This article covers トランセンドジャパン Transcend Mac専用SSD 480GB アップグレードキット MacBook Pro.

Overview

The Transcend JetDrive 820 TS480GJDM820 is a purpose-built SSD upgrade kit designed for a wide range of Mac models, including MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, and Mac Pro. With a capacity of 480GB, it replaces the original internal storage to boost speed and capacity. It uses an AHCI PCIe Gen3 x2 interface and delivers sequential read speeds up to 950MB/s and write speeds up to 800MB/s. This kit includes the SSD itself plus a set of screwdrivers (T5 & P5) for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, so you have all the tools needed to get started. Note that Mac mini and Mac Pro models require a separate driver tool. Compatible with macOS 10.10 and later, this upgrade dramatically improves boot times and application loading on older Macs. Positioned as a mid-range storage solution, it offers a cost-effective way to breathe new life into aging Apple hardware.

Compatibility Guide

This SSD is specifically designed for the following Mac models: MacBook Pro (Retina) 13-inch (Late 2013 – Early 2015) MacBook Pro (Retina) 15-inch (Late 2013 – Mid 2015) MacBook Air 11-inch (Mid 2013 – Early 2015) MacBook Air 13-inch (Mid 2013 – 2017) Mac mini (Late 2014) Mac Pro (Late 2013) The form factor is proprietary to these Macs; it will not fit standard M.2 slots. Be sure to verify your exact model before purchasing. Operating system requirement is macOS 10.10 or newer.

Product Info

The JetDrive 820 TS480GJDM820 is sold by Transcend Japan and has been on the market for several years, still widely available through retailers like . Pricing hovers around ¥29,980 (as of June 2026), and the SSD comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty. In terms of market positioning, it's a mid-range upgrade option. It's significantly cheaper than Apple's own higher-capacity replacements, and its 950MB/s read speed outperforms SATA SSDs, though it lags behind modern NVMe Gen4 drives. For compatible Macs, it remains a practical and affordable upgrade path.

Best Use Cases

Extending the life of an older Mac: If you own a 2013–2017 MacBook Pro or Air, swapping the internal drive with this kit provides a noticeable speed boost for daily tasks like booting, launching applications, and general multitasking. Budget-conscious creative work: For light photo editing or occasional video work, 480GB of fast storage is sufficient. You save money compared to Apple's original upgrade options while still getting solid transfer speeds. * Secondary Mac speed-up: If you use an older Mac as a secondary machine, this kit is an inexpensive way to make it feel snappier and more responsive. ## Alternatives
Direct competitors include OWC's Aura Pro series and certain Samsung kits (e.g., 860 EVO with Mac adapter). OWC products generally cost more but may offer slightly higher speeds (over 1000MB/s). Samsung kits often have narrower compatibility. The Transcend JetDrive 820 balances price and broad coverage, especially supporting MacBook Air up to 2017. However, if raw maximum speed is critical, you might find OWC's offerings more appealing.

Things to Consider

First and foremost, confirm your Mac model is on the compatibility list. If it isn't, the drive simply won't fit. Also, the included screwdrivers only cover MacBook Pro and Air; for Mac mini and Mac Pro you must supply your own. The 950MB/s read speed is a maximum theoretical value; real-world performance depends on the host hardware and software. It's much slower than current NVMe Gen4 SSDs, so if you prioritize speed over cost, a new Mac might be a better investment. Additionally, macOS Monterey and later have occasionally shown installation errors with third-party SSDs. Transcend provides workaround steps, but the process can be fiddly for less technical users. Finally, 480GB gets eaten up quickly by macOS and a handful of apps — if you work with large media files, consider whether this capacity is sufficient.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: トランセンドジャパン
  • Seller: Non Dual 本店
  • Fulfilled by: Amazon
  • ASIN: B075HBJPYF
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.