Need an SSD upgrade for your MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina? We carry out this work in-house at our London workshop, with a fixed quote before we start.
The late-2013 to 2015 15-inch Retina uses a PCIe SSD blade (and the 2015 is PCIe x4), so it can take a fast NVMe drive via an adapter once on macOS High Sierra or later. The 2012 and early-2013 models use a SATA-based blade. We fit the correct drive for your model and migrate your system.
About this model: The 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro (A1398) is still a capable quad-core machine. The 2012 and early-2013 models with NVIDIA GT 650M graphics are prone to video faults; later dual-GPU models also get graphics problems.
Signs it needs an SSD upgrade
- Storage full
- Slow boot
- SSD failure
- Want 1TB+ on an older Mac
How we do it
Apple’s blade SSDs use proprietary connectors that changed between generations, so we match the drive (or adapter) to your exact model identifier. For NVMe drives we first confirm the Mac’s firmware is current, because older firmware can’t boot from NVMe.
Once fitted, we either restore your existing system or install the newest macOS your model supports, then run a full read/write test and check the drive’s health reporting before handing it back.
If you’d rather move to a new Mac instead, our data migration service (from £79 + VAT) transfers everything across.
At a glance
| Years | 2012–2015 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel quad-core i7, integrated or dual graphics |
| Storage | Removable Apple SSD blade |
| Memory | Soldered to the logic board |
| Battery | Held with adhesive |
| Power / charging | MagSafe 2 |
Before you bring it in
Tell us how much data is on it now and how much you expect to add, so we can recommend a sensible capacity. Bring your Apple ID and login passwords; we need them to check everything works after the upgrade.
Which model do you have?
This page covers the MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2012–2015) (MacBookPro10,1 / 11,2 / 11,3 / 11,4 / 11,5; A1398). Look under Apple menu > About This Mac, or check the small print on the bottom case for the A-number. Not sure? Bring it in and we’ll identify it for you.
Price
SSD upgrade: 256GB SSD: £285 + VAT + £95 + VAT labour; 512GB SSD: £460 + VAT + £95 + VAT labour. Other capacities quoted on request. All prices are subject to inspection, and nothing is done without your approval.
Questions we’re often asked
Will I lose my files?
No. We clone or back up your data before any upgrade and check everything is in place afterwards.
Is it worth upgrading this model?
If the machine is otherwise healthy, yes. Storage and memory upgrades are the cheapest way to make an older Mac noticeably quicker, and we’ll tell you honestly if we think a replacement would be better value.
How much does it cost?
See the price section above. We always quote before starting, and if we can’t fix it, you don’t pay for the repair.
Book a repair
For a free, no-obligation quote, call 020 7394 2528 or email info@mac-repair.london.