Video demonstrates replacing the original soldered storage with a PCB with an M.2 connector.
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YouTube video demonstrates newly developed technology for replacing soldered storage modules on most modern MacBook Pro and other MacBook models — but upgrading is impractical and expensive.
YouTuber iBoff RCC, based in Malaysia, uses a video to show off a custom-made replacement mini PCB with an m.2 connector that is micro-soldered in place of the original storage modules that were removed. The snap-in component ordered from iBoff offers replacement modules with storage capacities up to 2TB.
The tricky part, which iBoff hopes you'll let them do rather than try to do it yourself, is to unsolder the original storage modules and remove them, then solder the replacement mini PCB board into those slots. This is mentioned but not shown in detail.
The video also talks about how the MacBook's battery must be disconnected from the logic board before replacing the storage modules, as it supplies some power even when the MacBook is off.
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Another tricky step after the update is complete is reconfiguring the MacBook model. Users who want to perform the repair themselves will need a second Mac on hand to use Apple Configurator to restore the updated MacBook.
Once the update is complete, however, the new storage modules behave identically to the original built-in storage. The company offers replacement NVMe adapters for various MacBook models and even one for the iMac for a modest price, but the adapters do not include the storage modules.
It also offers to do the heavy lifting for customers if they want, but at a significant cost — around $1,000, according to a commenter on the YouTube video. While the total, including shipping, is likely still less than the cost of replacing a MacBook Pro, the price of the full service will vary greatly depending on the level of storage upgrade the user wants.
In addition to promoting the company, upgrader iBoff is using the opportunity to argue that Apple could — if it wanted — offer MacBooks with user-upgradable storage slots that could be used to upgrade the machines after the AppleCare warranty expires. Such a move could also allow Apple service providers to offer the option.
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