Can I sell my 2009 MacBook Pro?

Question

Can I sell my 2009 MacBook Pro?

2009 MacBook Pro - 13.3"

2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;

2GB of RAM

160GB HD

After some diagnostic help from a couple IT guys at work, I figured out that my motherboard is officially dead. The body of the computer is in good shape (minor scratches and slight dent). The computer powers on, but it cannot read the hard drive. Looking at repair costs in the realm of $700, I'm most likely going to buy new. So to get at my real question, is this computer worth anything?

MacBook Pro

Posted on Jan 20, 2014 1:24 PM

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Answer 1

BobRz

Level 5

6,138 points

Jan 20, 2014 1:47 PM in response to MAVanderlinde

People sell them on ebay for parts all the time. Just state the condition in the description. You'll probably get something for it.

Out of curiosity, does it get to the grey screen with the folder? That would be a bad hard drive, not a motherboard. Drives are cheap.

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Answer 2

Jan 23, 2014 6:36 AM in response to BobRz

When I start it up, a grey screen comes up with a folder icon in the center. The folder has a question mark in it and it just blinks and blinks and doesn't start up. I was able to get all of my information off of the hard drive, so that's working just fine.

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Answer 3

BobRz

Level 5

6,138 points

Jan 23, 2014 6:48 AM in response to MAVanderlinde

Do you have the disks that came with it? It sounds like all it needs is a reinstallation of the operating system. But the DVD in the drive, hold down the option key and boot it. If it gives you the option to install OS X you're all set.

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Answer 4

Jan 23, 2014 5:11 PM in response to BobRz

I put an install disc in the computer and booted it up. I get a white screen with the apple logo and after a while I get the thinking wheel. It keeps trying to load the disc but it won't do anything. I keeps trying until the screen goes blue. I've tried holding the option key at boot up to eject the disc and try again but I cannot get the disc to eject. Any ideas?

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Answer 5

BobRz

Level 5

6,138 points

Jan 23, 2014 5:14 PM in response to MAVanderlinde

Did you try holding down the eject key? It's in the upper right corner of the keyboard.

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Answer 6

Jan 23, 2014 5:15 PM in response to MAVanderlinde

After waiting even longer with the blue screen, it started the installation process. When the screen to 'select the disk where you want to install Mac OS X' comes up there is nothing to select..

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Answer 7

BobRz

Level 5

6,138 points

Jan 23, 2014 5:18 PM in response to MAVanderlinde

Like I said earler, bad hard drive. It's either that or the SATA cable. A drive is about $75 and the cable maybe $25. Could be either or both, though unlikely it's both. Way cheaper than a motherboard.

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Answer 8

Jan 23, 2014 5:22 PM in response to BobRz

Thanks, I'll have it checked out and let you know.

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Answer 9

Jan 26, 2014 3:50 PM in response to BobRz

I had the SATA cable replaced and put a 1Tb hard drive in. Typing on it now. Thanks for the help!

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Answer 10

BobRz

Level 5

6,138 points

Jan 26, 2014 4:22 PM in response to MAVanderlinde

Glad we proved your IT guys wrong. You've got a pretty nice computer there for about $100 instead of $700. Congratulations!

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Answer 11

Jan 27, 2014 6:24 AM in response to BobRz

After not running for two years, there were plenty of updates to install once I got going with everything. I think I'm also going to upgrade my RAM to 4GB. What's your thought on updating the OS, are there speed benefits?

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Answer 12

BobRz

Level 5

6,138 points

Jan 27, 2014 6:30 AM in response to MAVanderlinde

I don't know your exact model, but it looks like you can go all the way to Mavericks.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5842

On the RAM, go to www.crucial.com with your model info and enter it into their selector. I think you can go to 8GB. The cost isn't that much. I wouldn't bother with 4GB if you can go to 8. The speed benefit with RAM is when you have multiple programs open. If you keep several open at a time it'll help. If all you do is browse in Safari then it won't do all that much.

A word of advice... some people have reported issues with older machines when upgrading. I have a 2010 and had no problems at all. However, it'd be a good idea to get an external drive and back up your current system completely with Carbon Copy Cloner before you do the upgrade. It's very easy to go back then if you're not happy.

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