Several modifications planned... what order should I do them in?

[MaxPower49]

I'm new to mac, so I'm still learning my way around here. I just got a mid 2012 13" macbook pro (base model). I'm going to upgrade the ram (4gb to 8), install a 128gb SSD for the OS and apps, and install a bigger HDD for storage (moving the optical drive to an external enclosure). Parts have all been ordered and are on the way.

My question is... what is the best way order to do all of this? I was thinking of doing them RAM first... then installing the SSD in the optical bay and copying the OS to that... then replacing the original HDD with the new one. Is that the best way to do it? Is ok to have the SSD for the OS in the optical bay?

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[themumu]

For new MBPs optical bay for the SSD is just as good as the original HDD bay. Your plan seems very sensible to me, you can install the RAM and SSD at the same time while the computer is open, most likely it will be fine, if there is any problems you'd just have to double check if either of them is installed incorrectly but it should not be difficult either way.

 

[GGJstudios]

The order doesn't really matter. I'd restart after each upgrade, to make sure all is working properly.

 

[omgitscro]

Since you didn't mention it in your post, I have to ask if you bought a hard drive caddy. If you haven't, you'll need one.

 

[MaxPower49]

Since you didn't mention it in your post, I have to ask if you bought a hard drive caddy. If you haven't, you'll need one.

Yes, I have a caddy on the way also. So should I do my plan as outlined above and they switch the places of the HDD and SSD as the last step?

I just got this computer a few days ago. I have upgraded to mountain lion and installed several apps. When I move the OS to the SSD, is there any advantage to doing a clean install and starting fresh or is it just as good to back up what I have with time machine and copy it over?

 

[LeeM]

I'm in the same position as you, mid 2012 13". I've just put my Samsung 830 128gb in an don't think I'm bothering with ram for a bit now, it's lightning fast with 4gb.

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Also I installed the os on the ssd using a sata-USB cable before I even took the laptop apart and I've had just the ssd in since that came before the SuperDrive caddy. Caddy arrived today so I'll be putting the hdd back in its original place because that looks to have better protection against vibration

 

[MaxPower49]

For new MBPs optical bay for the SSD is just as good as the original HDD bay. Your plan seems very sensible to me, you can install the RAM and SSD at the same time while the computer is open, most likely it will be fine, if there is any problems you'd just have to double check if either of them is installed incorrectly but it should not be difficult either way.

Do you are saying there is no difference (speed or performance wise) in putting the SSD OS drive in the optical bay or the stock HDD bay? I'm getting conflicting information on that and looking for a clear answer.

Thanks.

 

[LeeM]

i had my ssd in the optical bay and hdd in original bay earlier, since then its stopped working and ive had to swap them. boot time seems faster with the ssd in the proper hdd bay

 

[MaxPower49]

i had my ssd in the optical bay and hdd in original bay earlier, since then its stopped working and ive had to swap them. boot time seems faster with the ssd in the proper hdd bay

Do you have a mid 2012 model?

 

[themumu]

Do you are saying there is no difference (speed or performance wise) in putting the SSD OS drive in the optical bay or the stock HDD bay? I'm getting conflicting information on that and looking for a clear answer.

Thanks.

In the newest crop of MBPs there is no difference, in fact there may be a slight benefit to keep the HDD in its place for better shock protection, which the SSD does not need.