Level 1

36 points

Can I update the 2017 MacBook Pro 15" SSD?

Hello everyone,

I'm planning to buy a new mid-2017 MacBook Pro 15" to replace my late-2011 MacBook Pro 13" (5 years of use). The thing is I want the 2TB storage option, because I do YouTube, make music, have college work, and work in Xcode. However, I don't want to pay over $4,000. My current thought is to buy the 512 GB model and replace it with a 2TB SSD. I've tried to find a replacement, but I'm not sure what kind the new ones have.

My question is can I buy a 2TB SSD to replace the 512GB SSD? Can Apple or Best Buy do it, because I don't trust myself enough to do? Will it void my warranty? Can you recommend me an SSD?

Posted on Jun 9, 2017 12:33 PM

Top-ranking reply

tjk

Level 9

51,192 points

Posted on Sep 20, 2017 7:35 AM

Hi,

Bottom line is you can't upgrade the SSD or anything on that model as RAM and storage are both soldered onto the logic board.

"(you can ask a third party service place, but since apple did not intend for it to be upgraded, you might void the warranty."

If you could find the part (Apple will not sell it to you) and someone with the equipment and expertise to do it, and who would actually take a one time job, you WILL void the warranty. This is not a realistic option. You need to buy the amount of storage you want when you purchase the Mac from Apple.

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49 replies

babowa

Level 9

78,562 points

Sep 20, 2017 8:05 AM in response to marcin.berman

The OWC parts have bad reputation

Really?

I have quite a few OWC "parts" - external hard drives, burner/player, RAM in several devices - and I have done business with that vendor for many years. They are also highly recommended here, so I'd like to know what you are basing your statement on.

FWIW, buying another computer just to use the SSD is absurd - not only because of cost, but replacing any part at all by anyone but an AASP will void the warranty - see here:

(f) to damage caused by service (including upgrades and expansions) performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (“AASP”); (g) to an Apple Product that has been modified to alter functionality or capability without the written permission of Apple

from the US warranty:

https://www.apple.com/legal/warranty/products/embedded-mac-warranty-us.https://www.apple.com/legal/warranty/products/embedded-mac-warranty-us.html html

Dec 20, 2017 11:15 AM in response to JSCX5

Hi all and not much of this was very helpful, but I did just come across this iFixit teardown that answers all of the SSD questions. While it is not soldered in the MBP2017/Two Thunderbolt 3 port models, it is proprietary and so nobody manufactures a compatible replacement (as far as I know) yet. REALLY sorry I went with the 120GB model even though it did save me some cash... thanks for nothing, Apple. As usual.

incanter

Level 1

4 points

Mar 4, 2018 6:51 PM in response to babowa

System report/storage:

...

Physical Drive:

Device Name: OWC Aura SSD

Media Name: AppleAPFSMedia

>> Medium Type: Rotational

Protocol: PCI

Internal: Yes

Partition Map Type: Unknown

...

... and you could not restore APFS backup to the rotational target. I call that "problem", but maybe you do not -- fair enough.

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,108 points

Mar 5, 2018 5:22 AM in response to gablaughin

There is nothing wrong with the proposal by Babowa ! Buy an external SSD 2GB or 4GB and use that as the Startdisk. It will maybe a bit slower than the built-in disk maybe but buy the fastest you can.

You can find analysis and reports here:

SSDs - Latest Articles and Reviews on AnandTech

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Can I update the 2017 MacBook Pro 15" SSD?