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How to upgrade the firmware of PNY CS3030 SSD on my macbook pro?

Just replaced the original SSD with the new PNY CS3030 SSD, how can I upgrade its firmware on the MacOS?


I check the PNY website, but it only has the tool for Windows.


Thanks!

Posted on Aug 28, 2021 6:32 AM

Reply
13 replies

Aug 28, 2021 8:21 AM in response to justinwubo

...because the toolbox of PNY SSD is not compatible of the MacOS


When I worked in law enforcement, we called that a "clue."


The best SSD's for Macs seem to be from Crucial and OWC. Other makse ofter do tno work or do not work and ratd speed in Macs.


If you tell us what MacBook Pro sub-model you have, perhaps we can suggest another option. The SSD connector in Retina MacBook Pros vary with model year. Newer ones have non-upgradeable SSDs, so please do "About this Mac..." from your Apple menu and tell us what that shows for sub-model:



⚠️ For security reasons, please DO NOT show your serial number here.


Aug 28, 2021 8:50 AM in response to justinwubo

Well done. Thank you! It shows what we need, "Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015" Perfect.


Crucial does not show any options for your MBP model.


OWC does:


https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ssd/owc/macbook-pro-retina-display/2013-2014-2015


OWC is a U.S. based firm but has international partners: https://www.owcdigital.com/reseller/resellers


And I am VERY GLAD you posted the MBP model because that shows a major issue with the PNY device


Looking at the the OWC picture, the PNY will work. Look at the index slot position:



and compare that to the index slot position on the OWC model:



As a 15+ year customer of OWC and someone who's had to remove PNY RAM to get some Macs working, I trust OWC more than PNY.


Here is an image from another site that show connector variations in NVME M.2 SSDs:


So if you have already bought the PNY, return it. If not, look elsewhere.

Aug 28, 2021 8:19 AM in response to justinwubo

You just answered your own question.

PNY flashing software doesn't support macOS. That must be done in Windows.

Not sure if you can just plug it in a PC and update or if you'll need to format the thing so Windows can see it as a compatible drive or if it can be updated just by being recognized by Windows while still in APFS file format.


No matter the answer, just backup everything to another drive because the firmware update can erase the drive depending on the update, as says PNY itself https://www.pny.com/company/support/internal-ssd-firmware-updates

How to upgrade the firmware of PNY CS3030 SSD on my macbook pro?

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