MacBook Air: Upgrading SSD - you have to pay attention to that
If you want more memory or more speed for your MacBook Air, you can upgrade the laptop with an SSD. We'll show you how it's done.
Upgrade MacBook Air with SSD
- Since the year of construction in late 2010, it has been possible to retrofit an SSD in the MacBook Air. When buying, make sure that the SSD is really suitable for the year of your MacBook.
- The SSDs are often available in 240, 580 and 960 GB. Only with the MacBook Air 11 inch built in 2010 is the possible memory of an SSD limited to 240 GB.
- If the guarantee is still available, it will expire during the conversion. To be on the safe side, you should create a backup before the conversion.
Step 1: transfer data from MacBook Air to new SSD
Most retrofit SSDs come with an additional adapter. The Transcend JetDrive was used in this manual.
- Install the SSD in the adapter and connect the adapter to the MacBook Air using a USB cable.
- Start your MacBook in recovery mode by holding down the [Alt] key when it starts.
- Select the SSD and start the "Hard Disk Utility".
- In the "Delete" category you have to format the SSD first.
- Switch to the integrated hard drive and select the SSD as "Target" under "Restore".
- Now the data is transferred from the integrated flash memory to the SSD.
- Then turn off the MacBook Air and disconnect the SSD.
Step 2: upgrade MacBook Air with SSD
You need a T5 and P5 screwdriver for installation. The following set from Hama contains both screwdrivers. Some of the tools are already supplied with the SSD. Handle a radiator before changing it to avoid electrostatic charge.
- Turn the MacBook Air over and remove all screws on the bottom.
- Disconnect the connection to the mainboard above the battery on the left.
- Flash memory is located in the middle. Simply loosen the screw there and carefully pull it out.
- Insert the new SSD and reassemble the MacBook Air.
