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Currently have a 2020 Macbook, Is it possible to upgrade my storage by replacing the SSD chip that's soldered on? Where can I buy the upgraded SSD?
Thanks in advance
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I believe so, but it’s complicated. I know you can replace, but I haven’t been able to confirm upgrade. I suppose it should, but there will be some reprogramming you’ll have to do. There’s a really fabulous video about this actually that explains this thoroughly for each sort of MacBook. I’ll add it here.
It’s really intended for replacing a dead SSD. But similar principles will apply. It’s pretty in depth, so just know that going in. But it’s extremely informative. I time stamped it for the T2 models like the 2020 Intel MacBooks.
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Sadly, the raw Flash chips are soldered to the logic board so they are not user replaceable.
Apple has a custom SSD controller which is part of the T2 chip and the Flash chips require a low level format and a bit of code within them so you can’t use just any Flash chips without prepping them up first.
There are a few outfits which have the skills and needed parts to do this delicate task. But first see what on the used market for the same system with the desired size. It maybe cheaper than altering your system. Don’t forget you’ll loose access to your current stuff so make a backup before you do anything.
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5 Comments
not sure why you pinged me exactly?
obviously it is upgradable by any skilled repair tech with proper eqiupment.
unfortunately this is close to impossible to upgrade to "new" SSD on T2 macs because there are no clean unused chips available. so such upgrade is a roulette since it is not possible to know wear of newly soldered chips. the best possible way would be to source whole set from compatible icould locked board, then you will be able to read SMART and estimate how "new" your new SSD is. other option might be Mac Pro SSD upgrade kit which costs more than macbook itself.
as for M1, for some reason some chips like KICM223 (1TB) are available as new and clean, also, since recent system updates Apple it is in fact impossible to reuse already programmed reused chips from iphones.
by RipperDoc
@inwerp yeah, sorry for doing that. Not going to happen again. I was just wondering what your thoughts were on this and to help the OP. It's all good.
by oldturkey03
thats fine i dont mind.
i just wondered if you know me from some other community or you just selected random name from online users?
by RipperDoc
@inwerp definitely not random. I've read some of your answers and explanations as well as your profile. From your previous answers I figured you might just have an answer for the OP on this question. We do appreciate experience and knowledge on here and want people to get valid answers, hence the ping.
by oldturkey03
well, i will need to sort if out. it seems one of ifixit mods is purposely deleting stuff i post, which is kind of weird. will try to figure it out, otherwise unfortunately i will not be able to contribute.
by RipperDoc