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Helpful answers
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Jun 9, 2015 6:27 AM in response to Linc Davisby nayr497,If I were to make an upgrade, should I replace the SSD or upgrade the memory first? Best to do both at once?
I'm going to the Apple store today, have an appointment, just like to be as well-informed as possible. Thank you.
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Jun 10, 2015 11:50 AM in response to nayr497by nayr497,The Apple Store just called. I do need a new HD.
Found this thread, looks like this is a nice upgrade option to an SSD. This is an older model. Any pros/cons with this one? A bit cheaper than the newer model.
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Jun 10, 2015 11:58 AM in response to nayr497by nayr497,And, since the current HD is 500GB and did just fine, is there any reason I need 960GB or 1TB?
The Crucial 500GB is $180 USD; 960 GB is $330; and the 1TB is $380.
Any reason to make that jump in capacity/price?
I use an external HD, have plenty of free space, and really won't be adding any major files/data in the near future.
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Jun 10, 2015 12:40 PM in response to nayr497by OGELTHORPE,nayr497 wrote:
And, since the current HD is 500GB and did just fine, is there any reason I need 960GB or 1TB?
The Crucial 500GB is $180 USD; 960 GB is $330; and the 1TB is $380.
Any reason to make that jump in capacity/price?
I use an external HD, have plenty of free space, and really won't be adding any major files/data in the near future.
It all depends upon what your needs are and how much you are willing to spend. Generally user data tends to grow over time, but if you are content to use external storage devices and 500GB has proven to be satisfactory, then purchase the 500GB SSD. The final decision is always yours.
Ciao.
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Jun 10, 2015 1:33 PM in response to OGELTHORPEby nayr497,Hi,
Okay, thanks for letting me know. I guess considering how valuable a tool this is for my work, I'd better opt for the higher end of the GBs. In the long run the money is less important than proper functioning.
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Jun 10, 2015 5:33 PM in response to nayr497by nayr497,I was looking at some tutorials and now things look a bit more complicated to install a new SSD.
Would the Apple Store install and SSD from Crucial, for a fee?
I guess what has me thinking it is more complicated is that I thought I needed just the new SSD and some screwdrivers. Now it looks like I need the enclosure/encasement and then also need to rewrite the new drive, either from the old or from Time Machine.
I have all files backed up on an X HD via Time Machine.
I'm pretty mechanically inclined, just read a few tutorials and it seemed more involved than I originally thought.
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Jun 11, 2015 3:21 AM in response to nayr497by OGELTHORPE,nayr497 wrote:
Would the Apple Store install and SSD from Crucial, for a fee?
Apple will only install a HDD purchased from them. This video shows how the HDD/SSD is installed. It is not difficult:
http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/macbookpro_13_unibody_mid12_hd/
The required tools are a #00 Phillips and a #6 Torx drivers. A good hardware store should have both.
An enclosure is not mandatory but it is a good idea to get one. It can be used in the installation process (though not required) and gives that old HDD a 'home'.
There is nothing unique about installing a SSD as compared to a conventional HDD. Format the SSD in Disk Utility>Erase to Mac OS Extended (Journald) and then install the OSX and user data. Cloning from the original HDD to the SSD would be the simplest method.
Ciao.
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Jul 27, 2015 6:20 AM in response to OGELTHORPEby nayr497,Okay, something is up with the computer again.
I went ahead and installed the new SSD, then reinstalled OS from my external HD. Everything was up and working well. Then a few days ago the wheel appeared and just kept on spinning. I held the on/off button down and shut it down, then restarted it by pressing the button. Now I get a flashing folder with a question mark.
I went ahead and followed the process outlined here, but I'm confused.
If a flashing question mark appears when you start your Mac - Apple Support
I went ahead and held Command & R, then found the wireless network, logged on. Then a screen popped up asking me to reinstall OS and giving me options. I tried to choose "From External HD" and went ahead with that process. However, it just searches for the XD and doesn't continue with the process.
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Jul 27, 2015 6:29 AM in response to nayr497by OGELTHORPE,Take out the SSD from the MBP and install it in an enclosure. Connect it to the MBP via USB. See if you can boot the MBP using startup manager:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204417
If successful, there is an internal connection fault, usually the SATA cable. If it will not boot the MBP, then the SSD is suspect.
Ciao.
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Jul 27, 2015 7:04 AM in response to OGELTHORPEby nayr497,Thanks for the reply.
1) Is this something they'd fix at the Apple store? I'm guessing no as it's a Crucial SSD I bought and installed myself.
2) Is this an enclosure?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G57BN1M?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_deta ilpage_o00_s00
Also have this, which I think is the USB cable I'll need.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJZJI84?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_deta ilpage_o00_s00
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Jul 27, 2015 7:19 AM in response to nayr497by OGELTHORPE,nayr497 wrote:
1) Is this something they'd fix at the Apple store? I'm guessing no as it's a Crucial SSD I bought and installed myself.
I have my doubts.
2) Is this an enclosure?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G57BN1M?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_deta ilpage_o00_s00
No. You want one of these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&N=100008040 %20600006255
It does not have to be an expensive one. These enclosure do come with USB cables.
nayr497 wrote:
Also have this, which I think is the USB cable I'll need.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJZJI84?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_deta ilpage_o00_s00
That is not what I was thinking of but it actually would work. This is a quick connection cable.
Ciao.
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Jul 27, 2015 8:00 AM in response to OGELTHORPEby nayr497,Thanks again.
A friend has an enclosure I could borrow. He's only ever used it for HDD. Will the same enclosure work for my SSD? He's only ever used it for HDD but it was a SATA HDD and my SSD is SATA.
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Jul 27, 2015 8:26 AM in response to nayr497by OGELTHORPE,The physical outside dimensions of a HDD and a SSD are identical. It should work.
Ciao.
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Jul 27, 2015 8:47 AM in response to nayr497by Bear Hunter,Did you ever upgrade your memory or just get a new drive? I know people here say 4GB is sufficient for Yosemite, but I think there is more to it than that. The new computers that come with 4GB of memory also have updated hardware beyond the HD type. There are a lot of variables that work together for smooth performance IMO. I have found that older computers with 4GB of RAM do not run as fast or smooth when upgraded to Yosemite. That's just my experience.
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Jul 27, 2015 9:12 AM in response to Bear Hunterby nayr497,Thanks for the reply.
No, I just upgraded the drive. What other hardware upgrades would you suggest?