Our team is no stranger to complex data recovery challenges, but every so often, a case comes through our lab that pushes the limits of both technology and ingenuity. Recently, we received a MacBook Pro A2442, an uncommon configuration featuring the powerful M1 Max processor and a 2TB SSD. This particular model is rare, as, according to our technicians, most users opt for the 13-inch version with the M1 Pro, while the 16-inch versions with the M1 Max are less frequently encountered.

The client’s MacBook had been through a traumatic event: a severe car accident. When the device arrived, it was literally bent in half. The chassis, keyboard, trackpad, and display were all destroyed.

Even more concerning, the logic board, securely mounted inside the chassis, had sustained a significant bend but had not cracked. However, the internal PCB (printed circuit board) layers were damaged, especially in the “wing” area of the board, severing critical connections between the processor and other components.

At first glance, it might seem like a straightforward repair: straighten the board and move it into a new chassis. Unfortunately, the damage ran much deeper. The internal traces were irreparably broken, making standard repair impossible.

The solution for data recovery: chip swap

Even though repair was impossible, recovering the data from the MacBook is not. Our experts explain that in situations where the logic board is damaged beyond repair, but the chips themselves remain intact, the only viable recovery method is a chip transplant or “swap” to a fully functional donor board. 

Typically, donor boards are sourced from iCloud-locked MacBooks, which are unusable but valuable for parts. However, due to the rarity of this configuration, finding a matching donor was nearly impossible. Fortunately, our lab had a dead MacBook A2442 with the exact specifications, which had been set aside for over a year. After a quick repair, it became the perfect donor for this challenging MacBook data recovery case.

What is a chip transplant?

A chip transplant is a highly specialized process that involves desoldering critical chips from the damaged board and soldering them onto a donor board. The essential components include:

• SSD Set (at least 4 chips): These store the encrypted user data.
• Processor: The main logic unit that decrypts the SSD data; must be intact and functional.
• SEP ROM and SoC ROM SPI Flash: Store Secure Enclave Processor firmware and essential system firmware.
• Wi-Fi Module (optional): Hardware-bound to the processor but not required for data recovery if network access isn’t needed.

The data recovery process

To increase the chances of successful data recovery in this severely damaged MacBook, our technicians worked following a strict process, using state-of-the-art tools and an ISO 5 cleanroom.

The processes included the following steps:

1. Preparing the Donor Board:
   Remove the corresponding chips (SSD, CPU, SEP ROM, SoC ROM), then clean and prep the solder pads.
2. Preparing the Chips:
   Carefully desolder each chip from the damaged board, clean and reball them, and inspect for imperfections.
3. Transplanting the Chips:
   Precisely solder the chips onto the donor board, ensuring perfect alignment and connection.

If all steps are executed flawlessly, the MacBook should boot without any additional firmware or software modifications. In this case, our team succeeded. The device powered up, granting us full access to the client’s data. We immediately created a comprehensive backup, ensuring all precious files were safely recovered.

Why is MacBook data recovery so complex?

With modern MacBooks equipped with Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) or T2 security chips, direct access to the internal storage is impossible due to built-in encryption and hardware binding. The only way to recover data is to power up the board, even if only partially functional, so that the processor can decrypt the data. Not every function needs to work; we only require basic connectivity, such as USB-C ports, to extract the data.

This chip transplant was a 10 out of 10 in terms of difficulty, requiring about seven hours of uninterrupted, expert-level work.

High-security standards and unmatched expertise

No matter the damage, brand, or model, SalvageData’s team is ready to tackle even the most daunting data recovery challenges. Our commitment to out-of-the-box solutions and strict security protocols ensures that your data and memories are in the safest hands. Learn more about our certified data recovery standards and why you can trust us with your most important information.

If you’re facing catastrophic device damage or data loss, don’t give up hope. Fill out our online request form with your contact information, device type, and a brief description of the issue. After submitting, you’ll get clear instructions for sending your device to our lab for a free evaluation, no obligation required. Our team will review your case and contact you promptly with the next steps.