by 527 reviews.
Original Interface 512GB SSD for Mac: A Reliable Upgrade for Older MacBooks
If you’re looking to breathe new life into your aging MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, the Original Interface 512GB SSD for Mac might just be the upgrade you need. Designed specifically for MacBook Air (A1465, A1466) and MacBook Pro (A1398, A1502) models from 2013-2017, this NVMe PCIe Gen 3.0x4 SSD promises faster performance, improved durability, and seamless compatibility. With read/write speeds of up to 2450MB/s and 1850MB/s, it’s a solid choice for users who want to boost their system’s speed and storage capacity.
Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying
Performance and Speed
One of the standout features of this SSD is its ability to significantly improve the performance of older MacBooks. Many users have reported noticeable speed boosts after installation. For instance, one customer mentioned that their MacBook’s memory was upgraded from 64GB to 256GB in just 10 minutes, with read speeds around 150MB/s and write speeds at 180MB/s. While these speeds are slower than some high-end SSDs, they’re still a massive improvement over traditional hard drives, especially for older laptops.
However, some users noted that the speeds, while decent, aren’t groundbreaking. One reviewer described the read/write speeds as “not bad for a laptop hard drive, but pretty slow for an SSD.” This is something to keep in mind if you’re expecting top-tier performance.
Ease of Installation
The installation process has been a mixed bag for users. On the positive side, the SSD comes pre-installed with macOS 10.13 High Sierra, making it ready to use right out of the box. One user shared their experience of using Time Machine to restore their data, which involved booting into recovery mode, erasing the pre-installed macOS, and then reinstalling Monterey. While the process took about three hours, they were ultimately satisfied with the results.
On the flip side, some users faced challenges when attempting to clone their existing drives. One customer who upgraded from a 128GB SSD to a 1TB model encountered issues with cloning software like Disk Utility, SuperDuper, and EaseUS Todo Backup. Despite having ample space on the new drive, the software repeatedly reported “not enough space in target drive.” This highlights the importance of backing up data and being prepared for potential hiccups during installation.
Build Quality and Durability
The Original Interface 512GB SSD for Mac is built with 3D NAND TLC flash technology, which enhances its durability and reliability. Many users praised the SSD’s shock-resistant design and silent operation, thanks to its lack of moving parts. One reviewer even mentioned that this was a repeat purchase for them, citing the product’s consistent performance and great price as key reasons for their loyalty.
However, there were a few complaints about the included hardware. One user pointed out that the screws provided by the manufacturer were too small to effectively secure the SSD in place. While they managed to find a spare screw to complete the installation, this oversight could be frustrating for users who don’t have extra hardware on hand.
Compatibility and Storage Options
Compatibility is one of the SSD’s strongest suits. It’s specifically designed for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models from 2013-2017, ensuring a hassle-free installation without the need for adapters. The SSD is available in multiple capacities—256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB—making it easy to choose the right size for your needs.
One user shared their experience of using this SSD in a GEEKOM MI13 mini PC alongside the original 1TB SSD and an additional 1TB SATA SSD. They initially tried a different brand but found it was 1mm too large for the slot. After switching to the Original Interface SSD, they were pleased with the perfect fit and reliable performance.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
The Original Interface 512GB SSD for Mac is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their older MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. Its compatibility, ease of installation (for most users), and improved performance make it a worthwhile investment. However, it’s not without its flaws. Some users reported slower-than-expected speeds and minor issues with cloning and hardware.
Final Verdict
If you’re seeking an affordable and reliable way to boost your MacBook’s performance and storage capacity, this SSD is a great option. Just be prepared for a potentially time-consuming installation process and consider double-checking the included hardware to ensure a smooth upgrade experience.
Specification [Original Interface 512GB SSD for Mac, NVMe PCIe Gen3.0x4, 3D NAND TLC M.2 SSD for Apple MacBook Air A1465 A1466 2013-2017 and MacBook Pro A1398 A1502 Retina 2013-2015:
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.