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

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Which MacBook or MacBook Pro do not have SATA data cable issues

I have a MacBook Mid 2012 i5 CPU (2.5 GHz) model 1278 which developed data cable issues at 16 months old and since then has had 3 new cables in just 9 months.

My question, is there a MacBook or MacBook Pro that doesn't have this data cable problem? What model would I need to purchase to avoid this problem?

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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I put pads on either side of the replacement cables to try to protect them.

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I'm sorry to hear you have has such bad luck here.

Did you put the cable in or did a repair shop do it? There are two issues here

  • The first Apple did have a bad run of cables so you do need to be careful which version of the cable you put in.
  • The second issue is the cable can be damaged by rubbing at the corners where it bends. Both by the metal frames sharp edge as well as moving by not mounting the drive correctly. Make sure the rubber shock grommets are in place in all four mount points and I use some tape to help isolate the cable from the sharp edge. I've also seen a bent bottom cover also mess things up. Use a straight edge ruler to make sure.

One last point is make sure you shut down your system before lugging it around. You may have a badly aligned lid sensor so the system wakes up as you are carrying it around in sleep mode. I've see people corrupt the HD and think its the cable was the problem.

Update (09/29/2015)

While opening your system can be over-whelming, this is one of the easier jobs you can do your self.

Review this IFIXIT guide: MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Early 2011 Hard Drive Cable Replacement.

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As to your direct question: All of the MacBooks & MacBook Pro's that use a hard drive have a SATA ribbon cable which is similar to what you have. We mustily use 15" models and I can tell you they also have issues but not to the degree you have had. The only option which may not be what you want to hear is going with one of the newer retina modes as they use a SSD which is mounted directly onto the logic board. But they have their own issues! Limited drive sizes and fixed memory (not upgradable). Sorry ;-{

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hi thank you its been to the same repair shop each time and the first time cost £100 but it was guaranteed for a year so the other times i got repair done free this time they have told me when guarantee runs out i will have to pay each time in the future as they won't guarantee future repairs to this part, they tell me they have only used apple parts and this time they have used electrical tape to try and insulate it

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do you know what is the right version of the the data cable to put in as you have said there is 2 versions please

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