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Mid 2012 model, A1278 / 2.5 GHz i5 or 2.9 GHz i7 processor.

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Using new hard drive cable in older machines 821-1480-A

I've seen so many problems with the hard drive/IR cable in the 2009-2011 MacBook Pro machines, I want to try the newer cable, 821-1480-A. I got in a 2012 13" MBP with a bad cable the other day. I noticed that this new machine has a much wider data path than the older cables. I think this is an attempt at solving the problems with the older cables.

Here's the 2012 15" cable: MacBook Pro 15" Unibody (Mid 2012) Hard Drive Cable

Here's the 2011 15" cable: MacBook Pro 15" Unibody (Mid 2009-Late 2011) Hard Drive Cable

I didn't have the new cable in stock so I used the 922-9062 till I could get the new cable shipped in: MacBook Pro 13" Unibody (Mid 2009-Mid 2010) Hard Drive Cable here's the new one: MacBook Pro 13" Unibody (Mid 2012) Hard Drive Cable

My question is; do you think the new cables are backward compatible? The old ones are forward comparable.

This is also proof to me that Apple is aware of this issue with the cables but has done nothing to resolve it for their customers.

Also iFixit has this part listed as 923-0104 and others have it as 821-1480-A.

The two holes that attach it to the frame are wider on the new machines but you can use just one screw to hold it in place.

MacBook Pro 15" Unibody (Mid 2009-Late 2011) Hard Drive Cable Image

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MacBook Pro 15" Unibody (Mid 2009-Late 2011) Hard Drive Cable

$29.99

MacBook Pro 15" Unibody (Mid 2012) Hard Drive Cable Image

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MacBook Pro 15" Unibody (Mid 2012) Hard Drive Cable

$19.99

MacBook Pro 13" Unibody (Mid 2009-Mid 2010) Hard Drive Cable Image

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MacBook Pro 13" Unibody (Mid 2009-Mid 2010) Hard Drive Cable

$34.99

MacBook Pro 13" Unibody (Mid 2012) Hard Drive Cable Image

Product

MacBook Pro 13" Unibody (Mid 2012) Hard Drive Cable

$34.99

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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Did the newer (2012 model) cable work in the older mbp (2009-2010)?

I need to order one. Thanks!

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Yes it did work.

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Historically the nice thing about Mac computers is "generally" if it fits it works... so it would be logical that if you can use an old cable on a new machine the new cable would be of similar construction. As far as cables go that they support higher transfer rates (right?) they should be fine with the lower rate. Sorry I can't offer more than theory, but if it helps, I agree with your assessment.

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The difference between the 13" & 15" cables is the logic board connector, one is horizontal and the other vertical. Why they had to make two different parts is a mystery know only unto Apple.

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I too have noticed a difference it the cables.

I chocked it up to better construction to deal with cross-talk and noise at the higher SATA speeds these systems run at (SATA III Vs SATA II)

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I think these cables are just awful. All the 90 degree bends sure don't help. 30% of the time the hard drive is destroyed. Even this new cable on the 2012 failed. I'll post what I find after replacing a few of the older cables with the new one. However, of the cables that I've replaced, none have since failed. Thanks for the email.

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mayer will be eternally grateful.
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