Upgrade mid-2009 Macbook Pro or replace?

Question

Level 1

5 points

Upgrade mid-2009 Macbook Pro or replace?

Hi everyone. I apologize if this is a redundant question, but a lot of the threads I found were older so I'm not sure if that makes a difference. I have a mid-2009 MacBook Pro, that in general works fairly well. However, it is super slow, and I'm wondering the merits of trying to upgrade the RAM (and possibly switch to a solid-state drive) vs. purchasing a new laptop. As a note, if I were to get a new laptop, it likely would not be an Apple product. For what I use my computer for (email, web browsing, word processing, photo storage & editing in iPhoto), I don't know if paying the premium for a Mac is really worth it despite having Macs since I was 10 years old. In addition to this laptop, in our household we also have a desktop PC and I have two Dell laptops for work, so outside of my personal files this laptop isn't really that necessary.

My boyfriend (with whom I'd be splitting a new laptop) seems to think that upgrading a 6-year-old laptop isn't worth the effort, so we should just buy a new one. However, my parents have my "old" MacBook (2006ish) which is still going pretty strong, if slow, which makes me think that this thing could stick around for a while longer. While money isn't a huge issue, I wouldn't mind saving a bit for now and keeping this one around. Aside from the speed issue I'm still pretty happy with it.

Here's the overview of my computer:

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)

running OS X Yosemite (Version 10.10)

Processor 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

Memory 2 GB 1067 MHz DDR3 --> original, but I think can go up to 8GB?

Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 9400M 256 MB

Battery performance seems ok, I mostly use this plugged-in though. I'm currently running Chrome and have some Finder windows open, and Activity Monitor is saying that I'm using 1.98GB of my 2GB memory, so I'm thinking that memory is really an issue. I saw one suggestion that mentioned replacing the optical drive with SSD instead of the hard drive...what's the optical drive? Is that a better option? Also, where is a good place to buy this stuff?

Please keep in mind that I don't really know what I'm doing. Explaining things like I'm your mother wouldn't hurt. Thanks for your help!

MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10)

Posted on Sep 27, 2015 6:07 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Sep 27, 2015 1:46 PM in response to nkoros

In my opinion upgrading as opposed to replacing is a no brainer. You can either replace the hard drive with an SSD easily following these instructions https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2009+Hard+Drive+Rep lacement/1337

Or replace the SuperDrive with an SSD for a dula drive setup following these https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing+MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2009+Dua l+Hard+Drive/8518

Definately upgrade the ram to the max of 8GB https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2009+RAM+Replacemen t/1334

Your single best source for everything, including great customer service is OWC http://eshop.macsales.com/

Reply

Answer 2

nkoros Author

Level 1

5 points

Sep 27, 2015 4:49 PM in response to SeaPapp

This is awesome, thank you so much! Exactly the type of info I was looking for

Reply

Answer 3

nkoros Author

Level 1

5 points

Oct 1, 2015 7:41 PM in response to nkoros

Just wanted to circle back on this, in case anyone ever searches a similar issue. I followed the advice above and purchased 8GB RAM and an SSD drive from OWC. I wound up getting the "kit" since for the extra ~$10 I figured it was worth having all the tools and stuff I'd need (includes the necessary screwdrivers, spudge, and a case to turn the old hard drive into an external HD). The tutorials linked above were great, I followed them exactly with one exception. Before physically installing the SSD drive I followed Step 1 from this CNET article to copy the information on my old hard drive over to the new drive: http://www.cnet.com/how-to/upgrade-your-macbook-install-ssd-hard-drive/. After step 1 I went back to the articles Mike suggested.

So far I'm about 95% of the way there, but I'm already amazed by how easy this was and how much better my computer is behaving. My only lingering problem is that my computer is only recognizing one of the 4GB RAM cards I installed (any ideas?), but even still it's a massive improvement.

Mike, thank you so much for your help. There's all sorts of information out there, but yours was the most clear and easiest to follow. As someone who is terrified during even boring OS updates, this was amazingly achievable.

As for the RAM issue, any ideas on how to tell whether I just have a card installed improperly or if the card is bad? I've removed and replaced them several times, but it's still showing one slot as empty.

Reply

Answer 4

vcyman

Level 1

11 points

Oct 2, 2015 4:12 PM in response to nkoros

Have you tried reversing the ram in the slots?

CNET has information about testing ram. Or do a search in this forum.

Reply

Answer 5

nkoros Author

Level 1

5 points

Oct 2, 2015 4:13 PM in response to vcyman

Thank you! Reversing them did the trick (I thought about trying that, but didn't have time before work).

Reply

Answer 6

vcyman

Level 1

11 points

Oct 2, 2015 9:37 PM in response to nkoros

That is good news, and now you have accomplished a project that appeared daunting at the outset.

Enjoy your "new" MacBook Pro!

Reply

Answer 7

Dec 1, 2015 4:28 PM in response to nkoros

Hi nkoros,

I have contemplated researching (hence this question!) and hopefully carrying out this procedure on my MacBook Pro.

I just wondered how much these upgrades cost you? I would very much so like to do it myself, as my MacBook has been kicking around for a while now and is starting to feel its age.

Thanks, MoriartyIrish

Reply

Answer 8

Braino

Level 1

4 points

Mar 11, 2016 7:22 AM in response to nkoros

Hi nkoros -

I too am contemplating the same move - to upgrade my aging Mid-2009 MacBook Pro.

Along with MoriartyIrish, I would love to hear your opinions, now after 5 months, on whether you thought upgrading was money well spent? 😕

Please reply - Thanks in advance! 😀

Reply

Answer 9

c4fu

Level 1

0 points

Mar 23, 2016 9:13 AM in response to Braino

I upgraded my 15' Mid-2009 Macbook Pro as well and I will strongly recommend you to do it. I installed 8 GB of RAM and a 480GB SSD drive, now it feels like a brand new macbook. Also, I installed Mac OS X El Capital and I'm impressed with the performance.

I would suggest a Mac OS X clean installation (not upgrade) to give it a performance boost. You can find a guide here:

http://mashable.com/2015/10/01/clean-install-os-x-el-capitan/

(Just remember to backup all your data with time machine before following these steps).

Cheers!

Reply

Answer 10

Jeffap

Level 1

12 points

May 13, 2016 4:29 AM in response to c4fu

Hi all

I have the exact 13" MBP model as OP. I already have 4GB ram + SSD 128GB. I am currently using OS Lion.

Considering my MBP goes very slow simply opening different tabs on firefox / chrome / safari, I am thinking if I should further upgrade the ram to 8GB + latest OS. I want to know if such upgrade would significantly boost my MBP?

By the way I definitely need my MBP to run Photoshop (RAW editing), web + apps development tools (coding).

Thank you for your reply

Reply

Answer 11

May 13, 2016 7:39 AM in response to Jeffap

Jeffap wrote:

Hi all

I have the exact 13" MBP model as OP. I already have 4GB ram + SSD 128GB. I am currently using OS Lion.

Considering my MBP goes very slow simply opening different tabs on firefox / chrome / safari, I am thinking if I should further upgrade the ram to 8GB + latest OS. I want to know if such upgrade would significantly boost my MBP?

By the way I definitely need my MBP to run Photoshop (RAW editing), web + apps development tools (coding).

Thank you for your reply

I would not spend any money on a 7 year old obsolete computer. Vintage and obsolete products - Apple Support

Start a new thread detailing your issues with the computer and we will try to help you.

Reply

Answer 12

Sep 10, 2016 10:43 AM in response to nkoros

Hi,

I just ran across this post. I have the same model MacBook Pro mid-2009. I installed 8 GB 1067 MHz DDR3 ram and an SSD of about 500 gig a year or so ago. The difference is amazing. I run windows 7 Pro using Vmware fusion (virtual machine) allocating 4 gig of ram to each OS. I switch back and forth between OSs. I only use Windows for a software program I prefer. The rest of the time, I quit the Vmware and 8 gig of ram is then available foe OS X . It all works beautifully. My wife has a late 2013 MacBook Pro, retina, 13 inch, 16 gig ram, about a 500 gig ssd. By the seat of my pants they are close in speed and function. I think you would be happy with the upgrade. I do not store many files, so I did not splurge for the 1TB drive. I would however, buy the best quality ram and SSD I could afford. Hope this information helps.

Cheers

Reply

Answer 13

alex7375

Level 3

695 points

Sep 10, 2016 11:16 AM in response to nkoros

Your Macbook Pro is very old.

If you plan on keeping it you should Max out the memory, Add an SSD as a main boot drive, And replace the battery.

Note: You Macbook pro is not eligible for the NEW MacOS upgrade. So El Capitan is as high as you can go.

You can do the upgrades yourself for as little as $172

8gb. Memory - $45

https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-PC3-8500-204-Pin-CT2K4G3S1067M-CT2C4G3S1067M/dp/B 008LTBJFM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473530…

SSD OCZ trion 150-series - $65

https://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-OCZ-Trion-Internal-TRN150-25SAT3-480G/dp/B01B4NUK MY/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1473531010&sr=1-1&keywords=coz%2Btrion%2B150

Battery - $54

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Replacement-Battery-MacBook-6000mAh/dp/B00D780NNQ/r ef=sr_1_6?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1473531069&sr=1-6&keywords=2009+macbook+pro+battery

Tool kit - $8

https://www.amazon.com/Kaisi-Precision-Screwdriver-16-Piece/dp/B00E3CHLLC/ref=sr _1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1473531252&sr=1-1&…

Total = $172

Reply

Answer 14

Oct 22, 2016 2:24 PM in response to SeaPapp

Hi Mike,

I have a similar question to the above . My 2009 mid 13 "Macbook Pro works fairly well except for a color wheel that always seems to pop up while I am browsing . I have been told by my computer guy that I am trying to run a 2009 laptop with 2016 software and that is the reason why. I am running 10.11.6 El Capitan. It has 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 DUO , memory is 4 GB 1067 MHz DDR 3, Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 9400M 256 MB. It is a solid state drive. I know I need a new battery because I cannot use it without keeping it plugged in. I have very little memory left 20GB free of 250 GB. I would love this to be faster....and not get "hung up " while I am using it. It is my only computer and I do not know if I should take the huge plunge to replace it, fix this and perhaps buy an iPad pro ??? to supplement it ? How much should I be charged to upgrade this and should I buy the parts myself or trust a computer guy t do this ? ? I am use to using this one and really don't want the stress of learning a new computer yet this one is heavy when I travel ( therefore why I suggested an IPAD pro ?). I have 50 GB of photos and 40 GB of movies on this. My daughter is an actress so I really want to keep the photos etc. I did not know who to ask to get an honest , informative answer. And yes, please talk to me like you are explaining it to your mother. Thank -you 🙂

Reply

Answer 15

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Oct 22, 2016 4:01 PM in response to dreamgirly03

Your Macbook Pro still has plenty of life left but needs some upgrades that would cost you less than $200, well worth it in my estimation. If I were you I would upgrade the ram and replace the overcrowded hard drive with either a higher capacity one or an SSD with more capacity.

El Capitan doesn't run well in less than 8Gb of ram and you can upgrade to that easily following this guide https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+15-Inch+Unibody+2.53+GHz+Mid+2009+RAM+R eplacement/1522

I would only buy quality ram from OWC as an 8Gb kit is only $52

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_MacBook_MacBook_Pro/Upgrade/DDR3

Replacing the hard drive is almost as easy https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+15-Inch+Unibody+2.53+GHz+Mid+2009+Hard+ Drive+Replacement/1518

If you're ok with the speed of a spinning hard drive you can get a good WD black drive here https://www.amazon.com/Black-Performance-Mobile-Hard-Drive/dp/B01DOL05OC/ref=sr_ 1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1477176946&sr=1-1&k…

If you really want to make your MBP scream install an SSD for quite a bit more money considering you need additional storage space https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/SSD7E3G480/

And while your at it replace the battery with an Anker from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Replacement-Battery-Li-Polymer-7200mAh/dp/B00UWQ6YE I/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1477176749&sr=8…

Reply