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Early 2011 Model: A1278 / 2.3 GHz i5 or 2.7 GHz i7 processor

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Are sata cables found in the various MacBook Pro models compatible?

I'm trying to swap out my probably damaged sata cable, but all the reliable sources I've looked at have sata cables for different models, while some people have had success using them interchangeably. Also, can anyone recommend any third party sata cables? I'd rather not buy OEM for this particular part.

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Desktop SATA cables are more plan jane where you could use just about anything.

Unlike desktops laptop SATA cables are custom as you don't have room to put the extra mass of the cable as well as needing to be very thin as the space is quite tight.

Some systems do use the same cable as the overall design was not altered within the series and in some cases across next generation of the model. In this series the cable is multipurpose. So here your limited on getting a real Apple part. Sorry ;-{

Here is the IFIXIT part: MacBook Pro 13" Unibody (Model A1278 Early 2011/Late 2011) Hard Drive Cable and we also can see the Apple part numbers: 922-9771 & 821-1226-A. Lastly, you do want to get the newer version of the part.

MacBook Pro 13" Unibody (Early 2011-Late 2011) Hard Drive Cable Image

Product

MacBook Pro 13" Unibody (Early 2011-Late 2011) Hard Drive Cable

$34.99

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Sorry to dredge this up, but the forum suggested it over asking my own question. But are those two part numbers referring to two slightly different parts? Because searching 821-1226-A leads me to a part replacement for the 2012 model. Does that mean it's backwards compatible to the early 2011 model?

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Bingo! Yes, the cables are different part numbers! When I wrote this I was using the different cables between the systems. I was noting I was getting a few older models back for a second time, yet the 2012 models I wasn't. In looking at the cables it became clear they are interchangeable! There is a slight difference which you can work around.

So basically the newer cable is a better design. Which is why I now recommend using it.

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