Suggestion on upgrading SSD/RAM for my old MacBook Pro?

ltvo3 on 25/03/2017 - 19:56
Last edited 25/03/2017 - 21:00

Hi every one, I would like to ask you guys some questions about how I should upgrade my oldie Macbook Pro.

Here is its detail:
Macbook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2012)
Processor 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5
Memory 4gb 1600 MHz DDR3
Graphics Intel HD Graphics 4000 1536 MB
HDD 500GB

As it is getting very old, it takes long time to turn on, and open apps. My friend suggested that I could either upgrade the HDD to SSD, or increase RAM to speed up the laptop.

My queries are:

1) Since I am a full-time finance student with tight budget, I could not afford to buy a new laptop. In your opinion, should I upgrade RAM or SSD first? Can you please suggest some reliable and affordable SSD/RAM brand names for me and where I should get it in Melbourne?

2) I found this item https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/Hard-Drives-&-SSDs/SSD-2…?
I am not sure if it is for Macbook Pro and if it it a reliable brand? I am happy with the storage in the range from 250GB to 500GB.

My budget is perhaps less than $250.

Thanks in advance,

General Discussion

Comments

  • altomic on 25/03/2017 - 20:05
    +1

    I have the same machine.

    here is a guide to my installation

  • LaScrooge on 25/03/2017 - 20:32
    +2

    Just an FYI, the same hard drive as you've linked is $105 from MSY.

    I'd suggest doing the SSD first. I have an old 2007 MacBook Pro, and the SSD upgrade makes an astronomical difference compared to RAM for everyday use.

  • hamwhisperer on 25/03/2017 - 20:46
    +2

    If your existing machine has a HDD and not SSD, you should always go SSD before RAM. Seriously even with 4GB it will feel like a brand new machine, with 8GB memory and an SSD you'll be shocked. Unless it breaks you will get anywhere from 3 to 5 more years out of it.

    EDIT: this applies to ANY laptop from about 2012 onwards with an i5 intel CPU or higher I'd say.

  • scrimshaw on 25/03/2017 - 21:40
    +1

    You can upgrade both the RAM and SSD for a budget of less than $200 bucks.

    An additional 4GB of DDR3 or DDR3L memory (both are compatible) will set you back $41

    and a respectable SSD (240GB) is around $120 dollars. Thats only $161 dollars to upgrade.

    • Elwes on 26/03/2017 - 08:04
      +2

      Be aware that you probably don't have a free RAM slot, you'll have to remove 2x2GB DIMMs and instal 2x4GB for the min upgrade. (Or you can go 2x8GB if you really want to max it out.)

  • cheapisgood on 25/03/2017 - 23:10
    +2

    Always SSD 1st. The speed difference is massive. But also even bumping up to 8GB of RAM is pretty cheap and can have big benefits

  • dragong87 on 26/03/2017 - 01:25
    +1

    As mentioned by everyone else, update the SSD first and see how you go. I replaced my Macbook Pro 2010 Core2Duo HDD to a 240GB SSD and it feels like a new laptop (6.5years old now).
    Still a bit slow, but i'm hoping to get a few more years out of it.

  • KitchenSink on 26/03/2017 - 02:45
    +1

    I'd go with reliable brands such as Crucial or Kingston for Memory as they have lifetime warranty. I've had good experiences with both.
    I heard some issues with the OWC brand.

    http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Apple/m…. I bought from Amazon US as it was slightly cheaper compared to others selling in Australia at the time.

    For SSD most people go with Samsung for its price/speed compared to others, but you cant go wrong with either major brands: sandisk, kingston, crucial or Intel.

    And like others said, get the SSD first, it does wonders for speed and then RAM upgrade for your 100+ chrome tab needs.

  • NinjaFly on 26/03/2017 - 02:49
    +1

    You should get a new SSD 1st and then follow up with a 4GB RAM stick :D

  • Elwes on 26/03/2017 - 08:01
    +1

    I agree with everyone above that you should get an SSD first.
    If you need a lot of storage but can't afford a huge SSD, many people instal a smallish SSD with just the OS and apps and use a "data doubler" bracket to mount a traditional HDD in the optical bay. (I have a 240GB SSD and a 1TB HDD.) As SSD prices come down (and as MB Pros become obsolete), this will become less common but it's a good tightarse solution if you rarely used optical disks.

    When it comes time to upgrade the RAM, I don't think that brand is very important but you won't save much on cheaper brands anyway, so it's up to you.
    Although Apple will tell you that your model supports up to 8GB, in fact you can install up to 16GB (2x8GB DIMMs).
    http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/specs/macb…
    That's what I have in mine. You'll rarely need it but if you want to max out your MacBook, that's the most it can take.

  • o53djz7qTPY4der on 26/03/2017 - 08:57
    +1

    I have a 2012 MacBook Pro, I put an SSD and upped the ram to 8gb. I can't see myself needing to replace it anytime soon.. it's super fast.

  • ltvo3 on 26/03/2017 - 18:40
    +1

    Guys, this comment is dedicated to every one who have had given me those above useful tips.
    Today, I just got my hdd replaced with 250GB WD Blue SSD WDS250G1B0A 250GB SATAIII SSD Solid State Drive. (http://www.msy.com.au/viconline/home/17840-wd-blue-ssd-wds25…)

    After upgrading, I am impressed by the speed difference that it brought. Will consider to buy 2*4GB RAM in the future now, since the store in Mitcham runs out of that.

    Once again, thanks heaps. Have a nice weekend and be kind to each other! :)

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