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Timetec 256GB MAC SSD NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 3D NAND TLC Read Up to 1,950MB/s Compatible with Apple MacBook Air (2013-2015, 2017), MacBook Pro (2013-2015), iMac (2013-2019), Mac Pro (2013), Mac mini (2014)
Timetec

Timetec 256GB MAC SSD NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 3D NAND TLC Read Up to 1

Bottom line: The Timetec 256GB MAC SSD NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 3D NAND TLC Read Up to 1: Rated up to 1,950MB/s sequential reads and 1,250MB/s writes; main trade-off: macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later must be installed before the swap.

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Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For SSDs and PC storage upgrades, synthesises manufacturer specs and independent reviews rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Rated up to 1,950MB/s sequential reads and 1,250MB/s writes
  • ✓ Fits 2013-2019 MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Pro and Mac mini models
  • ✓ Compatibility listed by EMC number, so you can check your exact Mac
  • ✓ NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 with 3D NAND TLC flash and TRIM support
  • ✓ Three-year limited warranty plus free US-based tech support

Cons

  • ✗ macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later must be installed before the swap
  • ✗ No Boot Camp support on MacBookPro11,1, MacBookAir6,1 or MacBookAir6,2
  • ✗ Screws, brackets, cables and tools not included
  • ✗ 256GB fills up fast once macOS, apps and a photo library are installed

Manufacturer description

The Timetec 256GB MAC SSD is an NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 drive for upgrading or replacing the original storage in Apple machines from 2013 to 2019. It uses 3D NAND TLC flash and is rated for sequential reads up to 1,950MB/s and writes up to 1,250MB/s. That makes it a practical way to extend the life of an older MacBook Air, MacBook Pro or iMac. Timetec lists compatibility by model year and by EMC number. Supported models are the MacBook Air (Mid 2013 to Mid 2017), MacBook Pro (Late 2013 to Mid 2015), iMac (Late 2013 to Early 2019), Mac Pro (Late 2013) and Mac mini (Late 2014). Check the EMC number…

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Timetec 256GB MAC SSD NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 3D NAND TLC Read Up to 1 using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the ssds & storage category. Timetec's ssds & storage lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for ssds & storage of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Timetec 256GB SSD fit my MacBook Pro?

It supports the Late 2013, Mid 2014, Early 2015 and Mid 2015 MacBook Pro. Supported EMC numbers are 2678, 2835 and 2875 for the 13-inch model, and 2674, 2745, 2876, 2881, 2909 and 2910 for the 15-inch model. Check the EMC number printed on the bottom case.

Do I need to update macOS before installing this SSD?

Yes. macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later must already be installed on the Mac before you put in the Timetec SSD. If it isn't, Timetec says the drive will not work properly.

Can I run Windows with Boot Camp on this drive?

Not on every model. Timetec says the SSD does not support Boot Camp on the MacBookPro11,1, MacBookAir6,1 or MacBookAir6,2. For other compatible models, check the product listing before you plan a Windows install.

How fast is this SSD?

Timetec rates it for sequential reads up to 1,950MB/s and sequential writes up to 1,250MB/s over an NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 interface. It uses 3D NAND TLC flash and supports TRIM.

What comes in the box, and what is the warranty?

The box contains only the NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 SSD. Cables, screws and brackets are not included. The drive has a three-year limited warranty with free technical support based in the United States.

Key Features

  • IMPORTANT NOTE: macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later macOS MUST be installed on the host computer before installing this Timetec MAC SSD. Otherwise, this new Timetec SSD will not work properly. This Timetec SSD is NOT compatible with Apple Boot Camp (Install a windows volume on that drive) on MacBookPro11,1 or MacBookAir6,1 or MacBookAir6,2.
  • Compatible with Apple model year: MacBook Air (Mid 2013 / Early 2014 / Early 2015 / Mid 2017), MacBook Pro (Late 2013 / Mid 2014 / Early 2015 / Mid 2015), iMac (Late 2013 / Mid 2014 / Late 2014 / Mid 2015 / Late 2015 / Mid 2017 / Early 2019), Mac Pro (Late 2013), Mac Mini (Late 2014)
  • Compatible with Apple EMC number: MacBook Air 11" (2631, 2924) / MacBook Air 13" (2632, 2925, 3178) / MacBook Pro 13" (2678, 2835, 2875) / MacBook Pro 15" (2674, 2745, 2876, 2881, 2909, 2910) / iMac 21.5" (2638, 2742, 2805, 2833, 2889, 3068, 3069, 3195) / iMac 27" (2639, 2806, 2834, 3070, 3194) / Mac Pro (2630) / Mac Mini (2840)
  • 256GB NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 3D NAND TLC SSD Designed for MAC Systems Sequential Read Speed up to 1,950MB/s and Write Speed up to 1,250MB/s; An industry-leading 1,500,000 hours mean time to failure (MTTF); Support TRIM command functions.
  • Included Contents: NVMe PCIe3x4 SSD (All Other Cables, Screws, Brackets Not Included); Three years limited warranty with free technical support service based on the United States.

Full Specifications

BrandTimetec
Voltage1.2 volts_of_alternating_current
RAM Size8 GB
Model Namef2218514-7ab4-4b72-b66f-a8f753347c44
Form FactorMac
Memory Speed2666 microhertz
Model Numberf2218514-7ab4-4b72-b66f-a8f753347c44
CompatibilityMac
Mfr Part NumberMAX-725
Number of Items1
Compatible DevicesMAC
Data Transfer Rate1960 megabytes_per_second
Additional FeaturesFor Mac
Computer Memory Size8 GB
Warranty DescriptionLifetime
RAM Memory TechnologyDDR4
Column Address Strobe Latency19
Global Trade Identification Number00765441345157
EU Spare Part Availability Duration3 years
Full listing titleTimetec 256GB MAC SSD NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 3D NAND TLC Read Up to 1,950MB/s Compatible with Apple MacBook Air (2013-2015, 2017), MacBook Pro (2013-2015), iMac (2013-2019), Mac Pro (2013), Mac mini (2014)

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Timetec 256GB MAC SSD NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 3D NAND TLC Read Up to 1,950MB/s Compatible with Apple MacBook Air (2013-2015, 2017), MacBook Pro (2013-2015), iMac (2013-2019), Mac Pro (2013), Mac mini (2014) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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