How to replace hard drive with a SSD on a MacBook Pro 15-inch, Late 2011 model A1286

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How to replace hard drive with a SSD on a MacBook Pro 15-inch, Late 2011 model A1286

Hello,

I would like to replace the hard drive on my MacBook Pro 15-inch, Late 2011 model A1286 with an solid state drive (SSD). First, I'd like to know if this is possible. Second, what is the best way to do this? I am running the Yosemite OS if that makes a difference.

Here are some technical details of my current system:

- MacBook Pro 15-inch, Late 2011 model A1286

- Yosemite OS

- 16GB Memory/RAM

- Currently using the stock HD

Any step-by-step instructions would be helpful along with what software I should use for making backups of my current OS (e.g. SuperDuper). I'd also like to know what tools and/or equipment I will need such as screwdriver type, cables for transferring data to the SSD, etc. My goal is to not have to reinstall each app one-by-one on the SSD, but if that's the only way to do it then that's okay.

Thanks in advance for any help.

MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)

Posted on Jan 3, 2016 9:00 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

FatMac-MacPro

Level 5

5,083 points

Jan 3, 2016 10:48 AM in response to Alyce.B.Heinz

You can see step-by-step instructions from OWC here. Necessary tools are mentioned in the discussion (I used a plastic picnic knife with the sharpest edge somewhat dulled for the nylon pry tool). I'd suggest investing in one of these external enclosures. Install the SSD in that and clone the internal to the external with CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper. Then switch the external drive for the internal drive after booting from the SSD in the external to confirm proper operation.

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Answer 2

Jan 3, 2016 10:46 AM in response to FatMac-MacPro

Thanks FatMac>MacPro. This is a most helpful answer.

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Answer 3

Jan 3, 2016 10:54 AM in response to Alyce.B.Heinz

Glad to help. I'd also suggest that once you install the SSD internally, activate TRIM.

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Answer 4

Jan 3, 2016 10:54 AM in response to FatMac-MacPro

@ FatMac>MacPro

Ahhh yes, TRIM. I do have that app installed as I heard it was needed. Thank you for the reminder. Very much appreciated.

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Answer 5

Jan 3, 2016 11:06 AM in response to Alyce.B.Heinz

Since you're running 10.10.5, you shouldn't need an app to activate it; it's already installed for Apple brand drives and Apple added the "

sudo trimforce enable" command for third party SSD's.

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Answer 6

steve359

Level 6

17,169 points

Jan 3, 2016 4:00 PM in response to Alyce.B.Heinz

Method advice is good.

I will add advice about selecting the SSD. OWC/macsales.com sells a trusted Mercury series SSD. I run a Crucial SSD in my 2011 MBP.

But the current batch of Samsung SSDs are reported often in this forum as having issues, and Samsung's website does not claim mac-compatible. I would avoid those until things change.

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Answer 7

Jan 3, 2016 4:17 PM in response to steve359

@steve359 > Thank you for the advice. Greatly appreciated! Thank you.

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