Any Upgrades Possible for Mid-2007 MBP?

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Any Upgrades Possible for Mid-2007 MBP?

I was wondering if anybody knew the answer to this question.

Before I start, there are a couple of issues I'd like to address.

First, my Macbook Pro's optical drive has become unreliable just like most other users have experienced over the years. To remedy this, I just purchased an external DVD writer. This leaves me with the thought to remove the superdrive and install a second HDD in it's place (See: Data Doubler). Also, the original HDD had failed during my Applecare warranty, and Apple had replaced it with a larger capacity one.

Second, my Time Machine backup external HDD began to make unusual and loud noises today. To me It sounds like it's approaching failure (I certainly hope not), which has really made me think about stepping up to a RAID config.

Finally, I've read in some articles about upgrading 4GB MBP's to 6GB. I was hoping if I could do the same with mine.

So my question invovles the following: Can I upgrade my MBP to have two HDDs in a RAID1 configuration, and add more memory? Can I also set up an External RAID1 or RAID5 configuation? ? If none of these apply, what are my other possible options?

I'm running Lion if that helps.

Thank you.

Posted on Jun 28, 2012 12:27 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 28, 2012 12:41 AM in response to HaBo

Just to be sure - is it a MacBookPro3,1? Need to know that first. But of course you can use the Data Doubler in your machine but to set up RAID, I think that you'd have to have two identical HD's in the bay. I've never used RAID on Mac' so I'll let someone else answer that.

As to RAM, MacTracker reports that you can use up to 6GB of RAM (1 stick of 2 GB, 1 stick of 4 GB). You can't go wrong with calling the good folks at OWC to ask about a RAID config using their Data Doubler, though.

And, as to your external 'dying,' I think that my first priority would be replacing it so that you can keep your back-ups up-to-date. You don't say, but since you can run Lion, I'm assuming you are? If so, then you could use Time Machine, which I swear by - I've been using it since my Snow Leopard days on a 2006 1,1.

Again, I'd call OWC and ask for their recommendations. Sure, they're going to want to sell you something but they are always good for advice, too.

Clinton

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Answer 2

HaBo Author

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Jun 28, 2012 1:21 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

Yes, it is a Macbook Pro 3,1 (MA8977LL/A). So far, I've looked at OWC's website and have not found a compatible Data Doubler...but calling them of course won't hurt. Ideally, I would like to remove the superdrive, add the data doubler, upgrade to two SSDs and do a RAID1 config. I will find out soon!

I've also had other hard drives fail on me recently which is what's making me decide to move everything to RAID instead of continously buying external hard drives and hoping they stay reliable. The need to back up to DVDs can't be stressed enough I suppose. Not a fan of cloud storage either. I had my time machine backup running smoothly daily for 3.5 years before it started making strange noises today.

Thanks for the advice Clinton.

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Answer 3

Jun 28, 2012 1:51 AM in response to HaBo

Oh, I missed the SSD part - I know that you can do that with both OWC's Data Doubler bay and their SSD's. Still... RAIDs can fail and although they're easy to hot swap, I get a dependable external HD. I always say that the average life of HD's is 3-5 years. I've had some last longer (LaCie & whatever drives they use, Hitatchi, Toshiba) than others.

Yes, do give the folks at OWC a call - they may be a one-stop solution for your needs... I'm assuming that you will only be able to use 3GB SATA (but the rated speed for you is 1.5 Gbps SATA - so I don't know how that works out in real world numbers) drives in an older model, but they will still be blazingly fast compared to any HD internal.

Good luck - keep us informed!

Clinton

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Answer 4

HaBo Author

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Jun 28, 2012 12:17 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

Clinton,

I contacted OWC this morning, and here's the news:

Good news: MacTracker and OWC confirmed I can do a 6GB memory upgrade. I can also swap out my HDD for an SSD.

Bad news: OWC does not have a compatible Data Doubler for my MBP because it's made for models 5,1 and above (the rep mentioned unibody models). OWC mentions in a blog post that the optical drive interface is Ultra ATA vs SATA in newer drives.

As far as Time Machine goes, I really like what the G-Speed Q offers, but given the reliability issues I've had with their products (not to mention the many complaints from other users), I'm a little hesitant to consider one at this time.

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Answer 5

Feb 1, 2014 4:52 AM in response to HaBo

I have a late 2007 Mabook 3,1 and I have been looking into a data doubler option as well. This company MCE Technologies makes such a thing. I have not purchased yet myself but I plan to. http://www.mcetech.com/optibay/

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Answer 6

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,108 points

Feb 1, 2014 8:25 AM in response to anthony.califano

@anthony: On the 3,1 the optical drive has a Ultra Ata connection. I am sure that a Sata data doubler will not work, and I am sure that a datadoubler UltraAta will not work.

@HaBo: no chance using the optical drive bay for a HDD.

Personally I am in favor of two external good HD drives for backup instead of Raid. Do not install any included "smart software" for the externals; unless of course you do the difficult thing with Raid.

@Speedy Gonzalez: hi Clinton, still happy?

Lex

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Answer 7

Feb 1, 2014 8:33 AM in response to Lexiepex

@Lex,

Ecstatic!

Clinton

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Answer 8

Feb 1, 2014 2:49 PM in response to HaBo

@Lex

From the MCE website:

"The internal SuperDrive (DVD drive) of the non-unibody MacBook 13" and non-unibody MacBook Pro 15" is an IDE/PATA device. The MCE OptiBay converts, through hardware, between IDE/PATA and SATA so that you can use high performance, readily available 2.5" SATA hard drives and Solid State Drives (SSDs) in the optical bay of your system."

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Answer 9

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,108 points

Feb 2, 2014 12:37 AM in response to anthony.califano

at what speed?

crawling.

much too low for a sata SSD.

Lex

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Answer 10

Feb 2, 2014 9:48 AM in response to Lexiepex

SATA is 1.5 Gb/s while PATA can deliver only up to 133 MB/s. USB 2.0 max speed is 48 MB/s. USB 3.0 is 5 Gb/s.

If the product works, which I am assuming is does, it would be like having a USB connected drive to the Macbook (3,1 Macbooks don't support USB 3.0).

So, theoretically, it would be just as fast as any USB connected drive.

I don't think the expectation is to run an OS off the drive, but just to expand your internal storage or even have it be a Time Machine backup drive.

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Answer 11

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,108 points

Feb 2, 2014 9:59 AM in response to anthony.califano

There you are: no speed, probably only 33MB/s instead of 133MB/s. This speed can never be higher on the sata side of the adapter. So the SSD will not work, maybe the first SSDs of almost 10 years ago...

Not worth spending the money on the adapter (MCE) that you mentioned above.

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