Crowdfunding project: Retrofit SSD bar for the Mac Studio
Apple still does not allow users to upgrade their Mac Studio workstation with new SSDs. This is now set to change with user help.
Studio Drive prototype still without memory: An attempt to outsmart Apple.
(Image: Polysoft Services)
Professional computers are usually characterized by the fact that they can be upgraded at a later date. This is not the case with Apple's compact workstation, the Mac Studio: neither RAM nor SSD can be changed at a later date, the hardware always remains as purchased. While this is unlikely to change for RAM due to the SoC design, the situation could improve for SSDs. This is because the integrated flash memory in the Mac Studio is not soldered. However, Apple has built in hurdles that initially prevent third-party SSDs. A new crowdfunding project is now trying to change this.
Ready-made modules or NAND for soldering
On Tuesday, the creators of Polysoft Services were able to exceed their funding target of 18,900 euros for the so-called Studio Drive – with only 25 supporters so far. The Kickstarter project still has one month to go. The finished SSDs to be sold could contain up to 8 TByte (then in the form of two SSD cards). For early bird buyers, prices range from 399 euros (2 TByte) to 899 euros (8 TByte). The necessary board can also be purchased for 149 euros, but the NAND flash memory still has to be soldered onto it – This is only for (far) advanced users.
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To develop the Studio Drive, Polysoft Services first reverse-engineered an Apple SSD. The well-known hobbyist Dosdude1 was also involved in the project. The NANDs used are TLC bars from Kioxia and Hynix. Polysoft Services itself was once an Apple-approved service provider, but voluntarily left the program in 2022 to also offer board-level repair.
Long-standing repair company from France
There should be no problems with the serialization of the SSDs by Apple, and overvoltage protection has also been integrated to protect against data loss, which plagued earlier hacks of this kind. The project plans to deliver the first bars in January – of course completely outside Apple's warranty framework. Installation is relatively simple for experienced hobbyists and the necessary materials are supplied.
Polysoft Services emphasizes its own experience – the company says it has been in business for 40 years. Users of the previous prototypes have been satisfied and the SSDs have been running "for months" without any problems. Nevertheless, this is of course a major intervention in the system, which should be carefully considered for production Macs.
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