Upgrade Help For Novice.

I have a early 2011 macbook pro 15' 2.2 GHz Intel Core i7 4GB 1333 MHz DDR3.

It is standard as purchased back in 2011.

It gets used a lot and I play steam games on it. I noticed that of recent, and since gaming more and using multiple applications, it is becoming more sluggish and quite loud.

Minimal research leads me to believe I need to upgrade my RAM to 2 x 8GB and to a 500GB SSD.

1. Are my presumptions correct (baring in mind I want it to be as fast as possible and last another 5 years minimum)
2. I know that the RAM change is easily done but does the SSD require a specialist to change and does this require further parts other than the SSD itself?
3. Are there any specific brands you can advise for or against?


Many Thanks

maflynn said:

yes, you can upgrade your MBP to 16GB and 500GB of storage


No you can do it yourself, check out ifixit.com, it details how to do this



Check out the SSD Buyers guide

Click to expand...

Thanks for the information. I did read that guide but when it gets down to whether my macbook is SATA 3GB or 6GB i honestly dont know, and it sounded a bit technical. I am self confessed to not know anything about my macbook pro technically so I need it in laymans terms really.

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Bruno09 said:

1. Absolutely.

2a. does the SSD require a specialist to change : NO
2b. does this require further parts other than the SSD itself : NO, but you will need a small Phillips screwdriver + a Torx 6 screwdriver.
See here : http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+15-Inch+Unibody+Early+2011+Hard+Drive+Replacement/5895

3. Are there any specific brands you can advise for or against?
Crucial and Samsung are great, I don't have tested other brands.

Edit : ninja'd !

To OP : you might all think SSD + HD if you don't use your Superdrive...

Click to expand...

Thanks very much, I was thinking Crucial for the RAM and I will read up on Samsung for the SSD! Thanks!

All sounds lovely and very technical haha