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A1708/EMC 3164 — Released June 2017, this entry-level MacBook Pro retains its traditional function keys (as opposed to the OLED Touch Bar).

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Dead computer, can I recover data?

Hi!

My A1708 EMC3164 was recently damaged and isn’t working anymore… I’ve seen quite a few post in this forum but I’m still a bit lost. Some people talk about a non-removable ssd for this model and it makes the data recovery very complicated. It seems like that’s not the one that I have, can someone validate that? Could I remove it and buy and mSata adapter to be able to plug it into another computer?

Thanks in advance!

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The confusion is based on the two different 13” models Apple produced in 2016 & 2017.

You have the Function Key model which does have a removable storage module. The other system was the TouchBar which had soldered storage. Which is why it can be confusing if they just say 2016 or 2017 13” as we wouldn’t know which model.

So yes! You can remove your module and slide it into another 13” Function Key based system to salvage your data.

Sadly, no one offers a external case to hold your storage module (SSD in your case). So you only have the one option finding someone who will allow you to swap out their module for yours so you can then backup your data to an external drive (USB or Thunderbolt).

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Thanks for the answer Dan! Do you happen to know what connector it is? It seems to me like it’s a mSata

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@emzzzz - Its a custom connector! Apple uses NVMe/PCIe signaling with some added lines. I don't know of anyone creating a compatible interface.

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You may want to try to get one of these.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Apple-Custo...

It costs around $500 and is currently out of stock. However, if you find one and can probably hire your services out recovering data for others in your situation.

On a side note, if you are considering upgrading or replacing your Apple laptop, you may want to consider the new framework laptop at:

https://www.frame.work

I think that you can enable virtualisation in the cpu of this laptop. If this is true then you could turn it into a hackintosh that is both cheaper to upgrade and repair.

If you want more info on a hackintosh try:

https://m.youtube.com/c/Morgonaut

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@thermite - The 'Apple Customer Data Migration Tool Kit' only works on 2016/17 TouchBar MacBook Pro's, this is a Function Key model. Besides $500 is a bit much for a one time use. I would recommend buying a used system over that, as an example here's one for $580 13" MacBook Pro 2.3GHz Core i5 (Mid 2017) which you could slide in the SSD back it up to a better drive, then turn around and sell the system to get ones money back.

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I was not sure if it would work. I did some searching and that was the only possible device that I could find. It was the first time I have heard of the device. I was not sure of it's full capabilities. I also agree about the price. That is why I mentioned the possibility of helping others get their data back.

I do think that if the framework laptop is capable of running as a hackintosh in full hardware virtualisation mode that it may be a viable upgrade path for those with dead or dying Mac laptops. That laptop (unlike Mac's) is designed to be easily repaired or upgraded.

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@thermite - Sadly hackintosh setups won't be running long either ;-{ As Apple switches out to M Series SoC's, Intel based system support will disappear!

Even a hackintosh can't replace replace all of the abilities of what a real Mac offers.

Even a great design like Framework laptop and miss the window to make a difference. It's too soon to say, how fully the threat of government requirements and our push for Right to Repair will help propel more repairable design, at least to the point recycling is safer with easily removable batteries!

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