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Installing 1TB HDD into MacBook Pro

Ambrosia7177

Ambrosia7177

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Feb 6, 2016
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I would like to add a larger HDD to my laptop, but am concerned because apparently it is considered "ancient"!

According to "About this Mac", I have a MacBook Pro 9.2 with an Intel Core i7 and 2.9GHz processor. When I bought this in maybe 2013 I added in a 750GB Western Digital HDD.

Now I would like to have a HDD that is at least 1TB.

My concern is that I have a SATA II (3 Gb/s) interface, and some website said...
The only real issue will be the SATA interface speed. Most HD's today are SATA III (6Gb/s). Sorry to say these drive are to fast for your system. While they may appear to work the I/O difference will cause errors and will over heat your system as your system works overly hard to correct the errors (over heating it). The best thing here is to locate an older drive (SATA II) or make sure the drive you plan to get has a compatibility jumper and the supplier give you the needed jumper to lower the the SATA speed.
Click to expand...

I looked on NewEgg last night, and was having a difficult time finding any HDDs that were 1TB that were also SATA II.

Would appreciate some expert advice on this issue. I don't want to burn up my MBP or lose any data.

Thanks,


Larry
 
The interface on the SSD/HDDs will step down to SATA2 if thats all you have.
Why would you get HDD rather than SSD? Just being nosey
 
> The interface on the SSD/HDDs will step down to SATA2 if thats all you have.

Will any HDD work, or do I need to look for certain types?

My only requirements are 1TB in size and 7200rpm.


> Why would you get HDD rather than SSD? Just being nosey

Well, first it is easier for me to install a HDD. Secondly, I am still suspicious of SSD and their reliability. In my experience, you can usually better predict when a HDD is going to go, but I have lost hundred and thousands of pictures on my digital camera with Flash memory card that should have been in good shape. So I don't really trust SSD.
 
Should be the same from an ease point of view - same connector on both.
Yes, its a feature of the interface, it will step down to the slowest speed.
 
AFEPPL said:
Should be the same from an ease point of view - same connector on both.
Yes, its a feature of the interface, it will step down to the slowest speed.
Click to expand...

I am still not finding anything at NewEgg.

What is the largest height I can install. I thought it had to be 9.5mm.
 
You'll struggle to find 7200RPM 2.5 drives.
Seagate stopped making them about 2 years ago.

I can see some HGST ones on amazon UK.

You can always get a 5400 or a SSD and backup to an external device.
MTF for SSD is very high, and you shouldnt be worried.
 
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CoastalOR said:
Yes. I have and use the first linked HGST in my post and it is a $10 cheaper at Amazon. The Newegg seems about the same.
Click to expand...

What are your thoughts about the stability of larger 2.5" HDDs? Someone said I should get a 2TB, 3TB, or 4TB HDD!!

You can never have too much storage, but if you lose everything, then it doesn't do much good. Also, I can see myself getting a new MacBook Pro later this year and switching to SSDs once I thoroughly understand them better.

So I just need something reliable and stable to last me through this year, and I think an extra 250GB should do.

But I am always open to suggestions.

Sincerely,


Larry

P.S. I like your avatar!! :)
 
Texas_Toast said:
What are your thoughts about the stability of larger 2.5" HDDs? Someone said I should get a 2TB, 3TB, or 4TB HDD!!

You can never have too much storage, but if you lose everything, then it doesn't do much good. Also, I can see myself getting a new MacBook Pro later this year and switching to SSDs once I thoroughly understand them better.

So I just need something reliable and stable to last me through this year, and I think an extra 250GB should do.
Click to expand...
I have no experience with 2.5" HDDs larger than 1Tb. It seems that the 1 Tb drives are inexpensive and proven. I agree that more storage is good, but since you are getting a new MBP soon, then I'm not sure if it is worth the extra money for a older MBP that may not be used much (you did not say what will be the fate of the old MBP and how it might be used).
 
CoastalOR said:
I have no experience with 2.5" HDDs larger than 1Tb. It seems that the 1 Tb drives are inexpensive and proven. I agree that more storage is good, but since you are getting a new MBP soon, then I'm not sure if it is worth the extra money for a older MBP that may not be used much (you did not say what will be the fate of the old MBP and how it might be used).
Click to expand...

Just ordered two HGST Travelstar 2.5" 1TB HDDs from B&H. One for my MacBook Pro and one for weekly backups.

What will happen to my current MBP? No sure. I'll keep it and use it for something else besides my primary work computer.

Thanks for the help everyone!


Larry
 
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