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Macbook Pro - Can I Upgrade The HD?

L

Lithium.

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Hey 🙂

I'm thinking about buying a Macbook Pro (when the new ones come out) and I was wondering about upgrading the hard drive.

I assume the design will be the same as the current gen MBPs so would it be possible to swap out the old HD for a SSD one later down the road?

Thanks!
 
Just make sure you aren't voiding any warranty by doing so. But yes, it's possible to take apart a Macbook Pro and replace the hard drive.
 
Many partner shops will even do it for you (including OS X Setup) in case you buy the new MBP and the new SSD from them. I guess it will even be cheaper than buyng separately.
 
KingYaba said:
Just make sure you aren't voiding any warranty by doing so. But yes, it's possible to take apart a Macbook Pro and replace the hard drive.
Click to expand...

voiding a warranty only happens when you break something. I would STRONGLY recommend a computer screw driver set and be patient and lay everything out in the same way it came out. Very easy. While transferring my new ssd I took it in and out 3 times in a matter of minutes.

its a good thing to be able to do as the prices for doing this are really inflated
 
To the OP, make sure to buy the special hex screwdriver. You'll have a tough time without it. Once you have the right tools just follow the iFixit video. Changing the HD is very simple.
 
I upgraded mine, works great

It was pretty easy. I got this one: Hitachi 500 gig 7200
Nice and quiet and runs fast. Don't notice any excessive heat either.
I watched the instruction video on Macsales.com for switching out the HD. The ONLY thing that made me nervous was the first screw. It is TIGHT and if you strip it, then you are screwed (literally). I remember stripping out a few screws on my old 12" powerbook and I messed up the chance to switch out the HD and upgrade ram.
Make sure you have the proper tools and press down firmly when unscrewing. That is my 2¢
🙂
 
I asked this question of an Apple Rep and was told that I could not upgrade my hard drive. I followed up by asking how I could replace the hard drive if it failed, to which I was informed that an Apple Care rep would assist me since Apple does not sell hard drives.

Seems like a load of baloney if you ask me. I would also like to upgrade my RAM, but of course was told that only Krusty Brand (Apple) RAM would be covered by my warranty.

What's the deal with Apple anyways? Seems like anytime you want to do anything to any of their products, you are required to use their parts and service people or else its like "crossing the streams" (i.e. Ghostbusters)

Thoughts?
 
mdatwood said:
To the OP, make sure to buy the special hex screwdriver. You'll have a tough time without it. Once you have the right tools just follow the iFixit video. Changing the HD is very simple.
Click to expand...

You don't need the hex tool to swap the hard drive or the Optibay out. I know, as I've done both.

Regards,
 
cobalt79 said:
I asked this question of an Apple Rep and was told that I could not upgrade my hard drive. I followed up by asking how I could replace the hard drive if it failed, to which I was informed that an Apple Care rep would assist me since Apple does not sell hard drives.
Click to expand...

Sounds like somebody was trying to sell you an expensive BTO option. I ordered a 13" unibody MBP over the phone and the rep tried to sell me a BTO too. I said thanks just the same and told her I could upgrade it myself at a much lower price. She then told me I would void the warantee. I still declined on the BTO. When my unibody arrived, I found that the manual actually includes instructions for changing out the HDD. Yes, I mean the manual that came in the box with the computer.
 
cobalt79 said:
I asked this question of an Apple Rep and was told that I could not upgrade my hard drive. I followed up by asking how I could replace the hard drive if it failed, to which I was informed that an Apple Care rep would assist me since Apple does not sell hard drives.

Seems like a load of baloney if you ask me. I would also like to upgrade my RAM, but of course was told that only Krusty Brand (Apple) RAM would be covered by my warranty.

What's the deal with Apple anyways? Seems like anytime you want to do anything to any of their products, you are required to use their parts and service people or else its like "crossing the streams" (i.e. Ghostbusters)

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

They are trying to protect themselves from idiots who don't know what they are doing upgrading with wrong parts, messing up the computer and then taking it to apple for a replacement.
 
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