Macbook Pro Install Ssd

Many of us still use 13-inch MacBook Pro laptops. If you also have one, and you want to get more from it, it is possible. Using a simple procedure, you will not only extend the life of your laptop, but also make it faster. To do this, simply replace the standard hard drive with an SSD drive, and below we will tell you how to do it.

Even if you bought yourself an old laptop to save money, it’s worth the expense of installing an SSD, because it’s worth it. After that, the laptop will work much faster.

Different 13-inch MacBook Pro models have the same design in terms of assembly. Here is a list of models for which our manual is suitable:

  • MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid-2012)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, late 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch Early 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid-2010)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid-2009)

The characteristics of all these models are different, but their assembly is the same enough to use this instruction. Replacing a standard hard drive with any 2.5-inch SATA SSD should be easy.

If your Mac still has a standard HDD, it’s time to replace it. for SSDs have plummeted over the past few years. Now installing an SSD is so profitable that you can not do it. over, you can do it yourself with just a couple of tools.

What do you need

  • 5-inch SATA SSD (for example, 480 GB Kingston A400).
  • SATA / USB cable or adapter adapter.
  • PH-000 and T6 Torx screwdrivers. These can be found in many MacBook Pro repair kits, like this.

When you have everything you need, you can proceed to the instructions. However, do not forget about insurance.

Back Up Your MacBook Pro

Before you begin the process, back up your data to your MacBook Pro. This can be done quite easily with the help of Time Machine. Later, you can easily restore data from a copy of Time Machine to a new hard drive.

Format SSD and transfer files

To get started, connect the SSD to your Mac using a SATA / USB cable.

1) Open folder Utilities on your Mac.

2) Now open Disk utility.

3) Click the SSD icon, and then click Erase. Format, select APFS for macOS 10.14 Mojave and newer, for other versions. Mac OS Extended (journaled). Also select a GUID Partition Scheme. Click again Erase.

4) Turn off your MacBook Pro, and then start it by holding down the key Option. Your Mac will start in recovery mode.

5) Select Reinstall macOS. Now select your SSD drive.

6) When the reinstallation is complete, you can transfer files to the drive from a standard hard drive. The process can take quite a long time.

When the files are transferred, turn off your Mac. We proceed to install the SSD.

Eject a hard drive

Check again that the laptop is turned off. Unplug it from the power source. Now turn the laptop over and lay it on the table. Try to work in good lighting.

1) Remove the 10 screws holding the bottom of the MacBook Pro with a PH000 screwdriver. Do not lose the screws, you can put them in some small box. It is better to lay them out in the same order in which you twisted them, so as not to get confused later. A few screws are longer than the rest and are not suitable for every hole.

Macbook Pro Install Ssd

2) Remove the lower case. The hard drive is in the lower left corner. It is held by a plastic panel screwed by two screws. Unscrew this panel.

3) Carefully remove the hard drive. Carefully unplug the SATA cable without using too much force.

4) There are four screws on the hard drive that hold it in the case. Unscrew them with a Torx screwdriver. Then screw the screws into the new SSD drive.

Great job! Paul done.

Install a new SSD

Now you need to install a new SSD and return everything as it was.

1) Carefully connect the SATA cable to the SSD and place the drive in the MacBook Pro.

2) Screw back the plastic panel holding the hard drive.

3) Now fasten the bottom panel of the MacBook Pro with those 10 screws.

That’s all! Your SSD is ready to use. You can turn on your MacBook Pro. If everything went well, the laptop will turn on as usual, but much faster.

Solution of problems

Does your Mac not turn on? Apparently, something went wrong. In this case, go to the solutions below.

  • Disassemble the laptop case again and check that everything is assembled correctly. The cable may not be tightly connected. Maybe you damaged it in the process. Check all the parts properly.
  • Try turning on your Mac by holding down the keys commandR. Recovery mode is activated. Launch Disk Utility and select the First Aid option. Perhaps she will find a problem.
  • The hard drive you removed should still work. You can use the SATA / USB cable to connect the ejected disk to the laptop. Then turn it on by holding down the key Option. Select a hard drive and boot it. The process will be slower, but then you can run Disk Utility and find out what the problem is.

If everything went well, we have one more tip on how to make your MacBook Pro even more powerful.

Update RAM on your MacBook Pro

When you replace the hard drive with an SSD, the laptop will start to work much faster. You can also replace the laptop’s RAM. Most older models have only 4 GB of RAM, if not less. It can be upgraded to 8 GB or even 16 GB.

By adding RAM and a new SSD, you can make your 13-inch MacBook Pro much faster and more powerful. It will start quickly, programs will open instantly, and you can work with heavier files. In addition, the laptop will run quieter. Isn’t it great?

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