I have only had my MacBook Pro 13.3 for a couple months but from day one I really wanted a bigger hard drive, but didn't feel like going through the trouble or spending the extra at the time to custom order the 250gb HD. So I currently have the 160gb HD. With my Snow Lep disc I am tempted to upgrade to a 320 gb hard drive- special on Newegg for $69. Other than voiding my warranty - anyone have any advice?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Upgrading the hard drive in MacBook Pro
- Thread starter Kevtech1
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Get it... take your time opening up the case. Be careful with the ribbon on the top of the hard drive. If you over extend it while peeling it off you will break it at the connector. You'll know what I mean when you see it.
As for voiding warranty... that only happens if you break something while doing the upgrade.
Upgrading the hard drive in MacBook Pro
- So you mean if I do a perfect install and then 6 months down the road my processor goes they won't look at the specs and say "You upgraded the hard drive, that voids your warranty- we can't help you"?? I may still hold out for a ssd, when the 250gb's come down in price. I am a tech, and have done plenty of installs so I am not worried about that- but I appreciate everyone's feedback!
- So you mean if I do a perfect install and then 6 months down the road my processor goes they won't look at the specs and say "You upgraded the hard drive, that voids your warranty- we can't help you"?? I may still hold out for a ssd, when the 250gb's come down in price. I am a tech, and have done plenty of installs so I am not worried about that- but I appreciate everyone's feedback!
If that concerns you, 6 months down the road when your processor dies (odd part to pick to be honest), open the laptop again, throw the old drive in and presto, they will have no clue.
Two recommendations from my experience
1. Get a 7200RPM drive. My MBP performance increased noticeably.
2. When replacing the ribbon, be sure not to cover the small pressure hole on the new drive. It will have a small label beside it identifying it.
1. Get a 7200RPM drive. My MBP performance increased noticeably.
2. When replacing the ribbon, be sure not to cover the small pressure hole on the new drive. It will have a small label beside it identifying it.
I do not think it can, only 9.5mm. Are you thinking about slapping the new 1TB 2.5" drive in your laptop?
Phillips 00 (for the screws on the case and the bracket that holds the HDD in)
Torx T6 (for the mounting screws attached to the HDD)
Use these screwdrivers and these only. Go to Sears hardware and they should have some. Take your time, replace the screws in the same hole they came from, be careful with the SATA connector as the other poster mentioned, and don't psych yourself out. It's a pretty straight forward process and I would definitely recommend doing it yourself. Good luck.
Torx T6 (for the mounting screws attached to the HDD)
Use these screwdrivers and these only. Go to Sears hardware and they should have some. Take your time, replace the screws in the same hole they came from, be careful with the SATA connector as the other poster mentioned, and don't psych yourself out. It's a pretty straight forward process and I would definitely recommend doing it yourself. Good luck.