i5 to i7 upgrade for a 2012 MacBook Pro

How about some data? These benchmarks from the MacTracker database (free in the Mac App Store) show why I DID NOT opt for the dual-core i7 option when I bought a Mid 2012 13-inch MacBook Pro years ago:

Not enough difference to justify the increase in cost. It was a good decision—with upgrades, the MBP is working better today than when new.

If you want speed and your 1TB storage is a mechanical hard drive, get an SSD. More data, this time app launch times, from when I first doubled my RAM in the 2012 MBP, then later added an inexpensive SSD:

Base system as shipped:

4GB RAM and slow SATA 3GBps 5400rpm hard drive: Office 2008 and Photoshop Elements 12 took 15-18 seconds to be ready to use.

First upgrade, RAM:

8GB RAM and slow SATA 3GBps 5400rpm hard drive: Office and Photoshop Elements took 15-18 seconds to be ready to use.

Second upgrade, inexpensive solid-state drive

8GB RAM and fast SATA 6GBps SSD: Office and Photoshop Elements take under 4 seconds to be ready to use.

When changing a drive in that model, ALWAYS replace the drive CABLE as well. The cable is the only weak point in an otherwise nearly bulletproof computer. Replacement cables are cheap and available.

I really doubt you will notice enough of a difference to justify the cost of the Logic Board swap. Plus using a pre-owned Logic Board is risky as you don't know what hidden problems it may have and whether the Logic Board could have a firmware password lock or perhaps is still being managed by a previous owner. The memory slot nearest the Bottom Case tends to fail a lot due to cracked solder joints. Plus the other Logic Board will have a completely different serial number and hardware IDs. This may render any existing software licenses you have for those proprietary apps obsolete and those proprietary apps will not be functional until you pay for a new license (if that is even possible). I would keep the laptop as is as long as the Logic Board is not giving you any problems.

Apple does not "upgrade" the Logic Boards when they work on a laptop. The only time Apple has ever upgraded a component is when the original component is in short supply or is no longer available which is a very rare occurrence. An unauthorized Apple repair shop may offer this service, but an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will not. Most likely this student is not fully aware of how Apple works in this regard.

Most official Apple repairs involve the use of refurbished parts with some exceptions. When a new model is released Apple may use a brand new Logic Board in a repair, but this would only last until the new repair stock of parts has been exhausted after which only refurbished boards will be used (unless someone finds a new board that was overlooked). The smaller components like a speaker, battery, I/O Boards, cables, etc. will be new parts. It is hard to say about some of the larger components (Display, Top Case) whether Apple is able to refurbish bits of them or whether they would be all new, however, these parts always look like new in external appearance.

If an older computer, your 2012 model, is still working and meeting the user's needs, then the advice would be to continue using it. Once the old computer stops meeting the user's needs, (new apps won't run, hardware won't handle the load, etc.) then the only option in my mind is a new computer. Spending money on an old computer that won't and never will run newer apps or operating systems is just throwing money away.

pbklepp wrote:

Hi All,

Interesting Genius Bar meeting today. I brought in my 2012 MacBook Pro i5 2.5 ghz 16 GB ram, 1 TB storage for a look, thinking I want to upgrade to a new MacBook Pro. The Apple tech person praised the 2012 MacBook and my customized upgrades and suggested to absolutely think about swapping the logic board from the i5 to i7 to run heavier programs, e.g., Logic Pro, photoshop. This is make sense to folks? What are some good sources for the hardware in for the service of changing the logic board out?

Thanks,

Bob

2012 MBP is at the end of the line whether it is i5 or i7—you can upgrade no further the macOS beyond the macOS Catalina 10.15.7

Not sure what advantage you expect to gain. It was a great machine back in it's day. Save your money.

It never pays to get too far behind in the hardware or software.

I would not spend any money on an obsolete/vintage computer. Newer operating systems and apps will not run on it.

It is not hard in the 2012 13-inch. Look at this video I used when I changed to the SSD:

https://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/macbookpro_13_unibody_mid12_hard_drive_cable/