MacBook Air 13 Mid 2012 SSD upgrade

A MacBook Air’s SSD is easily exchangeable for a bigger and faster model. There are currently two options that make sense:

NVMe: Cheap, high speed, a little risk
Third Party OEM: fully compatible, a bit more expensive, very stable

You can use a normal NVMe SSD with an adapter or a third party SSD from Transcend or OWC which are especially designed for your MacBook. NVMe SSDs are a lot faster, but may need some troubleshooting and configuration to make them run in your MacBook. Transcend and OWC SSDs therefore run immediately without any fuss but are slower and a bit more expensive.

Different Model?
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For older MacBooks it may be necessary to adjust the standby mode when using NVMe models, which can lead to a lower stand by time. There is also a little risk that you have to do some troubleshooting with individual configurations. If you want a solution that work immediately, you should get a Transcend or OWC SSD.

The shown SSD speeds show the maxima. Smaller capacities can have slower speeds, especially write speeds. Furthermore, the speeds depend also on your MacBook model. The linked adapters can look different than the ones in the picture, it is a newer generation.

For those in a hurry: Transcend JetDrives can now handle 1.600 MB/s – the simplest solution

Transcend and others have released a faster version of its SSDs designed specifically for the Macs and MacBooks. These connect also to 4 lanes, so that the speed is 1,600 MB/s when reading and 1,400 MB/s when writing. So some of them are still slower than an NVMe variant with adapter, but the JetDrives are running at almost full speed and the performance difference to the previous version has been greatly minimized. The most serious disadvantage has been eliminated.

Last updated on 24. March 2022 at 16:42 - Image source: Amazon Affiliate Program. All statements without guarantee.

Nevertheless, the JetDrives are even more expensive than the normal SSDs plus adapters, but you don’t have to worry about some rare trouble. We have listed all compatible Transcend JetDrives in the table above. Transcend now also offers SSDs for the old Unibody MacBooks. That’s good, because there seems to be a trend towards longer use of the devices. However, we would simply buy cheaper SSDs from such old machines – every SATA model fits. Here is an overview for the old Unibody.

MacBook Air SSD upgrade: Mid 2013, Early 2014, Early 2015 and 2017

Suitable SSDs for Model Number A1465 und A1466 and Model Identifier: MacBook Air 6,1, 6,2, 7,1 und 7,2

Under macOS High Sierra it is possible to use NVMe SSDs from other manufacturers (with the corresponding mechanical adapter). This has the advantage of high capacities at low prices. The 2015 and 2017 models tolerate the SSDs without problems.

The maximum speed for 2013 is 700 MB/s, for the 2014 model years and newer it is approximately twice as fast. Please note that this can only be achieved with the adapter solution. The OWC and transcend solutions can only read a maximum of 800 to 900 MB/s, write a little less.

For the 2013 and 2014 models, the standby mode must also be adjusted, which results in a slightly shorter standby time (more below in the manual).

Last updated on 24. March 2022 at 16:42 - Image source: Amazon Affiliate Program. All statements without guarantee.

Transcend and OWC solutions are for you if you just want to upgrade your memory and don’t want to invest time in possible troubleshooting. These SSDs models just work:

Transcend 480GB JetDrive 820 PCIe Gen3 x2 Solid State Drive (TS480GJDM820)*

by TRANSCEND

• Compatible with MacBook Air 11" & 13" (Mid 2013 – 2017), MacBook Pro Retina 13" & 15" (Late 2013 – mid 2015), Mac Mini (Late 2014), and Mac Pro (Late 2013)
• Ahci PCIe Gen3 x2 interface
• Up to 950 MB/s Read; 950 MB/s write
• Installation tools included
• Free download of the JetDrive Toolbox Software
• Compatible with devices running macOS Yosemite (10.10) or later

Last updated on 28. March 2022 at 12:41 - Image source: Amazon Affiliate Program. All statements without guarantee.

NVMe SSDs are state of the art. The Kingston HyperX AHCI model became more expensive than the newer models in the meantime. It is listed here only for a complete picture.

MacBook Air Mid 2012 SSD upgrade

Suitable SSDs for Model Number A1465 and A1466 and Model Identifier: MacBook Air 5,1 and 5,2

Upgrading MacBook Air 2012 is very good value. The SATA SSDs are cheaper than its newer PCIe counterparts, and therefore big capacities are not that expensive. We again linked to the correct adapter and a few SSDs we think are excellent. In general, all M.2 SATA SSDs in the 2280 format (22mm wide, 80mm long) should fit together with the mentioned adapter.

Transcend 480GB JetDrive 520 SATAIII 6Gb/s Solid State Drive Upgrade Kit for MacBook Air, Mid 2012 (TS480GJDM520)*

by TRANSCEND

• Compatible with MacBook Air (Mid 2012),MacBook Air 11" & 13" Mid 2012 MacBook Air 5,1 / 5,2 JetDrive 520
• Max. Read 530MB/s, Max. Write 285MB/s
• Next-generation SATA III 6Gb/s interface
• Free download of Jet Drive Toolbox SSD monitoring software
• External enclosure is fully compatible with SuperSpeed USB 3.0 & Hi-Speed USB 2.0
• SSD upgrade kit included
• Operating Temperature 32F-158F
• Repurpose original SSD into external SSD
• Dual color LED indicator (Power, data transfer and USB 3.0/2.0 connection)

Last updated on 28. March 2022 at 12:46 - Image source: Amazon Affiliate Program. All statements without guarantee.

Transcend 960GB JetDrive 520 SATAIII 6Gb/s Solid State Drive Upgrade Kit for MacBook Air, Mid 2012 (TS960GJDM520)*

by TRANSCEND

• Compatible with MacBook Air (Mid 2012)
• Max Seq. Read: 495MB/s, Max Seq. Write: 427MB/s
• Next-generation SATA III 6Gb/s interface
• Free download of Jet Drive Toolbox SSD monitoring software. Operating voltage 5V
• External enclosure is fully compatible with SuperSpeed USB 3.0 and Hi-Speed USB 2.0
• SSD upgrade kit included
• Operating Temperature 32F-158F
• Repurpose original SSD into external SSD
• Dual color LED indicator (Power, data transfer and USB 3.0/2.0 connection)

Last updated on 28. March 2022 at 12:46 - Image source: Amazon Affiliate Program. All statements without guarantee.

OWC’s and Transcend’s solution don’t need an adapter, they are quite more expensive though.

For users of a MacBook 2012 or older is a huge amount of storage very cost effective.

MacBook Air Late 2010, Mid 2011 SSD upgrade

Suitable SSDs for Model Number A1369 and A1370 and Model Identifier: MacBook Air 3,1, 3,2, 4,1 and 4,2

MacBook Air from 2010 and 2011 do use the same SATA SSDs as the 2012 model does. The adapter though is slightly different, as Apple changed the SSD slot a bit. That is no problem, however, as we linked to the right one in the table.

Last updated on 28. March 2022 at 12:49 - Image source: Amazon Affiliate Program. All statements without guarantee.

OWC’s and Transcend’s solutions do not need an adapter piece, they are more expensive though. The little mechanical helper makes sense in any case.

MacBook Air from 2010 and 2011 are still great work devices. SSD storage was extremely expensive back in the day, not is the time to upgrade. For installation, you just need to fit the adapter between the slot on the logicboard and the SSD.

Strategy Decision for a MacBook Air Backup

Not only is a backup a basic obligation when upgrading your Mac, it should be an everyday task to help prevent loss of your important data. If you are exchaning a still functioning SSD for a new one, a bit of preparation makes the life a lot easier.

Always important:

Unplug the device and remove the power supply!

We don’t wanna get in contact with electricity and safety is always first.

Option 1: Data Migration via Internet Recovery und Time Machine Backup

This Option is the easiest, but you’ll need a fast internet connection, a bit of patience and a new Mac that is capable of Internet Recovery. Is your machine from 2009 or older, this option does not exist for you. Users of 2010 and 2011 Mac can update their Firmware first. Newer Macs are all capable of Internet Recovery.

If you decide for this option, you just fit the new SSD like in the instructions below and then start the Mac white holding cmd + alt + R. Internet Recovery starts and you can install macOS on your newly installed SSD. After that, you get your data back via your Time Machine backup.

Option 2: Bootable macOS und Time Machine

If your Mac is too old for Internet Recovery or your internet connection is way to slow it can be more helpful to make a bootable medium, like a USB Stick or SD card first. With that, you can download everything first and when you start installing, the installer starts immediately from the bootable medium.

If you have a bootable USB stick for example, you plug it in, after you installed your new SSD. When you switch it on for the first time, press the alt-key. This shortcut lists all your possible boot devices. Choose your installation medium. Before you start installing macOS, it can be necessary to format the drive first via Disk Utility.

During the installation of macOS you will get the chance to play back your saved data from Time Machine.

Option 3: Clone your drive first

This option is for all those who want to invest the time for copying date before changing the drive. When you would like to do that, please be aware that you will need an external USB enclosure for your M.2 SSD (or other format that you decide to buy).

After connecting it to the Mac you need to first format it via Disc Utility. You find it in Programs > Utilities > Disk Utility. The correct format is “Mac OS Extended Journaled”.

Then, you can clone your internal SSD 1:1 onto the external new one, which will soon change places. Programs for this task are Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper.

SSD replacement MacBook Air – Preparation

First thing you do before accessing the internal SSD is removing all the screws from the underside of the MacBook. Don’t be too afraid: they are only a few and it really is easy. You will need the following two screwdrivers for the upgrade process:

• one TS4 Pentalobe screwdriver for the bottom screws
• one Torx T5 for the screw holding the SSD in place

The good thing is, that the adapters mentioned above should come with these two screw drivers. So you can start right away. The Pentalobe one for the external screws looks like a five point star, the Torx one for the SSD like a six point star.

Tip: Make a little drawing on paper to remember the screws positions on the MacBook. They may have different lengths, and this makes it easer to build everything back together.

After you removed all the screws, just take the backplate off. you will now see the inner construction of the machine.

The fist step to do is to disconnect the battery. Pull on the transparent plastic handle on the left side to do that.

1. Loosen the SSD screw

The actual SSD replacement is more than simple: unscrew the one screw holding in the original SSD place.

2. Remove the original SSD

Just use the Torx screwdriver and then pull the original SSD carefully out of its socket.

Perfect! You can now use it otherwise.

3. Fit the SSD adapter

Now assemble the adapter: push it into the socket parallel to the logicboard. If it is positioned correctly, push it in with a little bit of force, until it connects fully with the metal part (see pictures).

This was the whole preparation for fitting a normal M.2 SSD.

4. Insert the new SSD

The following step is the same as it would be when you would like to fit an original Apple drive: just fit the SSD. When using the short adapters it is helpful to plug in the drive in a 45 degree angle and then press it down. This is true for MacBook models from 2013 and younger.

If you have a machine from 2010 – 2012 the adapers are a bit longer. In this case, move the SSD almost parallel to the logicboard into place.

5. Re-fit the screw. Done!

Now refit the single screw. It should be very easy, as the little gap at the end of the SSD should fit perfectly over the screws socket. If that is not the case, double check. Maybe the adapter or drive is not pushed deep enough into the socket.

Done! Don’t forget to reconnect the battery:

Now you can reassemble the bottom case and screw on the Pentalobe screws. They should go in easily and only at the end tighten. If they go in heavily, remove them and try to fit them with a bit of an angle.

Here is a video with the whole process showing the installation of a Transcend drive. If you have decided for the adapter solution, just add that bit during assembly:

https://www.youtube.com/ikZvyH7P-8o

The mechanical part of your SSD installation is now done.

First Boot, Formatting the new SSD

Now is the time to boot your MacBook for the first time and format the new drive (unless you have cloned the data before, see above). So you start the machine and while the chime sounds, you press alt + cmd + R for Internet Recovery or just alt if you have prepared a bootable drive to start from. In any case, you will find yourself in the menu for the OS X/macOS Utilities. The fist option to choose is the Disk Utiliy:

There you can find the new drive. Click on it on the left side and then choose “Erase”. If you have an older Mac it looks like this:

Newer machines do show the following design:

For a name you can use the classic “Macintosh HD”. Filesystem must be “macOS Extended (Journaled) and scheme should be “GUID Partition Map”. After a short period of time, the formatting should be done.

Now the new drive is usable. Close Disk Utility and begin installation of OS X or macOS or recover your data via a Time Machine backup.

If you’d like to share your success with some pictures and help others, feel free to post in our forums! >>>