SOS for 2012 MacBook Pro

[BCSailor7]

I’m the frustrated owner of an older MacBook Pro. I’ve owned this since new.

MacBook Pro 13” mid 2012
Processor 2.9 GHz Dual core Intel core i7
Memory 8 GB 1600 mgz DDR3
Startup disc Macintosh HD
Graphics Intel HD Graphics 4000 1536 mtb
Mac OS Catalina 10.5.7

Note this a hard drive version which is part of the problem, not much pertinent info on the web.

When I boot up I get the apple logo and a progress bar. It takes an average of two minutes to get to the log in and another thirty secs to get desktop items followed by a minute of spinning beachballs. Performance is lethargic.

I have tried all available advice, trashed all non-native apps, NordVPN
Firefox etc. This started around the time I upgraded to Catalina and has gotten progressively worse.

I recently purchased a MBair and migrated everything to it quite successfully.

I am in the hinterlands of local help so any assistance is, of course greatly appreciated.

 

[halledise]

i'm assuming you're saying the HDD is the issue?
if so, for your particular model, this is what's available from an excellent australian website.
if you're in USA then i imagine you can source what you need from similar american supplier, such as OWC
Upgradeable
how to Replace HDD - OWC

 

[Fishrrman]

This is the "unibody" 2012 MBP with the DVD drive?

IF you have the unibody version, it's a simple matter to replace the original platter-based hard drive with a 2.5" SATA SSD. These are cheap and plentiful. I'd recommend either Crucial or Sandisk. Get 512gb or 1tb.

ANYONE can do this. All that's needed are simple tools (Phillips #00 driver and TORX t-6 driver).
You might also consider replacing the internal drive "ribbon cable". This is a "point of failure" on the 2012's, it is also cheap and easily replaced.

Go to ifixit.com to see the illustrated guide on how to swap out the drive and change the ribbon cable. You can get the part number from ifixit, and either get the cable from them, or from elsewhere online.

I would also suggest that you get a 2.5" SATA USB3 drive enclosure, like this one:

ORICO 2.5'' USB C External Hard Drive Enclosure, SATA 3.0 to USB 3.1 Gen2 6Gbps Case for 2.5 Inch HDD/SSD Support Max 6TB with UASP Tool Free(2189C3)

ORICO 2.5'' USB C External Hard Drive Enclosure, SATA 3.0 to USB 3.1 Gen2 6Gbps Case for 2.5 Inch HDD/SSD Support Max 6TB with UASP Tool Free(2189C3)

www.amazon.com

Put the SSD into it BEFORE you open the MBP.
Then, either install a fresh copy of the OS onto it, OR, use SuperDuper (free) to "clone" the contents of the internal drive to the SSD.
Now you can TEST the SSD BEFORE you open the MPB. If something isn't right, you can fix it while the MBP is still bootable.

When the SSD is ready, NOW it's time to open the back of the MBP and swap the drives.

Put the old HDD into the external enclosure.
Now you have a backup of the internal.
Or... erase it and use it for another purpose.

Good luck.

 

[Patrice Brousseau]

Could be the slim SATA cable too. I’ve repaired one for a colleague. Anyway, once inside, time for an SSD. My early 2011 is still going strong with RAM upgraded, new battery and a Samsung SSD.

 

[Falcon1962]

Hello! I just joined your group today. I have a 2012 13" MacBook Pro laptop. Over the past year the screen resolution has been fading and sometimes becoming so dark I cannot see the content. Is this fixable?

 

[Fishrrman]

"Over the past year the screen resolution has been fading and sometimes becoming so dark I cannot see the content. Is this fixable?"

Sounds like a backlight failure, or perhaps the display panel itself.
Yes, you could get it repaired (if you can find the parts), but really -- at 12 years old, it's time to start shopping for a replacement. The cost of repairs probably won't be worth it.

 

[Falcon1962]

"Over the past year the screen resolution has been fading and sometimes becoming so dark I cannot see the content. Is this fixable?"

Sounds like a backlight failure, or perhaps the display panel itself.
Yes, you could get it repaired (if you can find the parts), but really -- at 12 years old, it's time to start shopping for a replacement. The cost of repairs probably won't be worth it.

Fishrrman: I agree it is time to UPGRADE to a new MacBook. Thanks for your honest and speedy reply.