Quite a lot of work: First MacBook Neo with 1 TByte SSD
The SSDs that Apple ships with the Neo are only 256 or 512 GByte. Upgrading is difficult due to soldered NAND modules. But it's possible.
MacBook Neo with 1 TByte
(Image: DirectorFeng / YouTube)
A Chinese electronics YouTuber who primarily specializes in repairing mobile phones has demonstrated that the integrated SSD of the MacBook Neo can indeed be upgraded. Apple currently ships its entry-level notebook ex-factory only in variants with 256 GByte (699 Euros) and 512 GByte (799 Euros). The NAND modules are also soldered firmly to the mainboard, meaning an upgrade by purchasing additional memory cards and simply swapping them is fundamentally not possible. Only a labor-intensive “Brute Force” approach helps: desoldering the old NANDs and soldering in new modules.
Desoldering and installing the new NAND
The latter is now shown by DirectorFeng's channel, as the fine motor expert based in Hong Kong calls himself. In the nearly 24-minute-long video, a speed test is first conducted to show how fast the standard modules are, then the computer is disassembled (which is fortunately quite easy), and the removal of the very small mainboard begins. All important components, such as the A18 Pro chip (with integrated RAM) and the NAND chips, are located on this.
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To access the modules, a thermal conductive foil must first be removed, including thermal paste on the A18 Pro (which must be reapplied later). Then the NAND module is desoldered, in this case, one with 256 GByte. After cleaning and applying flux, a new 1-TByte NAND is soldered in, for which a special machine is also required.
DFU Mode and Speed Test
To make the new 1-TByte NAND usable for macOS, another Apple device is finally needed to write the necessary operating system and firmware components to the NAND via the so-called DFU mode. After reassembly, the 1-TByte module even achieves slightly higher speed values than the 256-GByte variant ex-factory. macOS apparently runs without problems as before.
The modification naturally results in the loss of warranty or guarantee for the MacBook Neo. Furthermore, one must find both a suitable NAND module and a capable repair service provider who can perform the resoldering process flawlessly. However, such actions are by no means new. For the Mac mini, there have also been successful resoldering attempts; moreover, modules from third parties are now offered for it, as they can be installed relatively easily.
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