doesn’t recognize that either. The WD has also been formatted to MACOS APFS. Thanks again and in the meantime I’ll literally start reading through all the pages here.

 

[Nekomichi]

Thanks for all the help and assistance folks. I’m currently working on a 13in Retina, A1502 MacBook Pro. Goodness I have 3 adapters, WDSN580 (bought in “open box” condition but seems to appear working well and even formatted it as APFS, etc).

2 of the adapters are Sintech and 1 is a Mustpoint which has seemingly (provably?) worked flawlessly in the 2019 imac. This MacBook is not noticing anything except its own apple NVMe (about 120gb) and interestingly enough, the MacBook would not even notice the iMac’s original NVMe SSD I used for testing. Not sure what’s up other than perhaps it’s something to do with the MacBook’s electronics itself. Not 100% but any help would be appreciated of course.

I’m simply trying to upgrade the 120gb NVMe to the WDSN580 I have but the MacBook does not even recognize any other SSD+adapter combo. Hell the provably well working Mustpoint literally arrived a few hours before this post and when I slap the WDSN580 in it, the MacBook doesn’t recognize that either. The WD has also been formatted to MACOS APFS. Thanks again and in the meantime I’ll literally start reading through all the pages here.

What macOS version was the MacBook running before you tried to upgrade the SSD? If it was older than macOS Big Sur, you'll need to reinstall the original Apple SSD and update to Big Sur or newer as it also includes an EFI firmware update needed to support larger APFS SSDs.

 

[B_Boss]

What macOS version was the MacBook running before you tried to upgrade the SSD? If it was older than macOS Big Sur, you'll need to reinstall the original Apple SSD and update to Big Sur or newer as it also includes an EFI firmware update needed to support larger APFS SS

What macOS version was the MacBook running before you tried to upgrade the SSD? If it was older than macOS Big Sur, you'll need to reinstall the original Apple SSD and update to Big Sur or newer as it also includes an EFI firmware update needed to support larger APFS SSDs.

Hey there and thanks for the reply/help. It is macOS Monterey (12.7.6). I believe Monterey is newer than Big Sur.

 

[xboxbml]

Hey there and thanks for the reply/help. It is macOS Monterey (12.7.6). I believe Monterey is newer than Big Sur.

Read page 1. Monterey 12.7.6 should be good enough. That's what I have on this one. I don't know what an A1508 is. Need to look at the other numbers. 11,5 etc.. Make sure you have the right adapter for the model.

 

[B_Boss]

Read page 1. Monterey 12.7.6 should be good enough. That's what I have on this one. I don't know what an A1508 is. Need to look at the other numbers. 11,5 etc.. Make sure you have the right adapter for the model.

Thanks for that and the model is A1502 MacBook Pro. Apologies:

Which adapter are you using exactly? Please and thanks.

 

[xboxbml]

Thanks for that and the model is A1502 MacBook Pro. Apologies:

View attachment 2624199

Which adapter are you using exactly? Please and thanks.

From page 1.

The following MacBook Pro Retina support M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs with an adapter :

• A1502 - MacBook Pro Retina 13", Late 2013 (MacBookPro11,1)
• A1502 - MacBook Pro Retina 13", Mid 2014 (MacBookPro11,1)
• A1502 - MacBook Pro Retina 13", Early 2015 (MacBookPro12,1)

Yours looks to be the MBP12,1

I used the long Sintech adapter on mine(MBP), but mine is a mid 2015 15" 11,5(see sig). I would assume they're the same but I don't know what internal physical differences there might be. Someone with your model would have to validate what to use.

 

[B_Boss]

From page 1.

The following MacBook Pro Retina support M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs with an adapter :

• A1502 - MacBook Pro Retina 13", Late 2013 (MacBookPro11,1)
• A1502 - MacBook Pro Retina 13", Mid 2014 (MacBookPro11,1)
• A1502 - MacBook Pro Retina 13", Early 2015 (MacBookPro12,1)

Yours looks to be the MBP12,1

I used the long Sintech adapter on mine(MBP), but mine is a mid 2015 15" 11,5(see sig). I would assume they're the same but I don't know what internal physical differences there might be. Someone with your model would have to validate what to use.

Thanks again and again. Ok I’ve the details (you’re correct): it’s a MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015) MacbookPro12,1 👍. I went through and re-read the first page and depending on results of some testing, I’ll go ahead and post using the template created in that first post for issues/success, etc.

 

[xboxbml]

Thanks again and again. Ok I’ve the details (you’re correct): it’s a MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015) MacbookPro12,1 👍. I went through and re-read the first page and depending on results of some testing, I’ll go ahead and post using the template created in that first post for issues/success, etc.

Good luck. I'm not sure how up to date all that info is in those first pages.. I know over the years more folks have commented on things that work since. A brand new Sintech for your machine from Sintech is the way to go if you can get them. Also, obviously with the chip/storage fiasco that's going on now, drives and ram are hard to come by now as well. Wife wants to go get her a new M5 15 inch Air today. Quite a bit more now than a year ago I think.

 

[GooniesG]

Hello,

best tutorial ever on the web!!! And a great, collaborative thread!!!

... A small update, because this question has remained unanswered in many forums:

Will a Samsung 990 Evo Plus with a Sintech adapter work in an old 15" MacBook Pro (Late 2013)?

Answer: Yes, without any problems!

Background / History
I previously had a Samsung 970 Evo Plus installed. After less than a year, however, it suddenly died! After processing the warranty claim through Samsung Service (which went really well, with clear communication and relatively fast), I received "unfortunately only" a 990 Evo Plus as a replacement SSD.
"Unfortunately only" because I searched high and low for an answer to the above question... "Will the 990 (Evo Plus) work in this old device?!?"

After the SSD arrived yesterday via UPS, I wrestled with the decision of whether to actually risk it or sell the SSD (still in its original packaging) and buy a PCIe 3.0 SSD that I knew would work.
But since Given the prevalence of fake SSDs on the market and the exorbitant prices they command for several weeks/months (up to €504 for a supposed 970 Evo Plus – if you can even find one anymore!), I thought I'd give the 990 Evo Plus a try! So I did: Installed it – it was recognized immediately.

• Clean install of Big Sur 11.0.1 – went smoothly.
• Installed all updates up to Big Sur 11.7.11 – quick and easy!
• Restored a backup using the Migration Assistant – zero problems.

And lo and behold: After 13 days, my computer was back to normal, just like before the crash!

So, in conclusion:
All fears that the 990 (Evo Plus) wouldn't work in these older computers were unfounded.
BUT: In my opinion, it's crucial / most important that the computer's system firmware is updated to the latest version; otherwise, it can indeed lead to problems.
In this case it's possible that the Samsung 990 (Evo Plus) isn't being recognized, or is causing other problems. My system firmware version is: 478.0.0.0.0 On newer MacBooks, it might also be system firmware version: 489.0.0.0.0!!! Therefore, you absolutely must perform a clean installation, at least on Big Sur, before proceeding with anything else. Installing Big Sur includes updating the system firmware version!

Here are my actual specs of my MacBook Pro 15“ (Late 2013):
Modellname: MacBook Pro
Modell-Identifizierung: MacBookPro11,3
Prozessortyp: Quad-Core Intel Core i7
Prozessorgeschwindigkeit: 2,3 GHz
Anzahl der Prozessoren: 1
Gesamtanzahl der Kerne: 4
L2-Cache (pro Kern): 256 KB
L3-Cache: 6 MB
Hyper-Threading Technologie: Aktiviert
Speicher: 16 GB
Systemfirmwareversion: 478.0.0.0.0
SMC-Version (System): 2.19f12

Best regards – if anyone even cares about this with such an old device ;-) Georg

 

[heartm00d]

Hi, I had successfully run a Crucial 2TB (Model: CT2000P2SSD8) since 2022 in my MacBook Pro mid 2015 Model 11,4. Last week the MacBook crashed and it seems the SSD does not work anymore.
I tried to install a Lexar NM790 4TB PCie4x4 but with no success. The MacBook just does not recognize it.
Did anyone had success with a NM790 and if so, what adapter is working. I tried several ones without success.

 

[darwinboxselector]

Just posting a successful upgrade report.

Machine:
MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro11,4

SSD:
Kioxia Exceria Plus G3 2TB NVMe M.2 2280

Adapter:
Sintech NGFF M.2 NVMe adapter

macOS:
macOS Monterey 12.7.6, build 21H1320
Fresh install using a USB Monterey installer

Firmware:
EFI / BootROM version: 489.0.0.0.0
SilentKnight reports the EFI firmware is up to date.

Migration:
My previous drive was a Crucial P2 1TB NVMe. That drive had sleep/wake problems from the beginning. Whenever I closed the lid, I frequently had sleep/hibernation-related kernel panics.

After installing the Kioxia Exceria Plus G3 2TB, I did a clean Monterey install, created a temporary admin account, then put the old Crucial P2 into an external USB NVMe enclosure and used Migration Assistant to move my old user files and applications. I avoided migrating old system/network settings.

Result so far:
The sleep/lid-close kernel panic issue that I had with the Crucial P2 has completely gone away so far with the Kioxia Exceria Plus G3. Normal sleep and wake are working correctly at the moment. I will continue to monitor overnight sleep/standby and report back if anything changes.

This seems to be a good working option for the 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro with the Sintech adapter, at least with a fresh Monterey install and current EFI firmware.

 

[danielristic]

Since SSD prices went crazy recently a slightly off topic post that may interest anyone who successfully installed a new SSD in their old mac, but noticed that over time the battery does not last as long as before:

Provided that you've already done all the other stuff suggested in this thread (chosing a low power consumption SSD and making sure your firmware is up to date and using OCLP and SsdPmEnabler extensions, resetting your SMC, ...) one thing that made a big difference for me is changing the thermal paste on the APU.

It's a $5 fix and for the early 2015 macbook pro it's fairly easy and only takes 10 minutes but easily got me an extra hour of battery (I assume the fan constantly spinning massively contributes to the depleting the battery faster and any SSD drive that you can get now probably runs slightly hotter than the Apple stock one which contributes to making the fans spin faster and more often).

 

[joaomjfmota]

Hi everyone,


I'm hoping someone can help me diagnose an intermittent issue with my MacBook Pro Retina 13" (2014).


About 6 weeks ago, the Mac wouldn't boot at all, so I paid €300 to have the logic board repaired. After the repair, it worked perfectly.


Recently, it started showing the folder with a question mark, but only intermittently.


What's strange is that:

• Sometimes it boots normally and I can use it for hours without any issues.
• Other times it boots straight to the question mark folder.
• If I boot into Recovery, the SSD is usually detected.
• Disk Utility First Aid reports no errors.
• Apple Diagnostics returns ADP000.
• diskutil info disk0 reports SMART Status: Verified.
• I reinstalled/updated macOS successfully, but the issue still comes back intermittently.

The repair shop thinks it could be the SSD, but given the recent logic board repair I'm wondering if this could instead be an intermittent connection or logic board issue.


Has anyone seen this exact behaviour before? Would you suspect the SSD, the SSD connector, or the logic board?


Thanks!

 

[GooniesG]

Hi everyone,


I'm hoping someone can help me diagnose an intermittent issue with my MacBook Pro Retina 13" (2014).
(...)
Has anyone seen this exact behaviour before? Would you suspect the SSD, the SSD connector, or the logic board?


Thanks!

Hey joaomjfmota,
Yes, I would check the SSD or (if you're using one) the M.2 adapter.

I had similar issues with my Samsung 970 EVO Plus M.2 SSD using a Sintech adapter, and in my case, it was indeed the SSD.

It was replaced by Samsung under warranty.

Please use the program "DriveDX" for testing. It provides informative results that you can use for further investigation.

Perhaps you could remove the SSD and check/clean the contacts with 99,9%-isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth.

BUT: Use an anti-static kit (grounded wrist strap) when handling them!

By the way: Is your SSD still the original Apple one or is it an M.2 with a Sintech adapter?

Best regards,
Georg

 

[joaomjfmota]

Thanks, Georg!


I checked, and it's still the original Apple SSD (APPLE SSD SD0128F). No Sintech adapter or third-party NVMe drive.


I also ran DriveDx and it reports:

• SMART: OK (0 issues found)
• Overall Health: 100%
• Overall Performance: 100%
• SSD Lifetime Left: 94.4%

The issue is completely intermittent. Sometimes it boots normally and works for hours, other times it shows the folder with the question mark. After a restart or booting into Recovery, it often starts working again.


One more thing: the logic board was repaired only about a month ago because the Mac wouldn't boot at all. It worked perfectly after the repair, and this issue only started appearing recently.


Do you think this could be related to the recent logic board repair, or would you still suspect the SSD despite all the DriveDx results?

 

[GooniesG]

Hi joaomjfmota,

okay, it’s hard to say whether the issue comes from the motherboard or the SSD.

It could be a temperature-related problem, which is why it only happens intermittently.

Can you tell if the failure—when it does occur—happens when the system is cold or warm?

It could also be a contact issue between the SSD and the motherboard (as I mentioned earlier).

Such faults can also change depending on the temperature...

I would actually recommend carefully cleaning the contacts on the SSD and the connector on the motherboard!

One more thing: Was your motherboard actually repaired, or did you receive a replacement board?
Can you verify this (e.g., by checking the MAC addresses of the Wi-Fi/LAN ports or the board's serial number)?

Best regards,
Georg

 

[nigelbb]

Hi everyone,


I'm hoping someone can help me diagnose an intermittent issue with my MacBook Pro Retina 13" (2014).


About 6 weeks ago, the Mac wouldn't boot at all, so I paid €300 to have the logic board repaired. After the repair, it worked perfectly.


Recently, it started showing the folder with a question mark, but only intermittently.


What's strange is that:

• Sometimes it boots normally and I can use it for hours without any issues.
• Other times it boots straight to the question mark folder.
• If I boot into Recovery, the SSD is usually detected.
• Disk Utility First Aid reports no errors.
• Apple Diagnostics returns ADP000.
• diskutil info disk0 reports SMART Status: Verified.
• I reinstalled/updated macOS successfully, but the issue still comes back intermittently.

The repair shop thinks it could be the SSD, but given the recent logic board repair I'm wondering if this could instead be an intermittent connection or logic board issue.


Has anyone seen this exact behaviour before? Would you suspect the SSD, the SSD connector, or the logic board?


Thanks!

"About 6 weeks ago, the Mac wouldn't boot at all, so I paid €300 to have the logic board repaired. After the repair, it worked perfectly."

It doesn't help your problem but why on earth would you spend so much on repairing a 12-year old MBP? A couple of months ago on eBay I bought an M1 MBA 16GB/1T for only 50% more which is a far, far superior machine.

 

[Terraaustralis]

Hi joaomjfmota,
At risk of stating the obvious, have you tried all these options: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102601.
Especially NVRAM (option+Command+P+R)

ADP000 means no hardware problem detected.

Create a new User Admin Account then start up from the new account and see if the error repeats or disappears.
If it disappears, transfer your clean account files and delete old User Account.

If fault repeats, use free Etre Check and post results to this site so we can see your set-up.

 

[Terraaustralis]

Thanks, Georg!


I checked, and it's still the original Apple SSD (APPLE SSD SD0128F). No Sintech adapter or third-party NVMe drive.


I also ran DriveDx and it reports:

• SMART: OK (0 issues found)
• Overall Health: 100%
• Overall Performance: 100%
• SSD Lifetime Left: 94.4%

The issue is completely intermittent. Sometimes it boots normally and works for hours, other times it shows the folder with the question mark. After a restart or booting into Recovery, it often starts working again.


One more thing: the logic board was repaired only about a month ago because the Mac wouldn't boot at all. It worked perfectly after the repair, and this issue only started appearing recently.


Do you think this could be related to the recent logic board repair, or would you still suspect the SSD despite all the DriveDx results?

Hi joaomjfmota,

At risk of stating the obvious, have you tried ALL these options: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102601.
Especially NVRAM (option+Command+P+R)

ADP000 means no hardware problem detected. Which OSX are you using?

1. Try creating a new User Admin Account, without importing user settings or apps, then start up from the new account and see if the error repeats or disappears.

2. If error disappears, clean and upload account files (see below) before importing. Very tedious but probably essential, you have had the computer a long time; - then delete old User Account.

I suspect the problem has nothing to do with either NVME or logic board. It seems like a POST/drive ID issue to me. Fragments of old settings imported by Migration Assistant may cause this kind of fault. iCloud saves all sorts of old OSX settings and iCloud may need to be weeded out manually via browser access to your User account. Migration Assistant may be transferring the error to you new OS installation.

If fault repeats after thorough cleaning, use free Etre Check and post results to this site so we can see your set-up.

Let us know what you have done and the result.

PS.
Are you using any Virus software or Mac Cleaning apps? These connect with Apple OS at a deep level and may create problems of which you are unaware. I personally do not use Sonoma or Sequoia as they further limit OSX transfer/migration flexibility and require more mouse clicks for more security permissions to a silly extent, so I stay with Ventura. Just my preference.

You absolutely do not need virus software so trash it if it is installed. Instead, install XProCheck from Eclectic Light Company, it is an app which inspects Apple protection status.