Upgrading a 17in 2011 MBP

[KevinRightWing]

Hey guys, can you educate me on upgrade options for my 17in MBP? I have already upgraded the ram to 16gb and have a brand new logic board from Apple.

I would like to put in a 1gb SSD drive and find a way to get a USB 3.0 option. Can someone point me in the right direction on what to buy?

Thank you in advance

 

[Camoxide]

The Samsung 850 EVO 1TB would be a good option for an SSD upgrade. Here's a replacement guide:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+17-Inch+Unibody+Hard+Drive+Replacement/3401

USB 3.0 you're a bit limited, you can potentially get a Thunderbolt to USB 3.0 adapter but they're quite big and expensive and it only provides you with 1 USB 3 port.

 

[KevinRightWing]

The Samsung 850 EVO 1TB would be a good option for an SSD upgrade. Here's a replacement guide:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+17-Inch+Unibody+Hard+Drive+Replacement/3401

USB 3.0 you're a bit limited, you can potentially get a Thunderbolt to USB 3.0 adapter but they're quite big and expensive and it only provides you with 1 USB 3 port.

Could I use the express card slot to get USB 3.0?

 

[Camoxide]

Could I use the express card slot to get USB 3.0?

Wow I didn't even know the 17 inch had an ExpressCard slot! Yeah I guess, just doing a few searches there seems to be some reliability issues with them but they're much cheaper than a Thunderbolt adapter so I guess it's worth a go.