Arhsmacdude
Level 1 (29 points)
Mac OS X

Q: Bad hard drive cable?

Hi, I have the macbook pro 2009 (2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4 GB ram), and at some point in october of last year, I upgraded my 5th gen iPod Touch to iOS 9. When I did that, I wasn't informed that iOS 9 required itunes 12 (which required 10.8 or higher), so I opted to upgrade to 10.11... boy was that a gigantic mistake. my mac runs too slow to even use most things... I'm considering having a genius help me to install 10.8 on this machine on tuesday, but, when I took it in on friday, the technician thought the hard drive cable was the issue. I'm just not really comfortable putting more money into this machine because its over 5 years old, but, I really can't afford to buy a new one for awhile, so I'm just stuck with this dilemma for now... What should I do?

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11), my current laptop

Posted on Jan 30, 2016 11:31 PM

Close
Arhsmacdude

Q: Bad hard drive cable?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Jan 31, 2016 12:53 AM in response to Arhsmacdude
    Level 6 (14,279 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 31, 2016 12:53 AM in response to Arhsmacdude

    The MacBook Pro information does not specify an exact build; since

    the specs you state can cover 2008 through 2010. And either 13 or 15"

     

    • How to identify Mac Pro models - Apple Support

     

    If the hard drive is original equipment, it may well be time to have the

    hard disk drive replaced; usually an Apple Store genius bar won't have

    the older style hard drive or a version in stock for that old a model. But

    they may; usually most recent models can get AppleCare related repair

    and some a bit older if the technologies haven't changed too much; for

    a reasonable fee, for those beyond the original or extended AppleCare.

     

    Drives and cables aren't expensive by themselves; however when

    repair labor is added, the number does go up somewhat. Still the

    repair is much less than a new computer or one like yours already

    fixed or upgraded to better capacity storage drive and more RAM.

     

    See all models Apple, for replacement upgrade RAM, hard drive, etc.

    http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Models.cfm

     

    See the macsales.com site for upgrade options to include replacement

    hard drives, solid-state-drive, RAM memory; a battery, and a charger...

    Also backup external storage drives for help when you may need to

    recover or store excess saved items to an off-computer archive.

     

    While in there looking at the cable, an old rotational hard drive may be

    a candidate for replacement. A new system may be installed and the

    user info from the older HDD migrated. Or if the drive has been replaced

    since the computer was new, it may be OK; the cable should have been

    also replaced while the computer open. Some cables are more prone to

    connector failure, or otherwise damaged in handling.

     

    An iFixit repair guide could be used to help learn what is involved, see that

    which matches your MacBook/Pro build model from the guides shown here:

     

    • MacBook Pro Repair guides - iFixit:

    https://www.ifixit.com/Device/MacBook_Pro

     

    The computer should be useable for several more years, with a few parts...

    That model is upgradable with replacement parts. Newest ones, not so much.

     

    Good luck!

  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Jan 31, 2016 4:19 AM in response to Arhsmacdude
    Level 9 (52,118 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 31, 2016 4:19 AM in response to Arhsmacdude

    Since you state that you cannot afford a new MBP, the question you must decide is if you want a functioning MBP or not.  I have to assume that the 'genius' is competent and has diagnosed the problem correctly.  Get a cost estimate and then make the decision. 

     

    You can get an idea of the expense by looking at the iFixit.com and/or Powerbookmedic.com web sites for prices on SATA cables.  They are not expensive and you might consider installing it yourself (instuctions are available on the two web sites).

     

    Ciao.