Apple is known for making quality and reliable devices like Mac. Older Macs came pre-installed with a hard disk drive (HDD), but Apple is slowly moving to solid-state drives that are known to provide better performance today. It comes in an era where programs and software require a lot of computing power to run smoothly. But before jumping the gun, what is SSD storage on a Mac?
However, there’s still a lot to learn about what SSD storage is on your Mac. If you’re looking for this information, keep reading, as this guide takes an in-depth look at the matter. Let’s get to it.
What is SSD storage on your Mac computer?
Solid state drives, known as SSDs, store data on non-volatile or flash memory chips, meaning there are no moving parts. The same cannot be said with traditional HDDs, where data is stored on spinning disks. SSDs have a compact design and look like some circuit chips while sitting on a circuit board.
Other appealing attributes of SSD storage include faster processing speeds because they have no moving components and come with interconnected flash memory chips. This means that unlike HDD storage, physical movement is not required when reading or writing files. Lack of physical movement significantly slows down your Mac’s loading speed.
Another benefit of SSD storage on your Mac computer is that they run lighter, quieter, and cooler. They also use less power than HDDs because they have no moving components. Therefore, SSD storage requires less energy to read, write, and access data stored on it, making them a great choice for your Mac computer.
Because SSDs have no moving parts, they are even more robust than HDDs in the event of a drop. This is because SSD’s memory chips are less prone to damage than the moving parts found on HDDs. Therefore, you should get a Mac computer with SSD storage if sensitive data is stored on it.
At the same time, SSDs cannot be perfect like anything else in life, the main disadvantage of which is their expensive price. According to PCMag, a 1TB HDD costs between $40 and $60 on average, while SSD storage of the same form factor and capacity starts at around $80.
How can you upgrade your Mac with SSD storage?
There are many reasons why you should consider switching from HDD to SSD storage, and the main ones include the following.
- System crash.
- Slow start.
- Slow performance when running resource-intensive apps.
Fortunately, you don’t have to own new Mac computers to enjoy the many benefits of SSD storage. Instead, you can swap out your Mac’s HDD for SSD storage.
But before you start, make sure you have the right tools, including the following.
- T6 Torx screwdriver.
- Spager’s instrument.
- Phillips #00 screwdriver.
- A new SSD.
- SATA to USB cable.
Once you have all these tools, follow these steps to install a new SSD in your Mac.
Step #1: Format the SSD
You should start by formatting your SSD before doing anything else, and here are the steps to follow.
- Use a SATA to USB cable to connect your SSD storage and Mac computer.
- Go to “Applications” and select “Utilities” to start “Disk Utility”.
- Look in the left column to find “External Labels” and select “Erase” from the list of options.
- Key in your name and select “GUID Partition Table” and “macOS Extended” from the options listed.
- Format the SSD storage by clicking “Erase”, and after the process is complete, tap “Done”.
Step #2: Remove the HDD and fit the SSD storage into your Mac PC
This is where you replace the internal HDD with your newly acquired SSD storage, and here are the steps to follow.
- Shut down your Mac computer.
- Turn your Mac PC upside down and use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove all ten screws. Place these screws on a bowl to avoid losing them.
- Remove the cover of your Mac computer and tap the metal part to discharge static electricity.
- Locate the hard drive and pull out the plastic bracket that holds the two screws in place.
- Remove the HDD and separate the SATA ribbon by gently twisting the connector.
- Disconnect all the Torx screws attached to the HDD and attach the posts to your SSD.
- Gently connect the SATA ribbon to your SSD storage.
- Lower the SSD into position and tighten the holding bracket.
- Screw into the cover of your Mac computer using ten small screws.
- Restart your Mac.
Final Thought
Using a Mac with a traditional HDD can be annoying as it often freezes while doing normal tasks. You don’t want to be in such an unfortunate situation when rushing to meet a deadline. To avoid such instances you should get a Mac computer with SSD storage. Alternatively, you can replace the old HDD storage with an SSD drive.
But a Mac computer with SSD storage provides faster performance and is more reliable, quieter, and energy efficient than HDD drives. With these many benefits, the performance of your Mac computer will improve significantly. And if you were unfamiliar with SSD storage on a Mac, this guide will enlighten you with everything you need to know.