HDD upgrade for a Macbook Pro 13" Mid-2012 possible?

[abcerdy]

Hey guys, I need some help. I have a Macbook Pro 13" mid-2012 model with an i5 processor. It has the base configuration of 4 GB ram and a 500 GB HDD. I want to upgrade the HDD to a larger one, but I have no idea what the maximum size supported by the mobo is. Thanks in advance!

 

[Supermuncher85]

There isn't really an upper limit. You really have three options:
1.) standard HDD I'd go 7200rpm if I had to go this route. You can find drives that are 2TB in size no problem, just make sure they are 9.5mm in height or less
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2W02KN0922
stay away from 10000rpm drives! If you need more speed than 7200 go with an SSD.
2.) Go for one of the new SSHD's where you have 1TB of storage and 8gb or 16gb of NAND flash cache. Making it an SSD and HDD hybrid
example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822149524
3.) My personally choice SSD + HDD combo like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236642 with fusion drive. If you don't know what that means, you might want to consider option 1.) where you just slap in and it works and 2.) where the controller does the work.

However if you have some technical knowledge you can read up on fusion drive installation here: http://www.wdc.com/wdproducts/library/UM/ENG/2779-800001.pdf
if this is too complicated go 1 or 2

 

[abcerdy]

That was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks supermuncher85!

 

[Supermuncher85]

Oh one more thing you need a special screw driver, I've only found it online. Ordered mine @ amazon can also get it from OWC they also made a great video detailing the install https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=120&v=I7co5-qJhuM

 

[abcerdy]

Hey, could you tell me the name of the screwdriver or post a link to buy it? Thanks in advance.

 

[Supermuncher85]

Phillips #00 Screwdriver https://www.ifixit.com/Tools/Phillips-00-Screwdriver/IF145-006-3

I bought this set http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NZ5QGK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02 since I needed some of the other sizes too.