1. If you really want a super-fast external hard drive for your Mac, then the Samsung T3 SSD is easily one of the best. As it uses a solid state drive, the read and write speeds of this drive are.
  2. Fortunately, for an older MacBook Pro (prior to 2013 models), there is a quick way to increase its performance — upgrading the internal hard drive to SSD (Solid State Drive). If like me, you still love your older MacBook Pro (or yet to decide buying a new pricey MacBook), then this guide is for you.
  3. Here’s the best SSD replacement for your MacBook Pro depending on your specific needs. For general users who want a quality, affordable SSD, you won’t go wrong with Crucial MX500 — which has exemplary read and write speeds, with awesome energy-saving features that will keep your MacBook from overheating or using up excessive amounts of.
  4. The Transcend JetDrive is a fast PCIe SSD for MacBook Pro models from 2013 to 2015. It offers very fast read/write speeds of 950MB/s. Check Price on Amazon If you own a MacBook Pro from 2013-2015.

The Rugged SSD Pro includes just a single Thunderbolt 3/USB-C interface, but most of its high price is down to the use of the latest NVMe solid-state drives, which provide top performance for high.

When you have a lot of things to store on your Mac, you probably would look forward to a reliable storage disk. While in the past, disk drive Disks (HDDs) have been the norm, they’re now being replaced by Solid State Disk drives (SSDs), and this is often for so many good reasons.

These SSD’s are faster to repeat data from and save to SSDs than HDDs. If you wish a drive that will not be crushing any time soon, then you better get a solid-state drive. SSD’s are a feasible way to get your hands on ultimate speed, the flow of functionality, and streaming speed.

Also, these SSD’s help in running the applications that others cannot support such seamlessly.

In this article, you’ll find details on all the aspects of SSD that you wished to understand before choosing a tough drive.

There are many available SSDs within the market but not all are worthy enough. The one that wins the tag of the best overall SSD is the newest Samsung 860 EVO 500GB Internal SSD. It proudly features the Original V-Nand Technology along with magnified read-write speeds, Stable encryption, Warranty, and compatibility that make it the best among many.

Best SSD For MacBook Pro

Without any further delay, let’s dig deep into our selected SSDs for today’s article. If you are in a hurry and are not having enough time to read the article thoroughly, or if you wish to settle on the most suitable SSD for you with an affordable price tag and features, here is the comparison table to facilitate your visit.

Sr.NoBest SSDsFeaturesPrice
1Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SSD● 5-year limited warranty
● Micron 3D NAND technology
2Crucial MX500 1TB 3D SSD● AES 256 bit hardware encryption
● Integrated power loss immunity
3SanDisk X400 SATA SSD● Cache 2.0 technology
● TCG Opal 2.0 Support
4Samsung SSD 860 PRO SSD● 5-year limited warranty
● 2.5 inches SATA 3 (6 Gb/s) SSD
5OWC 1.0TB Mercury Electra SSD● 3 Year OWC Limited Warranty
● Compatible with all devices
6Crucial MX500 250GB 3D SSD● 5 year limited warranty
● AES 256 bit hardware-based encryption
7SanDisk Ultra 3D 500GB Internal SSD● 5-year manufacturer warranty
● Accelerate your PC for faster boot-up

Let’s move to the detailed review section of these products!

1.) Samsung 860 EVO 500GB Internal SSD

When we talk about surface appliances, the primary name that comes in mind is Samsung, the name that is enough for your satisfaction. If you are searching for the best performing SATA SSD on the market, this new Samsung 860 Evo drive is what you ought to be watching.

If you’re employing a traditional disc drive, definitely consider upgrading to an SSD just like the 860 Evo because it’ll offer an enormous upgrade in every aspect from reading/writing speeds to quicker access times.

Features:

Original V-Nand Technology:

The 860 EVO SSD offers the best performance for every day as it is providing large-sized 4K videos and 3D data utilized by the most recent applications.

Magnified Read-Write Speeds:

This Samsung SSD can back-to-back read and write on high levels of up to 550MB/s and 520MB/s individually.

Stable Encryption:

Your data is saved in this SSD by its selective security options, including AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption compliant with TCG Opal and IEEE 1670.

Warranty and Compatibility:

It offers a 5-year limited warranty which is enough for customer satisfaction, it’s compatible with Windows, Vista, XP, MAC OSX, and Linux.

  • Significant power savings
  • Five-year warranty
  • Very fast
  • Strong Performance
  • Class-Leading Endurance
  • Name Recognition and Reliability

Verdict:

Samsung survives to raise the performance over the 850 EVO, but at a price that the majority will simply pass away. This Samsung SSD is offering premium quality and it comes in an appealing color and style to provide you with the best.

2.) Crucial MX500 1TB Internal SSD

Every time you switch on your computer, you’re using majorly your storage drive. It holds all of your unique files and it loads and stores almost everything your system does. Upgrade with the Crucial MX500 ITB as not only this drive is cheaper than others, but also is compatible.

This Crucial MX500 1TB SSD drives throughput speeds and hardly slows down. Thus, it is one amongst the best-value SATA drives available for upgrading the storage in a mainstream PC, and it earns our Editors’ Choice award also.

Features:

Fly Through Everything You Do:

It can sequential reads speedily and writes up to 560/510 MB/s and random reads and writes up to 95k/90k on all file types which is that the best writing and reading speed as compare to other SSD in the market.

Enjoyable Productivity:

This MX500 SSD is crucial as it is armed with Micron’s newest NAND technology, and it’s the 850 EVO squarely in its vision.

Better Storage Capacity:

You can easily store up to 2TB of knowledge. Save vast amounts of photos, music, and videos easily and securely. With fast access to your media, creations, and styles, you’re able to share your life at the speed.

  • Mainstream performance
  • Competitive pricing
  • Five-year warranty
  • Long endurance rating
  • Low cost per gigabyte.
  • Available in 2.5-inch or M.2 SATA versions.
  • Capacity options from 250GB to 2TB.
  • A bit slower than the larger capacities
  • The design could use a makeover

Verdict:

Given the selection, we’d choose the 1TB MX500 as our go-to SSD drive, but the 500GB looks specific at a very compatible price. This can be the model we’d target because of the entry-point for a high-performance gaming system.

3.) SanDisk X400 SATA SSD

SanDisk’s X400 is that the successor to its X300s series and is aimed towards the corporate or the mainstream market segments. It is serving well than both previous drives because it has the 256-bit AES encryption of the S version of the X300 inbuilt as standard.

Features:

Frame:

The exterior of the X400, however, is fairly simplistic fashionable and manufactured from plastic and aluminum. There’s a branding sticker on the front with SanDisk’s logo and also the model name.

Reliable and Durable:

Approachable, reliable, and low power for the way consumers work. It offers great Ultra-durable systems with high-grade endurance.

TCG Opal 2.0 Support:

It means interoperability with leading industry security ISVs application. SanDisk’s 2nd generation TLC flash node works to maximize reliability and energy efficiency so the X400 uses minimal power, making it ideal to be used in an exceedingly mobile setting. Means better performance for professionals and enthusiasts.

  • High performance
  • Excellent pricing
  • High sequential writing speed
  • Offering 1TB of storage in a single-sided M.2 card

Verdict:

The SanDisk X400 is the fastest consumer SSD. Some users have already purchased the drive and love the performance. We found it comes very near the gold standard 850 EVO in performance. Hopefully, this is often a problem SanDisk can address, and you’ll not experience similar data loss.

4.) Samsung SSD 860 PRO 2TB SSD

Today we’re staring at the new 860 EVO to determine how Samsung improved on the world’s best-selling SSD. Samsung wants to leverage that proven formula with the new EVO series so it can hold tight to its dominant and profitable leadership position.

Samsung changes its pricing when competitors march on, and therefore, the company always releases a faster model when others get too near matching its performance.

Features:

Enhanced Performance:

The 860 PRO performs at consecutive, read advanced to 560 MB/s with the function of newly V-NAND and a refined controller, delivering back-to-back write quickens to 530 MB/s.

Superior Endurance:

Under heavy workloads, endurance is everything. Your data is safe up to 4K videos and 3D data with its newest applications, up to 10.7x higher than the previous 850 PRO. The most recent V-NAND technology provides you with the best device by a 5-year or up to 4,800 TBW limited warranty.

Smart Compatibility:

Now, with this Samsung 860 PRO SSD, you can get faster and smoother communication with any of your host system. The pure ECC* algorithm and a brand new JMX controller produce higher speeds, and also the improved line-up trim enhances Linux empathy.

  • Small, but noticeable speed increases
  • Quadrupled endurance
  • Strong performance
  • Class-leading endurance
  • Name recognition and reliability
  • Excellent reliability
  • High cost per gigabyte.
  • SATA 3 protocol limits maximum potential

Verdict:

The Samsung 860 Evo is improved on its predecessor in all ways with faster speeds and greater endurance, all while retaining its low prices as well. Samsung managed to extend the performance over the 850 EVO, but at a price that almost none are offering.

5.) OWC 1.0TB Mercury Electra 6G SSD

This PCB SATA SSD comes with the capacity of 1TB, while that isn’t that spectacular anymore, it was quite a feat. In this technology age, this SSD introduces Ultra HD (4K) video that media creators are demanding with higher storage capacity as well as high-speed storage. These users are willing to pay a premium for top capacity, high-speed storage because when engaged on large media projects, time is money.

Specifications:

The OWC Mercury Electra MAX 6G maybe a 7mm 2.5″ form factor SATA 6Gb/s SSD and is accessible during a capacity of 2TB. This SSD can easily read up to 490MB/s and writes for up to 471MB/s while holding a great 3-years warranty.

Features:

High-Performance Internal Storage:

OWC SSDs are not having any moving or removable parts, offering a quiet, cool, highly rugged storage solution that also offers a near-immediate system response.

Packaging and Components:

The packaging is simplistic and follows an identical color scheme because of the SSD itself. Within the blister packaging, we will see the SSD, both front, and back. You will notice a full-size 2.5mm spacer on top of the drive itself.

  • 30-Day reimbursement guarantee.
  • Perfect for everyday computing
  • Latest flash NAND technology
  • Global wear leveling data distribution
  • Static data refresh management
  • M.A.R.T and TRIM command support

Verdict:

OWC SSDs deliver the modern in flash NAND and switch technology, using SLC and 3D NAND for long-term, power-pack performance. They provide a robust combination of performance and reliability for demanding everyday computer users.

6.) Crucial MX500 250GB 3D Internal SSD

Crucial is maintaining the MX500 as a solid, fast, reliable, easy to put in, and speedy choice to your regular old mechanical drives. All of this is provided with responsibility and delivered by the Crucial that provides quality no less than other big names of the industry.

Features:

Best Performing with 64-Layers:

Micron made changes to the new 64-layer memory that improves both performance and price. The new second-gen die is physically 30% smaller than the primary generation that permits the corporate to yield more die per wafer, which reduces the cost.

M.2 or 2.5-Inch, all Told the Capacities:

This 500GB SSD unit comes with the 2.5-inch drive form factor, which suggests it fits in a very standard laptop drive bay (for notebooks that also use full-size drives), or mostly in any desktop chassis.

You can also choose the much smaller M.2 version, which resembles a stick of gum and attaches on to the motherboard (assuming the motherboard is recent enough to own an M.2 connector).

  • Start your system in seconds
  • Easy installation
  • 5-year limited warranty
  • Excellent performance for a SATA SSD.
  • Available in M.2 SATA versions
  • Capacity options from 250GB to 2TB

Verdict:

While choosing this as our go-to Crucial MX500 250GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5 Inch Internal SSD, this 500GB looks very affordable. This can be the model one would target because of the entry-point for a high-performance gaming system.

7.) SanDisk Ultra 3D NAND 500GB Internal SSD

The SanDisk Ultra 3D could be a new SSD providing maximum in performing scale as its main application is overall upgraded from an HDD-based system to solid-state technology for faster boot-up times and speedier overall performance.

Features:

Accelerate your PC with up to 560MB/s:

You can get up to 560MB/s back-to-back reading speeds (550MB/s for 250GB) for faster boot-up and better overall system performance. Now you can install and run applications like games, videos, and photos in a minute so you can spend more time doing, and less time waiting.

Faster Burst Speeds with Ncache™ 2.0 Technology:

Performance opts to be impressive by writing everything into the drive’s high-speed buffer before conveying it to the flash array. This innovative architecture enables faster burst speeds.

Advanced 3D NAND Technology:

This new powerful technology enhances drive longevity for even greater trust-ability and lower power usage for longer notebook battery life.

  • Easy installation
  • Excellent performance for a SATA SSD.
  • Available in 2.5-inch or M.2 SATA versions.
  • Capacity options from 250GB to 2TB.

Verdict:

This 1TB MX500 is another best choice as a compatible go-to SSD that can make working quite easier and smoothest on any system. The performance is impressive enough to lure a target market in to its best affordable features.

Contents

  • 1 Best SSD For MacBook Pro

Looking to upgrade your current storage of your MacBook Pro 2012? Then the first thing you need is a compatible SSD storage drive for your MacBook which is a tricky task itself. That is why we have compiled some of the best SSD drives for MacBook Pro 2012 and for older versions below in this publication so you can easily choose the better option for your upgrade.

The thing with MacBooks is that they are very difficult to upgrade if you look at the versions from the last 3 or 4 years and the versions of MacBook from 2012 and back are easily upgradeable. So if you are looking to upgrade your MacBook from the last 3 or 4 years then you should probably look into it first if it is possible or not.

Finding a good SSD drive for your MacBook is a difficult task due to multiple factors in play. The first thing that makes it a little tricky is that the most of the SSD drives are designed to operate on PCs by default and they support Windows OS. For a MacBook you need a certain kind of SSD drive that is either designed for use with MacBooks or is compatible with both Windows OS and Mac OS and that consumes a lot of time.

Since there are so many options available on the market when it comes to SSD drives that finding a good SSD drive for your MacBook can be a difficult task. The wide range of options has it’s benefits but when it comes to an SSD drive for a specific purpose, it is not helping at all because you need a specific type of SSD drive to fulfil your requirement and to look for that specific type of SSD drive within that wide range of options is a difficult and time consuming task. That is why we have shortlisted some options below in this publication that we recommend you have a look at.

If you decide to look for a SSD drive for MacBook Pro on your own then there are few things that you should keep in mind to make a smart decision. Let’s get into that first.

Manufacturer

The

Since you are looking for a SSD drive for a specific purpose you will come across very few options that will meet the criteria for this specific use. So within those few options there will be SSD drives manufactured by reputable names and some manufacturer will be unheard of. We recommend you go for the reputable manufacturer regardless of the price tag.

Warranty

The next thing that you should look for in a SSD drive for your MacBook Pro is the warranty provided by the manufacture. This is necessary because you will be upgrading your MacBook by yourself or by a professional either way you will be installing something new to the MacBook and you don’t know if all the lights will go green or not. So you need a warranty just in case to back up your purchase so you can have a peace of mind and kind of an insurance that if something goes wrong you can get it fixed or replaced depending on the policy of the manufacturer.

Now let’s start with the SSD drives we have on here for MacBook Pro 2012 and older.

Best SSD Drives For Macbook Pro 2012 & Older (Comparison)

SSD DriveWeight
Crucial MX500 SSD Drive100g
Samsung 860 EVO SSD Drive86.1g
OWC MERCURY EXTREME PRO 6G SSD77g

Crucial MX500 SSD Drive

The first SSD drive we have on here is the MX500 SSD drive produced by Crucial. Crucial is a reliable name when it comes to production of high quality SSD drives. The SSD drive we have in question here is suitable for MacBooks from 2012 and older. This SSD drive is better suited for light work load. The ratings of this SSD drive are high. So how it fared in our review? Let’s find out.

Starting with the design of the MX500 SSD drive and it has a high build quality and it is shock resistant as well so you don’t have to worry about this storage drive getting damaged if it falls. Due to no moving parts like the old HDD the durability of this storage drive has increased. The MX500 SSD drive features SATA III interface. The read speed of the MX500 SSD drive is up to 560MB/s and the write speed of the MX500 SSD drive is up to 510MB/s. the MX500 SSD drive features 3D NAND flash memory technology which allows for this SSD drive to operate efficiently, faster and quieter. The MX500 SSD drive features integrated power loss immunity allowing you to be worry free of your data when the power is cut as it will be there when you power it back up. When it comes to security the MX500 SSD drive features AES 256-bit encryption and it comes with a 5 year limited warranty from the manufacturer.

When it comes to performance the MX500 SSD drive will significantly improve the performance of your MacBook Pro as the older versions did not have SSD drives to begin with. The build quality of this SSD drive is good and it has all the features you can expect or require from a good SSD drive. It is better suited for lighter work load. There have been no reported issues regarding this SSD drive’s performance or build quality.

ProsCons
SATA III InterfaceNone That We Could Find
AES 256-bit Encryption
5 Years Limited Warranty

Conclusion

If you are looking for a SSD drive suitable for MacBook Pro 2012 or older which can handle light work load then MX500 SSD drive by Crucial is a very good option for you.

Samsung 860 EVO SSD Drive

Ssd For Macbook Pro 2011

The next SSD drive we have on here is the 860 EVO SSD drive produced by Samsung. Samsung is a well renowned manufacturer of consumer electronics and in recent years they have started to manufacture very good quality storage drives as well. The SSD drive we have on here is compatible with MacBook Pro 2012 and older. This SSD drive is suited for lighter work load as well. The 860 EVO SSD drive has high ratings. How it fared in our review? Let’s find out.

Beginning with the design of the 860 EVO SSD drive and it has a slim design with a very good quality build. The 860 EVO SSD drive is designed to withstand shock as well making this SSD drive a durable one. The 860 EVO SSD drive has a SATA III interface which is compatible with 6Gb/s, 3Gb/s and 1.5Gb/s SATA interfaces as well. The 860 EVO SSD drive features a 1GB DDR4 SDRAM cache for faster processing. The flash memory on board the 860 EVO SSD drive is the Samsung’s own V-NAND 3-bit memory. The 860 EVO SSD drive is able to reach read speeds of up to 550MB/s and write speeds of up to 520MB/s. When it comes to security, the 860 EVO SSD drive features AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data. The 860 EVO SSD drive comes with a limited 5 year warranty as well.

When it comes to performance the 860 EVO SSD drive will certainly improve the data processing speed of your MacBook Pro and making your MacBook more efficient. The build quality of the 860 EVO SSD drive is very good and it is a lightweight SSD drive as well. The 860 EVO SSD drive is better suited to handle lighter work load. There have been no reported issues regarding the build quality or performance of this SSD drive.

The Best Ssd Drive For Macbook Pro 2012

ProsCons
Shock ResistantNone That We Could Find
Slim Design
V-NAND 3-bit Flash Memory

Conclusion

The 860 EVO SSD drive by Samsung provides another good option for a SSD drive compatible to use with MacBook Pro 2012 and older versions which have lighter work load.

OWC MERCURY EXTREME PRO 6G SSD

The last SSD drive we have on here is the MERCURY EXTREME PRO 6G SSD drive produced by OWC Digital. OWC Digital is not a widely known manufacturer but it is a reliable name when it comes to SSD drives. This particular SSD drive here is designed specifically for MacBooks and it is the best option in the market for heavy work load on your MacBook. The ratings of this SSD drive are high. So how it fared in our review? Let’s find out.

Let’s start with the design of the MERCURY EXTREME PRO 6G SSD drive and it is a lightweight SSD drive with a good build quality making it a reliable and durable SSD drive for MacBook Pro. The MERCURY EXTREME PRO 6G SSD drive features SATA interface. The read speed of this SSD drive is up to 535MB/s while the write speed of the MERCURY EXTREME PRO 6G SSD drive is up to 435MB/s. The MERCURY EXTREME PRO 6G SSD drive features Tier 1 3D NAND for efficient and high performance result. This SSD drive features 128-bit AES encryption along with block management and wear levelling which makes sure that the data is distributed across the SSD evenly for efficient use and to protect the SSD drive itself.

When it comes to performance the MERCURY EXTREME PRO 6G SSD drive will certainly improve the overall performance of your MacBook. This SSD drive is well suited to handle the heavy work load of tasks such as video editing or gaming. The build quality of this SSD drive is good and there have been no reported issues regarding it’s performance.

Best Ssd Drive For Macbook Pro 2009

ProsCons
For Heavy Work LoadNone That We Could Find
Efficient
Durable

Conclusion

If you are looking for a SSD drive that is compatible with MacBook Pro 2012 or older and can handle the heavy work load then MERCURY EXTREME PRO 6G SSD Drive by OWC Digital is a very good option for you.

Conclusion

The SSD drives we have on here for MacBook Pro 2012 and older versions are some of the best on the market right now. If they have any reported issues regarding their performance or build quality they have been mentioned here in this publication. We hope you find this publication useful. Let us know what you think about these SSD drives in the comments below.

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