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New MacBook Pro Computer- Or add SS drive?
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May 1, 2015 09:43:19   #
Dik
 
OP should check OWC for up to date info on RAM capacity off her Mac.
Mac specs apply to what was available at time of manufacture. In the past, newer RAM has become available that enabled more RAM to be used than the Mac spec.

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May 1, 2015 09:50:44   #
burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC
 
suntouched wrote:
I have a 17 " MacBook Pro computer with 8 G Ram that is just a little over 3 years old. When it was new it flew like the wind but with all the software I have added it has slowed down. Outside of that the computer functions fine. I moved my older photos to external drive, cleaned up my emails and downloads and it helped a little. This computer is maxed out at 8G Ram.

I run PS, LR, OnOne


* 2 Questions* (Cost is a factor but not the primary factor)

1. Would installing a SS drive improve performance on this computer?

2. If I buy a new computer should I get 16 G Ram or would 8 G Ram be sufficient with SS drive they now come with?



Please keep your answers simple as I have just enough computer knowledge to be dangerous.

*Wish to remain an APPLE user
I have a 17 " MacBook Pro computer with 8 G R... (show quote)


One more note... Do you use an external SCRATCH DRIVE for Photoshop? Using an SSD or even a 7200 RPM external scratch drive can help speed up PS operations.

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May 1, 2015 09:57:34   #
Dik
 
BTW, installing RAM & SSD in the 17" is very easy. OWC has tools & excellent videos. No need to pay a computer shop.

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May 1, 2015 09:57:51   #
Bob Boner
 
I have a 15 inch macbook pro with 16 gb of ram and 500gb ssd.I recommend both if you can afford it. It is reasonably fast, but not quite as fast as my Mac Pro.

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May 1, 2015 10:02:18   #
suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ
 
Thanks so much everyone for the great information, suggestions and links. Lots of very good input.
Update:
I bought my computer in 2011
Model # 8,3
Intel i7
2.4 ghz
When all said and done the cost out the door was around 3000.00 (sticker shock!)
When I purchased I had 8 G Ram installed ( 4G + 4G) which was a lot at the time.
I was told at the time of purchase at the Apple store that this was the max that could be installed (ever) but that isn't what I am seeing on the Internet and what many of you are saying.

I see others with the same computer as I having questions as well.

This has been a good computer- but it is heavy and big- probably weighs in at 5-6# while the new ones are significantly lighter... And I do tote it around and actually use it on my lap most of the time. Not a deal breaker but another consideration.

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May 1, 2015 10:21:16   #
suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ
 
Dik wrote:
BTW, installing RAM & SSD in the 17" is very easy. OWC has tools & excellent videos. No need to pay a computer shop.


I looked at the video for installing RAM and it was pretty straight forward.

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May 1, 2015 10:21:35   #
Dik
 
Here's the drive installation video:
http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/macbookpro_17_unibody_early11_hd/

RAM, SSD, and a fresh install of operating system & programs will transform that baby into a real speed demon, good for many more years of service.
Pick up an iPad Air 2 with Retina display if you need something lightweight. With a wireless HD, the iPad can do a lot of what the 17" can, and with both upgrading and iPadding, you haven't approached the cost of a new, high end MacBook.

suntouched wrote:
Thanks so much everyone for the great information, suggestions and links. Lots of very good input.
Update:
I bought my computer in 2011
Model # 8,3
Intel i7
2.4 ghz
When all said and done the cost out the door was around 3000.00 (sticker shock!)
When I purchased I had 8 G Ram installed ( 4G + 4G) which was a lot at the time.
I was told at the time of purchase at the Apple store that this was the max that could be installed (ever) but that isn't what I am seeing on the Internet and what many of you are saying.

I see others with the same computer as I having questions as well.

This has been a good computer- but it is heavy and big- probably weighs in at 5-6# while the new ones are significantly lighter... And I do tote it around and actually use it on my lap most of the time. Not a deal breaker but another consideration.
Thanks so much everyone for the great information,... (show quote)

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May 1, 2015 10:22:34   #
suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ
 
Dik wrote:
OP should check OWC for up to date info on RAM capacity off her Mac.
Mac specs apply to what was available at time of manufacture. In the past, newer RAM has become available that enabled more RAM to be used than the Mac spec.


Ah, that is interesting and might be the answer to why more can be installed.

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May 1, 2015 10:24:51   #
suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ
 
Easyrider wrote:
What operating system are you running Windows 7 or 8 and what processes I core 5 or 7?
Do you have a model number?

Thanks
Rich

I just added an update with that information

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May 1, 2015 10:28:41   #
suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ
 
jerryc41 wrote:
An SSD and more RAM would make a big difference. Samsung has a nice 500GB SSD, Crucial does, too.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=samsung+500gb+ssd

As for speeding it up, take a look at this link.

http://www.howtogetrid.org/computer-problems/how-to-speed-up-your-aging-mac/

I put the Samsung drive into my MBP, and it boots in maybe 30 seconds.


I bookmarked the links- thanks

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May 1, 2015 10:34:36   #
suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ
 
singleviking wrote:
I would first consult with an APPLE tech or bring your computer into an APPLE store. Some newer Macbooks can not be upgraded for RAM since there's no added slots for memory upgrade and all the memory is soldered into the motherboard. They did this for cost savings. Go figure....

Also, ask the tech about cleaning up your active program files. Sometimes the background programs that are running can significantly slow down the operation of a computer and a store APPLE tech can help you with this.

Any time you replace the main HDD drive with an SSD drive, the boot time will significantly be reduced and the files access times improved. Any good SSD can be installed in your machine as long as it's formatted for MAC and it's large enough to hold your OS, programs and local files.
I would first consult with an APPLE tech or bring ... (show quote)


Hmm, I wonder if my computer falls into this category- soldered memory.... to know for sure guess I will need to take it to the Apple store

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May 1, 2015 10:40:43   #
Dik
 
Another BTW, if you run Windows in Bootcamp, and need the best speed, as I do to run Microsoft MapPoint, get the Samsung 850 EVO Pro; it runs considerably faster in that situation.

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May 1, 2015 10:41:40   #
suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ
 
Gene51 wrote:
32 gb and SSD on your new machine.


Maybe this is the simplest answer / solution of all... :)

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May 1, 2015 10:43:14   #
Dik
 
No, you've answered that with your Model identifier 8.3.
You can use the $159 OWC 16 GB kit.
suntouched wrote:
Hmm, I wonder if my computer falls into this category- soldered memory.... to know for sure guess I will need to take it to the Apple store

Reply
May 1, 2015 10:46:13   #
wmontgomery Loc: Louisiana
 
SSD will probably extend the life of your Mac 2 years if you can live with the 8 GB of memory. Good SSD's can be purchased for less than 50 cent a TB. The problem with most of Apple's current machines is they are not upgradable so you will need to buy all the memory and storage you will need at initial purchase.

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