Replace SSD on Macbook Pro late 2013

unkleE Said:

"Replace SSD on Macbook Pro late 2013: We have an old Macbook Pro Retina 15 inch late 2013. The original 250 Gb SSD is 'failing'. We want to keep this laptop going for another couple of years, so I need to install an inexpensive replacement SSD."

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Getting a New Hard Drive:

A. Use a Compatible Hard Drive:

Back up your Mac, if you can log in, that way you can have something to restore your data from.

Contact Us:

B. Get the Drive Serviced:

See if a local retailer offers data recovery - and when you purchase a new External Hard Drive - consider getting a Protection Plan of sorts that covers a dead hard drive, and data recovery

C. Getting the Drive Replaced:

There are two options that I recommend getting the drive replaced by...

Apple Contact Info:

• Contact Us - Choose Locations
• Proceed from there, as necessary

B. Contact an AASP: 

1. Go Here: Find Locations - Apple Authorized Reseller
2. Click: Service & Support
3. Enter: your location information
4. See: if there is an AASP nearby
5. Contact: an AASP that shows up, and find out more about the services that they offer to fix the battery

unkleE wrote:

So, do you have any advice on the correct cheap replacement SSD please?

first, I wouldn't recommend "cheaping out" when it comes to an SSD for a MacBook Pro.

that said, I would recommend shopping at OWC’s website to find the SSD. and they also have self install videos on their site. you could use those videos to see if the operation is something you could do for yourself, or if you would need to farm it out to a professional.

unkleE Said:

"Thanks for your quick reply. But I don't think we'll be purchasing an Apple product or getting the laptop serviced - it just isn't worth that much.[...]"

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I agree. So, sell it on Craigslist for something you need. Or just recycle it. That's the best I can think of.

How do you know the SSD is failing?

Also, what is the highest version of macOS you have ever installed on this laptop? This is important if you need to run Monterey. I'm assuming you are at least running macOS 10.13+ on this laptop.

Definitely agree with @jeffreythefrog on OWC's SSDs since they are a drop in replacement. Trying to use a standard M.2 NVMe SSD is much more difficult and requires the use of the Sintech SSD adapter (it is the only adapter which is known to be compatible & reliable). Keep in mind not all SSDs are compatible with all computers and the SSD manufacturer's will not support you with troubleshooting when installing an M.2 SSD internally in a Mac.

FYI, cheap SSDs will almost always be cheap in both price & quality. Many SSDs out there today are not what they seem, so be careful (even ones from respected name brands).

you're welcome.