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Are you still using an old 2015 MacBook Pro? Probably you’re like me who still loves the old MacBook. Yes, I own one (mid-2015) and I love it. But well, the device is now starting to show its age as it’s not that fast anymore.
Fortunately, there is a quick and easy way to increase the performance of your old Mac, and that is by upgrading its storage to solid-state drive (SSD).
In this article, I’m going to share with you our top picks to upgrade your old MacBook Pro. We’ve included a buyer’s guide at the end of our product reviews, too, detailing the key factors to look for when buying a good SSD for your needs.
Best SSD Upgrade for MacBook Pro 2013-2015
For general users who want an affordable yet high-capacity SSD, Transcend JetDrive 820 is surely a winner in the market. For power users with high-performance demands, you won’t go wrong with OWC 1.0 TB Aura SSD.
If you are interested in an external SSD rather than changing out the hard drive that came with your 2015 MacBook Pro, buy the Seagate Fast SSD and you won’t regret it!
1. Transcend 480 GB JetDrive 820
If you own a 2015 MacBook Pro with a removable PCIe SSD, the Transcend JetDrive is the best upgrade option for you.
Transcend is a well-known company and it has been manufacturing reliable storage options for many years. If your Mac is getting sluggish, now is the time to upgrade to Transcend 480 GB that utilizes the PCle Gen 3.0 interface to enhance the performance of your Macbook Pro, Mac Mini, Macbook Air, or Mac Pro.
Using the flash drive, you can expand the storage capacity of your rig to up to 960 GB which makes sure that you have good space for your photos, games, music, and videos. The flash drive features 3D NAND flash which results in a read and write speed of 950 MB/s each.
The JetDrive Toolbox keeps your SSD flash drive up to date and prevents functional degradation. The tool also displays a health indicator that keeps you informed regarding the firmware upgrade and lifespan. The package includes all the installation tools so that you can easily complete the process.
Specifications
- Interface: AHCl PCle Gen 3×2
- Flash memory type: Tri-level Cell (TLC)
- Storage: 3D NAND flash
- Form Factor: PCle card
- Capacity: 240 GB/ 480 GB/ 960 GB
- Read speed (max): 950 MB/s
- Write speed (max): 950 MB/s
- Warranty: 5 year limited warranty
Pros
- It comes with all the tools that are suitable for almost all Mac systems.
- The JetDrive toolbox software is easy to use and is quite handy.
- The flash drive is available in 240 GB, 480 GB, and 960 GB.
- It features good read and write speeds.
Cons
- There is no converter kit included.
- Firmware upgrade process is a bit difficult.
2. OWC 1.0 TB Aura SSD/Flash Drive Upgrade
Most of the Mac laptops of 2013 and later are equipped with 128 GB or 256 GB which can be packed with files in no time. The Aura SSD is equipped with 1.0 TB capacity which can deliver up to 16 times the capacity of your Macbook’s stock flash drive. Thus, if you upgrade with the Aura SSD, you’ll be able to get more out of your high quality rig.
The SSD Flash drive comes with a beautifully designed SSD enclosure called Envy Pro, and is very easy to install. The PCle based flash storage is designed specifically for your Macbook Pro so that you don’t have to lose any of your important data. The SSD features top level tier-1 flash and three levels of error correction for protection of your information.
The OWC 1.0 TB Aura SSD Flash is equipped with a global wear-leveling algorithm that helps distribute the data and information evenly throughout the SSD. The Flash drive’s controller monitors and checks if there are any data blocks and thus improves integrity of the overall data.
Specifications
- Flash controller: Silicon Motion 2246XT
- Raid controller: Marvell 9230
- Capacity: 960 GB usable capacity
- Native command queuing: up to 32 commands
- Format: Mac OS Extended
- Smart attributes: Not supported
Pros
- The flash storage saves 7% of the overall capacity as free space.
- The RAID-like protection and three levels or protection keeps your data secure.
- It is equipped with high quality components.
- It is easy to install.
- Migrating data from your Macbook Pro to SSD is very smooth.
Cons
- It can heat up fast.
3. Seagate Fast SSD 1TB
The Seagate Fast SSD is a beautifully designed flash drive that delivers best value for its price. It has a compact and portable design and can be easily be carried in your pocket for taking along on the go. The flash drive is made up of hard plastic and metal which is useful for heat dissipation and thus it keeps the unit cool.
The flash drive is very fast and it features the latest USB-C connectivity which is better than the traditional hard disk drives. The flash drive features four capacities from 250 GB to 2 TB and uses USB to SATA bridge for delivering high read and write speeds.
The fast SSD is compatible with the older USB type-A systems as well as the new type-C systems too. The device is affordable and performs very well; also it has a nice compact design and comes with a 3-year warranty. The elegant looking flash drive is a good option if you’re looking for a device to add some external storage to your Macbook Pro.
Specifications
- Capacity: 250 GB, 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
- Interface: USB 3.1 Gen 2
- Max. sequential performance: 540 MB/s read and 500 MB/s write
- Form factor: Portable
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- It has an attractive design.
- The read and write speeds are very good at this price.
- It comes with USB-C and USB-A cables.
- The cost per gigabyte is aggressive at all capacities.
- It is well-built and has a compact design.
Cons
- It features only USB 3.0 interface.
- There is no hardware encryption.
Best SSD for 2015 MacBook Pro: What to Consider?
Before you choose the best compatible SSD for your Macbook Pro, here are some factors you should consider:
Macbook Pro version and SSD type:
Before choosing the type of SSD, you must first consider the version of Macbook Pro you have. All of the versions of Macbook Pro are compatible with particular interfaces. Macbook Pros (Retinas) starting from the version 2013 to the early 2016 are compatible with advanced and compact memory types. These devices are compatible with m.2 SSD that runs through PCle slot and not SATA.
The Macbook Pros prior to 2014 are compatible with SATA III interface 2.4 inch SSDs. Thus, it is imperative that you do some research and look for the requirements of the Macbook Pro according to its version.
Installation:
Changing SSD or installing it is a daunting task and thus it is important that you do it only when you’re an expert and have some prior knowledge. The installation of the SSD flash drive depends on the version of the Macbook Pro you own. To access the internal components of your machine, you’ll need special screwdrivers that could remove the plate.
It is always a good idea to follow the instructions of the device. If your Macbook Pro is equipped with an m.2 SSD type, follow the instructions of the manual provided with the SSD you’ve bought. You must also look for the compatibility of the drivers before installing the SSD drive. The OWC Aura SSD flash drives need formatting too before installation.
In older Macbook pros (before late 2012), the installation of 2.5 ‘’ SATA III is very easy; you just have to change the hard drive for the SSD and your work is done.
Speed and Capacity:
The connection type and form factor of the SSD flash drive determine the overall speed of the device. The read and write speeds are very important factors as they will determine the tangible speed of your Macbook Pro. There are transfer speed limits for flash drives, such as the 2.5’’ one, and the more the MB/s the more expensive it is.
Capacity is one of the most important factors to consider before you choose an SSD flash drive. After all, you’re going to choose an SSD flash drive only because you want to increase the capacity of your Macbook Pro. The PCle SSDs are more expensive, especially the ones designed for Macbook Pro.
FAQs on MacBook Pro SSDs
The Apple products are difficult to access internally, and their repair is difficult too. The standard m.2 SSDs can’t be used with these systems because they use a different type of PCle SSD system. This is the reason the m.2 SSDs designed for the Macbook Pro are quite pricey.
It is better to replace the SSD with the help of a professional especially for your Macbook Pro. The Apple products are quite difficult to open and repair and they have a complex internal design. To avoid any mishap, we recommend seeking the help of someone who has more knowledge than you.
No, the Macbook Pro 2018 is equipped with an SSD flash drive that is soldered on the motherboard. Thus, it is impossible that you replace it.
Bottom Line
The SSD flash drives are one of the most important factors that impact the performance of the laptop devices in the future. These drives are more reliable, durable, and are faster as compared to the Hard Disk Drives of same size. If you have decided to upgrade the SSD flash drive for your Macbook Pro 2015, this post will help you choose one.