[GUIDE] Solder NVMe SSD to A1278 MacBook Pro (MBP 13-inch 2012 + NevBolt-1)

*Turn on subtitle for better understanding of the topic
Alternative for AC Coupling Capacitor replacement: 33 ohm resistor or 1.8uH inductor (size 0201)
First of all we're really sorry for taking this video forever to release, because we are too busy with the dreaded T2 MacBook issues, and these models start to pile up in our shop with really weird issues.
Before you try any of these modifications, we highly recommend you to watch all videos in the playlist and make sure to understand them all, only then you can execute the modifications. By all means, you are performing all these soldering AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Link to NevBolt-1 (for MBP 13" 2012 & 2011):
www.tindie.com/products/25559/
Link to NevBolt-2 (for MBP 15" 2012 & 2011):
www.tindie.com/products/25716/
iboffrcc.com/pages/nevbolt-2-...
FAQ:
1. Why did we make it?
We built it for fun, the original thoughts when this project started was just because we want to have an ideal laptop that we can use for ourselves; upgradable, repairable; these models are known for its high repairability rate and its parts are cheap, so they're easy to maintain for everyday use for a repair shop like us. We also create it just to test our soldering skills and manufacturing precision.
2. Can I edit 4K after upgrading to NVMe SSD?
The short answer is NO, it requires a lot of criteria for a machine to be able to edit 4K(CPU single thread performance, GPU performance, Disk speed, etc.) Adding NVMe drive only improve the Read/Write speed of files into and out of the Mac, but not adding RAW processing power.
3. So why bother upgrading it to NVMe and all these hassles?
What we are showing here proves that these methods of extracting PCIe lanes are possible, and we can apply the same concept to all newer expensive and sophisticated Macs. Would you start this project with a 2000USD Machine? of course not. And it's really interesting to see what these old machines can still do after upgrading it with new hardwares.
4. Will this modification beats the M1 Macs?
Yes, and no. Depends on your perspective. Overall performance - in some areas yes, but overall of course not. Longevity and maintenance - nailed it!
Stay tuned for more interesting projects for your Mac! Hope you guys enjoyed this video, and thanks for watching!
You want us to solder/install it to your MacBook?
Contact our email at [e-mail] or FaceBook at / logicboard.macbook

[@MrPnew1]

I somehow missed this until now Mat. Fantastic engineering again and very well made video. You are a real asset to the repair community

[@iBoffRCC]

As always, thank you Peter! :)

[@fuleo]

This is a true gem level tutorial video on any old unused MBP. Clear-cut explaination.

[@Jushwa]

WOW I never thought this would be possible I am blown away this is awesome.

[@PhuketMyMac]

I missed that video for some reasons. You guys are really the Mac hackers! Love that content. We need more please.

[@marserik9648]

amazing work..it will make old mbp 2012 back to live again

[@fickitonetime]

Amazing job and good explanation of what is needed.

[@izzzzzz6]

Initially this might make finding the spare part i need difficult but i'm sure the failed projects will soon be on resale for spares. Nice! I am tempted to give this a go. I was going to fit 2x ssd working in alternating sequence

[@d3adm3a78]

Man, you are good. I'm impressed one can do this.

[@hardwareful]

* perhaps cover the polymer electrolytic capacitors with Kapton tape to shield them from direct hot air * instead of soldering fine jumper wires, get yourself some 0R resistors. These are really cheap and can be soldered without danger of damaging the PCB.

[@iBoffRCC]

Yeah in our written guide we did mention it. Its a good idea and faster actually

[@rachelbolyard1527]

Unbelievable how sought after and respected these old MacBookPro models are! Just amazing how much life these machines had built into them. Apple stopped innovating after Jobs’ death. Then, Ive was able to run amok and put form before function. While the new Pro models have ports again, they’re not expandable, and that M1/M2 chip makes them incompatible with Intel. I have used Mac computers for decades, but sadly, I see no future for me with this new chip family. I bought a loaded iMac based on an i9, and I reckon this is going to need to last as long as it takes for Apple to re-release an Intel compatible machine. That wait, may be terminal.

[@user-jt6xh2ln9z]

meanwhile my old M1 mac mini runs circles around that i9 iMac with 23 degrees CPU temperature. The new m2 Pro is in an entirely different league altogether. You are delusional if you think apple is ever going back to these power hungry, inefficient furnaces from intel. What do you even mean, when you say "incompatible with intel". Intel what? Washing machines? dryers? What would they need to be compatible with that intel produces?

[@rachelbolyard1527]

@@user-jt6xh2ln9z what do you do, daily, that requires your computer to “run circles”? In a benchmark battle your Mini may shine, but this is the real world. I bought my current Mac, because of its screen more than anything, a 5k unit with an anti glare application. Then, there’s the “other stuff”, that your new Mini, will never have. Is your processor socketed? Does your Mini support 256GB of RAM? Is your RAM replaceable? Does it have a separate, replaceable SSD? My iMac has a real, separate graphics chip with its own, dedicated 16GB of RAM too. The i9, wasn’t a furnace in this generation. It had a reasonable TDP. Yep, Intel lost the plot, but AMD is still happily churning chips at ~100W TDP. The RAM alone that my machine supports, means your Mini is left wheezing, using SSD swap space, in any actual workflow. Your Mini is great for surfing the Web, I’m sure, but so is my iPad. Y’all that heap praise on these Mx chips, must not have been through the PowerPC years? Apple sold computers then, based on specs and benchmarks. You may find some of those “I’m a Mac, I’m a PC”commercials archived here on KZbin. Apple nearly went bankrupt because of it. Phones and pads will keep Apple afloat this time, sure. The Mac, however, with its closed architecture, is now a non start for all of the purposes that having x86 onboard was a win. Everything from cheap AF DRAM to BootCamp, are out the window. This is NOT the win you think it is. I give Apple a decade on this fool’s errand, before they’re back to x86, hopefully paired with AMD this time around.

[@bufordmaddogtannen]

A silly question. Since you are removing the thunderbolt chip, do you lose the thunderbird port as well?

[@feleitks]

instead of jumper wires, can you use 0 ohm SMD resistor? as in to replace the AC coupling capacitors

[@idgamingfederation202]

any information on mail in service for the X - GPU Riser + Distribution Board + NevBolt-2 mod? got a mid-2012 15" MBP and would love to get this done but I'll never be able to do the mod myself.

could you instead of puting in an NVME drive, make a thunderbolt 3 upgrade kit? I'm pretty sure its possible though you might need to steal USB from a nearby port.

[@iBoffRCC]

its possible, but it would require the users to buy another TB3 card like the Titan Ridge that will cost more

[@vladnedelea05]

Awesome video. would something like this work for a 2013 early macbook pro model? What would my options be for upgrading SSD in this model?

[@EdvinDzafcic]

This is brilliant, and 10/10 skill 😁 bravo.

[@lorenzo8815]

Lo necesito lo necesito para mi MacBook Pro tengo el mismo modelo con un ssd sata , siento que aún se puede sacarle máximo provecho a ese maquinon a pesar de ya tener 11 años no se rinde jamás !!! Lo tengo actualizado a Ventura y funciona de lujo

[@therealdjap]

You are amazing at what you do. I wish you could make a titan ridge work without softboot or opencore.

[@Remontapple]

great video now it remains only to install the display on it from retina A1502, do you have such a video on your channel?

[@Doyle69]

instead the 0.1 copper wire, could you bridge them instead?

[@MrQuazar]

When nothing to do) may be better replace HDD on SSD sata?

[@StarfilmerOne]

10:08 * avoid running wire next to bridges BCS short* meanwhile wire tocuhed this coil thingy : Edit: I love this shit, this is the kind of computer prn which should be way more common, imagine a world where you could use your old device and upgrade some basics instead of just buying new iphone. Love the content keep it up to.

[@omo2042]

Are there any plans to restock the NevBolt-2?

[@a.a.6132]

The best way to force Apple to stop soldering hard drives and memory to the motherboard is to boycott Apple computers. One year is enough to teach them a lesson they will never forget.

[@ozrob76]

This is as awesome mod 😎 Does macOS boot from the NVME drive without any issues?

[@supercrazymario404]

I wonder if this could be done on the 17" 2011 MBP especially since this could allow for replacing the failing GPUs with eGPUs that work way better or at least allowing those machines to have the ability to use NVMe SSDs and allow for building the ultimate Snow Leopard MBP. It would also be cool if this could potentially allow 2012 MBP Retinas with SATA based slots to use actual PCIe SSDs like their successors and also allowing L2013/2014 MBPs to use PCIe 3.0 rather than 2.0 by bypassing the PCH which I found on the schematic the 2015 models do by connecting directly to PCIe on the CPU rather than the PCH. It might not be too difficult as it would simply require some rewiring based on the boardview and schematics though it depends on if the connection points exist

[@iBoffRCC]

We did that already. It was installed by Dosdude1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKKViaCdqd9_e5I

[@matyev-hcuabg]

I didn't get why you soldered both 3v and ground wires to the same pad. I think yiu should explain this. On the next video I saw the seound end connected to the 3v and ground separately, so it must be shorted in this case.

[@xbox360Rob]

What tweezers are they? I want some.

[@axteriastudio]

Dude what is the cpu case series is there? 0:49

[@zeromant80]

Hi, regarding the A1286, when doing this modification (NevBolt2), is the dGpu (nvidia) disabled?

[@iBoffRCC]

Hi, no you dont have to disable NVIDIA GPU for NVMe nevbolt

[@MrPunklesam]

That's great ! Congrats guys! You know what would be so cool? To add a compatibility with airport card wifi AC on 1278 , did you think about it?

[@foxzerox1000]

what is the diffrence between Nev bolt-1 and Nev bolt-2 looking on your site, and im probably blind but i cant tell the diffrence?

[@iBoffRCC]

The difference is the small PCB adapter (nevbolt 1 vs 2) used to solder on the MLB. Everything else is the same thing Nevbolt 1 for a1278 Nevbolt 2 for a1286

[@rikei6843]

can this mod use internal Display-port?

[@andreameparishvili5468]

if only this existed for MBP 2018 and m1 that would be AMAZIN, heck i would buy like 40 of them!

[@wansonicful]

You made it looks so easy. I would love to have you do it for me. 😂

[@reznor2684]

Hi! Excellent work! Is there a kit for the 2011 A1286? Will it be possible to take advantage of the pcie lines of the HD6770 discrete gpu?

[@iBoffRCC]

Hi, dosdude already did the installation of the X-GPU. Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKKViaCdqd9_e5I

[@odder5154]

Can this work for a cellular modem?

[@azjeep26]

Great video and skill but wouldn't it just be better to carry a tb ssd?

[@Madhawa333]

Wow genius… Please add MacBook logic board repair videos.

[@wqatch]

Why do the coupling capacitors have to be bridged? Are they in the way of the board, or does NVME not need it at all?

[@iBoffRCC]

The bridged pads are simply replaced by the AC caps present on the NVMe PCB itself. And according to PCIe specifications, you only need it once not twice.

[@wqatch]

@@iBoffRCC Oh, that makes sense. Thanks for the clarification!

[@nicksome5238]

This may work for MacBookPro5,5?

[@easy4do]

Good jobs. thanks for video.

[@iBoffRCC]

Thanks for watching!

[@jackxu7226]

How can I up date ddr3L pc3L-12800s 1600 16gb*2（32gb）？？？

[@the.real.ipatch]

very impressive 👏👏👏👏

[@freetobe3]

If there's a way to replace the stock 2.5 inch tray with a proper NVME compatible board so CD Drive functionality remains I'll jump online to buy a 2012 in good condition, restore and upgrade it all, including doing the quad core swap. Have you heard of a modification to increase the display with a higher resolution? The MBA has a slightly higher resolution but the connector isn't compatible. A 2012 base model MBP upgraded with NVME support, quad core CPU, and a higher resolution and maxed out RAM is a dream, won't win any prizes in the gaming department but for anything else it'll be a rock solid device. I recently restored and upgraded a base model late 2011, my first and only laptop so far. Worth every penny.

[@bachtung136]

Good jobs, thanks you so much

[@iBoffRCC]

i'm glad you liked it!

[@middleagebrotips3454]

You call that intermediate skill level lol For the jumper bridging would it be better to solder on zero ohm resisters?

[@Sulphur_67]

for the coupling capacitors jumping wire, couldn’t solder be used imstead?

[@iBoffRCC]

yes, but we will provide 0201 inductors if you purchase the kit

[@MacSoundSolutions]

Well beyond my soldering skills but would love to have it done to my trusty 15 inch MBP mid 2012 non retina.

[@iBoffRCC]

hey, good to see you around Lansing McVickar :D

[@MacSoundSolutions]

@@iBoffRCC Love what you guys are doing really impressive. Subscribed and liked!

[@Shikworld]

At this moment I think the old MacBook pros 2012 are like Honda Cars, :D

[@asmrart6196]

I cant do this this so is their service available

[@mrjean9376]

Btw ini channel Indonesia atau Malaysia ya?

[@chrisoverton2759]

I understand the idea behind it, but what good do you get from adding SSDs and whatnot to a laptop that’s over 10 years old? I know they aren’t terrible, as the 2012 models iirc use sandy bridge and ivy bridge intel chips. What I’m wondering is what EXACTLY is the use case for this? The screens aren’t great, the batteries aren’t great, the cpu and (if you have a dGPU) gpu aren’t great, OS options aren’t great (unless you’re using Linux and you got one of these MBPs for free). Even in office work, I had to get rid of my 2015 MacBook Air because it just didn’t have enough performance for what I needed. What is the reason for all these “mods” (part swaps really)?

[@snoebay88]

Well,some of us don't have a spare grand or two lying around for a new macbook. I put a SSD and 16gb of ram in my 2012 MBP plus a new battery for under $150. Better than new now. Some of us don't need the horse power of a new machine.

[@chrisoverton2759]

@@snoebay88 I can understand replacing your hdd with an ssd, but wouldn’t it make more sense to get a usb3 external? I understand internal nvme Gen 3 ssds are much faster, but how well does it actually perform in real world use over an internal Sata ssd (outside of synthetic benchmarks)?

[@vincentmarchand9901]

Nice job. Why did you use wire for capacitor replacement instead of 0ohms smc resistors ? Should be less risky for the board...

[@iBoffRCC]

When this video was filmed, 0201 resistors with 0 ohm was quite hard to find from donors. There is a better replacement actually, its the 33ohm resistors, OR 1.8uH inductor with 0201 size

[@keybr5333]

After kernel panic i had to deactivate the grafics card on 2011 mbp i7 15", this could give me a second chance to go back to live even if the grafics card kexts are blocked?

[@iBoffRCC]

You really need to use the hardware bypass method, it will be a great machine after that

[@keybr5333]

@@iBoffRCC and how can i do it?

[@iBoffRCC]

@@keybr5333 something like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH3Ph2l-gK98o6c

[@jma7379]

Nice! Can you post some gaming benchmarks with the external gpu?

[@iBoffRCC]

we will post the benchmarks when the X-GPU is ready to release to end users.

[@alexchannel3187]

do you think something like this would be possible on a A1502 ?

[@iBoffRCC]

unfortunately, A1502 is very limited because of its lack internal pcie ports. but for A1398 2015 will be a great candidate

[@multiomer1997]

Someone any idea how this program or this file is called. 9:51 thanks for the incredible good tutorial. insane how hard this mid 2012 rocks better than nowadays macbook pro's

[@iBoffRCC]

Yeah, we still use the MBP 2012+ X-GPU RX6900XT for our 4K editing. BTW, the software is openboardview (free) or flexbv (paid)

[@lordwebster9353]

Are you able to use an external display after getting rid of thunderbolt

[@iBoffRCC]

Yes external display works

[@mrjean9376]

Anjrr mantapp bangg!! Dimana beli adapter custom nyaa?? Ini adapter impian saya bngt dulu, tapi dulu udh ngubek e-commerce gk yg sesuai ekspektasi

[@mrjean9376]

Btw ini channel Indonesia atau Malaysia ya?

[@qubitevo]

just wow

[@francoisrevol7926]

I wonder how long those electrolytic capacitors will last after having heated so much…

[@iBoffRCC]

Well to be honest we never encountered that specific electrolytic caps blown after such modification. And to be clear the heat exposure is supposed to be around 217C, which is the lead-free temperature that the factory soldered all those caps/components.

[@francoisrevol7926]

@@iBoffRCC probably not blow up, but this will probably shorten their lifespan a bit. I'd still put some protection on them if I had to do this.

[@iBoffRCC]

@@francoisrevol7926 yeah good idea

[@cmfad7427]

Genius from Malaysia gais

[@KekTekDe]

Wouldnt it be easier to just solder in 0R resistors? Soldering small wires is a pain in the butt

[@iBoffRCC]

Alternative for AC Coupling Capacitor replacement: 33 ohm resistor or 1.8uH inductor (size 0201)

[@andrewdupuis1151]

nice i have 2011 MacBook pro

[@SamoyedComputers]

Very awesome solution, but not for normal people

[@manobendro]

Can I use 0ohm resister instead of wire

[@iBoffRCC]

Hi there, yes actually it should be no problem. We use jumper wires because its usually free(no additional cost for techs)

[@wrxsubaru02]

Why not make an actual ribbon cable in your kit?

[@iBoffRCC]

so that it will be detachable, easy for servicing later

[@musiclibrary5440]

14:34 why did you solder both wires to it ??

[@iBoffRCC]

Hi, both wires are required to deliver proper amount of Amps to the NVMe, because we had tested - single wire is insufficient for power delivery. The return current( negative terminal) will be the IPEX cable itself.

[@musiclibrary5440]

@@iBoffRCC thank u that was exactly what i was wondering about

[@lukedavis436]

"This looks fun" *After watching* "nope......"

[@jaafarkassem6762]

your a genies

[@mohkamtalat9558]

17 inch late 2011 mbp anychance?

[@iBoffRCC]

Yes, 17inch 2011 need to use NevBolt-2. It has max speed of 1500rw

[@shamsalfaisal]

U were so lucky that those capacitors nearby didn't blow

[@DarthMansur]

Is it possible to install macOS on nvme?

[@iBoffRCC]

Yes no problem

[@DarthMansur]

@@iBoffRCC I can't work as a soldering iron. Is it possible to buy a ready-made motherboard from you with your components soldered? Mbp 13 mid 2012 a1278

[@mihaisl]

why ?

[@Kothamhomework]

I guess its better for cutting wire with nail cutter

[@cucunfery1927]

create content upgrade ram ddr3 MacBook pro 2012 to 32 gb

[@dc846]

Impressive, but a bit above my pay grade to attempt.

[@floridahummer]

if only Apple employed people like that can do the job and save people a fortune

[@christ2290]

If you remove the load switch, the NVMe SSD will be powered on 24/7 even if the laptop is asleep / turned off. If the battery has a charge or the laptop is plugged in, the NVMe will be on. While plugged in it may not be an issue, but on battery, it’ll drain the battery constantly.

[@iBoffRCC]

Do you even repair MacBook logicboard? Do you even know PP3V3_S0 is only turned on when the computer is wake? S0 state is a wake state. Check your facts

[@user-so7fk1rw2t]

Can windows be installed? Sound card is normal

[@maklogetrich2378]

catalina + mbr ntfs bootable win 10 usb should be fine

[@todornikolov7286]

Instead of using wire, you can use 0 Ohm resistors..

[@iBoffRCC]

we already stated in the video description you can use 1.8nH inductors or 33 ohm resistor of size 0201

[@ThisChannelHasBeenDeleted895]

There are 2 Solid state drives in that MacBook……

[@leechurn7758]

terbaek!!

[@Masso1973]

Difficulty “Intermediate”, uhuh

[@hdpebag4942]

abel and cain tu bukankah habil & qabil, anak kepada Adam A.S ? (ke saya je yg ter-over-thinking hahah)

[@iBoffRCC]

yeap, tetapi tiada kaitan langsung pun sebenarnya, its purely coincidence ;)

[@TedBackus]

mac owners go through SO much effort to make mac's decent, but there is a simpler answer, just buy a windows PC. if you MUST have macOS, then run a VM.

[@hexagonmagnetics569]

Macs don’t deserve any modding😂

[@winstonsmith935]

Brain surgery is easy compared to this

[@mayorplayz]

Why are you pimping this 11 year old machine which is basically e waste cuz its so darn slow now lol

[@Perfect_Creation]

Love u Brooo 🥰 thanku