The smaller version of the MacBook, the “Air”,
introduced two years ago. Originally comes with an in-built storage space of 64
GB. Though Air had special specifications of SSD, and could not be upgraded,
which was quite disheartening.
Recently I found Transcend has launched a
JetDrive SSD can upgrade MacBook Air, and the SSDs range starts from 240GB
onwards. So try out JetDrive 520 now and feel the difference.
Here comes the MacBook Air with 240 GB JetDrive 520
White packaging
makes it a perfect companion for Mac!
The package includes all the tools you need for
upgrade, MacBook-compliant SSD, Portable Enclosure Case with USB 3.0 to SATA
Adapter, Screws for Enclosure Case x3, Screwdrivers (T5 & P5), USB Cable,
Rubber Feet, Travel Pouch, Quick Installation Guide and Warranty Card
Picture of JetDrive 520 SSD, showing main control
chip and Micron Flash.
It is double sided and the flash below has
particles.
Now to begin the
installation, firstly combine the JetDrive 520 SSD into the external box. So I
can later use it to copy and keep MacBook data and system.
Take out JetFlash 520 SSD from the box and connect
it to USB3.0 board
Frankly speaking
the slot is a little tight, so have to push hard to feel the bottom.
Then put the JetFlash 520 SSD back into adapter
plate in the external box.
Ensure that the
adapter plates are correctly placed.
Though it is DIY, but not as hard as I think. Once
it's ready then connect with USB cable to MacBook Air. When the system boots,
press the Option key to select Recovery mode.
Using Disk Utility
to format and copy the system to the external SSD. The whole copying process
gets completed no more than 5 minutes!
Now comes the exciting time when Air back plate
screws are removed one by one...
If you do not really know from where to start, then
place the screwdriver that is handy, into the star-shaped point and get started
right away.
Now after removing
the back panel, the middle slot for SSD which is placed above the batteries can
be seen
Originally equipped with Toshiba 64G SSD.
For security reasons, ensure the plastic connector
with +-symbol is disconnected before we move to SSD part. It's the power
connection which can slide to disconnect.
Use a screwdriver to unscrew the SSD and then take
it out.
Replaced the original by Transcend JetFlash 520
Double check the
slot is installed correctly and then lock it with screw.
After SSD part done, screw the back panel back to
MacBook AIR to finished installation. Don't forget to connect the battery
power....or you'll have to open it again....
Immediately boot
and check. The SATA device displayed TS240GJDM520. Everything works well!
Run a Disk Speed Test, the result is impressive.
The original write speed was 146.6 MB/s and now is 287.6 MB/s, and the original
read speed was 382.3 MB/s and now is 509.7 MB/s. Didn't expect the performance
improved this much.
Now can put the
removed SSD to the external box, so it's a portable SSD now! Nice and convenient
:D
After locking the
aluminum shell, you can stick the rubber cushion on the screw holes to hide it.
Very sophisticated design!
The whole upgrade process is quite simple. Storage space and access performance is substantially upgraded which is quite cost-effective. Built-in SSD with add-ins could be used later. I can now back to enjoy my Mac
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