2014 Macbook Pro 15" 2.5ghz/512GB logic board failure...fix/sell for parts/other options?

[djake80]

So I've had this Macbook Pro since it was new in 2014. Love it, but the logic board just went out and it's going to cost $625 to fix. I'm not sure I'd want to do that so I have some questions:

1 - Is there any way I can pull the hard drive out and use it in another MBP like a 13" or even other computers, or are they generally not compatible that way?

2 - Can I take the SSD out and get all of the data off of it easily?

3 - If I fix it, I could only get like $900-$1000 max from what I've seen. Would it be worth more if I don't fix it and just sell the whole unit for parts? Price difference seems to be $275 - $375 max.

Any other tips or things I'm not thinking about? I'm not great with hardware so I apologize for what could be basic questions.

 

[09872738]

1 - yes. No big deal, just remove the back cover (10 screws) what gives you access to the SSD (1 screw).
2 - depends on the definition of easily. You'd need an adapter (not sure if something like this exists). Easiest option seems a second Macbook with same SSD interface.
3 - again, depends. If it is in really good condition I'd consider getting a mainboard off eBay/Craigslist/etc. Replacing is not that complicated to do, there is a good walkthrough on ifixit.

 

[smbu2000]

"2 - Can I take the SSD out and get all of the data off of it easily?"

Well you can take it out and use it in a similar year MBP or MBA. If you don't have another similar Mac to use it on, you can opt to get the OWC Envoy Pro usb3 enclosure for late 2013-mid 2015 MBPs.

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MAU3ENPRPCI
(That is the enclosure only link, but they also sell them with SSDs included.)

It is a bit expensive, but it does work. I picked up an open box one at a cheaper price from OWC last year and it's worked fine with all of the Apple pcie ssds that I've tried in it. (256GB/512GB and the current 1TB drive that I have in it.)
One bonus of having the enclosure is that you can keep that SSD in it after and use it as a relatively fast storage usb3 drive (after you get the data off).


If you do sell it for parts, then you might still be better off pulling the SSD from it as I'm sure all of your data is still on it, which you don't want to be sending off to somebody else.

 

[pshufd]

Once you get your old system/new system up and running, I recommend getting a Time Machine disk so that you can restore it quickly to another machine.

 

[09872738]

Indeed. One should always have some sort of backup. No backup is rightfully considered negligent these days ("No backup? No pity!"). No offence.