What if we told you that you could take an honest-to-goodness Mac and turn it into something that feel and acts like it ’s impudent from the Apple Store – including jaw - dropping performance , and features such as Handoff or Fusion disk engineering that are theoretically only uncommitted with latest fashion model ?
If you ’ve have an oldMac laptop computer , Mac minioriMac , as long as it ’s power by an Intel central processor ( so , post-2006/7 ) then it can be surprising what ’s possible via a few hardware or package hack writer ; and there are plenty of rise for pre-2013 Mac Pro owners too . In this article we reckon at the upgrades that are potential on each category of Mac , as well as discussing some more cosmopolitan Mac upgrade advice .
If your Mac is newer though you might be let down by the limited raise options . As Apple has slimmed down the Mac laptops the repairability and accessibility has suffered , due to various components being soldered into place . enquire how upgradable your Mac is ? contain outiFixIt ’s Tear Downsthrough which they can indicate just how repairable a Mac is . Spoiler , recent Macs do n’t score extremely . For example :
But , it ’s more likely you are attempt to upgrade an old Mac . In which case you have come up to the ripe place .
wonder what creature you might need to get into your Mac ? take care here first : Best tools for repairing & upgrade iPhones & Macs .
If you do n’t want to do something as drastic as upgrading your Mac , or if your Mac is n’t upgradable , read abouthow to speed up a slow Mac here .
Additional coverage by Keir Thomas
Mac upgrade warnings & limitations
Please note , first of all , that this templet does n’t enshroud pre - Intel Mac models ( that ’s pre-2006 ) . And it believably goes without saying , but DIY upgrade will invalidate your Mac ’s warrant and have the potential to break your Mac .
Before you get the screwdrivers out , be indisputable to check your twist serial number againstApple ’s ‘ Check reporting ’ page . The Apple Limited Warranty lasts a year , but under UK law your Mac could be compensate for up to six years as long as you have n’t been meddle with it !
Mac repairs
If you take to doing the repair youself and saving a few cent though , there are several different spare outfits online , such as : The Book Yard , Visual Information Services , Mac Upgrades , andMacKing . you may swap out a dead SuperDrive , for model , or a snap screen for a replacement .
But it is n’t possible to take advantage of an upgrade at the same prison term – you ca n’t match a higher - resolving power Retina screen in an old MacBook Air for lesson , or upgrade to a more powerful battery , or swap your SuperDrive for a Blu - Ray fashion model ( although it is potential toattach a USB Blu - Ray movement ) .
Mac graphics card updates
Put merely , it ’s potential you wo n’t be capable to raise your Mac ’s GPU ( that is , the nontextual matter card ) . However , with Mac example feature Thunderbolt you’re able to attachan outside GPU . We have a tutorial onadding an eGPU to a Mac here .
Inside your Mac some components simply ca n’t be upgraded , while others can – with a little know - how
Which Macs can be updated
How to upgrade a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air
The more years your MacBook Pro has under its belt the more potential you will be able to kick upstairs it . Once you get the bottom covering open ( see our advice about the best toolshere ) , you ’ll find an older MacBook Pro is surprisingly easygoing to improve upon . The internal works changed a picayune when Apple introduced Retina , but there ’s still plenty in common between the various good example .
The MacBook Air is a slight more limited , but you should be able to promote the SSD and battery . The 12 in MacBook on the other hand ca n’t be upgraded at all , unfortunately .
We include a breakdown of which updates are possible for each model below . The fact that they are possible does n’t needfully intend that you should be doing them though so mind that you may end up breaking your Mac !
Can I upgrade my 15in MacBook Pro?
Can I upgrade my 13in MacBook Pro?
Can I upgrade my MacBook Air?
Can I upgrade my MacBook?
How to update MacBook RAM
If your MacBook ( Pro , Air or other ) has upgradable RAM , as per our leaning above , the following should play for you :
trouble : Easy
What you ’ll demand : Screwdriver , compatible Aries
You may have to hit the low case to get to it , but once you ’re there , replacing your Macbook ’s RAM SO - DIMMs is relatively simple .
program line : scan theseinstructionsto change the RAM in the Mid 2012 Unibody MacBook , or look below for your specific model .
Notes : As previously mentioned , RAM upgradesare presently not an selection in Retina model .
Apple provides an illustrated scout for memory ascent . Just click Apple > About this Mac , and dawn the Memory tab then the Memory Upgrade Instructions link .
you could also find out what kind of read/write memory you might necessitate usingCrucial ’s system image scanner .
Wondering about how much RAM your Mac can in reality take ? Have a lookhere . Plus , we have this article aboutHow to install extra Aries memory in a Mac .
How to update MacBook hard disk or SSD
If your MacBook ( Pro , zephyr or other ) has an upgradable severe platter or SSD , as per our list above , the following should work for you :
difficultness : Hard
What you ’ll take : Screwdriver , compatible HDD or SSD
As time goes on , hard drives uphold to fall in toll – and nobody ever complained about having too much storage . So , if you ’ve an sure-enough Macbook , and are uncoerced to do a minuscule work , then a new HDD ( or SSD ) might be just what the doc consecrate …
Instructions : Read these instructionsto meet an HDD in an older MacBook , or count below for your specific mannikin
Replacing the optical drive with additional storage media (installing a ‘Data Doubler’)
If your MacBook ( Pro , gentle wind or other ) has an upgradable optical effort , as per our list above , you could potentially employ that blank to add an SSD as per these instruction :
What you ’ll involve : Screwdriver , OWC ’s ‘ information Doubler ’ , compatible HDD or SSD
As optic medium is likely on the agency out , many savvy substance abuser with senior MacBooks are switching out their ocular effort for a 2d HDD or SSD . Here ’s how .
Instructions : Here areiFixIts intructions to fit a hard drive in a 2011 MacBook , we have instructions for other models below
Notes : This is for pre - Retina model only , Apple did away with optical storage in Retina .
If you ’re installing a second storage effort into your Mac , you might be interested in our article abouthow to make your own fusion ride .
Replacing the SSD with a faster option
If your MacBook ( Pro , air travel or other ) has upgradable SSD you could potentially fit a degenerate SSD as per these instruction :
What you ’ll require : Screwdrivers , compatible SSD
Newer , MacBook - compatible SSDs now useable can supply the same fastness as the one that come with your Mac – but far more computer memory . Here ’s how to upgrade yours .
command : Here are iFixIt ’s instructions to kick upstairs the Mid 2015 MacBook Pro , for more direction look below .
Notes : It ’s worth noting that various Retina models use different proprietary SSD varieties . It is dear to mark off which is right for your MacBook . In the UK , Flexx Memoryis a good property to get down looking .
How to upgrade an iMac
Whether it ’s the RAM , hard thrust , GPU , CPU , or something else , upgrading the iMac is generally possible , although it can be tricky , particularly with the 21.5 - column inch model … ( There are some 21 in models for which the RAM ca n’t be touched as it is soldered on . )
That say , the iMac is n’t particularly kick upstairs friendly : most iMac modifications involve remove the screen , the outer bed of which is attached via very strong magnets on old models . Despite this , once you get ‘ under the hood ’ you ’ll bump that there are plenty of components expect to be improve upon , at least in the old iMac models .
inquire how to get inside the iMac to update it ? Many upgrade pathfinder recommend the use of suction cups to do this . If you do n’t have suction cups to hand ( we did n’t ) you may use a credit plug-in to lever the outer stratum off as we did in the image below . Just do n’t break your circuit card in the process …
Can I upgrade my 27in iMac?
Can I upgrade my 21.5in iMac?
How to update the RAM in an iMac
If your iMac has upgradable / approachable random access memory you could potentially update it as per these instructions :
Difficulty : Easy ( really easy if you have a 27 - in iMac )
What you ’ll postulate : Screwdriver
RAM is the well-fixed affair to upgrade in your iMac because it does n’t affect removing the covert . All you want is a screwdriver and a little longanimity .
Instructions : Intel 27 - inch – with a 27 - inch iMac there is a hatching on the back of the screen which allows you to replace the RAM really well .
instruction : If you have a Intel 21.5 in iMac then we recommend you followthis tutorialor one of the ones link to below . Apple has latterly made it well-situated to update the RAM in the 21.5 in iMac , but it ’s still difficult to get to it .
Notes : Apple provides an illustrated guide for retentiveness upgrade : just click Apple > About this Mac , and then click the Memory tablet and then the Memory Upgrade Instructions link .
wonder about how much RAM your Mac can actually take ? Have a lookhere .
How to update the HDD/SDD in an iMac
If your iMac has an upgradable hard thrust or SSD as per our list above you could potentially update it as per these instructions :
What you ’ll require : Screwdriver , some sort of lineup / suction cups , compatible SSD or HDD
If you want to take vantage of fall repositing prices and you ’re not inauspicious to film off your iMac ’s CRT screen , then a operose drive upgrade is a peachy way to get a little more sprightliness out of your Mac .
Instructions : You could follow thistutorialor or one of the one relate to below , depending on your model .
Removing the optical drive to add extra storage
If your iMac has an optical driving force you might be able to add an extra backbreaking driving or SSD as per these instruction :
Removing the ocular drive is n’t an option for every eccentric of iMac , but if you ’re not seeing much pauperization for DVD and candle any more , this is a legitimate ( if pretty cunning ) manipulation of place .
education : You could followtheseinstructions , depending on the years of your machine .
Notes : If you ’re instal a second computer storage drive into your Mac , you might be interested in learninghow to make your own Fusion drive .
How to update the graphics card in an iMac
It ’s uncommon , but if your iMac has an upgradable art card you might be able-bodied to update it as per these instruction manual .
What you ’ll need:2 credit cards / suction cups , compatible GPU
How to update the processor in an iMac
If your iMac has an upgradable central processor you might be able to update it as per these instructions .
What you ’ll need:2 credit cards / suck cup , thermal paste , various screwdrivers , compatible mainframe
As a rule of thumb , processor raise are some of the hardest to get mighty – as such , they are not quite as popular . The iMac is no exception , but if you ’re feel adventurous , take a looking below …
Notes : Do you really need to upgrade your processor ? If you ’re looking for carrying into action improvement in an iMac , you may wish well to take supersede your bang drive with an SSD first .
Upgrades by iMac model
Here ’s a run down of the different iMac upgrades you’re able to post out according to the model :
27-inch iMac upgrades
former 2009 27 - in iMac
Mid 2011 27 - inch iMac
belated 2012 27 - inch iMac
Late 2013 27 - column inch iMac
tardy 2014/2015 Retina display 27 - column inch iMac
Mid 2017 Retina display 27 - inch iMac
21.5-inch iMac
Late 2009 21.5 - column inch iMac
Mid 2010 21.5 - inch iMac
Mid 2011 21.5 - column inch iMac
belated 2012 21.5 - column inch iMac
Late 2013 21.5 - column inch iMac
Mid 2014 21.5 - inch iMac
tardy 2015 21.5 - inch iMac
Late 2015 21.5 - column inch 4 K Retina iMac
How to upgrade a Mac mini
As a principle of thumb , earlier versions the Mac miniskirt are not especially ‘ promote well-disposed ’ . There ’s also quite lot of variation in the inner layout of the various model , which means that some require more disassembly than others – there is often the want to disconnect components on the logical system circuit board .
count on the model you ’re mould with , it ’s potential that you ’ll need some kind of flat implement to get the top cover off ( blunt , not sharp ) . Do n’t let that stop you , though – we pull off to do itin a bare 6 instant .
say next : Mac mini reviews|New Mac mini rumours
Can I upgrade my Mac mini?
2018 Mac mini : random-access memory , buff
2014 Mac miniskirt : SSD , Hard crusade , Logic display board , fan , etc
2012 Mac miniskirt : RAM , Hard drive , Logic board , fan , etc
2011 Mac mini : RAM , tough drive , Logic board , fan , etc
2010 Mac mini : RAM , unvoiced cause , Logic control panel , fan , etc
In most makes of Mac Mini you ca n’t raise the CPU – for model released since 2009 , processors have been soldered onto the motherboard .
What can be upgrade ?
How to update the RAM in a Mac mini
If your Mac mini has approachable RAM , you should be able to update it with the guide below .
What you ’ll need : Putty knife or tantamount blunt implement , screwdriver , spudger
Upgrading the hard drive in a Mac mini
You might be able to upgrade your Mac mini hard driving force using this templet .
Install a dual Hard Drive in the Mac mini Mid 2011
If you have a 2011 Mac miniskirt you could try this .
What you ’ll need : Putty knife or equivalent blunt implement , screwdriver , spudger , Mac Mini dual hard drive outfit
Installing two hard crusade is not an option for every type of Mac Mini , but if you have a Mid 2011 model , and fancy a challenge – try this .
template : Here ’s how to update the Hard Drive in a 2011 Mac miniskirt
Notes : If you ’re installing a second store effort into your Mac , you might be concerned in learninghow to make your own ‘ DIY ’ fusion drive .
How to upgrade a Mac Pro (Pre-2013 Tower)
In myopic , you may upgrade almost everything . Apple contrive the Mac Pro to be ameliorate upon and , over the years , this flexibleness fuse with aftermarket ingenuity has made it into what is arguably the ultimate FrankenMac … .
How to update the Processor in a pre-2013 Mac Pro
What you ’ll postulate : Various screwdrivers , anti static articulatio radiocarpea strap , thermal spread , chafe alcohol
It is possible to upgrade your Mac Pro ’s mainframe but it is not for the faint of nub . Many opt for professional help , take a expression at the tutorial and determine for yourself .
Notes : Do you really involve to elevate your mainframe ? If you ’re looking for performance advance you may like to conceive replacing your boot aim with an SSD first .
Make certain that your novel processor is compatible : Someforum members at MacRumorshave created a list of compatible central processing unit .
Update the RAM in a pre-2013 Mac Pro
What you ’ll involve : Nothing
upgrade the RAM on your Mac Pro is about as straightforward as a Mac upgrade can be . All you need to do is remove the side jury and press down on the ejector next to each panel .
Update the HDD (via hard drive bays) in a pre 2013 Mac Pro
Thanks to the modular ‘ sled ’ design in the Mac Pro , removing and replacing your HDDs is a breeze .
statement : Upgrade the hard effort in the cheese - graterMac Pro
Add an SSD (via hard drive bays) to a pre 2013 Mac Pro
Difficulty : Medium
What you ’ll need : Screwdriver , 2.5 in hard drive sleigh mountain / adaptor
The Mac Pro ’s hard drive bays were in the beginning design for 3.5 in HDDs – but you’re able to go up an SSD ( which is littler ) using a 2.5 in sleigh / adaptor .
Instructions : How to install an SSD in a2012 Mac Pro ( video )
Add an SSD (via PCIe slot) to a pre 2013 Mac Pro
What you ’ll need : Screwdriver , M.2 PCI - e SSD to PCI - e Adapter Card , SSD ( either in ‘ blade ’ M.2 form factor or SATA )
Another way to install an SSD into your Mac Pro without even affect your HDD bay is to install it directly via PCIe with an adaptor . The PCIe connexion actually yields good performance than the standard SSD through SATA approach , and provide you to bestride 5 hard driving internally ( 1 via PCIe , x4 via SATA ) .
Instructions : How to add aPCIe Samsung SSDinto Mac Pro
Notes : If you choose to habituate a blade drive instead of a standard SATA SSD , you may want to look atthis ribbon , which bring home the bacon a listing of compatible constituent .
require to have a go at it what TRIM is , and how it can serve your third - party SSD workplace better ? Check outHowtogeek ’s articleon the professional and confidence trick .
Add a new Graphics card to a pre-2013 Mac Prp
What you ’ll demand : Screwdriver , anti static wrist strap
Unlike with some other manikin , a art card ascent can seriously further the operation of your Mac Pro . Be trusted to check your card compatibility first .
Instructions : Upgrading anEarly 2008 Mac Pro
Notes : Although there are a pile of PCIe compatible computer graphic cards , most were designed for window computers and driver support can be an matter . We ’ve provided a few recommendations in our guide : How to upgrade the graphics bill on a Mac
Change an Optical Drive to Blu-Ray
What you ’ll need : Screwdriver , compatible Blu - Ray effort
For various reasons , Blu - Ray was never a format formally digest by Apple . However , many Blu - Ray drives are compatible if you ’re willing to put the employment in .
musical note : Though not formally supported by Apple , there are some workarounds that ’ll allow you to watch Blu Ray movies on your Mac . contain our templet here : learn and rip Blu - light beam movies on your mackintosh
How to upgrade a Mac Pro (Cylinder/2013)
formally , Apple only allows us to raise the RAM and SSD on the Cylindrical Mac Pro – and these are both relatively easy to do . on the side , adventurous Apple drug user have worked out how to upgrade the central processor too .
A Federal Reserve note on art wag : Both graphics card are removable and can be supersede , but , due to compatibility way out and a terminated deficiency of aftermarket option , it seems there ’s nothing really to upgrade to . As usual , iFixit havea handy template for computer graphic calling card replacement .
The Cylinder Mac Pro contains no traditional campaign bays and was work up mainly for extraneous expanding upon via Thunderbolt 2 . So , if you ’re face for additional SATA storage , or more PCIe slots , there are a number of external Thunderbolt 2 products that will do the business for you .
As for what can be upgraded internally , take a look at the below :
RAM upgrades in 2013 Mac Pro
Instructions : How to upgrade the RAM in the 2013 Mac Pro
Notes : It ’s deserving being in mind that the memory door latch are not very hardy and prone to bending if you ’re not careful . OWC provides a ‘ nylon pry tool ’ ( AKA “ Spudger ” ) for just this , but it ’s not all necessary – a little gentleness and a minuscule forbearance go a retentive style .
Apple provide an illustrated guide for retentivity rise : just click Apple > About this Mac , and then get through the Memory pill and then the Memory Upgrade Instructions link .
Internal SSD upgrades in 2013 Mac Pro
What you ’ll need : Screwdriver , compatible ‘ blade ’ SSD
There are now a low number of compatible aftermarket SSDs that , although expensive , can provide plenty more internal repositing for your Mac Pro ( up to 4 TB ) . At the current time , OWC seem to be the only source of such drives .
Instructions : How toupdate the SSD in a2013 Mac Pro .
Notes : A more cost - in effect way of life to increase your Mac Pro ’s computer memory might be via an international Thunderbolt drive – the 20GBps bandwidth can provide excellent carrying into action .
Processor upgrades in 2013 Mac Pro
difficultness : Very hard
What you ’ll need : Screwdrivers , caloric chemical compound , pincer , spudger
It is possible to elevate your Mac Pro ’s C.P.U. but it is not for the faint of heart . Many opt for professional assist , take a face at the tutorial video linked in the Everymac page below and decide for yourself .
Instructions : Everymac have instructions here
Add new RAM to an old Mac
At no clip in the chronicle of computation has it been a defective approximation to max - out the RAM of your information processing system . The honorable news ? As your estimator sustain erstwhile , RAM for it gets gaudy .
Accessing the internals of some Mac minis is as wide-eyed as popping off the bottom covert
Older models of Mac are amply expandable and it ’s ordinarily easy to do so :
Read next : Which screwdriver do I need to get into a Mac
Perhaps surprisingly , Apple provides comprehensive instructions for upgrading your Mac ’s RAM
You ’ll very likely take to remove and abandon the exist memory module to upgrade to the maximum amount of memory . For the easiest elbow room to detect out what to buy , visit Crucial ’s websiteand download its Mac retentivity electronic scanner . To run this after download and unzip you ’ll need to right - click the app and select Open , then click the unfastened button in the dialog box that appears . Of course , you could take the technical details provided and use them to search Amazon or eBay for equate toll – commonly the DDR speed ( e.g. DDR3 , DDR2 etc ) is necessitate , along with the “ PC ” figure ( e.g. PC3 - 8500 ) . Most Macs take small outline memory faculty , called SO - DIMMs .
Fit as much RAM as you may afford . 4 GB is OK . 8 GB is well . 16 GB will unfeignedly future - substantiation your Mac , although most elder Macs grievous bodily harm - out between 4 and 8 GB .
Crucial ’s handy retention scanner app will tell you exactly what you involve for your Mac ’s maximum read/write memory
Pro tip : A small minority of old Mac models have been found to be able to take more than the “ official ” maximal RAM stated by Apple . EverydayMac provides acomprehensive list .
RAM is usually fit in two modules . If your Mac maxes - out at 8 GB , for good example , then the best policy is to gibe two 4 GB modules . Mixing and matching different size of modules is potential – 2 GB with a 4 GB , for example – but identically size module of an identical technical specification ( and ideally the same manufacturer and model ) earmark two-fold - channel operation . This land a slight but significant public presentation rise , reckoned to be around 5 percent in real - lifespan situations .
Todiscover your Mac model detailsclick Apple > About this Mac . Usually this takes the shape of a twelvemonth ( e.g. MacBook Pro 13 - column inch Mid 2009 ) but for some websites you might need to support you ’ve got the right product by checking what Apple advert to as the “ selling model telephone number ” . This can be found by again chatter About this Mac , then select the livelihood pill and clicking Specifications . This will open a web Thomas Nelson Page listing all the technical detail about your Mac . The model issue will be a short burst of letter of the alphabet and numbers – something like MB991LL / A – and it will be listed in a table somewhere within that page .
Read : How to add RAM to a Mac
Add an SSD or more storage to an old Mac
The 2d spell of yield ripe for plucking is storage . Put plainly , replacing your boot drive with asolid state platter ( SSD)will mean your Mac boots within seconds and apps will stretch in the nictation of an centre .
Maxing - out your Mac ’s RAM and fitting an SSD will give you what feel like a brand new computer . It really is astonishing . Note that MacBook Airs have unique storage necessary , as discussed by and by , but other MacBook owner , as well as Mac mini and iMac owner should prepare to have their mind blow .
SSDs can add harebrained performance boost to honest-to-goodness information processing system
The upgrade method of least opposition is to only swop out your survive drive for an SSD . With a MacBook that does n’t have a removable battery , or Mac mini , you should be able to remove the bottom panel , much as you did for the memory rise , and appropriate the appointment from the be drive ( although some Mac minis may need disassembly ) . For MacBooks with a obliterable electric battery , the same panel in the battery compartment that protects the RAM can be removed to gain ground easy admission to the hard disk , which it should be potential to remove by pull out a tag end .
woefully , on an iMac , supersede the disk is much harder . You ’ll have to first remove the screen , which can be challenging and institute a relatively eminent risk of damage something . Seethis OWC video recording tutorial for a hair - raise example .
Once again it iFixIt has some excellent illustrated guide for all models of Mac and will also sell you the tools demand . A elementary YouTube search can also pay dividend .
An alternative method acting of installation on a MacBook is to remove the SuperDrive ( that is , the DVD drive ) and put the SSD is the gap where the SuperDrive used to be . The original magnetic disc can be left in position and the SSD selected as the charge drive via the Startup Disk option in System Preferences . Because the optical parkway habituate a limited SATA / power connection , a special caddy for the SSD is demand , which will also hold it securely in spot . deterrent example can be found onAmazonandeBay , and are usually inexpensive . Some kits come double-dyed with a USB connecter that let you use the removed SuperDrive externally .
An SSD can be fitted to a MacBook via a extra caddy that ’s design to supplant the SuperDrive
MacBook Air owners have been aware of solid - state storage benefit since the very first exemplar die on sales event , although Apple consult to it as Flash Storage ( and to be honest their version resemble more a stick of RAM than a typical disk drive ) . MacBook Air owners might be capable to upgrade to magnanimous storage , often with a velocity cost increase over the original ride too , although their electronic computer use a proprietary warehousing connection and postulate a specific upgrade . Manufacturers like OWC and overstep raise the goodness – just Google or hit eBay or Amazon limit the simulation numeral , as discussed originally . Notably , atmosphere owners can not fit a received SSD .
Adding two or more SSDs to a Mac
On some models of iMac or Mac Mini you might be able-bodied to fit an SSD to an unused SATA channel connector on the system of logic control panel , and squirrel it out beneath the existing disk , or under the SuperDrive . This might be in addition to the previous drive , or you might simply fit two SSDs . You ’ll need a outfit that includes mounts and cables . OWC , iFixIt and others sells various examples , some of which are available throughretailers like Amazon . However , meet a second SSD to an iMac or Mac Mini will very likely require an almost complete disassembly of the computer . Again , you ’ll find out tutorials at iFixIt and on YouTube .
Fitting two ( or more ) SSDs is n’t as daft as it sounds . SSDs are more expensive than standard disks , with prices ramp - up sharply for higher capacity , and you might line up two 256 GB SSDs be less than a single 512 GB mannequin , for representative . However , not all drives are fully Mac compatible and manufacturers often do n’t document Mac compatibility . A good way of life of checking is to read exploiter reviews on website like Amazon .
Pro tip : SATA engineering is rearward compatible : a SATA3.x drive will work in computer run SATA2 or SATA1 , for example .
Pro wind # 2 : Before meet the SSD in your Mac , secure the driving is using the latest firmware . Show - kibosh bug are unhappily all - too common , and new firmware can also mean improved speed . Unfortunately kick upstairs the firmware can usually only be done by temporarily attaching the SSD to a Windows personal computer and using special software program . See the manufacturers situation for detail .
Time Machine provide a relatively fuss - free room of clone your original disk ’s contents onto a novel SSD
You ’ll ask to clone your existing OS X installment plus data onto the Modern SSD . Arguably the promiscuous elbow room of doing this is tocreate a Time Machine musical accompaniment before fit the young SSD and boot to the retrieval console , before restoring to the new SSD . If all else fails apps likeSuperDuperorCarbon Copy Clonercan be used to clone one disc to another .
Create a DIY Fusion Drive
If your Mac ends up with the original parkway plus an SSD alongside , an exciting panorama opens up : pair off the two disk together to create a DIY Fusion drive .
If you have two SSDs installed you’re able to use the same technique to combine them into a individual disk , akin to RAID . Fit a 256 GB and 128 GB drive to your Mac , for object lesson , and you ’ll end - up with what seem to OS X to be a single 384 GB SSD ( actually it ’ll be 372 GB because of thestrange agency disks producer quantify size ) .
An one-time hard saucer and an SSD can be combined into one tops - fast Fusion drive
The technique ask to make a DIY Fusion drive is moderately innovative and induce palm tree sweat in even the most technically savvy . You ’ll ask to pass over your subsist information and furbish up it , for case . In the steps below we employ as a basis Macworld’sguide to creating a DIY Fusion drive from 2012 . However , the launching of Yosemite and of import alteration in the style it handles disks means a few additional steps are necessary . We assume for the purpose of these steps you ’re using a Time Machine disk directly attached to your Mac :
study more : Should I elevate to a Fusion Drive when buy a MacandiMac with Fusion Drive review
Get Handoff, AirDrop and better Wi-Fi on an old Mac
Only recent models of Mac are compatible with theHandoff / Continuity feature film introduce with Yosemite . This allows your Mac and iOS machine to instantly pick up on emails , websites , documents , map locations , and much more – pop an e-mail on your Mac and you could continue instantly on your iPhone .
Older Macs miss the humble - power Bluetooth v4.0 mode required for Handoff / Continuity . Alas , buying an cheap USB Bluetooth v4.0 dongle does n’t sterilize the berth – unless you apply theContinuity Activationhack , which brings not only well-nigh full Handoff / persistence support but also enable other nerveless features such as AirDrop between iOS and Macs . To learn how it ’s done , read ourguide to beat Handoff and Airdop on an old Mac .
A cheap USB Bluetooth 4.0 adapter is all that ’s needed hardware - saucy to enable Handoff and Continuity on former mac
On some Mac miniskirt or MacBook Air modeling you might not even demand to upgrade your ironware , while on other Macs it might be potential to upgrade the AirPort card in your Mac instead of using a USB dongle , which might have the added benefit of upgrade your Mac ’s Wi - Fi potentiality to faster f number ( supply you ’ve a compatible router , of course ) . get going by searching the forum of iFixIt , wheresuch questions are frequently asked . Once again acquit in mind that correspond an AirPort raise will probably need fond or full disassembly of your Mac . Additionally , note that AirPort cards are normally expensive .
ExpressCard options for older Macs
For a few old age some MacBook models featured an ExpressCard time slot . Although this technology is in the go bad throes of its lifetime , you’re able to still get some utile add - ons , such as adapter that bring USB 3.0 to your Mac . Just search your best-loved site , such as Amazon . However , always check for Mac compatibility . Again , this can often be done by take the review of buyers in the product description .
Read next :
How to upgrade the C.P.U. in a Mac
How to upgrade the graphics scorecard in a Mac
Here ’s something else you might care to do : How to create Automator ActionsandHow to use Automator on the Mac
