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Mid 2010 Model A1278 / 2.4 or 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo processor

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Replacing optical drive with SATA cable failure

Hey,

Recently my macbook pro 13 mid 2010 stopped working (question mark map when booting up). I tried to replace the HDD, but that did not work; so I assume that the SATA cable is failing. Since SATA cables are relatively expensive to get here in the Netherlands (55 euro), I thought about removing the optical drive and replacing it with a SSD (Hard drive caddy only costs 20 euro), because I never use my optical drive anyway. I am not really sure if this would work, so I was wondering if someone here would know?

Keep in mind that this would only be a short term solution (max 6 months).

Thanks!

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Did you do a bit of searching online? I found this one: MacBook Pro 13" Unibody (Mid 2012) Hard Drive Cable - Apple P/N 923-0104 $20 US, which is the better version.

Frankly, I'm not a lover of dual drive setups in the Unibody models as many have issues with the optical drives SATA port. Many can only support a fixed SATA II (3.0 Gb/s) drive even though it's a SATA III port (6.0 Gb/s). Basically, won't support a SATA III drive or one that auto senses like many SSD's. If you think you'll put a HD in the carrier the HD crash guard protection is not available in the optical drive port so the drive you do get needs to have it.

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Hi, could you maybe eloborate on what the HD crash guard protection is and how to get it? I was planning to put in the HD from my MB in the caddy (since the SSD option would not be very smart), does it have that crash guard protection?

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Here's a good read: Sudden Motion Sensor. It's only available on the HD's SATA port and its on the logic board. Some HD suppliers do offer the same function within their HD's. So you'll need to review the spec sheet and order the correct HD. As far as the SSD it doesn't need it, but you could encounter issues with the optical drives SATA port as I explained it can only support a fixed SATA II drive.

So basically, you can't move the HD over to the optical carrier as you loose the crash guard and the drive you have is likely a SATA III (6.0 Gb/s). And putting the SSD in the optical carrier maybe a problem unless you get a fixed SATA II (3.0 Gb/s) drive which are hard to find and the auto sense drives often won't work either. ;-(

The best thing you can do here is go with a SSHD hybrid drive just replacing your current HD with it or buy a bigger SSD that gives you the space you need instead.

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