2011 15" Core i7 MacBook Pro Upgrade Part 1: 8GB RAM, 120GB SSD & SL Install (How To)

[GuitarHero3SH]

does this works on macbook pro 13?

[thatsnazzyappleguy]

aren't there ten screws? there ate ten in my 15" Macbook Pro

[FreeeDom95]

where did you get the RAM + i downloaded the OS for my Mac... will that effect it?

[TheComputerNerd0101]

@FreeeDom95 nope..

[FreeeDom95]

@TheComputerNerd0101 is it best to get the samsung RAM? p.s thanks for replying :)

[TheComputerNerd0101]

@FreeeDom95 It doesnt really matter. I would suggest using som equality RAM though. Use PC10600 DDR3 204pin, and don't buy more than 16GB, it actually supports it,

[FreeeDom95]

@TheComputerNerd0101 okay thanks man!! does the 13inch MacBook Pro support the 16gb ram?

[TheComputerNerd0101]

@FreeeDom95 yeah, it will do :)

[PMZanetti]

For everything else you should be using an external drive, as it's far safer.

[PMZanetti]

@Moe, yes you're wrong. @ Havok, if you have to ask then its not for you. Short version is, when it comes to performance, a fast internal drive beats a large capacity internal drive in every way. The read and write speeds are most important, and are several orders of magnitude faster than a HDD. Also the avg. internal storage need is around 120 GB for the OS, Apps, and their data.

[NicksBowlofComedy]

I installed the RAM but when I turn it on it freezes when I start it

[U1qui0rra]

@NicksBowlofComedy I'm sure you tried switching them right? Worst case scenario, the RAM sticks you both are faulty or did not match your computer. Try sending them back.

[BeastlyBoltz]

@NicksBowlofComedy make sure they are in properly if not they may be dead try putting the old ones in then start if it works the new ones are dead

[bradenw1216]

so can you do this with windows too

[DaMasterSarge]

What's the song? It sounds like the one at the video game trailers. When it came up with the like it or not part at the end.

[xalkinosdynatos]

Thank you very much! Simple and easy! Thank oyu

[DJKiDDKlashez]

dont you have to unplug your battery first? he could of ruined his computer.

[Darkstar2520]

so are all the screws the same size or what?

[mariokid2115]

Just got a used like new MBP 15 2.2 Ghz w/ Radeon HD 6750 1GB for $1,339. Upgrading memory and HDD as soon as I get it. Thanks TLD :)

[vanillabeanduck]

@mariokid2115 good buy, I paid 2300 for mine new.....FML.

[mariokid2115]

@vanillabeanduck It's the old model but it still has sandy bridge, thunderbolt, and a decent video card :) I got it with no tax and free shipping from amazon warehouse.

[TrustairXL]

Don't forget to remove the the power socket from your battery!

[thuglivin96]

What do I do if I want to install lion from a flash drive?

[579093]

I have a question, why do some people who install an ssd remove their optical drive? Isnt the ssd faster than a sata already? I don't understand where the optical drive comes to play.

[AustinAlexanderAW]

@579093 im not sure if this answers you question. but im pretty sure ive seen people take out their optical drive so they can fit their old drive and the new ssd in the same laptop

[MrBlakoner]

It's a mod to basically give you more space, you take out your optical drive. 120gb isn't a lot, so people like to keep their old ones for extra space

[HaVoKYouBum]

how would going from a 500gb hdd to a 120gb ssd be an upgrade? really. I would rather have 4gb of ram like i do now on my 2011 13" macbook pro 500gb. for a little bit of extra speed i wouldn't give up over 380gb for something that i would probably need in the future.

[Moe3391]

@HaVoKYouBum I'm pretty sure u got it all wrong...he has an extender that he ordered from owc (i think) and maybe later on he has 500GB's and a 120GB ssd...the main drive is 500GB's and the secondary one is the ssd, so basically he added more RAM and storage...maybe I'm wrong

[rrrrrrfghj]

can I use the OSX Lion I downloaded from the app store if i update my mac or do i need a CD

[Cusack187]

I love how easy it is to install custom hdds and ram sticks in a mac. About as easy as on my ps3. Cannot wait to get my macbook. 8gb sticks are at the ready!

[ArGyProductions]

@Cusack187

Great comment mate... 8GB RAM is most advisable to anyone I most days I utilize up to 6 GB o_O

Just need a 500GB SSD and i'm sorted xD

[AWcatcher11]

if u just upgrade the ram...do u lose any memory?

[MacTech4ever95]

Is the background music included in iLife? I can`t find it!

[12mamyr]

is'nt 120 GB a smaal amount of saving spase?

[iAMkxno]

@12mamyr yeah but it's ssd so its way faster and you can get external hdd for extra stuff

[ProductionDanny]

If you upgrade your macbook by yourself does it reduce the battery life ? or is it the same (about 7 hours)

[MacTech4ever95]

@ProductionDanny If you install an SSD instead of an HDD you will even get a little better battery life. Up to half an hour is possible, because SSDs need much less power than regular HDDs.

[bdodds1985]

you missed step one! disconnect the battery and ground yourself if you dont have a non static surface. come on man... nice video but two very important steps here

[iTouchiPodz001]

Vertex 3 data doubler, 750gb WD black disk, 16gb ram

[dan4patriots1]

nice I installed a vertex 3 and 8gb of corsair ram in my macbook pro

[ArenaEZ]

Great video!

[carl0sian]

Great guide! It would be even better if you have a demo on how to install with Lion. Otherwise, this guide was great!!

[zelicfilip]

Why did you upgrade your mac to "only" sata 2.0 instead sata 3.0 ?? 3 Gb/s vs 6 Gb/s ???

[thisistotallylife]

Nice vid

[PunpzMusicVEVO]

There is no way to have 2 HDDs? One SDD and the older one at the same time? I think 120GB is so little space :/

[8AxeProductions8]

@PunpzMusicVEVO OWC makes the "Data Doubler" mounting bracket that takes place of the optical drive, allowing for two 2.5" internal drives.

[PunpzMusicVEVO]

@8AxeProductions8 thanks for the answer bro. but i dont wanna loose my DVD drive. Guess I'll wait for the prices of the SSD's to drop before I can get one. :)

[MrJoelWyncott]

I really only wanted to see a new RAM installed. Thanks!

[genhalo2]

Apple should kill optical drive on mac book pro

[gadzetden]

Sir, it is 10 screws and not 11'

[hotdognobun]

About to get ab SSD but how do i install Lion because mine was preinstalled with no disk

[iirmantass3]

@hotdognobun disk dublication?

[starstarstar42]

@hotdognobun The easiest way to install Lion on a fresh SSD is to first clone it from your harddrive. You attach your new SSD via an external adapter (not expensive). The cloning software then copies EVERYTHING to your new SSD. Then you swap out your old drive for your SSD. (You COULD also use Lion's own disc management to transfer Lion over, but then you have to go through the hassle of installing all updates & software separately). Check the apple forums for good cloning software.

[Fm11Ilike]

How did you get the OS X on the CD?

[jart122]

What kind of Philips screwdriver did you use is it 00 or 000 Screwdriver. Can you link me to a site were they sell screwdrivers to install ram on my macbook pro. Please and thank you.

[068674415]

can u get 16 gb ?

[Lvl71Turtle]

@068674415 2x8gb?

[murphyman7892]

@068674415 yep. other world computing has it.

[hagenblaa]

do I need a special RAM or sth like that for note-/macbooks?

sorry bro I dont know much about pc's but I want to learn.

So can I just buy a normal RAM like 2x 4GB?

Pls PM me :)

[nacktezwerge]

@hagenblaa There are different formats and generations, you need the specific modules for your computer. Check the tech specs for your mainboard (desktop PC) or model (notebook). You can also check the specifications that are printed on the original RAM .

[23macfreak]

Oh! That's up there in the vid ! ^^ sry

[23macfreak]

Which screwdrivers would you recommend?

[majnyn]

Wow amazing presentation of a how-to video. Thank you!

[onwingsofmidnight]

I think the issue is snow leopards limit to 4 gb addressing I have the same issue as Im running lion fine with 8gb but tried to install Leopard in a separate partition as so many programs are incompatible but this is not an easy task as snow leopard install disk won't run on lion I assume because apple don't want you running snow leopard now they have decided you will run lion. Id like to know how he run leopard???

[jujubean314]

i watched the video & did everything accordingly. i changed out my ram to 2x4gb and seagate hybrid xt. turned the power on then hold the option key, inserted the osx leopard install disc. clicked on icon install osx then all i get is 3 beeps...3 beeps...over and over. what do i do?

[baggyjean5]

@DaKulGuy As far as i know: the ram, optical drive, and HD are all 'user replaceable parts' - meaning that you have full access to do whatever you please to them, and it wont invalidate your warrenty.

Pretty much everything else (ie. the CPU, logicboard, graphics and battery) is all off limits though.

[123456iambelial]

Can I use a regular laptop SODIMM for MBP 13" or does it have to be Mac hardware?

Thanks

[OMGitsSCHNUCKUMS]

apple is very smart on not allowing people to upgrade shit on the motherboard, that way is you want better graphics we need buy a 2,000 $ mac or buy a mac pro to upgrade it myself... Apple honestly that IS pathetic

[eyePawl]

@OMGitsSCHNUCKUMS show me a laptop that has upgradeable graphics.

thanks

[OMGitsSCHNUCKUMS]

@eyePawl that's why they should, it's innovative as hell

[hyghiaumtym]

how much would these installations affect the battery life?

[colr7555]

how do you change the hard drive with Mac OS X lion to a new hard drive and reinstall lion if there is no disk?

[mario00037]

@colr7555 Use Time Machine. Make a backup of the hard you are using now to the new one. Now that you have the new hard drive with the same files as the one you are using now. Just change the Hard-Drives

[techcomp1]

How do I reinstall osx lion on the ssd without the disk because I bought my MacBook with lion preinstalled and didn't get a reinstallation disk with it

[waytomuchsparetime]

OWC should make a battery booster, where you take out the cd drive and add in another battery to take the battery life to over 11 hours compared to its 7 hours

[mistgun119]

When inserting ssd would you say that noise level has also been reduced?

[brostinkles1]

does any of this void the warranty?

[faquorl]

and how do you back up to the stuff from your old harddrive?

[Weegee010]

hey i was wondering what kind of screwdriver you use. i am upgrading on the same computer and i've tried it TWICE and it hasnt worked!!! Please tell me!!!

[WYIT0]

I went to give you a high five but you left me hanging. -___-

[andythewooferguy]

very informative video, its nice to see someone else do it first. i've never seen that macbook pro, with the silver bezel going al the way round the screen. the 2011 macbook pros have black ones don't they?

[xSlash1995x]

@andythewooferguy It's a Hi-Res Anti-Glare display. I think this is new on the 2011 models. The standard configuration of the new MBP's have the normal black bezel.

[spukduk5632]

@fukademous Removing the battery VOIDS YOUR WARRANTY. As long as power is off on the machine, you're good.

[aimtiTV]

Is it necessary to make a partition, if so ,should the name look like this, GUID Partition Table ?

[marcosity428]

@tldtoday what is a better company for ssd, kingston or owc?

[BABUSHKA29]

Hi I'm having trouble trying to find memory for my Macbook Pro. Can anyone recommend some good memory chips preferable 1666 MHz. I have a 2.3 quad core i7.

[killamanjaro306]

What ever happened to part 2? With the data doubler and the WD hard drive?

[ethanlphoto]

@killamanjaro306 Part 2 is there are you blind?

[killamanjaro306]

@ethanlphoto well then I meant part 3, whichever part where he shows how to put in the data doubler and WD hard drive.

[jayry55]

Does this void apple care?

[kalijasin]

I got a square trade warranty. With square trade you can do upgrades without voiding your warranty. Also, you do not need apples warranty if either the ram or ssd die as they both come with warranties from the manufacturer.

[GrandpaStarcraft]

@tdltoday I want to have 8 GB of ram on my MacBook Pro but I only have 4 GB, can I use the 4 GB of ram I already have and 4 GB of ram I'm going to buy? Or do I have to buy a new stick of 8 GB of ram?

Also, where do you buy the ram? Sorry, I'm a newb.

[chelfc7]

@GrandpaStarcraft Corsair 4x2(8gb) ram off amazon! make sure you get the 1333MHz one. :)

[GrandpaStarcraft]

@chelfc7 Thanks man, and will the extra 4 GB of ram improve gaming performance or is it an unnoticable change?

[chelfc7]

@GrandpaStarcraft I'm sure it will,More available space for the computer to access so it would probably just use it more freely and it's better than apple's cheap 4gigs anyway ; )

[tupac2kur]

@GrandpaStarcraft

Crucial is a great place to get RAM

[Legoego14]

Why does the space around your screen appear to be white/silver? I thought the standard was black?

[mdnky]

@Legoego14 You can pay for an upgrade to a matte screen instead of the glossy screen. Very important to users who require that colors be displayed as true as possible. Partly the reason I bought mine that way, but I also hate the glare of the glossy screens as well. Where I use mine the most, glare is a huge issue.

[CALiBOiAKArezz]

why wold u remove the hdd and replace it with a 120 gb ssd when u can add the ssd on the optional drive with out removing the hdd.

[mdnky]

@CALiBOiAKArezz The optical bay interface is 3gbps while the main drive interface is 6gbps.

[fukademous]

Why on earth are you touching the ram pins when removing and MLB circuits when refitting?.. ever heard of ESD safety?

Disconnecting the battery is essential during any repair / upgrade.

I wonder how people have introduced issues to their system as a result of this video.. :(

[alecjames123]

@fukademous he could be wearing the anti-static bracelet high up on his arm. even so, i have never had issues with ESD and i never wear an anti-static bracelet. i'm not saying it's not possible, but i work inside my computer once a month minimum and it's never happened.

[MicroApple911]

@fukademous You Can't Remove Mac Battery's As It Voids The Warranty

[Ripsen94]

@fukademous what is ESD safety?

[RichsWorldLive]

@Ripsen94 Electro-Static Discharge- In other words when you rub your hands together or against your clothes and you get that static shock. That from your hands to the computer can damage components on the circuit board-which can in turn destroy the computer.

[upperdocks]

@fukademous dont wet your pants. its just a computer. not a magical object.

[NME2012]

@fukademous Wear Gloves ? :/

[vv4113]

@fukademous funny thing is even the official apple guide to 'ram upgrade' fails to mention disconnecting the batt...dont know how apple missed that

[Platerpus7]

@fukademous if you remove the battery you void the warranty, thats why

[AlfredoAlons]

How much money was the ssd?

[iheartmakeup96]

As in when you're booting your macbook pro, what disc do you put in? :S

[WATSONMUTH]

@iheartmakeup96 hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha­hahahahahahaha

[iheartmakeup96]

What drive is that?

[dmont1017]

hey man what type of ram did you install in that computer, bran and memory?

nice vid.

[TheiPhoneFan123]

Great video - I have a few questions about the Data Doubler though.

1. In my 2011 MBP 15" with 128GB Apple SSD, can I move my WOW folder over to a Data Doubler HDD and have it run properly? What do I format the drive as?

2. After I do that, can I partition part of the drive to run Windows via Boot Camp?

3. As far as installing the Data Doubler, do you use anti-static protection??

Thanks so much - love the videos. Keep them coming man!

[GeekTechMac1]

if i buy a data doubler and and install a 2nd HDD od SSD how will it be displayed on desktop? How will it affect time machine backups?

[KEEELr]

Certified Apple Technician says you forgot to disconnect the battery

[zakman411]

@KEEELr: Disconnecting the battery voids the warranty.

[kalijasin]

@zakman411 NO it dont.

[Nweran]

Why didnt you just clone the HDD instead of reinstalling the OSX?

[kalijasin]

@Nweran unless he's going to clone them on a desktop he would need an external drive enclosure. Also, you do nto clone ssd. People have ran into stability problems doing that. He may not have wanted all the junk on the old drive too. Now he has a fresh clean install.

[astherushcomes1605]

Just got a MacBook Pro 15" i7 2.0 2011 Refurbished from Apple's websites for $1530, then bought Western Digital Scorpio Black 750gb 7500 RPM for $109, and Corsair 2 x 4GB DDR3 1333 $79. Grand Total= $1718. Thnx for this vid though first Mac so i would of never known to hold option for boot menu haha glad you added that in there.

[13sam2lucky]

I have my first mac on the way along with an ssd...when i do change it out and go to format it do i just select partition and that will also format it...or do i need to select erase? thanks

[norcalluvdogs]

Thanks for the great video. Easy to follow. Showing the size/type of screwdriver needed, especially helpful. I installed Ram and Hard drive in less than 30 minutes b/c of this video. Awesome!

[chidori112]

what if i just wanna upgrade just upgrade the RAM? do i have anything in the boot-up?

[kalijasin]

@chidori112 Nope, just pop it in. Would be a good idea to use a anti-static wrist strap though and to disconnect the battery.

[iitszChiinaz]

Hey I was wonderig what kind of Ram you have and where you got it ? And what kind of ram will fit in a MacBook pro 2011 13" ? I know it's dd3 and 1333 mghz but is there anythig else I have to look out for ?

[codecaine]

I love the owl site they have great deals and tutorials for every type of upgrade for the mac.

[MrGreenPetrey]

Just heard that the new macbook pro can use 16gigs of ram? Do you know this to be a fact?

[ThreeFourthsCool]

@MrGreenPetrey SOME CAN not all of em...I think possibly the 17" can take the 16GB and the 15 and 13" can take 8gb. Im pretty sure thats how it is but go to apples website and check it out. I have a 2011 13" and it supports 8.

[13sam2lucky]

@MrGreenPetrey OWC is selling it....and it was compatible with my new 13 inch i7...1500 dollars so not for me but its there for somebody with too much money or a vip pass.

[maidireapple]

What about the os how are you going to reinstall it on the ssd ? Thank you

[allskoolguru]

hi does the brand of the ram manufacture matters? what is the original ram (brand) that came out from the macbook pro and which brand of ram you replace it with? thanks

[1a2bize]

is good to see a great review some times!!!

[deepsukhwani]

The all thing I love truly is,.. 8 Gigs of LARGE, REALLY BIG Ram.. I am currently using 3 GB with Core i5 in my Windows (Acer) laptop, planning to get my Macbook soon with 4 Gigs as I dont have that heavy usage of 8Gigs, so not really willing to pay a heavy price for it.

However, yes, just for the sake of having it.. I would really love to have 8 Gigs of RAM someday in my personal Laptop, which hopefully I will have the day I start my job after the completion of my studies!

[iH4ckuriDevice]

followed all the rules to enter Blue yeti Mic giveaway and hope i win because just made my new channel and started posting new videos and it would be really really great if i won that Mic because i live outside of US and it is really expensive here and i wanted to boost my sound quality in my videos.

[Reaperaxe9]

what is the difference between the ssd you bought and the one they offer with the mac's on their website?

[k9k99]

do you need to re install the os if u only change the ram?

[jozedwardo]

@k9k99 No

[DJproductionIKT]

YOU are amazing! Now I can buy my MacBookPro 17 inch, and buy my own SSD & RAM, so I can put it in my self! awsome Thank you so much! :D

[juandv93]

this void warranty?

[zazfency14]

whats the difference between glossy and anti-glare??

[k9k99]

@zazfency14 glossy is very reflective similar to a touch screen phone such as a droid x or i phone , antiglare is way less reflective and basically resembles dull looking plastic

[kalijasin]

@k9k99 but it has better contrast and brightness because of the glass. I have it and I do not see reflections in mine, but I use mine mostly in doors.

[TrevorLangowski]

Why not just get an imac instead and do all the updates because i bet it gets VERY hot

[kalijasin]

@TrevorLangowski Imacs are not portable; thus, the reason people buy macbook pros. Also, you dont need to do these upgrades. You can get the macbook pro with all this. However, its more expensive to buy it with all these upgrades pre-installed.

[Reaperaxe9]

@MrGreenPetrey Pros: Save a lot of money, experience, and a tiny bit of fun. =)

Cons: NONE! =) (AT least i think so...;D)

[jamabo2001]

Is it worth loosing 600gb of space?

[DILYMIX]

Respect for the channel.

Tell me is the same thing SSD installed on bard like SSD on ExpressCard, for the speed??

Thanks.

[greysmoke321]

sweet video.

[Digikid2007]

@LonelySimonBolivar Always a good idea.

Hmm.....am I missing something or can I not find the Data Doubler install video?

[rubix63]

@tldtoday where's the data doubler????

[keiki646]

This guy voice is as good as the golden guy voice. clean and well spoken. Nice vid

[MeIzSk8]

Epic vid but do I need a SSD when I upgrade or can I have hdd and upgrade to ssd plus can u just back up ur mac then when u have inserted the SSd insted of using the iOS disk can u use a backup of earlier to reinstall the ios

[smartalex23]

I'm buying the same 15 inch mac but waiting/ saving until osLion is released, and doing the same upgrades.

my question is in regards to the OWC SSD , how does it compare Sandisk SSD?.. on price and performance

...

[thaswasup]

Whats the difference between the ssd shown in this video, and the one that apple has on their website? I think the on the apple site is cheaper if im not mistaken

[slannne]

When with part 3 be coming.....?

I'm really interested in that one.

Great vids by the way.

[mafbbb]

Great music Great video Great explation Great everytingh!

[Sportsam625]

part 2?