Is your beloved MacBook Pro feeling a bit sluggish, or are you constantly battling the dreaded “disk full” message? It might be time for a storage upgrade! While Apple’s machines are known for their performance, adding a fast Solid State Drive (SSD) can breathe new life into an older model or simply give you the extra space and speed you crave. Finding the Lexar best 512 SSD hard drive for MacBook Pro can seem tricky, especially with Apple’s proprietary designs, but there are some excellent compatible options out there.
In this article, we’ll dive into some top-notch 512GB storage solutions, including specific MacBook Pro internal SSD replacements and versatile Lexar offerings, to help you make an informed decision. We’ve got five products to explore, each with its own unique advantages, ensuring you find the perfect fit to boost your MacBook Pro’s performance and storage capacity. Let’s get started!
1. Jorkar A1708 SSD Hard Drive 512GB for MacBook Pro NVMe
If you own a non-Touch Bar MacBook Pro A1708 from 2016 or 2017, this Jorkar SSD hard drive is specifically designed for you. It’s a direct replacement that significantly enhances both capacity and speed, making your MacBook Pro feel snappier than ever. What really makes this stand out is its plug-and-play nature – it comes pre-installed with macOS High Sierra, getting you up and running faster without complex installation steps. It’s a fantastic way to revitalize your machine without breaking the bank.
- Key Features:
- Specifically compatible with MacBook Pro A1708 (2016 EMC 2978, 2017 EMC 3164) Non-Touch Bar models.
- Pre-installed with macOS High Sierra 10.13 (upgradable to higher versions).
- Increases capacity and processing speed for your MacBook Pro.
- Read speeds up to 2150 MB/s, write speeds up to 1650 MB/s (for 1TB model, 512GB will be similar but may vary slightly).
- Faster boot times, application loading, and system responsiveness.
- Includes encryption for data protection.
- Pros:
- Direct fit for specified MacBook Pro A1708 models.
- Comes with macOS pre-installed, simplifying setup.
- Significant speed and capacity upgrade.
- Cost-effective way to extend your MacBook Pro’s life.
- Cons:
- Only compatible with specific MacBook Pro A1708 non-Touch Bar models.
- Requires backing up original data before installation.
- User Impressions: Many users praise its ease of installation and the immediate boost in performance their MacBook Pro experiences. The pre-installed OS is a huge plus for those who dread system reinstallation. It’s often highlighted as a reliable and effective upgrade.
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2. Lexar 512GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
While not a direct internal replacement for most modern MacBook Pros (which use NVMe M.2 slots or integrated storage), the Lexar NS100 is an excellent general-purpose 2.5-inch SATA III SSD that offers fantastic value. If you have an older MacBook Pro that still used a 2.5-inch hard drive bay (pre-2012 models) or are looking for a super-fast external storage solution, this Lexar 512GB SSD is a brilliant choice. It dramatically boosts startup, data transfers, and application loads compared to traditional hard drives, making it a versatile option for various computing needs.
- Key Features:
- Upgrade for laptops or desktop computers for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads.
- Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s.
- More reliable and faster performance than traditional hard drives.
- Shock and vibration resistant due to no moving parts.
- 512GB capacity with a 240TBW endurance rating.
- Pros:
- Excellent performance upgrade for compatible devices.
- Highly durable and reliable.
- Cost-effective storage solution.
- Can be used externally with a MacBook Pro via a compatible USB enclosure.
- Cons:
- Not compatible as an internal upgrade for most post-2012 MacBook Pro models.
- Slower than NVMe PCIe SSDs.
- User Impressions: Users frequently commend the NS100 for its significant speed improvements when replacing a traditional HDD. It’s seen as a reliable, budget-friendly SSD that breathes new life into older systems or serves as a solid external drive for a MacBook Pro.
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3. Lexar 512GB Professional SILVER PRO SD Card, UHS-II, C10, U3, V60
Let’s clarify upfront: this Lexar 512GB Professional SILVER PRO SD Card isn’t an “SSD hard drive” replacement for your MacBook Pro’s internal storage. However, it’s a high-performance Lexar storage solution that can be incredibly useful for MacBook Pro users, especially those involved in photography or videography. With stunning read and write speeds, it’s perfect for quickly offloading high-resolution photos and 4K video from your camera directly into your MacBook Pro’s SD card slot, or even as an excellent portable storage expansion.
- Key Features:
- Speeds up to 280MB/s read, up to 160MB/s write.
- Ideal for shooting stunning videos in 1080p Full-HD and 4K.
- Dramatically accelerates workflow for media professionals.
- Backwards-compatible at the highest UHS-I speeds.
- Rigorously tested for performance, quality, compatibility, and reliability.
- Pros:
- Extremely fast for an SD card, great for media professionals.
- Adds convenient, portable storage to your MacBook Pro via its SD card slot.
- High reliability and durability.
- Cons:
- Not an internal SSD hard drive for MacBook Pro.
- Performance is limited by the MacBook Pro’s SD card reader speed.
- User Impressions: Photographers and videographers rave about the speed and reliability of Lexar’s professional SD cards. Users appreciate how quickly they can transfer large files, significantly improving their workflow when connected to a compatible card reader or MacBook Pro with an SD card slot.
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4. Lexar 1TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
It’s important to note right away that this Lexar 1TB NM1090 PRO is a cutting-edge PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 SSD primarily designed for high-performance PCs and is not internally compatible with any MacBook Pro model. MacBook Pros use proprietary internal storage connectors or have integrated, non-upgradable storage, and certainly don’t support PCIe Gen5 in user-accessible slots. Furthermore, this product is 1TB, not 512GB. However, as a showcase of Lexar’s advanced technology, it represents the pinnacle of SSD performance for those who can use it, boasting incredible speeds for demanding tasks like AI model training or gaming.
- Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology with blistering read/write speeds up to 14,000/10,000 MB/s.
- Accelerates load times by 200% – ideal for AMD Ryzen and Intel i9 systems.
- 6nm controller optimizes heat control for smoother, more efficient performance.
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache enhance data transfer speeds and system responsiveness.
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage for significantly boosted game loads and minimized delays.
- Pros:
- Industry-leading read and write speeds.
- Excellent for intensive applications like AI, high-end gaming, and large data processing.
- Advanced thermal management.
- Cons:
- Not compatible with any MacBook Pro internally.
- Capacity is 1TB, not 512GB.
- Requires a motherboard with a PCIe Gen5 M.2 slot.
- User Impressions: Early adopters highlight its mind-blowing speeds and how it transforms workstation and gaming experiences on compatible PC systems. It’s seen as a forward-looking investment for those building bleeding-edge PCs.
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5. INDMEM NVMe PCle SSD 512GB 3D TLC Flash Hard Drive
Here’s another fantastic option if you’re specifically searching for a 512GB SSD hard drive for your MacBook Pro A1708. The INDMEM NVMe PCIe SSD is a direct competitor to the Jorkar offering, designed to fit perfectly into specific MacBook Pro models from late 2016 to mid-2017 (13-inch A1708). What sets this apart is its inclusion of installation tools and a clear manual, making the upgrade process remarkably straightforward even for those who aren’t tech gurus. It’s a reliable internal SSD replacement offering a significant performance and capacity boost.
- Key Features:
- Suitable for MacBook Pro A1708 (Late 2016-Mid 2017, EMC 2978/3164) 13-inch models.
- 3D TLC NAND Flash supporting PCIe NVMe interface.
- Read speed up to 2000MB/s, write up to 1700MB/s.
- Includes installation manual and two screwdrivers for easy setup.
- Ideal for intensive applications like 3D animation, video editing, and gaming.
- Pros:
- Direct internal replacement for specific MacBook Pro A1708 models.
- Excellent read/write speeds for an internal MacBook Pro upgrade.
- Comes with all necessary installation tools and instructions.
- Reliable 3D TLC NAND Flash technology.
- Cons:
- Strictly compatible with specific MacBook Pro A1708 models only.
- Requires updating original SSD to macOS 10.13 or later before replacement.
- User Impressions: Customers frequently mention the clear instructions and included tools as major advantages, making the installation process surprisingly simple. The performance increase is universally praised, with users reporting faster boot times and smoother operation for demanding tasks. It’s a highly recommended 512GB SSD hard drive for MacBook Pro A1708 owners.
See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About MacBook Pro SSDs
Upgrading your MacBook Pro’s storage can feel a bit daunting, so we’ve put together some common questions to help clarify things.
Q1: Can I upgrade the SSD in my MacBook Pro?
A: It depends heavily on your MacBook Pro model. Older models (pre-2016) often had user-replaceable SATA-based SSDs. Newer models (2016-2017 A1708 non-Touch Bar) use proprietary NVMe SSDs that can be upgraded with specific third-party drives like Jorkar or INDMEM. However, most 2016-present Touch Bar models, and all M1/M2/M3 MacBook Pros, have their storage soldered directly to the logic board, making internal upgrades impossible. Always check your specific model’s compatibility.
Q2: What’s the difference between NVMe and SATA SSDs?
A: NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs connect directly to the PCIe bus, offering significantly faster speeds (often 3-7 times faster) than SATA (Serial ATA) SSDs. SATA SSDs use an older interface and are limited to around 550MB/s read/write speeds. For demanding tasks and overall snappiness, NVMe is superior, but SATA is still a massive upgrade over traditional HDDs.
Q3: Why choose a 512GB SSD? Is it enough for a MacBook Pro?
A: A 512GB SSD is often a sweet spot for many MacBook Pro users. It offers a good balance of capacity and cost. It’s usually enough for the operating system, essential applications, and a decent amount of personal files, photos, and some video. If you work with very large video files or have an extensive game library, you might consider 1TB or supplementing with external storage.
Q4: Are Lexar SSDs good for Mac?
A: Lexar is a reputable brand known for producing high-quality flash memory and SSDs. While they don’t produce direct internal replacements for modern MacBook Pros (due to Apple’s proprietary designs), their general-purpose SATA SSDs (like the NS100) or external Lexar SSDs can be excellent options for external storage, providing reliable and fast performance when connected to your MacBook Pro.
Q5: How do I know which SSD is compatible with my specific MacBook Pro model?
A: The best way is to identify your exact MacBook Pro model number (e.g., A1708) and EMC number. You can find this information by going to “About This Mac” from the Apple menu, then clicking “System Report,” and looking under “Hardware Overview.” Cross-reference these numbers with the compatibility lists provided by SSD manufacturers (like Jorkar or INDMEM).
Q6: What should I do before upgrading my MacBook Pro’s SSD?
A: Crucially, back up all your data! Use Time Machine or clone your existing drive to an external drive. You’ll also need the right tools (often included with compatible drives). Ensure your original macOS is updated to a compatible version (e.g., macOS High Sierra 10.13 or later for some upgrades) before swapping the drive, as newer SSDs might not be recognized by older macOS versions.
Q7: Can I use an external SSD with my MacBook Pro if I can’t upgrade internally?
A: Absolutely! Using an external SSD connected via Thunderbolt or USB-C is an excellent way to expand storage or run demanding applications on any MacBook Pro, especially models with soldered storage. This can provide speeds rivaling or even exceeding internal drives for some tasks, depending on the enclosure and SSD used.
Conclusion
Upgrading your MacBook Pro’s storage can be one of the most impactful ways to boost its performance and extend its lifespan. While finding the perfect Lexar best 512 SSD hard drive for MacBook Pro as an internal replacement can be challenging due to Apple’s unique hardware, excellent third-party options like the Jorkar and INDMEM A1708-specific NVMe drives offer compelling solutions for compatible models.
For other MacBook Pro users, or if you need versatile storage, Lexar offers fantastic external SSDs (using their NS100 or other NVMe drives in an enclosure) and high-speed SD cards for media professionals. Always double-check compatibility for your specific MacBook Pro model to ensure a smooth and successful upgrade. Happy upgrading!