Q: I am inheriting a macbook pro 2011.  I plan on upgrading RAM to the 8gb max and HD to a SSD.  A few questions.  Is the max RAM 8gb or can i go to 16?  When upgrading the HD will I need all of the original software discs to reinstall?

You can get all your info from this trusted Mac source https://www.macsales.com/

2011 can recognize 16GB RAM, see OWC

Having a Time Machine backup or a BootClone via superduper or carboncopycloner is how you move your data to the new storage (SSD)

All 2011 MBPs will accept up 16 GB RAM.  The best sources of Mac compatible RAM are OWC and Crucial.  If the MBP is an early 2011 MBP, then it came with Snow Leopard installation disks and you should have the in order to re-install the OSX.  If it is a late 2011 MBP, it came with Lion and you can use Internet recovery to install the original OSX.

Ciao.

The 2011 MacBook Pro can in reality take up to 16GB or RAM, Although Apple only officially mentions 8GB.

Depends on whether or not it received a firmware update at any point:

Computers that can be upgraded to use OS X Internet Recovery - Apple Support

If it got the upgrade, you can use Internet Recovery to download and install Lion. And from there update as needed.

Otherwise you'll need the original installation disks.

aebirch77 wrote:

 

I actually have the Snow Leopard OS disc from my iMac.  So worst case I will start from there.

No so.  That iMac Snow Leopard disk is NOT compatible with your 2011 MBP.  Installation disks are model/year specific.  If you have an early 2011 MBP, you will need the Snow Leopard disks that came with it.  Duplicates can be ordered from Apple Customer Service.  If it is a late MBP, then it came with Lion, and you can use the recovery partition.

Ciao.

aebirch77 wrote:

 

Thanks ALL.  Very useful info.  I actually have the Snow Leopard OS disc from my iMac.  So worst case I will start from there.

Power up and hold command R, you don't need the recovery disks.

OS X: About OS X Recovery - Apple Support