New Macbook Pro with old Macbook HD

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Level 1

5 points

New Macbook Pro with old Macbook HD

Is it possible to upgrade to a new macbook pro and use the old HD from my current macbook. I would like to get the performance upgrade without having to reload all my programs and other things. It will also make it easier to put the new HD from the new macbook pro into the old mb and have it as new without my info inside and have all the latest software installed and clean. Also , what is the max amount of memory on a 15" mbp.

Blackbook CD,320gig, Mac OS X (10.5.6), ,60gig video,8gig Nano(2nd gen),4 gig Nano 1st gen, 512 shuffle

Posted on Apr 23, 2009 5:12 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

neuroanatomist

Level 8

48,999 points

Apr 23, 2009 5:22 PM in response to BCPhoto

No, it's not. The OS installed on your old machine will not have the proper support for the new hardware. You can transfer everything with Migration Assistant when you set up the new MBP.

Apple states the max supported RAM for the new 15" MBPs is 4 GB. Many reliable reports indicate that 6 GB works fine, and some reports are now indicating that the newest machines (2.66 GHz and up) will support 8 GB.

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Answer 2

BCPhoto Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 23, 2009 5:31 PM in response to neuroanatomist

I am running the latest version of osx 10.5.6 . that's the same os that i would be getting with the new mbp. I could also use a migration tool i guess like superduper. I used it when i upgraded to my current hd. I just didn't want to spend hours reloading a ton of software and photos and video and music. The 320 hd i have is fairly new and running fine just want more memory and speed for the photos and video i shoot.

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Answer 3

Apr 23, 2009 5:45 PM in response to BCPhoto

The OS version being the same is irrelevant - the hardware is different. One example - your new MBP has dual graphics cards. The 'old' OS won't support that, because the hardware wasn't present on the old machine, so necessary components (call them drivers if you like) weren't installed.

To be blunt, if you swap the drives or clone over the old system, you will have problems. You can do that with _the exact same model_ but not an older one.

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Answer 4

LukeD

Level 4

3,144 points

Apr 23, 2009 5:51 PM in response to BCPhoto

The new MacBook Pros come with a customized version of Mac OS X, with many special drivers. I would use a migration tool for your content, but I would install the operating system onto your old drive using the new install disks that come with your new MacBook Pro.

Good luck!

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Answer 5

LukeD

Level 4

3,144 points

Apr 23, 2009 6:01 PM in response to LukeD

PS:

Neuroanatomist is right.

Neuroanatomist, your replies had only showed up after I had posted mine. I guess Apple Discussions is sluggish tonight. I apologize for any confusion.

All the best,
LukeD

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Answer 6

Apr 23, 2009 6:14 PM in response to LukeD

No worries, Luke! (Yes, they are sluggish the last couple of days. We tell the Hosts, they tell the server maintenance team, things get back to normal, but it doesn't last...)

Besides, reinforcing a point doesn't hurt, and your contributions and knowledge are very much appreciated!

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Answer 7

LukeD

Level 4

3,144 points

Apr 23, 2009 6:24 PM in response to neuroanatomist

Thank you, my friend!

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Answer 8

JoeyR

Level 6

8,305 points

Apr 24, 2009 8:04 AM in response to BCPhoto

+*I could also use a migration tool i guess like superduper.*+

I don't think SuperDuper offers a migration option. You would just use OS X's Migration Assistant.

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