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Replacement Guide
MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Mid 2012
Difficulty: Moderate
Install Time: 20 - 30 minutes
Stories
My Problem
While installing a data doubler, I apparently cracked the OEM SATA Cable. iFixit got me the replacement part fairly quick and upon inspection, the replacement part was more robust than the OEM cable. MacBook Pro SATA cables are notorious for breaking when moving them because they are so thin and delicate. Over time, they become brittle. I installed the replacement part while working out of a hotel room on a trip and it was very easy.
My Fix
The repair was pretty straightforward. iFixit provided video instructions that made everything that much more simple.
My Advice
If you are going to install a data doubler in your MacBook Pro, I would recommend ordering a replacement SATA cable because more than likely you'll break the OEM part during the installation.
My Problem
The cable doesn't last -as you can see looking around for this MBP- probably because very small vibrations along the daily use of the computer. I think the cable breaks near the black screws used to attach ir to the chassis. If you disassemble the bottom case and get the drive out of its place leaving it still connected it will work again probably, but this replacement appears to be the only solution.
My Fix
No problema at all
My Advice
This is a different cable from the one replaced. Looks of stronger material and represents no difficulties for the installation. Let's hope it last because such MBP its a good one. The last upgradable of its line.
Examinate and practice on the bending areas near the screw holes of the cable with the old broken cable.
My Problem
Hard drive could not be recognized. Folder with question mark blinks at start up
My Fix
So easy a monkey can do this. Install is reverse of removal
My Advice
Use proper tools other wise u will either strip the tiny Phillips screws or damage the cable
My Problem
Porqué no funcionaba el cable.
My Fix
Muy sencillo de cambiar con las instrucciones
My Advice
Seguir la guía de cambio de la pagina.
My Problem
Erratic and slow performance with a 1 TB SSD after replacing the original HD which was also slow. When running the mid 2012 MBP 13 inch from the SSD via USB the computer ran fine.
My Fix
So ordered hard drive cable from ifixit and replaced the old one. Worked great. with the SSD it is about as fast as my work MBPro 2015 or my late 2014 macmini with 16 GB of ram and hybrid drive.
Ifixit instructions from the web site were great and clear.
My Advice
Figure out an easy way to replace the hard drive in a 2009 imac please!!!
My Problem
My son's macbook pro was showing the blinking question mark folder when he turned it on. I tried to recover it through the disk utility, but the folder wasn't showing up. Apple support website suggest taking it to the apple store if you fail at this stage, but I chose not to. Instead I bought a SSD drive to replace the original drive, thinking the drive was dead. Still got the blinking question mark folder. So I went online and found ifixit. After reading their solution I was a little worried that it seemed so easy. However, I went ahead and ordered the hard drive cable since nothing else worked. I received the cable in a couple days and replaced the old one and re-instslled the old hard drive. Stress free repair, just what I needed. It took a little less than 30 minutes and that's because I was being really careful. I highly recommend these guys. Thanks and God bless.
My Fix
It was easy see my comments above.
My Advice
These guys know what they are taking about.
My Problem
Initially I turned on the computer and a flashing folder file icon appeared, wouldn't boot up. After some research I replaced my hardrive with an ssd but it still would not boot up. I went on ifixit and read similar stories. I finally figured out that it was the cable that was defective.
My Fix
The part came in a fully enclosed bag (excellent quality considering I bought the "used with bracket" option). After a few unscrewings, I followed the step by step guide to replace and took about 20 minutes to do so. Turned power on and worked like a charm. Super Fast!
My Advice
When installing the cable, you will notice that the part is bent in in different places to fit in the computer. Look carefully for the perforated edges and bend carefully along the lines. Just keep the old cable in hand to replicate the bends.
My Problem
My MBP had been acting strange for a while until it one day just displayed a blinking folder with a question mark on boot. Initially i thought my hard drive was broken, but replacing it didn't solve my problem. After some online searches and trying different things, I realized it had to be the hard drive cable. Found the parts and tools I needed on ifixit and gave it a shot.
My Fix
The repair guide is excellent! Clear pics and easy to follow. The new hard drive cable was high quality and fitted perfectly. However, I found it a bit difficult to fold and fit the cable to get the two 3mm screws back in (see step 10). I guess I was just careful because I didn't want to break it, and was unsure of how much it could handle. Used the spudger to "tuck" it carefully in place so I could get the screws in, made it eventually and got everything back together. OS X El Capitan fresh install on a brand new SSD and everything is working great! My old HDD still works perfectly as an external backup drive, proving it was the cable all along.
My Advice
Don't be afraid to bend/fold the cable, but be careful.
My Problem
Had a missing hard drive in my MacBook Pro. Reading around online it sounded like the HDD cable needed replacing, so I grabbed one from iFixit
My Fix
Super easy repair. The supplied step by step instructions were perfect and easy to follow. The cable works perfectly
My Advice
Remember to unplug your battery before attempting the replacement.
My Problem
yes
My Fix
good
My Advice
no