SSD doesn't work anymore (after I tried upgrading it)

[feklee]

The machine is a MacBook Pro 13" late 2012 (Model: A1425, Order: MD212). I tried upgrading the original 128GB SSD with a 500GB Samsung 860 EVO connected with an mSATA adapter (NewFrog product ID 79094). Issue:

The MacBook did not boot from the new Samsung SSD. After swapping back in the original SSD it doesn’t boot either.

Fortunately:

The machine can still be booted via USB from the Samsung SSD in a USB-SSD adapter: Prior to the upgrade, I copied the entire system over using Carbon Copy Cloner.

Details:

• I created a Time Machine backup. So in case both SSDs fail, at least no data is lost.
• I precisely followed instructions from a YouTube video: How to Upgrade the SSD in a 13-inch MacBook Pro w/ Retina display (Late 2012–Early 2013) UPDATED
• During the process I opened and closed the machine several times.
• Every time, before touching the SSD assembly, I made sure that the battery is disconnected. In fact I put a piece of paper in between the battery connector and its receptacle.
• I carefully unplugged the fragile SSD connector using one of my finger nails.
• I avoided bending the cables, being fully aware that they’re fragile.
• The first time that I put the Samsung SSD into the adapter, I didn’t push it all the way in. (to my excuse: the adapter is simply too short)
• I always made sure that I was grounded.
• I’m in Berlin, Germany.
• If further diagnosis is needed: I do own a multimeter as well as a Hantek 6022BE USB scope.
• It’s the MacBook of my girlfriend. I’m a ThinkPad user since 2000 (only briefly owned the first Unibody MacBook Pro 15", bought in late 2008).

My thoughts:

• I read that the SSD cables in MacBooks are notoriously fragile. Possibly, the first thing to try is replacing the SSD cable (AFAIK 821-1506-B).
• In the worst case, when the Samsung SSD was not pushed into the adapter, a short was caused. Here I wouldn’t know what to do or how to diagnose the issue.

Any suggestions?

 

[feklee]

No Title

Photos of the first three times that I opened the machine. Afterwards, I put back in the original SSD, which – as mentioned – doesn’t work anymore as well. In fact, it is not detected after booting via USB.

 

[2informaticos]

You will need schematic and boardview of 820-3462 MLB.
Then need to measure around J4500 (SATA connector):

Look for power rails first, PP3V3_S0_SSD_FLT and PP5V_S0_HDD_FLT.

 

[feklee]

Thanks for your suggestions! I ordered a replacement cable now. Hope this does the trick.