by 83 reviews.
Revitalize Your MacBook Air with the 480GB GAMERKING SSD: A Comprehensive Review
If you’re still rocking a 2010-2011 Apple MacBook Air, you’ve probably noticed that its performance isn’t what it used to be. Slow boot times, laggy multitasking, and limited storage can make even the simplest tasks feel like a chore. Enter the 480GB GAMERKING SSD, a high-performance replacement solid-state drive designed specifically for MacBook Air models A1369 (EMC 2392/2469) and A1370 (EMC 2393/2471). With pre-installed macOS 10.13, this SSD promises to breathe new life into your aging device. But does it deliver? Let’s dive into the details.
Key Features at a Glance
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick overview of what the GAMERKING SSD brings to the table:
- Blazing Fast Speeds
Sequential read/write speeds of up to 550MB/s and 500MB/s. - Enhanced Performance
3D NAND TLC flash with advanced technologies like NCQ, TRIM, and S.M.A.R.T. - Plug-and-Play Convenience
Pre-loaded with macOS for hassle-free installation. - Boost Your Workflow
Ideal for demanding applications like photo editing, gaming, and more. - Data Security
Built-in encryption and Dynamic Thermal Guard technology.
Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying
1. Installation and Usability
Pros:
- Plug-and-Play Simplicity
Many users appreciated the pre-installed macOS, which made the installation process straightforward. One reviewer mentioned, “The installation was without problems. Just replaced the old drive, booted up, and it worked like a charm.” - Compatibility
The SSD is compatible with specific MacBook Air models, and users confirmed that it worked seamlessly with their devices. “I have older Chromebooks, and after a quick hack, I was able to load Windows on them. This SSD worked great, no issues,” shared one customer.
Cons:
- Language Barrier
A few users noted that the installation instructions were in Chinese, which caused some confusion. “The SSD installation was in Chinese, and I had to look for how to change the language. Not everyone knows how to deal with it,” said one reviewer. - Orientation Issues
Some customers faced challenges with the physical orientation of the SSD. “I bought these because I needed a specific orientation for my SSD to IDE adapter. Unfortunately, the storage chip was mounted the other way, so I had to return it,” explained a frustrated buyer.
2. Performance and Speed
Pros:
- Noticeable Speed Boost
Most users reported a significant improvement in performance after upgrading. “The SSD made my MacBook Air feel brand new. Boot times are faster, and multitasking is smoother,” raved one happy customer. - Reliable for Light Use
For users with low-power needs, the SSD performed admirably. “I use this SSD for a Samba DC on my home network. It’s been working perfectly for quite a while,” shared a satisfied user.
Cons:
- Speed Degradation Over Time
One user experienced a drastic decline in performance after a few months of light use. “At first, it seemed a little slower than my original drive but still acceptable. Over time, the read/write speed slowed to a crawl. I barely get 5MBps now,” lamented a disappointed customer. - Inconsistent Quality
Some users questioned the long-term reliability of the SSD. “The company promises a three-year warranty, but I can’t find any info to reach them. I wouldn’t recommend this drive,” warned one reviewer.
3. Durability and Build Quality
Pros:
- Solid Build
The SSD’s 3D NAND TLC flash and advanced technologies like TRIM and Wear Leveling impressed many users. “The build quality seems solid, and it’s been running smoothly for months,” said one customer. - Data Security Features
Built-in encryption and Dynamic Thermal Guard technology provided peace of mind for users concerned about data safety. “I feel confident that my data is secure with this SSD,” commented a satisfied buyer.
Cons:
- Mixed Durability Reports
While some users praised the SSD’s durability, others reported issues. “After a few months of light use, the drive started to fail. I had to revert to my original SSD,” shared a dissatisfied customer. - Uncertain Warranty Support
The lack of accessible customer support for warranty claims was a recurring concern. “I can’t find any info to reach the company for warranty support. It’s frustrating,” said one user.
Final Verdict: Is the GAMERKING 480GB SSD Worth It?
The 480GB GAMERKING SSD is a mixed bag. On one hand, it offers a straightforward installation process, noticeable speed improvements, and solid build quality. For users with older MacBook Air models or low-power needs, it can be a cost-effective upgrade solution. However, the inconsistent performance over time, language barriers in installation instructions, and lack of accessible warranty support are significant drawbacks.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to boost your MacBook Air’s performance, the GAMERKING SSD might be worth considering—especially if you’re on a budget. However, if long-term reliability and customer support are top priorities, you might want to explore other options.
In conclusion, the GAMERKING 480GB SSD is a decent choice for casual users and those with specific compatibility needs, but it may not be the best option for power users or those seeking a long-term investment.
Specification 480GB SSD Upgrade for 2010-2011 Apple MacBook Air A1369 (EMC 2392/2469), A1370 (EMC 2393/2471), High Performance Replacement Solid State Drive (MacOS Pre-Installed):
Comments from Amazon:
Bought this to add to a tiny atom board I bought to act as a Samba DC for the home network. Worker and is still working after quite a while of actual low level use. I’d definitely rather use this than a USB drive or SD whenever possible. The board just happened to have a little PCIE slot. If you’re running something low powered then this is worth it. Not so sure for anything more than embedded style equipment since nowadays 64GB is rather small. I also don’t need ridiculous speed from the drive since it’s just running samba for a DC. For my purpose though it was cheap and perfect.
I have soe older chromebooks, after a quick hack I am able to load windows (or linux) on them, and just needed a larger drive to make them more usable to sell. These worked great,. no issues.
Great prics for the card and small form factor.
Good
Bought this SSD in april based on good reviews to replace my OS SSD with a larger one. It seemed to work a little slower than the original drive, but still acceptable. Over the course of the next to months (of light use, I might add) the drive read / write speed slowed to a crawl. I barely get 5MBps now. I have now reverted to my original drive, and while the company (Dogfish, apparently, which simply slap a "GamerKing" label on the drive) promise a three-year warranty, but I cannot find any info to reach the company at all. 0/10, do not recommend. Find a better drive.
I bought these because I had an SSD to IDE adapter that needed a specific orientation of the storage chip on the board. These seemed to fit the bill, at least as per the product image. Unfortunately when they arrived they were mounted exactly the other way so I had to return (storage chip clashed with a chip on the adapter so couldn't be screwed in). Customer service explained that they produce them differently so you never know which way round you get them. Great :-( Since I wasn't able to actually mount them I could not test them for any other functionality.
The installation was without problems, the only thing is that the SSD installation was in Chinese and I had to look for how to change the language, not everyone knows how to deal with it.