Apple’s not getting my money - DIY Macbook Storage Upgrade
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Description
Step confidently into daily life with the ultra-light Vessi Pacific Sneaker. Vessi claims they are fully waterproof, and they come with a 1-year warranty with 30-days of worry-free returns. Get 15% off your first pair at vessi.com at checkout! Grab an exclusive LTT edition Carpio 2.0 wrist rest at go.deltahub.io Why pay Apple exorbitant amounts of money for storage when you can do it yourself, or hire a professional like Collin to do it for you? It takes some practice, but a lot of the steps are surprisingly easy. Just don't lose those 0201s...
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Check out Collin’s channel: @dosdude1 Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com ► GET OUR MERCH: lttstore.com ► GET EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ON FLOATPLANE: lmg.gg ► GET A VPN: piavpn.com ► SPONSORS, AFFILIATES, AND PARTNERS: lmg.gg Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. Affiliate links powered in part by affilimate.com Linus Sebastian is an investor in Framework Computer, Inc CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro 3:03 Tools and Prep 7:40 Removal Process 10:55 Cleanup 13:30 Installing Components 16:40 Prepping NAND 19:37 Installing NAND 21:05 DFU 23:00 Mac Mini Prep 27:30 NAND Prep 28:30 NAND Install 29:30 DFU 30:10 Conclusion 32:25 Outro
Apple’s not getting my money - DIY Macbook Storage Upgrade dives into the practical realities of upgrading storage on Apple silicon machines, challenging the notion that memory and storage must be soldered on. The host starts by outlining why Apple traditionally secures storage components to the motherboard and why that design choice complicates upgrades for users. He clarifies that while memory soldering has formal justifications, storage can be made modular, enabling upgrades at a fraction of the cost if you have the right skills. The video then introduces Colin from Doss Dude 1, who demonstrates the process of removing the original NAND and installing new ones, including the handling of underfill, heat management, and the protective steps needed to avoid damaging the SOC. The narrator emphasizes the educational value and the availability of parts from suppliers like AliExpress and traditional distributors, while also warning about the risks and required practice. Throughout, the tone is collaborative, practical, and focused on achieving a working upgrade while discussing broader themes like right to repair and the financial motivations behind Apple’s design choices. The chaptered format helps viewers follow the sequence: gathering tools, disassembly, underfill removal, NAND prep, reballing, soldering, and the DFU restoration to program the new NAND. The result is a compelling case study in DIY hardware hacking, highlighting both the potential savings and the meticulous, sometimes risky, craftsmanship involved in upgrading a MacBook’s storage. The video ultimately frames the upgrade as accessible to capable hobbyists or professionals, while acknowledging that not every attempt will be perfectly successful, and that some configurations may require alternative strategies or easier routes like hiring a professional. In closing, viewers are encouraged to explore more about the topic, see related projects, and appreciate the blend of technical skill and perseverance that makes this kind of right to repair work feasible.
Topics · technology · DIY · right to repair · electronics · hardware_hacking · macintosh
Questions answered
- What is the main reason Apple soldered storage to the motherboard in their devices?
- Apple soldered storage to the motherboard primarily to enable integrated hardware-level security and encryption, controlled by their secure enclave, and to optimize performance and space in compact designs.
- Is upgrading NAND on an Apple Silicon MacBook feasible for a typical user?
- Feasibility depends on skill and risk tolerance. The video demonstrates a capable, detailed upgrade with specialized tools, but emphasizes practice, precision, and the potential for damage if done without experience.
- What alternatives exist if you cannot upgrade the NAND yourself?
- Options include hiring a professional, or pursuing higher capacity configurations at purchase time, though the latter is often more expensive. For some models, external storage or networked solutions may be practical workarounds.
- What is DFU mode and why is it used in this process?
- DFU mode is a firmware update state used to program or restore the NAND and ensure the new storage is recognized and properly configured by the system.