Putting a new SSD in a 2011 MBP

[Ben J.]

I just got a 13" MacBook Pro late 2011 for free, and I'll double the RAM to 8GB and I've ordered a WD Green 480GB SSD to replace the spinner. Just a couple of questions on the SSD as it's been some years now since I worked with macs as old as this.

I have High Sierra (last supported OS) on it, and I plan to duplicate the data to the SSD via USB before I install it.

Q: Any reason to not format as APFS? (Old mac, old OS…) Do I need to think about enabling TRIM?

(I once installed a SSD in a 2010 imac, and it screwed up the fans because the SSD had no connections for the temperature sensor cable. But the guides I've found on MBP2011 don't mention this issue at all, so I assume there is no temp sensor cable.)

TIA.

 

[Juicy Box]

Any reason to not format as APFS?

If you plan on ever using older OS versions that do not have support for APFS.

Do I need to think about enabling TRIM?

Yes!

Super easy. Just use terminal, there’s instructions that you can use over multiple websites, just search it on Google.

I once installed a SSD in a 2010 imac, and it screwed up the fans because the SSD had no connections for the temperature sensor cable. But the guides I've found on MBP2011 don't mention this issue at all, so I assume there is no temp sensor cable.)

i’m almost positive I didn’t have to put a temp sensor in my 17 inch late 2011 MacBook Pro.

 

[Ben J.]

If you plan on ever using older OS versions that do have support for APFS.

Thanks.
I assume you mean "…that do NOT have support for APFS."

 

[Juicy Box]

Thanks.
I assume you mean "…that do NOT have support for APFS."

Yes, sorry, I will edit it.

I’m not sure why, but when I type “don’t“ or “do not” on my iPhone, many times it changes it, I guess auto correct, removing the “n’t” or “not”.

I think I’m typing it in just a little tiny bit wrong, and auto correct thinks I meant “do”.

It is probably the most common typo I have on the forum.

 

[AlixSPQR]

I just got a 13" MacBook Pro late 2011 for free, and I'll double the RAM to 8GB and I've ordered a WD Green 480GB SSD to replace the spinner. Just a couple of questions on the SSD as it's been some years now since I worked with macs as old as this.

I have High Sierra (last supported OS) on it, and I plan to duplicate the data to the SSD via USB before I install it.

Q: Any reason to not format as APFS? (Old mac, old OS…) Do I need to think about enabling TRIM?

(I once installed a SSD in a 2010 imac, and it screwed up the fans because the SSD had no connections for the temperature sensor cable. But the guides I've found on MBP2011 don't mention this issue at all, so I assume there is no temp sensor cable.)

TIA.

”Any reason to not format as APFS?” No, APFS is superior.
”Do I need to think about enabling TRIM?” You can, if you want to: sudo trimforce enable in Terminal.
”I assume there is no temp sensor cable.” That is correct.
I also have a MBP Late 2011 13" with 8 GB RAM and a Samsung 860 SSD 250 GB. Works great. TRIM enabled.

 

[davidlv]

I just got a 13" MacBook Pro late 2011 for free, and I'll double the RAM to 8GB and I've ordered a WD Green 480GB SSD to replace the spinner. Just a couple of questions on the SSD as it's been some years now since I worked with macs as old as this.

I have High Sierra (last supported OS) on it, and I plan to duplicate the data to the SSD via USB before I install it.

Q: Any reason to not format as APFS? (Old mac, old OS…) Do I need to think about enabling TRIM?

(I once installed a SSD in a 2010 imac, and it screwed up the fans because the SSD had no connections for the temperature sensor cable. But the guides I've found on MBP2011 don't mention this issue at all, so I assume there is no temp sensor cable.)

TIA.

See this ifixit page, #3 is not really necessary.
Point is you need a #00 Phillips head screw driver, and a T6 Torx driver. Ifixit sells a toolkit, but you can find these tools at any good hardware store. Take your time, go slow and remember where each screw on the back goes. Watch 'em, they like to jump off the table and will try to hide in the carpet!
√https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Unibody+Late+2011+Hard+Drive+Replacement/7656

 

[Fishrrman]

Here's what I'd do (and yes, it does mean "waiting a little longer" to do the job):

Get an external enclosure like this:

SABRENT 2.5 Inch SATA to USB 3.0 Tool Free Clear External Hard Drive Enclosure [Optimized for SSD, Supports UASP SATA III] (EC-OCUB)

SABRENT 2.5 Inch SATA to USB 3.0 Tool Free Clear External Hard Drive Enclosure [Optimized for SSD, Supports UASP SATA III] (EC-OCUB)

www.amazon.com

(cheap and it works fine, I have at least one)

When the new SSD comes, put it into the enclosure.

Connect the enclosure to the MacBook.

Open disk utility and erase the SSD to "Mac OS extended, journaling enabled, GUID partition format"

Download SuperDuper (which is free) by clicking this link:

https://www.shirt-pocket.com/mint/pepper/orderedlist/downloads/download.php?file=https%3A//www.shirt-pocket.com/downloads/SuperDuper%21.dmg

SuperDuper is one of the easiest-to-use pieces of software out there.
With a few clicks, it will "clone" the contents of your internal drive to the external SSD.

Once the clone is done, take the SSD OUT OF the enclosure.
Now, "do the drive swap". Put the OLD internal HDD into the enclosure.

Finally, the moment of truth:
Hold down the option key and KEEP HOLDING IT DOWN after you press the power on button.
In a few seconds, the startup manager should appear.
Select the SSD (which is now the internal drive) and hit return.

Do you get "a good boot"?
Then, go to the startup disk preference pane and set the SSD to be the new boot drive.

REBOOT one more time, just to be sure.

Log in and look around.
Are things running much better?

If so, you're done!

Good luck.

 

[Ben J.]

@ the previous two posters; Read my opening post again; did I ask for advice on how to do the drive swap? No. Did I mention that I've done it before on a imac? Yes.

Thanks to the people who actually answered my questions.

Fisherrman; I've used macs and apple OS'es for over thirty years and opened and modified macs since Nubus and SCSI, and I've owned Bombich CCC for a decade, so please don't talk to me like I'm five years old.

I intended to just ignore them, but the last two posts were so misplaced that I had to point out their silliness. Of course, some five year olds might read this thread and find your posts useful, but JEEZ!

 

[Fishrrman]

"I've used macs and apple OS'es for over thirty years and opened and modified macs since Nubus and SCSI, and I've owned Bombich CCC for a decade, so please don't talk to me like I'm five years old."

If that was the case, you would already know that it probably makes little difference between formatting HFS+ and APFS for OS High Sierra, so, as a highly-experience Mac user, why are you even asking?

Why ask for help on a procedure that is as simple as swapping a drive in a Unibody MBP?
How are we supposed to know how much experience you have if you don't tell us?

I offer advice like that guy who wrote "How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive" back in the late '60's. That is, don't assume/not assume "what the reader knows". Instead, just tell them what to do.
Quite often, that's all that's needed.

 

[Ben J.]

Christ. Whatever. I'll leave it there.