what ssd goes into my mid 2012 macbook pro 13'

The 2012 Macbook Pro uses a standard 2.5 inch SATA hard drive, which is what most laptop computers are using. Where I work we use Samsung SSD's and never had a problem, but you're free to use any 2.5 inch SATA SSD of your choice.

MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Mid 2012 Hard Drive Replacement - iFixit

DJSBAINS wrote:

what ssd goes into my mid 2012 macbook pro 13'

If it's a "Unibody" model (will say Model No. A1278 on the bottom of the case) then any SSD operating with a SATA III interface should work. Some might work better than others though. Many here recommend the ones that OWC sells because they provide customer support, although they do cost more. Crucial also guarantees compatibility with Macs.

I have a SanDisk Ultra 3D 512 GB in my mid-2012 Unibody MBP, and it's been working just fine. The one issue that some people have is that a worn SATA connector ribbon sometimes doesn't work well with an SSD for some reason or another. Nobody can say exactly why, other than replacement seems to get it to work.

SSDs (Solid-State Drives) Designed for the MacBook Pro

if you buy a kit, it includes tools you will need and an external enclosure:

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ssd/owc/macbook-pro/2012

How to create a boot clone

Most any 2.5" form factor SSD if that is what is now installed. If it already has an SSD installed that is connected to the PCIe bus, then you need a specially made card. Aside from Apple, who will not sell one to you, you need to go to OWC and see if they have a card that does fit along with video tutorials and required toolkits.

Agreed, a new SATA cable is a nominal expense and highly recommended.

It is however no mystery why old cables fail when switching from HDD to SSD.

SSD= faster speed= more heat

In the case of an intermittent generic failure, the electrical continuity of a cracked trace on both sides of the crack is very often a function of the temperature of the unit at the point where the crack exists. As a unit heats up, it expands, and as it expands, the crack widens, eventually forcing a complete electrical separation to exist on both sides of the crack, hence a failure. As it cools down, electrical contact may once again be restored.

Those SATA cables are actually not cables but flexible circuit boards, usually mylar, with printed circuit traces taking the place of wires. This type of cable can experience cracks in traces due to aging, heat, vibration, impact and abrasion. They can be damaged quite easily if the unit is mishandled during assembly or re-assembly.

The SATA cable is the weak link, one of many reasons Apple went to the PCI-e and soldered-in storage.

Just to add - there really isn't much performance difference between SATA SSDs these days. They are all limited by the speed of the SATA III interface and all have nearly the same performance. The big worry isn't about performance but long-term reliability.

Kappy wrote:

So that instead of spending $29 on another ribbon cable you get to spend $290 to replace a dead SSD. I doubt that ribbon cable is the true weak link in the major scheme of things. 😁

Or $900+ on a complete logic board for the latest models. 😮

So that instead of spending $29 on another ribbon cable you get to spend $290 to replace a dead SSD. I doubt that ribbon cable is the true weak link in the major scheme of things. 😁