SSD 1TB NVMe Replacement for MacBook Pro Retina 13 A1708 - Fast

In this review of the 1TB NVMe replacement drive for the MacBook Pro Retina 13" A1708, the bottom line is simple: this drive is for owners of the late 2016 and mid 2017 non-Touch Bar 13" MacBook Pro who want a substantial speed and capacity upgrade without adapters. The reviewer found installation straightforward for those who first update macOS to include the required EFI firmware, and the drive delivers noticeably faster boot and file transfer times thanks to NVMe PCIe Gen3.0x4 performance.

Key Features

• Original interface compatibility: Fits A1708 MacBook Pro models using Apple original M.2 interface so no adapter is needed during installation.
• High transfer speeds: NVMe PCIe Gen3.0x4 with up to 2500MB/s read and 2000MB/s write speeds makes system boot and large file transfers much faster.
• macOS readiness note: Requires macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later to ensure the Mac has the EFI firmware update so the drive is recognized.
• Data integrity features: Includes ECC, garbage collection, bad block management and TRIM support to maintain performance and protect data over time.
• Thermal design: Intelligent temperature management and design reduce heat and help maintain sustained performance in laptop use.
• Warranty and support: Covered by a five-year warranty with technical support and pre-installed macOS for A1708 models to simplify setup.

Who It's For

This drive is aimed at owners of the MacBook Pro 13" A1708 (late 2016, mid 2017), EMC 2978/3164, who need a large-capacity, high-speed internal upgrade and who do not have the Touch Bar model. It is a good choice for creative professionals, students, and power users who want faster boot times and quicker file access without relying on external drives.

Users who should look elsewhere include owners of Touch Bar MacBook Pro models or Macs with mismatched EMC numbers, since the drive will not work unless the model and EMC match. Also, anyone unable or unwilling to update their Mac to macOS 10.13 or later beforehand should not expect the drive to be recognized.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Significant speed gains for boot and file transfers thanks to NVMe PCIe Gen3.0x4 performance.
• Plug-and-play compatibility with Apple original interface removes the need for adapters on A1708 models.
• Built-in reliability features and thermal management help protect data and sustain performance.
• Five-year warranty and pre-installed macOS for A1708 simplify support and setup.

Cons

• Requires macOS 10.13 or later (EFI firmware update); the drive will not be recognized on older OS versions.
• Compatibility is limited to specific non-Touch Bar A1708 EMC numbers; users must confirm their model before purchasing.

Specifications

Capacity	1TB
Interface	NVMe PCIe Gen3.0x4 (Apple original M.2 interface)
Read Speed	Up to 2500MB/s
Write Speed	Up to 2000MB/s
Compatible Models	MacBook Pro Retina 13" A1708 (Late 2016, Mid 2017) EMC 2978/3164, Non-Touch Bar
Data Protection	ECC, garbage collection, bad block management, S.M.A.R.T., TRIM
Warranty	5-year warranty

Our Verdict

The 1TB NVMe replacement for the MacBook Pro 13" A1708 is a strong value for owners of the specified non-Touch Bar models who want large capacity and much faster performance without adapters. With modern NVMe speeds, Apple-compatible interface, data protection features and a five-year warranty, it is a practical, cost-effective internal upgrade so long as the Mac is updated to macOS 10.13 or later first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this work in my MacBook Pro Touch Bar model?
No. This drive is for the non-Touch Bar MacBook Pro 13" A1708 (EMC 2978/3164) only and will not be compatible with Touch Bar models.

Do I need to update macOS before installing?
Yes. The Mac must be updated to macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later to install EFI firmware updates so the new SSD is recognized.

Is an adapter required for installation?
No adapter is required because the drive uses the original Apple M.2 interface for the specified A1708 models.