Hi all, I have recently noticed my 2012 MBP is always a few seconds behind when typing and when I play videos via VLC that it can play fine for a while then start freezing and stuttering. If I play the same video directly from a USB it plays fine. I have reinstalled the OS a number of times including High Sierra and Catalina but its always the same. Do you think my HDD is on its way out?
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Hard drive failure?
- Thread starter Shanea
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Install DriveDx and check for errors if you suspect drive failure or issues:
https://binaryfruit.com/drivedx
https://binaryfruit.com/drivedx
It could be the disk itself, but the 2012 MBPs are notorious for having problems with the cable that connects the disk to the computer. I would probably install an SSD and replace the cable.
Do not believe so for "normal" failure, but would check the health indicators. If any of the status percentages are not green or not near 90%+ (aside from low temp) those could provide info. Just make sure ANY TYPE and ANY STATUS are selected at the top.
It could be the ribbon cable, or it could be the HDD.
The only way to "test for" the ribbon cable problem is to take the HDD OUT OF the MBP, and connect it via USB3. If it boots right up and "runs clean", then that will point to the cable.
If the MBP is in good shape, and if you want to keep using it for a few more years, you might consider replacing the cable AND the drive at the same time. You'll need a Phillips #00 driver and a TORX T-6 driver. You can go to ifixit.com to see their guide on how to do it. It's VERY easy.
Buy an SSD and replacement cable and install them. You don't need "the fastest" SSD -- I'd buy for price. Crucial or Sandisk.
You might also consider getting one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Tool-free-Enclosure-Optimized-EC-UASP/dp/B00OJ3UJ2S/ref=sr_1_3?crid=39WYJU0LEGIFM&keywords=usb3+2.5+drive+enclosure&qid=1574435863&sprefix=usb3+2.5,aps,137&sr=8-3
You can use it to "prep and test" the SSD before you open the MBP.
After the drives are swapped and you are confident things are going well with the new SSD, you can then erase the HDD, test it with disk utility, and if it looks ok put it into the enclosure for use as general storage or perhaps a backup.
The only way to "test for" the ribbon cable problem is to take the HDD OUT OF the MBP, and connect it via USB3. If it boots right up and "runs clean", then that will point to the cable.
If the MBP is in good shape, and if you want to keep using it for a few more years, you might consider replacing the cable AND the drive at the same time. You'll need a Phillips #00 driver and a TORX T-6 driver. You can go to ifixit.com to see their guide on how to do it. It's VERY easy.
Buy an SSD and replacement cable and install them. You don't need "the fastest" SSD -- I'd buy for price. Crucial or Sandisk.
You might also consider getting one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Tool-free-Enclosure-Optimized-EC-UASP/dp/B00OJ3UJ2S/ref=sr_1_3?crid=39WYJU0LEGIFM&keywords=usb3+2.5+drive+enclosure&qid=1574435863&sprefix=usb3+2.5,aps,137&sr=8-3
You can use it to "prep and test" the SSD before you open the MBP.
After the drives are swapped and you are confident things are going well with the new SSD, you can then erase the HDD, test it with disk utility, and if it looks ok put it into the enclosure for use as general storage or perhaps a backup.
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I had the cable failure and symptoms were: machine freeze and hdd not detected at boot.