Upgrading my HD on a 2007 MB Pro

[Robg54]

I got a 2.2 MB Pro in 2007. At the time I upgraded it to the 160 GB option, but it just ain't cutting it any more with my growing picture collection taking over more than 1/3 of it.

I wanted to upgrade to a better HD and I feel like ordering it today so it gets here quicker, but my laptop is at home so I can't check it that easily.

I am assuming it's a 2.5" hard drive.

I was considering the 320 GB 7200 rpm
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136280

or the 500 GB 5400 rpm
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136314

First, am I correct in assuming both of these drives will work.

Second, which do you recommend? I will probably have Apple or an authorized repair place do the install so as not to void my warranty.

 

[parapup]

I've the WD Scorpio in my MBP 2,2 and it is running great past 6 months. Highly recommended unless you need the extra space the 500Gb offers.

 

[MacDawg]

Yes, any 2.5" SATA drive will work
Either of those are good choices

Scorpio Blue and Black Review

I opted for the Scorpio Blue

You will need a Phillips 00 and a Torx #6

There are some good videos on YouTube and other places to show you how

Woof, Woof - Dawg

 

[Miamifan1354]

I too have the Scorpio Blue (320gb, 7200 RPM) in my 2007 2.2mbp and I love it. I don't hear any extra noise, and the speed and space are amazing. It's a pretty easy swap as long as you have the right tools, and make sure you put the screws in the exact same place you took them out from.

 

[catachip]

I got a 2.2 MB Pro in 2007. At the time I upgraded it to the 160 GB option, but it just ain't cutting it any more with my growing picture collection taking over more than 1/3 of it.

I wanted to upgrade to a better HD and I feel like ordering it today so it gets here quicker, but my laptop is at home so I can't check it that easily.

I am assuming it's a 2.5" hard drive.

I was considering the 320 GB 7200 rpm
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136280

or the 500 GB 5400 rpm
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136314

First, am I correct in assuming both of these drives will work.

Second, which do you recommend? I will probably have Apple or an authorized repair place do the install so as not to void my warranty.

I would highly recommend the Western Digital Scorpio Blue 500 GB @ 5400 RPM (Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136314 ).

Comprehensive reviews have shown it to be faster than 7200 RPM drives on almost every benchmark, plus it's quieter and less vibrations. You also get a ton of capacity.

Here is a video showing how to do the upgrade: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3Ve01UFuSA

Here are links to the tools you will need...

Torx T6: http://www.amazon.com/Wiha-96706-Pr...f=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1247003482&sr=1-24

Philips 00: http://www.amazon.com/PB-Swiss-Elec...f=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1247003557&sr=1-11

 

[panzer06]

snip

Second, which do you recommend? I will probably have Apple or an authorized repair place do the install so as not to void my warranty.

I use an Apple Authorized Service Center for those older systems because they are a pain to dismantle compared to the unibody.

It costs $50-$80 depending on the shop.

Cheers,

 

[MacDawg]

I use an Apple Authorized Service Center for those older systems because they are a pain to dismantle compared to the unibody.

It costs $50-$80 depending on the shop.

Cheers,

I did mine myself and it was not a problem at all

I have the older MBP pre-unibody


Woof, Woof - Dawg

 

[Robg54]

Thanks for the advice everybody

Thanks for the advice. I ordered the 500 gb despite its heftier price tag after the comparison showed the speed difference to be negligible.

With a DSLR purchase on the horizon and the subsequent possible storage of raw photos in addition to my massive collection of 20,000ish pictures from my point and shoot, I figured an extra 180 GB would be perhaps useful, even at the cost of an extra $30 and some rpm.

Now, if I do it myself, will I be voiding my applecare?

 

[panzer06]

Thanks for the advice. I ordered the 500 gb despite its heftier price tag after the comparison showed the speed difference to be negligible.

With a DSLR purchase on the horizon and the subsequent possible storage of raw photos in addition to my massive collection of 20,000ish pictures from my point and shoot, I figured an extra 180 GB would be perhaps useful, even at the cost of an extra $30 and some rpm.

Now, if I do it myself, will I be voiding my applecare?

Only if you break something while doing so; of course the new drive will not be covered and you may have to put the old one back if you send it off to Apple for service. If you use an AASC for the repair they don't care about you having upgraded equipment and will just fix the problem. So it's still good to get to know a local provider.

Cheers,