Do I need an "upgrade Kit" or just the SSD for my MacBook Pro?

[Traverse]

Hi,

I have a 2011 MacBook pro 15" and I'm going to install a Samsung 840 series SSD in it. I've seen numerous videos and it seams simple. But..

Can I buy just the drive ($30 cheaper) or do I need the "upgrade kit"?

I was to make a bootable USB of ML and put the SSD fresh from the package into the Mac. Boot from the USB and then use the Disk Utility setup to format the drive and then install ML like I saw in the video.

Will the drive fit? Will I need a "bracket" or "kit"? I thought the SSD would just fit where the HDD is now if I transfer the screws.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Since the MBP uses 2.5" S-ATA HDDs and 2.5" S-ATA SSDs are the same size (though not often the same height, which can be ignored), no upgrade kit is required, as that is often used for putting a 2.5" SSD in a PC tower which normally only has 3.5" HDD slots.

Just make sure to get a 2.5" S-ATA SSD and all is well.

MacBook, MacBook Pro: Replacing the Hard Disk Drive, transferring data to the new HDD

the guide includes:

• 0. Identify your MacBook or MacBook Pro
• 1. Getting a new HDD
• 2. Guides to replace the internal HDD with a newer one
• 3. Transferring data from the old HDD to the new HDD
• 4. Using the optical disk drive (ODD) slot for placing an SSD or HDD inside the MB/P (OPTIBAY)

​

How to format a new HDD to install Mac OS X onto (or make a bootable copy onto)​

 

[Traverse]

Thanks!