Hey, tech enthusiasts! Are you rocking a 2017 MacBook Pro without the Touch Bar and feeling like it's starting to lag? One of the best upgrades you can make to breathe new life into your trusty machine is upgrading the SSD. A faster, larger SSD can drastically improve boot times, application loading speeds, and overall system responsiveness. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about upgrading the SSD in your 2017 MacBook Pro (non-Touch Bar model), from choosing the right SSD to the actual installation process.

Why Upgrade Your SSD?

Let's dive deep into the reasons why upgrading your SSD is a game-changer. First off, speed is king. The stock SSD in the 2017 MacBook Pro was decent, but newer SSD technology has left it in the dust. Upgrading to a modern NVMe SSD can provide significantly faster read and write speeds, which translates to quicker boot times, snappier application launches, and reduced loading times for large files. Imagine booting up your MacBook in seconds instead of waiting ages – that's the power of a faster SSD!

Another compelling reason is storage capacity. Maybe you're constantly battling the dreaded "storage almost full" notification. Upgrading to a larger SSD gives you more room for your growing collection of photos, videos, documents, and applications. No more juggling files or relying solely on external storage! With a spacious SSD, you can keep everything you need right at your fingertips.

Longevity is also a key factor. SSDs, like all storage devices, have a limited lifespan. Over time, the cells in an SSD can wear out, leading to slower performance or even data loss. Upgrading to a new SSD not only gives you a performance boost but also provides peace of mind knowing that your data is stored on a newer, more reliable drive. Plus, newer SSDs often come with improved error correction and wear-leveling technologies, further extending their lifespan.

Improved Multitasking: Ever try running multiple apps at once and your MacBook starts to choke? A faster SSD helps your system handle multitasking more efficiently. The operating system can quickly swap data between the SSD and RAM, preventing slowdowns and keeping your workflow smooth. Whether you're editing videos, running virtual machines, or simply juggling multiple browser tabs, a faster SSD will make a noticeable difference.

Enhanced Overall Experience: Ultimately, upgrading your SSD is about enhancing your overall experience with your MacBook Pro. It's about making your machine feel new again, improving your productivity, and reducing frustration. A faster, more spacious SSD can transform your MacBook from a sluggish workhorse into a lean, mean, computing machine. If you're still on the fence, think about how much time you spend waiting for things to load – that time adds up, and a SSD upgrade can give you that time back.

Choosing the Right SSD

Alright, so you're convinced that upgrading your SSD is the way to go. Now comes the crucial part: choosing the right SSD for your 2017 MacBook Pro (non-Touch Bar). This model uses a proprietary SSD interface, so you can't just use any NVMe SSD you find online. You'll need to look for an SSD specifically designed for this particular MacBook Pro.

Compatibility is key here. The 2017 MacBook Pro (non-Touch Bar) uses a 2280 form factor NVMe SSD with a 12+16 pin connector. You can find SSDs specifically marketed as compatible with this model from reputable brands like OWC (Other World Computing) and Transcend. These SSDs are designed to work seamlessly with your MacBook's logic board and firmware.

Capacity considerations: How much storage do you need? This depends on your usage habits and budget. If you're a light user who primarily uses your MacBook for browsing the web and light office tasks, a 500GB SSD might be sufficient. However, if you're a creative professional who works with large media files, you might want to consider a 1TB or even a 2TB SSD.

Performance matters, of course. Look for an SSD with fast read and write speeds. A good NVMe SSD for this MacBook Pro should offer sequential read speeds of at least 2000 MB/s and sequential write speeds of at least 1500 MB/s. These speeds will ensure a noticeable improvement in performance compared to the stock SSD. Also, pay attention to random read and write speeds, as these affect the responsiveness of your system when performing everyday tasks.

Don't forget to read reviews and do your research. Before making a purchase, check out online reviews and see what other users are saying about the SSD you're considering. Look for reviews that specifically mention compatibility with the 2017 MacBook Pro (non-Touch Bar). User feedback can provide valuable insights into the real-world performance and reliability of the SSD.

Consider the brand and warranty. Stick with reputable brands that offer a solid warranty. A good warranty will protect you in case the SSD fails prematurely. OWC and Transcend are known for their high-quality SSDs and excellent customer support. A longer warranty period usually indicates greater confidence in the product's reliability.

Tools You'll Need

Before you start tearing into your MacBook Pro, make sure you have all the necessary tools on hand. Having the right tools will make the process much smoother and reduce the risk of damaging your machine.

• P5 Pentalobe Screwdriver: This is a must-have for opening the bottom case of your MacBook Pro. Apple uses proprietary Pentalobe screws, so a standard screwdriver won't work.
• T5 Torx Screwdriver: You'll need this to remove the SSD from its slot.
• Spudger or Plastic Opening Tool: This tool is used to gently pry open the bottom case and disconnect any cables.
• Anti-Static Wrist Strap: This is essential for protecting your MacBook's sensitive components from electrostatic discharge (ESD). ESD can damage electronic components, so it's always a good idea to wear an anti-static wrist strap.
• External Enclosure (Optional): An external enclosure can be useful for creating a bootable backup of your existing SSD before you remove it. This will allow you to easily restore your data to the new SSD.
• USB Drive: You'll need a USB drive with at least 16GB of space to create a bootable macOS installer.
• Clean, well-lit workspace: Choose a workspace that is clean, well-lit, and free of clutter. This will help you stay organized and focused during the upgrade process.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade the SSD in your 2017 MacBook Pro (non-Touch Bar).

Step 1: Back Up Your Data: Before you do anything else, back up all your important data. You can use Time Machine, iCloud, or any other backup solution you prefer. This step is crucial in case something goes wrong during the upgrade process.

Step 2: Create a Bootable macOS Installer: Download the latest version of macOS from the App Store. Once the download is complete, use the Terminal app to create a bootable installer on your USB drive. There are plenty of online guides that can walk you through this process.

Step 3: Power Down and Disconnect: Shut down your MacBook Pro completely. Disconnect the power adapter and any other cables.

Step 4: Remove the Bottom Case: Use the P5 Pentalobe screwdriver to remove the screws on the bottom case. There are several screws of different lengths, so keep track of their positions.

Step 5: Ground Yourself: Put on your anti-static wrist strap and connect it to a grounded metal object.

Step 6: Disconnect the Battery: Gently disconnect the battery connector from the logic board. This will prevent any electrical shorts during the upgrade process.

Step 7: Remove the Old SSD: Use the T5 Torx screwdriver to remove the screw that secures the SSD to the logic board. Gently slide the SSD out of its slot.

Step 8: Install the New SSD: Align the new SSD with the slot and gently slide it in. Make sure it's fully seated. Secure the SSD with the T5 Torx screw.

Step 9: Reconnect the Battery: Reconnect the battery connector to the logic board.

Step 10: Reattach the Bottom Case: Carefully align the bottom case and reinsert the Pentalobe screws. Make sure you put the screws back in their original positions.

Step 11: Install macOS: Connect the USB drive with the bootable macOS installer. Power on your MacBook Pro and hold down the Option key until the boot menu appears. Select the USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions to install macOS on the new SSD.

Step 12: Restore Your Data: Once macOS is installed, you can restore your data from your backup.

Troubleshooting Tips

Even with careful planning, things can sometimes go wrong during the SSD upgrade process. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to help you out.

• MacBook Won't Turn On: Double-check that the battery connector is properly connected to the logic board. Also, make sure the SSD is fully seated in its slot.
• MacBook Boots to a Question Mark: This usually indicates that the MacBook can't find a bootable drive. Make sure you created the bootable macOS installer correctly.
• SSD Not Recognized: Check that the SSD is compatible with your MacBook Pro. Also, make sure the SSD is fully seated in its slot.
• Slow Performance: If the new SSD is performing slower than expected, check that TRIM is enabled in macOS. TRIM helps maintain the performance of SSDs over time.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! Upgrading the SSD in your 2017 MacBook Pro (non-Touch Bar) is a fantastic way to breathe new life into your machine. With a faster, larger SSD, you'll enjoy quicker boot times, snappier application launches, and improved overall performance. Just remember to choose the right SSD, gather the necessary tools, and follow the steps carefully. Good luck, and happy upgrading! By following this guide, you'll be able to enjoy your "new" and improved MacBook Pro in no time. The investment is well worth the significant performance boost you'll experience. Happy upgrading!