How to install an SSD to MacBook Pro (Early 2011)

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

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)

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

 

I have googled and followed several guides on this and there is an issue with every single one. People post `'google it`' etc but you do and there is a lot of discrepancy. I intend on doing a clean install to a 256gb gb M4 once I get some free time but thus far haven't been able to without having issues.

 

That would work, you can check System Preferences > Startup Disk to make sure though.

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Yes, that would work.

 

I did a CCC clone over to my OWC last year and it hasn't had a single problem, and benchmarks at the right speeds too. So go for it, if there are problems then do a clean install.

 

I think the mounting bracket is only needed if you want to put the SSD in the optibay. But I'm not sure.

 

Lowes sells a T6 (along with a few other sizes) driver for a little under 6 dollars. I just swapped mine out yesterday with the Crucial M4 128 gig, its like night and day difference

 

Just went for the 256gb, it's come down a crazy amount over the past week!

 

Yes, use Disk Utility and format it as "Macintosh Extended (Journaled)."

Then use Carbon Copy Cloner to copy your main drive into the SSD. Afterwards, swap the drives over and boot to confirm it works.

The first time after you clone the drive and try to boot from the new SSD, you may have to hold the "Option" key on your keyboard to choose the boot device (as your computer may search for the old boot disk still). After you have booted up, I recommend running Disk Utility again and repair disk permissions. Finally go to the System Preferences—>Startup Disk and select your new drive as the default boot volume. Reboot to confirm.

 

Not really. Torx screwdrivers shouldn't be that expensive, I got a set with ten different sizes for less than 10 € at something like Home Depot or can get a single sized Torx screwdriver for less than 5 € at a good sorted home improvement store.