Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Using a MBP 2015 SSD mSATA in a MBP 2012?

readeatsleep

readeatsleep

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 6, 2016
5
0
Dear all,

I recently poured coffee all over my computer (I know...) and as expected the total costs for repairs are almost as expensive as buying a new computer, so I dug out an old 13" MBP from 2012 but the drive is too slow, so I was wondering whether I could use the SSD from the 2015 Retina MBP in the 2012 MacBook Pro? I googled and got very conflicting answers. I understand that I would need a converter, but I am not sure which one would actually work.
I know this is a long shot since I assume not a lot of people would use such SSD drive in such an old computer, but if there's anybody out there who has the answer I would be very happy. (P.S. I've already extracted the SSD from the 2015 Macbook Pro).

Thank you!
N.
 
readeatsleep said:
Dear all,

I recently poured coffee all over my computer (I know...) and as expected the total costs for repairs are almost as expensive as buying a new computer, so I dug out an old 13" MBP from 2012 but the drive is too slow, so I was wondering whether I could use the SSD from the 2015 Retina MBP in the 2012 MacBook Pro? I googled and got very conflicting answers. I understand that I would need a converter, but I am not sure which one would actually work.
I know this is a long shot since I assume not a lot of people would use such SSD drive in such an old computer, but if there's anybody out there who has the answer I would be very happy. (P.S. I've already extracted the SSD from the 2015 Macbook Pro).

Thank you!
N.
Click to expand...

The retina MacBook Pros use a different form factor blade PCIe SSD, while your 2012 MacBook Pro uses a standard form factor SATA SSD. Your 2012 Mac won't be able to read the 2015 Mac's SSD unless you obtain a USB enclosure.
 
TechZeke said:
The retina MacBook Pros use a different form factor blade PCIe SSD, while your 2012 MacBook Pro uses a standard form factor SATA SSD. Your 2012 Mac won't be able to read the 2015 Mac's SSD unless you obtain a USB enclosure.
Click to expand...
Hello TechZeke,

Thank you for your quick reply. So you're saying I can only use it as an external drive, not an internal one?

Thank you!
N.
 
MacInTO said:
Maybe one of these? http://www.microsatacables.com/drive-adapters-and-drive-converters/apple-ssd-adapter


It might be easier/faster just to buy a cheap SSD and put it in. A 500gb SATA SSD can be had for about $100 these days.
Click to expand...

Hey guys - thanks a lot, this is very helpful!
So, if I buy this SSD: https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-240G...8&qid=1475792964&sr=8-9&keywords=internal+SSD
All I need is a converter, correct? I'm just a bit confused as to what converter I actually need.
Thanks!
N.
 
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
readeatsleep said:
So, if I buy this SSD: https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-240G...8&qid=1475792964&sr=8-9&keywords=internal+SSD
All I need is a converter, correct? I'm just a bit confused as to what converter I actually need.
Click to expand...
- Provided your 2012 isn't a Retina model (which you weren't clear on), you don't need a converter for that drive. It will drop in as a straight replacement for the hard drive.

As an alternative, OWC has this enclosure which will let you use your 2015 SSD (which is not mSATA) externally via USB: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MAU3ENPRPCI/
 
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
  • Like
Reactions: Decimotox
readeatsleep said:
Hey guys - thanks a lot, this is very helpful!
So, if I buy this SSD: https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-240G...8&qid=1475792964&sr=8-9&keywords=internal+SSD
All I need is a converter, correct? I'm just a bit confused as to what converter I actually need.
Thanks!
N.
Click to expand...

Hey man, if you're looking at the Sandisk, I would suggest going for the Crucial MX300 275 GB SSD. Just installed it in my 2010 MBP last night. Super fast, great value, and you get a whole 275 GB, not 240 or slightly lower after formatting - only a couple of dollars more than the Sandisk. Here is the amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-MX300-275GB-Internal-Solid/dp/B01IAGSD5O?th=1

And here's the benchmark comparison between these two SSDs - you'll see the Crucial is a bit faster: http://ssd.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Crucial-MX300-275GB-vs-SanDisk-SSD-Plus-240GB/3642vsm25612

Also, as the poster above me said, you don't need a converter for the Sandisk - and you wouldn't need one for the Crucial either.
 
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
JTToft said:
- Provided your 2012 isn't a Retina model (which you weren't clear on), you don't need a converter for that drive. It will drop in as a straight replacement for the hard drive.

As an alternative, OWC has this enclosure which will let you use your 2015 SSD (which is not mSATA) externally via USB: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MAU3ENPRPCI/
Click to expand...

Hey -
No, it's not a Retina model, it's the old, fat model :>
I thought the 2015 SSD was an mSATA? I'm confused. Either way, the enclosure seems a bit expensive, but I'll think about it. I guess it is PCIe - I found an enclosure on Amazon for $20... I'm sure it's not as good, but I already own a Samsung external SSD so I would only use this as a backup...
Decimotox: Thanks, I will buy the Crucial then!

N.
 
readeatsleep said:
Hey -
No, it's not a Retina model, it's the old, fat model :>
I thought the 2015 SSD was an mSATA? I'm confused. Either way, the enclosure seems a bit expensive, but I'll think about it. I guess it is PCIe - I found an enclosure on Amazon for $20... I'm sure it's not as good, but I already own a Samsung external SSD so I would only use this as a backup...
Decimotox: Thanks, I will buy the Crucial then!

N.
Click to expand...
- The Crucial MX300 is a good and pretty affordable option.

The SSD in your 2015 is PCIe using an Apple-custom connector and form factor. There have never been mSATA SSDs in Macs.
If you would like to confirm the cheaper enclosure you found is actually compatible, post the link here. There are a lot of different ones, and it needs to be very specifically compatible with your SSD to work.
 
JTToft said:
- The Crucial MX300 is a good and pretty affordable option.

The SSD in your 2015 is PCIe using an Apple-custom connector and form factor. There have never been mSATA SSDs in Macs.
If you would like to confirm the cheaper enclosure you found is actually compatible, post the link here. There are a lot of different ones, and it needs to be very specifically compatible with your SSD to work.
Click to expand...
Hey,
Thank you. I don't know why I assumed it was a mSATA SSD.
I am actually selling the drive on eBay - I need the money more than anything right now!
Thank you!
N.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back