I need to upgrade my hard drive

I have a 320gb hard drive and I want to upgrade to a 1TB or a 750gb, but I'm not sure which drive to get.
I have a mid 2011 13' Macbook Pro.
2.3 GHz Intel Core i5
8GB 1333 MHz DDR3
Can anyone make any recommendations?

Does the interface or data transfer rate matter? I'm thinking about this one:

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Do I need an OS Disc to restore my macbook after I upgrade the hard drive?

I need to upgrade the hard drive in my 2009 macbook. I have a Time Capsule. I'm not clear on whether I need to install OS on the new drive using a disc, or whether I can do that from the Time Capsule? The issue is that my disc drive is broken, and I don't really want to replace it as I never use discs in it anyway. But i don't want to get stuck with a new hard drive and be unable to get an operating system on it.

I prefer this process:
How to replace or upgrade a drive in a laptop
Step One: Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions
Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Installer menu (Utilities menu for Tiger, Leopard or Snow Leopard.) After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer.
If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior and/or Tech Tool Pro to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
Step Two: Remove the old drive and install the new drive. Place the old drive in an external USB enclosure. You can buy one at OWC who is also a good vendor for drives.
Step Three: Boot from the external drive. Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the OPTION key until the boot manager appears. Select the icon for the external drive then click on the downward pointing arrow button.
Step Four: New Hard Drive Preparation
1. Open Disk Utility in your Utilities folder.
2. After DU loads select your new hard drive (this is the entry with the
      mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Note the SMART status of
      the drive in DU's status area. If it does not say "Verified" then the drive
      is failing or has failed and will need replacing. Otherwise, click on the
      Partition tab in the DU main window.
3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from
      the drop down menu to one. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended
      (Journaled.) Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to
      GUID then click on the OK button. Click on the Partition button and
      wait until the process has completed.
4. Select the volume you just created (this is the sub-entry under the
      drive entry) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main
      window.
5. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the
      Options button, check the button for Zero Data and click on OK to
      return to the Erase window.
6. Click on the Erase button. The format process can take up to several
      hours depending upon the drive size.
Step Five: Clone the old drive to the new drive
1. Open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder.
2. Select the destination volume from the left side list.
3. Click on the Restore tab in the DU main window.
4. Check the box labeled Erase destination.
5. Select the destination volume from the left side list and drag it to the
      Destination entry field.
6. Select the source volume from the left side list and drag it to the
      Source entry field.
7. Double-check you got it right, then click on the Restore button.
Destination means the new internal drive. Source means the old external drive.
Step Six: Open the Startup Disk preferences and select the new internal volume. Click on the Restart button. You should boot from the new drive. Eject the external drive and disconnect it from the computer.
However, you could simply reinstall OS X on the new drive after prepping it, the restore all your files from your Time Machine backup.
Hard to say what if any other options there may be since you haven't told us what version of OS X is in use and backed up to your Time Capsule (and if it is a full system backup.)

Upgrade my hard drive

I have a Macbook that I need to upgrade my hard drive to the maximun size and speed possible. Is it something that I can do or only Apple? And if so, how difficult is it.

Putting in a new hard drive is easy. For a new hard drive try Newegg.com http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=380&name=Laptop-Hard-Dr ives&Order=PRICE
Or OWC http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/hard-drives/2.5-Notebook/
Here are instructions on replacing the hard drive in a MacBook with a removable battery. http://creativemac.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=45088
Here are video instructions on replacing the hard drive on the Aluminum Unibody http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/macbookpro_13_unibody_hd/
Here are video instructions on replacing the hard drive on the White Unibody http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/macbook_13_09_unibody_hd/
To transfer your current hard drive I like the free application Carbon Copy Cloner. It makes a bootable copy of everything on your hard drive http://www.bombich.com/index.html You'll need a cheap SATA external hard drive case. Put the new drive in the case then partition and format the new drive and clone your old drive to the new one. Check that it's set up right by booting up from the external drive. Then replace your old hard drive with the new one and put your old one in the external case.
Here's a cheap SATA external hard drive case on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Vantec-NexStar-2-5-Inch-External-Enclosure/dp/B002JQNXZC/r ef=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332118549&sr=8-1
If you don’t have the tools to open up the MacBook OWC has a set for $5
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/TOOLKITMHD/

What do I need to do after I upgrade the hard drive on my macbook pro?

I just bought a new 13" Macbook pro i5 on May/03/13 but I need more space and I want to upgrade my Hard Drive from the 500GB it come's with to a 750GB. So I just want to know the steps I need to take after I do the upgrade and start up my Macbook, Someone told me that the Macbook won't work right away because I have to do something to it, I just dont know what. Can anybody plz tell me what I have to do after I do the upgrade step by stpe? Thank You!
Oh and my Macbook pro is on OSX 10.8.3

Correct. After installing the new hard drive, your Mac won't have any operating system, so you will have to reinstall OS X using Internet Recovery > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4718
To start in Internet Recovery, hold Command, Option (Alt) and R keys while your Mac is starting. Then, open Disk Utility and create a partition formatted with "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)", if it hasn't been already created. Finally, close Disk Utility and reinstall OS X.
If you want to copy all the data you had on the old hard drive into the new one, use Disk Utility's Restore feature > http://pondini.org/OSX/DU7.html Note that you will have to buy an enclosure to put the old hard drive

I just got my MacBook Pro a month ago. However I am realizing I need more hard drive space due to aps and programs. I use am external but am concerned about the space. Is there a way to upgrade my hard drive from apple and keep my warranty valid?

I just got my MacBook Pro a month ago. However I am realizing I need more hard drive space due to aps and programs. I use am external but am concerned about the space. Is there a way to upgrade my hard drive from apple and keep my warranty valid?

That would depend on whether your model actually has a hard drive. If you have the new 2013 Retina model, then you have a fixed storage device built-in that cannot be modified after purchase.

I want to upgrade my hard drive. Need suggestions.

I have a MacBook (white-early 2009). I am looking into upgrading my hard drive. I want at least 500GB. My budget is $120. I will be doing photo and video editing (not sure if that matters). I saw this one on Amazon and am wondering if it would be compatible: http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Scorpio-Black-Mobile/dp/B004LR1RPK/ref=wl_ it_dp_o_pC?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1JJHTKGSKBWXY&colid=2DDV99QO43MAY
Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated. Thanks

Check newegg.com at http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007605%2060000345 9&IsNodeId=1&name=SATA%203.0Gb%2fs . Their prices are good, fast shipping, and perhaps most importantly, many user comments on the drives. And you can search the comments for 'mac' or 'apple' of 'macbook' comments.
I also lean towards drives that offer a 5 year warranty. Ignore those that only have 2 years or less. 3 years is ok, but 5 is of course better. I like, and use a, Western Digital Scorpio Black drive which comes in various sizes witha 5 year warranty.

I upgraded my hard drive and my ipod no longer recognizes my computer. It will not sync. What should I do?

I upgraded my hard drive and my ipod no longer recognizes my computer. It will not sync. What should I do?

- First get iTunes to see the iPod:
iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Device not recognized in iTunes for Windows
- The transfer iTunes purchases to the computer:
iTunes Store: Transferring purchases from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to a computer
- For non-iTunes purchased music you need a third-party program like one of those discussed here:
Copy music from Ipod to new computer...: Apple Support Communities
- Connect the iPOd to the computer and make a backup by right clicking on the iPod under Devices in iTunes and select Back Up
- Restore the iPod from that backup.

In need of a new hard drive for my old G5 computer

Hello there, I'm not as savvy as you are with computers but I am in need of a new hard drive for my old G5 computer that my husband uses. His crashed. If you did it all over again would you buy the same new hard drive? If so, where did you buy it? I don't even know where to start and was SO happy to find this recent post on installing new drives into the G5. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!
<Title Edited by Host>

I actually just ran across this hard drive oddity for the first time myself just yesterday. It seems that some older Macs may not be able to use the newest SATA interfaces on some hard drives.
I an attempt to not get overly technical, SATA is the current interface type on computer hard drives. You can get some additional information from Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_ATA. There are currently three revisions, SATA-1 (the oldest), SATA-2 (the current version), & SATA-3 (the latest and greatest).
So what happened was that my G5 could not use the SATA-3 drive I purchased because the computer could not support the SATA-3 standard. It was possible to "slow down" one of the other test SATA-3 drives to make it work like a SATA-2 and so it may be possible to do the same to other hard drives.
To answer your question, I would NOT purchase the saem hard drive for my Mac as it does not work for this older Mac.
My suggestion, if you can find one purchase the same hard drive that was in the computer. That way you know it is compatible. If you would like to upgrade, you will have to do some looking. Although I cannot recommend a specific drive, my two favorite companies are Seagate, www.seagate.com and Western Digitial, www.wdc.com. You most likely have a 3.5" drive, if you have a desktop, 2.5" for a laptop. WD has the Cavier line and Seagate has either Barrcuda or Momentus. What you are looking for is capacity.
So, both Seagate and Western Digital are good. You need a 3.5" drive for a desktop or 2.5" drive for a laptop. Stick with a SATA-2 drive also known as a SATA 3Gb/s drive for compatibility. Get a drive that is 7200 RPM or higher. Finally purchase the largest capacity at you can afford. Amazon is a good general place to been looking.
KWCitizen_Apple

HI, I HAVE A MacBook Pro 2.3GHz dual-core Intel i5 AND I WAN'T TO UPGRADE THE HARD DRIVE UP TO 750GB AND ALSO THE RAM MEMORY TO 8GB. WHAT SPECIFIC MODEL OF HARD DRIVE AND RAM MEMORY SHOULD I BUY??? THANKS

HI, I HAVE A MacBook Pro 2.3GHz dual-core Intel i5 AND I WAN'T TO UPGRADE THE HARD DRIVE UP TO 750GB AND ALSO THE RAM MEMORY TO 8GB. WHAT SPECIFIC MODEL OF HARD DRIVE AND RAM MEMORY SHOULD I BUY??? THANKS

No need to type in all caps - we HEAR you!
I would take a look at the internal drives offered by both Crucial (click the link "Internal Hard Drives Now Available") and OWC. I would stay away from Western Digital drives as they seem to have problems on a number of Mac models.
You can also shop for RAM at Crucial and OWC - just select the System Scanner tab at the Crucial website to find out which memory is right for your machine.
Good luck,
Clinton

Upgrade MacBook Hard Drive - Restore System from Time Machine Backup?

I have a MacBook that I want to upgrade the hard drive of. Am I right in thinking, all I need to do is:
Run Time Machine one last time, to make a recent backup of the MacBook
Install the new hard drive in the MacBook
Insert the Snow Leopard DVD, and start a clean installation
During installation, select the option to Restore System From Backup...
Will this copy across ALL of the contents of the old MacBook's hard drive, to the new MacBook's hard drive? A perfect clone? Because that's what I want to do.

I performed the installation, restoring a Time Machine backup from the external hard drive to the new blank internal one I put inside the MacBook. Everything went fine, except for one problem.
Now, whenever I try to open Safari, it immediately crashes with the error message:
"Safari quit unexpectedly
Exception Type: EXC_BAD_ACCESS (SIGSEGV)"
What's going on? How can I stop Safari from doing this? I've repaired permissions using Disk Utility, and Spotlight has finished re-indexing everything.

Do I need to replace my Hard Drive?

My Mid 2012 13" MacBook Pro recently was not able to boot on startup when I reset the NVRAM. I looked on the commands and there was something to do with a hard drive error. I had to reinstall OS X for me to use it again.
Since then my computer has been unusably laggy at times and performance has dropped. YouTube and other videos will lag uncontrollably and Minecraft runs at about 1 FPS. I am also running bootcamp and problems are consistent on Windows 7 as well. Do I need to replace the Hard Drive or just completely reformat it and reinstall OS X from a bootable disk?
THANKYOU

You shoudn't consider replacing your drive unless you know that's the problem. AHT, to the best of my knowledge, does not do surface scans on drives and it can't tell you if you have bad sectors. It can, however, identify other problems so running tests on the system might help you.
Other things to consider are the following:
How much free disk space do you have? If you're running out of disk space the system will not be able to swap out properly or easily and your system will bog down.
How much memory are you using? If you're using a lot then swapping will be rampant and your system will slow down.
Are there problematic applications that don't work properly that are consuming too much memory or hitting your system with a lot of disk reads and writes?
If you're using Mountain Lion, have you upgraded to 10.8.4? If not, do so. A lot of your problems may disappear.
The easiest way to check the first 3 above is with Activity Monitor. You can find a good write up on it with the following link:
http://www.scsc-online.com/Activity%20Monitor.html
I'm sure there are others on the web that are every bit as good as well. If you're still convinced your drive is the problem then check out this link for a list of drive testing tools:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1544280
That list is pretty much the web's de facto standard list of reliable hard drive testing tools currently available for Macs, and it's reasonably up to date, unlike some of the other lists on the web that are 5 years old or older. I really wouldn't assume it's the drive until you check out other stuff first.
Good luck, diddypants.

I want to upgrade my hard drive

I want to upgrade my hard drive. At the moment it is 160gb in a 2009 MacBook Pro.
Do I just need a standard 2.5" sata hard drive?
I was looking at this one 500GB Hitachi 2.5” Travelstar HDD, SATA, 5400rpm, 8MB Cache.
Is this suitable.
Cheers,
Jeff

Hi keepsy,
I found one, WD Scorpio Black 7200 RPM SATA 2.5-inch that claims not to impede the batter life. Amazon (US)Or if you are in the UK, then Amazon UK. Hope that helps, although I don't know if Western Digital's claim is correct (you may wish to phone Apple to find out).
Another one Seagate Momentus XT 500 GB Internal hard drive - 300 MBps - 7200 rpm , but the emphasis is more on performance.

I have a rather old iMac 20" (mid 2007) and I want to upgrade the Hard drive. How do I change it? How do I transfer all my applications? May I just copy the old hd into the new one? Thanks.

I have a rather old iMac 20" (mid 2007) and I want to upgrade the Hard drive. How do I change it? How do I transfer all my applications? May I just copy the old hd into the new one? Thanks.

There are many online tutorials on how to change out the HD on a mid 2007 iMac. One of the originals is from 2007 and is Upgrade your iMac 20" or iMac 24" aluminum (mid 2007) to 1TB Hard Drive and 4 GB RAM - DIY Guide. As far as migrating your system Apple helps out with that in Setup Assistant which automatically starts when you turn on a new Mac for the first time. After you have installed the new HD you will have to format the new HD to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and then you will have to install OS X. The first time you turn it on Setup Assistant will start. Follow the directions and you will be fine. In order to restore your information you will need to backup what is on the current internal HD first. I'd recommend using Time Machine (Assuming you are using Leopard or later) AND also creating a bootable clone using either SuperDuper or Carbon Copy Cloner.
Please complete your profile so at the very least we know what version of OS X your machine has installed.

Can I upgrade my hard-drive in my iMac 7,1

Hello, I have the mid 2007 released intel based imac. I am about to change my 1GB memory to 4GB memory per the info I found on the Apple support site (upgrading memory on mid 2007 imacs or later). I also want to upgrade my hard-drive to 1TB as I need more storage and already using 2 1-TB externals for pics and other misc files that take up too much space. My husband says he doesnt think it can be done and I might as well suck it up and buy a new imac already with the specs I want. I am considering this but am so attached to my current imac (my first ever) that I would prefer to upgrade if possible before just jumping into a new one. My 2 questions are...
1) can my harddrive be upgraded to 1 or 2TB? If so, should I pay someone to do this, meaning is it difficult?
2) Does Apple do this and how much would this typically cost me? Do you think it is smarter to just trade this old one in for a new one?
Thanks,
Lani
2)

Yes, they are upgradable, and it isn't nearly as hard as the other posters will have you believe.
If you have the aptitude to do surgery on computers than yes this might be correct, however if you don't I think it would be difficult and not recommended.
Here is one site that shows how to do it, if you feel comfortable doing this type of work there you go. Oh one last thing if you have any AppleCare remaining this would certainly void it.

Upgrading my hard-drive

Hello
I recently tried to upgrade the hard-drive in my macbook pro 2010 13". I backed up the old drive using SuperDuper to my external drive. I replaced the original internal hard-drive with my newly purchased Western Digital Scorpio blue 1Tb 5400rpm. I booted the macbook from my external hard-drive and opened up disk utility.
The macbook fails to recognize the disk at all, probably because it's not formatted correctly. I can't see the drive when I boot from the install disk either. I tried starting it up with a Windows 7 install cd but still couldn't see the internal drive (WD scorpio blue).
What should I do? I've tried every possible solution I can come up with so now I'm resorting to forum hoping that someone's sitting on the solution.
/ Viktor

What you need to do is put the new drive in the computer. Then restart the computer with the original Install Disc that came with the machine by holding down the Option key along with the power button. Choose the Install Disc, then allow it to boot and choose your language. Then click the Utilities menu, choose Disk Utility, highlight the new HD on the left side pane and click the Erase tab, choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and then click Erase. When the format has finished exit Disk Utility and the Install Process. Then connect the external HD with your Cloned copy of the OS and restart the computer holding down the Option key again. This time choose the external HD and let the computer boot. Then start SuperDuper and clone from the EHD to the new internal HD and you should be done.
Roger

I need to upgrade my hard drive

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