by 527 reviews.
GAMERKING 1TB NVMe SSD for MacBook Pro A1708: A Comprehensive Review
If you're looking to breathe new life into your MacBook Pro 13-inch A1708 (2016-2017 Non-Touch Bar), the GAMERKING 1TB NVMe SSD might just be the upgrade you need. Designed specifically for this model, this SSD promises high-speed performance, enhanced storage capacity, and seamless compatibility. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details based on real customer experiences.
Product Overview
The GAMERKING 1TB NVMe SSD is a high-performance internal M.2 SSD built with 3D NAND TLC PCIe Gen 3.0x4 technology. It boasts read/write speeds of up to 2500MB/s and 2000MB/s, making it ideal for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking. The SSD is designed to be a 1:1 replacement for the original MacBook Pro A1708 interface, ensuring a hassle-free installation process.
Key Features:
- 1TB Storage Capacity
Perfect for users who need ample space for large files and applications. - High-Speed Performance
NVMe PCIe Gen 3.0x4 technology ensures lightning-fast data transfer. - Advanced Heat Dissipation
Aluminum alloy shell for efficient heat management. - Data Security
Supports NCQ, TRIM, SMART, and ECC technologies for enhanced data integrity. - 5-Year Warranty
Offers peace of mind with a long-term warranty and free replacement for quality issues.
Pros and Cons
Performance and Speed
Pros:
- Blazing-Fast Speeds
Many users reported significant improvements in boot times, file transfers, and application loading. One customer mentioned that their MacBook Pro felt "like a brand-new machine" after the upgrade. - Seamless Compatibility
The SSD is designed specifically for the MacBook Pro A1708, ensuring a smooth installation process.
Cons:
- Inconsistent Speeds
Some users noted that the read/write speeds were slower than expected. For example, one customer reported speeds of 150MB/s read and 180MB/s write, which is decent for a laptop hard drive but underwhelming for an SSD.
Installation Process
Pros:
- Easy Installation
The SSD comes with all the necessary tools, including screwdrivers and a detailed installation guide. One user described the process as "straightforward" and completed the upgrade in about 10 minutes. - Pre-Loaded macOS
The SSD comes with macOS 10.13 High Sierra pre-installed, making it easier to get started.
Cons:
- Cloning Issues
A few users faced challenges when attempting to clone their old drives. One customer tried multiple cloning applications (Disk Utility, SuperDuper, EaseUS Todo Backup) but encountered errors like "not enough space in target drive," despite the new SSD having significantly more storage. - Screw Quality
Some users criticized the tiny screws provided, stating that they were too small to hold the SSD securely. One customer had to find spare screws to complete the installation.
Durability and Build Quality
Pros:
- Robust Design
The aluminum alloy shell not only aids in heat dissipation but also adds durability. Users praised the SSD for its sturdy build and dust-resistant design. - Long-Term Reliability
The 5-year warranty and free replacement policy give users confidence in the product's longevity.
Cons:
- Heat Management
While the aluminum shell helps with heat dissipation, some users noted that the SSD can get warm during extended use, though it didn’t affect performance.
Value for Money
Pros:
- Affordable Upgrade
Many customers appreciated the competitive pricing, especially compared to other brands. One user called it a "great price for a well-made product." - Repeat Buyers
Several customers mentioned that this was a repeat purchase, highlighting their satisfaction with the product.
Cons:
- Limited Compatibility
The SSD is only compatible with specific MacBook Pro models, which might limit its appeal to a broader audience.
Conclusion
The GAMERKING 1TB NVMe SSD is a solid choice for MacBook Pro A1708 users looking to upgrade their storage and performance. Its high-speed capabilities, durable design, and easy installation process make it a worthwhile investment. However, the inconsistent speeds and minor installation hiccups might be a drawback for some users.
Final Verdict:
If you’re seeking an affordable and reliable SSD upgrade for your MacBook Pro A1708, the GAMERKING 1TB NVMe SSD is a great option. While it has a few quirks, its overall performance and value for money make it a standout choice.
Specification 1TB NVMe SSD for MacBook Pro Retina 13” A1708 2016 2017 Non-Touchbar, 3D NAND TLC PCIe Gen3.0x4 High Performance Internal M.2 SSD (Original Interface):
Comments from Amazon:
Boosted my computer memory from 64GB to 256GB in about 10 minutes.
the GAMERKING (Original Interface) 256GB SSD is a reliable and efficient upgrade option for older MacBook Pro models, offering improved performance, durability, and storage capacity. It is a suitable choice for users seeking to enhance their MacBook Pro's speed and responsiveness while gaining additional storage space.
Just installed 64GB. Straight forward. Direct Read speed around 150mb/s and write around 180mb/s. Not bad for a laptop hard drive, but pretty slow for a SSD. Price is right.
I bought this 1Tb SSD to upgrade my A1502 Macbook. Current Macbook SSD is 128Gb and it was running out of room. I planned to clone the old 128Gb drive to the new 1Tb SSD, then install the new SSD in the Macbook. I bought Mac-compliant external drive housing to hold the 1Tb SSD. I attempted to clone the old 128Gb drive to the new 1Tb drive multiple times using three different applications: Disk Utility, SuperDuper, and EaseUS Todo Backup. Every attempt to clone to the new drive failed. Disk Utility and Ease US Todo reported "not enough space in target drive". How can there be "not enough space" in a 1Tb drive when the source drive is 128Gb?!
This is a repeat buy for me and product always works well. Great price and made well
I bought this product after trying different brand first, not knowing that the slot itself is different size. I'm using this in GEEKOM MI13, along side the original 1TB SSD and an addition 1TB SATA SSD. The other brand drive was just 1mm too large. After further research, I found others who bought same GEEKOM PCs recommended this brand as it has perfect fit. What I didn't like: This manufacturer provided screws I believe was meant to hold down the card, however the screw it came with was so tiny, it isn't going to hold anything. I manage to find spare one to use, but the manufacturer should think about what they put in box.
In order to use Time Machine backup from my 256Gb SSD, I have to use cmd+r+power to boot into recovery mode. 1. Using Disk Utility to erase the pre-install MacOS. 2. Using Time Machine method to restore that asks you to install Monterey first, then takes back to TM again to restore. You need wifi or networking to install os. It took about 3 hours to complete. Good product.