Upgrade processor macbook pro 13"
I have a basic (no add-ons) macbook pro 13" mid 2012 that is nearing it's 1st birthday. Although there is nothing wrong with the performance (with less than 4 applications running), I have found that I am playing a lot of high graphic games latelly that run slow and poor quality. I am already rapidly increasing my RAM from 4GB to 16GB for parallels, and I was asking here if there was any way to upgrade my Processor speed, (also, what is a GPU compared to a CPU?). I have also found that my computer heats up a lot with high performance use, and I would also like to know if I can upgrade the fan?!
If you could tell me if this is at all possible as well as the price and anything else I can do to aid it, I would be grateful.
just curiosity, does any one know how much would be required to play high performance windows games through parallels aswell?!?! Has it ever been done before?
You can't upgrade the processor. It's soldered to the logic board and you would have to replace your logic board with another one which is compatible with the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
A GPU is a graphic card (in the case of the Mid 2012 MacBook Pro, the Intel HD Graphics 4000), and the CPU is the processor of your computer.
Respecting to the fan, it's normal that your Mac heats up when you are doing heavy tasks with it. If fans turn on automatically when it happens, there's nothing else to do. Your Mac is working correctly.
Respecting to Parallels, the problem is not how much RAM you can assign to the virtual machine but the GPU. The performance on a virtual machine is much worse when you want to do tasks that involve your graphic card. In this case, I would recommend you to install Windows with Boot Camp, onto a second volume of your hard drive. See > http://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp
Similar Messages
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Hello everyone,
Thank you in advanced for all of the support. This is my first post to the communities. I just bought a 2.9 GHz core 17 processor MacBook pro mid 2012 13" with 8 GB of RAM and I am in the process of upgrading it. When I bought the MacBook pro originally, I was told that I would never mac out the performance because I do not do a lot of photo/video editing. This is true, but I am an academic researcher and tend to multitask often, having 20+ safari tabs open, SPSS (a statistical program), full screen mail app, full screen calendar app, and preview, iTunes open all at the same time. I often get slow performance and error messages that state low memory. This is why I am interested in upgrading the laptop. I am getting ready to go to medical school and I want to have a powerful laptop. I also want to future proof because I plan on having a dual boot system to mac OS and windows OS.
Because I know I will be maxing out the performance of the computer, I want to take full advantage of upgrades, especially now because the cost of the components is reasonable at the moment. The following are the proposed upgrades:
1. Upgrade my current 8-GB ram (2x4-GB) with 16-GB ram (2x8-GB). I plan on using crucial RAM.
Crucial 16-GB Ram: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008LTBJFW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&coli d=2B1KHELSPJPNN&coliid=IYGJWGQDH8LV0&psc=1
2. Replace my optical drive with a hard drive. I will place a SSD into my current hard drive position and then install my current HDD into the optical drive bay with the optibay optical drive caddy. I am doing this because I plan to use the SSD as the boot drive and my current HDD as my backup and files drive. I am putting the SDD into the HDD because I have read it is better to place it in this bay for performance. I will put the other HDD in the optical drive because the performance of that one will not be as important.
Adata SSD: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008LTBJFW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&coli d=2B1KHELSPJPNN&coliid=IYGJWGQDH8LV0&psc=1
Optibay Optical Drive Caddy: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0058AH2US/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&coli d=2B1KHELSPJPNN&coliid=I3GI8MGWAKXY79
My questions:
1. Is the listed RAM appropriate and sufficient for my MacBook pro?
2. Is the listed SSD appropriate and sufficient for my MacBook pro?
3. Is the listed Optical Drive Caddy appropriate and sufficient for my MacBook pro?
4. Is there still a firmware problem that does not allow for SATA 3 (6Gb/s) support in the optical drive?
5. Would it be easier to format the new SSD outside of the MacBook using a SATA to USB adapter?
6. Does working on any of the listed components void my AppleCare (I plan on keeping all of the original components so I can replace them, if I ever need to see apple support)?
7. What is the best way to put Mavericks onto the SSD to make this my boot drive?
8. What is the best way to make all of my files remain on the HDD, but link to the SSD with the operating system?
9. Has anyone ever successfully upgraded to 16-GB RAM and used their optical drive for a secondary hard drive?
10. Is there any miscellaneous advice for this project?
Please feel free to give partial answers. I know this was a lot of information, but I wanted to be efficient in my post. I am very appreciative of everyone who will contribute.
Thank you!rmichaud91 wrote:
Hello everyone,
I just bought a 2.9 GHz core 17 processor MacBook pro mid 2012 13" with 8 GB of RAM
16 GB of RAM is the best you can do.
The optibay HD will null and void your warranty. -
I want to upgrade my MacBook Pro 5,2 to Lion, but specs says i need intel core 3 and i have intel core 2, there will be a problem? my computer will run slow? I will need to reinstall my programs again?
Hardware Overview:
Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,2
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.8 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 6 MB
Memory: 8 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
Boot ROM Version: MBP52.008E.B05
SMC Version (system): 1.42f4
Sudden Motion Sensor:
State: EnabledCheck to make sure your applications are compatible. PowerPC applications are no longer supported after 10.6.
Application Compatibility
Applications Compatibility (2) -
HT1338 How can I upgrade my MacBook Pro from OS X 10.5.8 to most recent Operating System ?
How can I upgrade my MacBook Pro from OS X 10.5.8 to most recent Operating System ?
I just bought a Ipad Air and realized than my MacPro does not support Icloud.Upgrade Paths to Snow Leopard, Lion, Mountain Lion, or Mavericks
You can upgrade to Mountain Lion or Mavericks from Lion or directly from Snow Leopard. Mountain Lion can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for $19.99. To access the App Store you must have Snow Leopard 10.6.6 or later installed.
Upgrading to Snow Leopard
You can purchase Snow Leopard through the Apple Store: Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard — Apple Store (U.S.). The price is $19.99 plus tax. You will be sent physical media by mail after placing your order.
After you install Snow Leopard you will have to download and install the Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1 to update Snow Leopard to 10.6.8 and give you access to the App Store. Access to the App Store enables you to download Mountain Lion if your computer meets the requirements.
Snow Leopard General Requirements
1. Mac computer with an Intel processor
2. 1GB of memory
3. 5GB of available disk space
4. DVD drive for installation
5. Some features require a compatible Internet service provider;
fees may apply.
6. Some features require Apple’s iCloud services; fees and
terms apply.
Upgrading to Lion
If your computer does not meet the requirements to install Mountain Lion, it may still meet the requirements to install Lion.
You can purchase Lion by contacting Customer Service: Contacting Apple for support and service — this includes international calling numbers. The cost is $19.99 (as it was before) plus tax. It's a download. You will get an email containing a redemption code that you then use at the Mac App Store to download Lion. Save a copy of that installer to your Downloads folder because the installer deletes itself at the end of the installation.
Lion System Requirements
1. Mac computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7,
or Xeon processor
2. 2GB of memory
3. OS X v10.6.6 or later (v10.6.8 recommended)
4. 7GB of available space
5. Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
Upgrading to Mountain Lion or Mavericks
To upgrade to Mountain Lion or Mavericks you must have Snow Leopard 10.6.8 or Lion installed. Purchase and download Mountain Lion or Mavericks (Free) from the App Store. Sign in using your Apple ID. Mountain Lion is $19.99 plus tax. The file is quite large, over 4 GBs, so allow some time to download. It would be preferable to use Ethernet because it is nearly four times faster than wireless.
OS X Mountain Lion — System Requirements
Macs that can be upgraded to OS X Mountain Lion
1. iMac (Mid 2007 or newer) — Model Identifier 7,1 or later
2. MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer) —
Model Identifier 5,1 or later
3. MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer) — Model Identifier 3,1 or later
4. MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer) — Model Identifier 2,1 or later
5. Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer) — Model Identifier 3,1 or later
6. Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer) — Model Identifier 3,1 or later
7. Xserve (Early 2009) — Model Identifier 3,1 or later
To find the model identifier open System Profiler in the Utilities folder. It's displayed in the panel on the right.
Are my applications compatible?
See App Compatibility Table — RoaringApps.
For a complete How-To introduction from Apple see Upgrade to OS X Mountain Lion. -
How to upgrade my Macbook Pro's Graphic Card?
I have a Early 2012 13 inch Macbook Pro and it's ***** when I play games.
Here are the specs:
- 2.8 GHz dual-core Intel Core i7
- 6 GB RAM
- Intel HD Graphics 3000 384 MB
- OSX Mavericks 10.9.2
- 750 GB HDD 1333 MHz DDR3
It lags a lot when I play such an old games such as GTA Vice City (the FPS drops a lot when my mac getting hot) or GTA San Andreas (quite stable). Both of them aren't modded and still original. Is there any way to upgrade my Macbook Pro's graphic card?You cannot upgrade the Graphics card on a laptop because everything is built into the logic board. Unfortunately your perticular graphics chip is actually built into the CPU, and is a very low performing chip which would definately make gaming hard.
Sorry for the bad news. -
How would you upgrade my MacBook Pro 15" to maximize performance? No dollar limit.
I love my MCB, but am not technical.
Spend my money, theoretically -- If you had an unlimited budget to upgrade this system to make it fast and more efficient, what would you buy or do to it?
I'm deciding if I should scrap it and get a new MacBook Pro 13" instead. I like my MCB 15", but it seems to be getting hung up alot with the spinning rainbow, everyday apps freezing or crashing, and just slow when I have multiple windows open in Safari and Firefox at same time. I realize that the sites I browse to are more graphic intensive than they were when I got the MCB in 2008, but I'm wondering if it would be worthwhile to spend some $$$ to upgrade whatever I can and save my pennies for a newer Mac in a year or two. Safari and Mail crash or get hung a lot, Photo Booth folder is mysteriously empty,
So should I expect to be able to get substantial performance improvement (speed, multi-tasking) if I upgrade whatever is upgradable?
I surf using multiple browsers and open many tabs and mail with numerous accounts and magicjack, ocassionally use iweb, pages, text, calendar, low intensity games.
Thanks for any advice and recommendations and thoughts. I'd probably get the Genius Bar to install upgrades.
MacBook Pro 15"
2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
L2 Cache 3 MB
Bus Speed 800 MHZ
OSX 10.5.8
HD 186 GB (137 used)
I back up Time Machine to WD My Passport 1TB
GeForce 8600M GT:
Chipset Model: GeForce 8600M GT
Type: Display
Bus: PCIe
PCIe Lane Width: x4
VRAM (Total): 256 MB
Vendor: NVIDIA (0x10de)
Device ID: 0x0407
Revision ID: 0x00a1
ROM Revision: 3212
Intel ICH8-M AHCI:
Vendor: Intel
Product: ICH8-M AHCI
Speed: 1.5 Gigabit
Description: AHCI Version 1.10 Supported
USB Bus:
Host Controller Location: Built In USB
Host Controller Driver: AppleUSBUHCI
PCI Device ID: 0x2834
PCI Revision ID: 0x0003
PCI Vendor ID: 0x8086
Bus Number: 0x1a
BRCM2046 Hub:
Product ID: 0x4500
Vendor ID: 0x0a5c (Broadcom Corp.)
Version: 1.00
Speed: Up to 12 Mb/sec
Manufacturer: Apple Inc.
Location ID: 0x1a100000
Current Available (mA): 500
Current Required (mA): 0
Also -- it had a couple of soft drops to floor and one medium intensity drop, always on carpet. so the case (not unibody) is dented on the sides with ports. All "seem" to work fine except right side USB; looks pushed in and angled, and the plastic trim that fills in space connecting flat top of typing surface to bottom cover has a 4" piece cracked off (kind of looks like where grout would go). Devices work but if you move the wire it's power filckers off and on. Have never used firewire or thunderbolt ports on this.
I would like more USB port options (maybe a high grade extendor???) for Logitech laptop cooler, external HD, VOIP device, wired mouse, wired keyboard (I prefer wired).
Thanks again.Hello Neville,
Thanks for looking in to this and alerting me. I don't know how to interpret all the data in the descriptions of the USBs in your post (or mine, for that matter) Which descriptive line/codes show a USB 1.0 and a USB 2.0. I would like to understand how to read that.
Here's how I determined both are 2.0.
1. I checked my serial number at this Apple link and confirmed it is MacBook Pro 15" Early Version.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4132
2. Then I looked up the technical specifications at this Apple support link:
http://support.apple.com/kb/SP4
3. .Then I double-checked and looked up tech specs at this EveryMac link:
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/specs/macbook-pro-core-2-duo-2 .4-15-santa-rosa-specs.html
Both links say two USB 2.0 ports. I just took it for granted that they are both correct.
Much appreciation for your help.
M
Here's exactly what is listed in my About This Mac under USB:
USB Bus:
Host Controller Location: Built In USB
Host Controller Driver: AppleUSBUHCI
PCI Device ID: 0x2834
PCI Revision ID: 0x0003
PCI Vendor ID: 0x8086
Bus Number: 0x1a
Hub:
Product ID: 0x2046
Vendor ID: 0x0451 (Texas Instruments)
Version: 1.25
Speed: Up to 12 Mb/sec
Location ID: 0x1a200000
Current Available (mA): 500
Current Required (mA): 0
BRCM2046 Hub:
Product ID: 0x4500
Vendor ID: 0x0a5c (Broadcom Corp.)
Version: 1.00
Speed: Up to 12 Mb/sec
Manufacturer: Apple Inc.
Location ID: 0x1a100000
Current Available (mA): 500
Current Required (mA): 0
Bluetooth USB Host Controller:
Product ID: 0x820f
Vendor ID: 0x05ac (Apple Inc.)
Version: 1.80
Serial Number: 001EC28C27BA
Speed: Up to 12 Mb/sec
Manufacturer: Apple Inc.
Location ID: 0x1a110000
Current Available (mA): 500
Current Required (mA): 0
Hub:
Product ID: 0x2046
Vendor ID: 0x0451 (Texas Instruments)
Version: 1.25
Speed: Up to 12 Mb/sec
Location ID: 0x1a200000
Current Available (mA): 500
Current Required (mA): 0
BRCM2046 Hub:
Product ID: 0x4500
Vendor ID: 0x0a5c (Broadcom Corp.)
Version: 1.00
Speed: Up to 12 Mb/sec
Manufacturer: Apple Inc.
Location ID: 0x1a100000
Current Available (mA): 500
Current Required (mA): 0
Bluetooth USB Host Controller:
Product ID: 0x820f
Vendor ID: 0x05ac (Apple Inc.)
Version: 1.80
Serial Number: 001EC28C27BA
Speed: Up to 12 Mb/sec
Manufacturer: Apple Inc.
Location ID: 0x1a110000
Current Available (mA): 500
Current Required (mA): 0
Bluetooth USB Host Controller:
Product ID: 0x820f
Vendor ID: 0x05ac (Apple Inc.)
Version: 1.80
Serial Number: 001EC28C27BA
Speed: Up to 12 Mb/sec
Manufacturer: Apple Inc.
Location ID: 0x1a110000
Current Available (mA): 500
Current Required (mA): 0
USB Bus:
Host Controller Location: Built In USB
Host Controller Driver: AppleUSBUHCI
PCI Device ID: 0x2830
PCI Revision ID: 0x0003
PCI Vendor ID: 0x8086
Bus Number: 0x1d
USB Bus:
Host Controller Location: Built In USB
Host Controller Driver: AppleUSBUHCI
PCI Device ID: 0x2831
PCI Revision ID: 0x0003
PCI Vendor ID: 0x8086
Bus Number: 0x3d
USB Bus:
Host Controller Location: Built In USB
Host Controller Driver: AppleUSBUHCI
PCI Device ID: 0x2835
PCI Revision ID: 0x0003
PCI Vendor ID: 0x8086
Bus Number: 0x3a
USB Bus:
Host Controller Location: Built In USB
Host Controller Driver: AppleUSBUHCI
PCI Device ID: 0x2832
PCI Revision ID: 0x0003
PCI Vendor ID: 0x8086
Bus Number: 0x5d
Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad:
Product ID: 0x0230
Vendor ID: 0x05ac (Apple Inc.)
Version: 0.70
Speed: Up to 12 Mb/sec
Manufacturer: Apple, Inc.
Location ID: 0x5d200000
Current Available (mA): 500
Current Required (mA): 40
IR Receiver:
Product ID: 0x8242
Vendor ID: 0x05ac (Apple Inc.)
Version: 0.16
Speed: Up to 1.5 Mb/sec
Manufacturer: Apple Computer, Inc.
Location ID: 0x5d100000
Current Available (mA): 500
Current Required (mA): 100
Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad:
Product ID: 0x0230
Vendor ID: 0x05ac (Apple Inc.)
Version: 0.70
Speed: Up to 12 Mb/sec
Manufacturer: Apple, Inc.
Location ID: 0x5d200000
Current Available (mA): 500
Current Required (mA): 40
IR Receiver:
Product ID: 0x8242
Vendor ID: 0x05ac (Apple Inc.)
Version: 0.16
Speed: Up to 1.5 Mb/sec
Manufacturer: Apple Computer, Inc.
Location ID: 0x5d100000
Current Available (mA): 500
Current Required (mA): 100
USB High-Speed Bus:
Host Controller Location: Built In USB
Host Controller Driver: AppleUSBEHCI
PCI Device ID: 0x2836
PCI Revision ID: 0x0003
PCI Vendor ID: 0x8086
Bus Number: 0xfd
Built-in iSight:
Product ID: 0x8502
Vendor ID: 0x05ac (Apple Inc.)
Version: 1.60
Serial Number: 8T82D00GB0003L00
Speed: Up to 480 Mb/sec
Manufacturer: Apple Inc.
Location ID: 0xfd400000
Current Available (mA): 500
Current Required (mA): 500
Built-in iSight:
Product ID: 0x8502
Vendor ID: 0x05ac (Apple Inc.)
Version: 1.60
Serial Number: 8T82D00GB0003L00
Speed: Up to 480 Mb/sec
Manufacturer: Apple Inc.
Location ID: 0xfd400000
Current Available (mA): 500
Current Required (mA): 500
USB High-Speed Bus:
Host Controller Location: Built In USB
Host Controller Driver: AppleUSBEHCI
PCI Device ID: 0x283a
PCI Revision ID: 0x0003
PCI Vendor ID: 0x8086
Bus Number: 0xfa -
How to upgrade my macbook pro from 10.6.8?
i wish to upgrade my macbook pro from 10.6.8 what is the best way?
If you wish to upgrade from 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard) to 10.8.x (Mountain Lion), first make sure that your model meets the minimum hardware requirements (http://support.apple.com/kb/sp654) and then download ML by purchasing it from the Mac App Store.
Clinton -
How do I upgrade my Macbook pro to OS 10.7
how do I upgrade my Macbook pro to OS 10.7
You need to buy 10.7 Lion.. it costs you 29.99 . But, 10.8 Mountain Lion is releasing in this month. It costs you 19.99.
Apple has noted that users can upgrade to 10.8 directly from 10.6.x. So, I would suggest you to wait till 10.8 is released and buy it for 19.99 and do and upgrade -
How do I upgrade my macbook pro to I-Lion without paying, because I bought it three weeks ago just before the release
See "More like this" on the right.
Regards,
Shawn -
Can anyone tell which i7 quad core processor Macbook pro 15 inches has? i7-4800MQ or i7-4900HQ?
Can anyone tell which i7 quad core processor Macbook pro 15 inches has? i7-4800MQ or i7-4900HQ?
Thanks
MahiInformation is not available.
http://www.everymac.com/systems/by_processor/intel-core-i7-macs.html -
I wish to upgrade my Macbook Pro to ML from SL but told the only way to do this is by downloading thru App store. Is it possible to copy ML on to a USB and upgrade that way. I would like to have a back up of the OS installation files just in case i have a problem later. Please help me!
You can create an install disc but you would have to download Mountain Lion to do so..
How to create an OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion install drive | MacFixIt - CNET Reviews
And make sure your Mac can upgrade to Mountain Lion.
See Step 1, 2, and 3, here > Apple - Upgrade your Mac to OS X Mountain Lion. -
I upgraded my macbook pro from OS Lion to OS Mavericks. When unplugged, it heats up exceedingly and the battery life is extremely short. What to do?
Installation of the new OSX is very heavy hdd load, in addition spotlight reindexes all the files on your computer - it may be a few hours. If in the future will be the same macbook hot, you should contact your nearest Apple Authorized Service Provider.
May be required to clean notebook cooling system.
You can also install any monitoring utility sensors to your mac such as Hardware Monitor and look at the value of the temperature sensors.
Alex
Apple Certified Support Professional -
Just upgrade my MacBook Pro Mid 2010 to Mountain Lion and tried to connect with Apple TV 3th gen. through Airplay and couldn't mirrorring video on my LG Smart TV screen.
Just paid US 99.00 for Apple TV plus US 19.99 to Mountain Lion for nothing @?$%& !!!!
Back again to mini display to hdmi cable.
could you help me????It is stated that mirroring requires recent hardware (2011 or later)
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5404
However you can still use 3rd party solutions like Airparrot which do it via software -
What Internal hard drive can I use to upgrade my macbook pro 2010
what Internal hard drive can I use to upgrade my macbook pro 2010
You may use any 2.5" SATA notebook drive not higher than 12.5 mm that uses either 1.5 or 3.0 Gb/s interface. Visit OWC for available options and prices.
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I want to upgrade my MacBook pro ram
I want to upgrade my MacBook pro 17'' ram. I have 2X2 GB 1066 MHz and I want to go to 2X4GB but I can't find any with 1066 MHz I found only 1333 MHz. Will it work on my MacBook pro late 2009 unibody 3,06 Ghz Core 2 Duo
do not use anything other than the exact specs.
It MAY work with the 1333MHz (the 1333 will be downclocked) but you will have problems VERY probably.
You have to replace the 2X2 with 2X4.
Buy the best there is: Crucial, OWC: the price is very low. And yes the right spec is for sale everywhere.
Find a respectable internet seller in your area, and buy it: but research the Crucial and/or OWC sites for the exact specification, they have configurators where you put in your computer model.
Replacing is easy, you have to have the right screwdriver, there are 3 screws that are longer, remember where they are.
Maybe you are looking for
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When I toggle the screen brightness keys, the status bar stops to notches short of all the way bright. When I open system prefs and slide the status knob all the way to the right, it stays at about 80%? Weird?
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Hi Mac fans, I have a horrible problem with DVD Studio Pro 4 (DSP4 hereafter). After I encode a Final Cut Pro sequence with Compressor using the 90 mins best DVD preset, I import it into DSP4 via the Assets tab. The audio ac3 file works fine but the
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Hi, I'm very desapointed, so I try to contact directly the MSI home forum from France. I use a K7 pro (6195) since 4 years + AMD Athlon 600 MHz 128 Mo ram and Win 98 2nd Ed I bought a TOSHIBA DVD driver SD M1612 a year ago Up to today, it was detect