MacBook Upgrade – SSD and RAM
Is your MacBook too slow or running out of storage space? We upgrade older Intel MacBooks with larger SSDs and additional RAM to keep you productive for longer.
Individual Combination: Hardware Upgrade & macOS Sequoia
We offer a custom combination of hardware upgrade, macOS Sequoia installation via OpenCore, and data migration. We determine whether this upgrade is worthwhile for your device in a free device check. You will then receive a tailor-made offer – you decide whether to proceed with the order.
Is a MacBook Upgrade Still Possible?
Technical improvements on MacBooks are only possible to a limited extent. Newer models from 2016 onwards can hardly be upgraded. However, for many MacBooks – especially those up to the end of 2015 – a significant performance increase through SSD upgrades or RAM expansion is still possible.
What is Still Possible with Newer MacBooks?
Current models such as the MacBook Air M1/M2 or newer MacBook Pro variants have permanently soldered components. Here we can only offer the following services:
- Battery replacement
- System reinstallation for improved speed
- Professional cleaning and thermal optimization
In rare cases of a defective SSD (e.g., total failure or faulty NAND), we also offer NAND repairs with an upgrade to larger capacities – for example, 2TB for MacBook Air M2 and comparable models.
MacBook SSD & RAM Upgrade (up to 2015)
Our most common upgrades:
- SSD installation for MacBook Pro & Air (up to 2015)
- RAM expansion on models with replaceable memory (up to early 2012)
- Data migration and system update included
Most upgrades are priced between €180 and €320.
Technical Background – Why SSD Before RAM?
The main bottleneck in older MacBooks is usually not the RAM, but the traditional hard disk drive (HDD). A modern SSD provides:
- significantly faster boot times
- faster program loading
- an overall smoother user experience
Installing an SSD is possible on almost all models up to 2015 and is the most important step in upgrading a MacBook.
Upgrade Table by Year of Manufacture
| Model | Year | SSD Upgrades | RAM Upgrades |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook | 2006–2011 | ✓ SATA-SSD | ✓ RAM up to 16GB |
| MacBook | 2012–2015 | ✓ PCIe-SSD | ✗ not expandable |
| MacBook | from 2016 | ✗ NAND repair only | ✗ soldered |
| iMac | 2007–2019 | ✓ SATA or PCIe-SSD | ✓ RAM expandable (up to 64GB depending on model) |
| iMac | from 2020 (M1/M3) | ✗ not possible | ✗ soldered |
| Mac mini | 2009–2012 | ✓ SATA-SSD | ✓ RAM up to 16GB |
| Mac mini | 2014 | ✓ SATA-SSD | ✗ not expandable |
| Mac mini | 2018 | ✗ soldered SSD | ✓ RAM socketed |
| Mac mini | from 2020 (M1/M2) | ✗ not possible | ✗ soldered |
Other Optimization Options
- macOS update
- Disable startup programs
- System and disk cleanup
- Use Safari instead of Chrome/Firefox
- Remove outdated software & Flash plugins
Who Benefits from a MacBook Upgrade?
Anyone who does not want to replace their MacBook but still wants to make it noticeably faster is better off with an upgrade than with a new purchase. Older devices in particular benefit enormously from modern hardware.
Conclusion
A MacBook upgrade is still worthwhile – even if the possibilities are limited with newer models. Our technicians have been upgrading everything from PowerMacs to Mac Pros for years. For all MacBook Pro & Air models up to 2015, we offer high-performance SSDs, RAM upgrades, and even NAND repairs. Always included: macOS update and data transfer.