Introduction: Replace HDD With SSD for Macbook Pro Unibody, Mid 2012

The traditional spinning hard drive is the basic nonvolatile storage on a computer. That is, information on it doesn't "go away" when you turn off the system, as is the case with data stored in RAM. A hard drive is essentially a metal platter with a magnetic coating that stores your data. A read/write head on an arm accesses the data while the platters are spinning.
An SSD does functionally everything a hard drive does, but data is instead stored on interconnected flash memory chips that retain the data even when there's no power present. Speed is where SSDs shine. An SSD-equipped PC will boot in less than a minute, and often in just seconds. A hard drive requires time to speed up to operating specs, and will continue to be slower than an SSD during normal use.

Step 1: Collect All the Needed Tools & Parts

  • Torx Screwdriver
  • Phillips #00 Screwdriver
  • 240 GB OCZ TL100 SSD

Step 2: Unscrew the Following 10 Screws From the Lower Case

  • Three 14.4 mm Phillips #00 screws (red)
  • Three 3.5 mm Phillips #00 screws (orange)
  • Four 3.5 mm shouldered Phillips #00 screws (yellow)

*Caution: Please perform this step on a flat surface.

Step 3: Open the Lower Case

  • Use your fingers to pry open the lower case near the vent
  • Set the lower case aside for later use

*Caution: Do not violently open up the case

Step 4: Locate the Battery and HardDrive Connector

1. Locate and remove the battery connector.

2. Touch the metal surface of the laptop to remove any static current from the system.

3. Now, locate and remove the HardDrive connector as shown in the photo

Step 5: Locate the Hardrive

  • It is covered in a piece of plastic
  • Remove the screws holding the plastic together

Step 6: Remove the Hardrive

  • Lift the hardrive out of the chassis, and remove the ribbon that connects it to the laptop

Step 7: Replace HDD With SDD

1. Connect the mSATA ribbon to the SDD, and place it back in the notebook.

2. Reattach the plastic cover to hold the drive in place.

Step 8: Reattach the Hardrive and Battery Connectors

1. Reattach the HardDrive connector to the motherboard

2. Reattach the Battery connector

Step 9: Replace the Cover

Screw the lower cover again

Step 10: And That Is It!

Enjoy the amazing read/write speeds of your new SSD equipped Mac