macbook pro early 2011 15"

[ArtichokeFlower]

Hello all
I am new to this forum so please forgive me if I ask too many questions in one post.
1) I have a macbook pro early 2011 15" how do I find model number (not serial number)? Is this http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...-15-early-2011-unibody-thunderbolt-specs.html correct?
2) I need to replace my hard drive (smart said failing but then store did wipe and now says verified but tech support says I should still replace) just wondering is this seems like too soon to fail?
3) Cannot seem to find bay z-height anywhere, will this fit 9.5mm?
4) Recommendations for hdd vs sshd? Any thoughts on sshd? cannot afford sad drive right now as I want min 1T
5) I tend to use my computer with many things open at one or use some photo editing / design software. My computer has always run slow for me. what spec would you recommend as being the most important for me to increase my performance?
6) these are some I am considering, any thoughts?
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822178340 $84.99
- http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=22-178-875 $73.99
7) I am also upgrading my RAM. Apparently computer can use up to 16 but apple will only support up to 8 as it becomes unstable. Anyone have experience using 16gb ram?
Thank you so much in advance!
Arti

 

[oldscribe]

Hi,

Would love to help but need the serial number.

 

[honestone]

I have some thoughts/information that could help.

1. Given that the machine is 5 1/2 years old, hard disk drives tend to fail as early as 5 years, especially if they are used intensely.

2. To find the model number, click on the Apple menu heading, and select "About This Mac". The Serial Number will appear there. To get the model number, click on "System Report", and the next screen that will appear is Hardware Overview. One of the items listed is the Model Identifier. Once you have that, you can do a google search to get the model number. For example, for my Late 2012 Mac Mini, it says "Macmini6,2".

3. Regarding height "needs", this link shows what you can do with the inwards of your machine:

https://www.ifixit.com/Device/MacBook_Pro_15"_Unibody_Early_2011

Note that you can install either a "normal" hard drive, an SSD, or a so-called "hybrid" drive.

4. A "pure" SSD will easily satisfy your "need for speed" (especially given that your current internal hard disk drive spins at only 5400 rpm), but I am unsure which would be "better": a 1 TB hybrid drive, a 1 TB SSD (expensive), or a 256/500 gig SSD inside the machine, and a hard disk drive (7200 rpm would be the best) in an external case. (For the external drive, it would be best if you could get an external case with a Firewire 800 port (although USB 3.0 is fast also)).

I can tell for a fact that when I replaced the slow, 1 TB 5400 rpm hard disk drive that was inside my Mac MIni with a 256 gig Samsung 840 Pro SSD, the performance increase was staggering! Both booting up the machine and launching/running applications became significantly faster. I will never go back to a hard disk drive inside any Mac that I own. (The 1 TB drive went into a nice, slim external case, and it definitely comes in handy whenever we travel).

5. For the RAM, definitely upgrade to 16 gig. Also, note what it says on the link you provided:

"Apple officially supports a maximum of 8 GB of RAM, but as first confirmed by site sponsor OWC, this model actually is capable of using up to 16 GB of RAM with two 8 GB memory modules"

Maybe some other folks have some actual knowledge about this.

6. Finally, regarding your statement "what spec would you recommend as being the most important for me to increase my performance?", I would say both an SSD upgrade and an increase in the amount of RAM to 16 gig would be best. And, ideally a 1 TB SSD drive would be awesome!

 

[JamieWest]

HI Artichoke,

I was recently in a similar predicament to you in terms of an older Macbook Pro that has literally been with me for the last 6 years, It was worn and almost worn out , i needed a new one but also needed to get an additional three for by business.I am a massive fan of Mac and Apple products , yes they are extremely reliable and user friebdly but also expensive. We ended up deciding to upgrade by buying refurbished - we did hunt around , ebay didnt quite offer us what we needed in terms of quality and quantity so we bought from a refurbished apple reseller, not sure if this is what you may need but thought is would be ffod for thought. Good Luck with your search.

Jamie

http://www.londonmacs.co.uk/

http://www.londonmacs.co.uk/apple-refurbished-macbooks/