If your MacBook Pro 17-inch Unibody needs an SSD upgrade, our London technicians can help, usually with a quote on the same day you bring it in.
The A1297 drive is under the bottom panel, and there’s room for a second drive in the optical bay. With an SSD installed the 17-inch feels modern for writing, audio and photo work. We clone your system and update to the latest macOS the model supports.
About this model: The 17-inch MacBook Pro (A1297) is the biggest laptop Apple has made and it still has a devoted following, especially for its high-resolution anti-glare screen. It shares the serviceable unibody layout and the same weak points as the 15-inch: GPU failure on the 2011 Radeon models and GT 330M problems on 2010.
Signs it needs an SSD upgrade
- Slow boot
- Failing drive
- More storage wanted
- Pro audio machine refresh
How we do it
We use quality SATA SSDs from established brands, fitted with a bracket or adapter where the bay was designed for a larger drive. If your old drive still reads, we clone it so your apps, files and settings carry across unchanged.
Once fitted, we either restore your existing system or install the newest macOS your model supports, then run a full read/write test and check the drive’s health reporting before handing it back.
If you’d rather move to a new Mac instead, our data migration service (from £79 + VAT) transfers everything across.
At a glance
| Years | 2009–2011 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo, then Core i5/i7 with NVIDIA or AMD graphics |
| Storage | Standard SATA drive |
| Memory | Socketed, upgradeable |
| Battery | Screwed in (no glue) |
| Power / charging | MagSafe 1 |
Before you bring it in
Note any older apps you rely on. Some very old software won’t run on newer macOS versions, so we’ll match the macOS version to what you need.
Which model do you have?
This page covers the MacBook Pro 17-inch Unibody (2009–2011) (MacBookPro5,2 / 6,1 / 8,3; A1297). The A-number is printed in tiny text on the base, near the hinge. You’ll also find the model in Apple menu > About This Mac. Not sure? Bring it in and we’ll identify it for you.
Price
We give you a fixed quote for your exact model after a free initial assessment, before any work starts. All prices are subject to inspection, and nothing is done without your approval.
Questions we’re often asked
Will I lose my files?
No. We clone or back up your data before any upgrade and check everything is in place afterwards.
Is it worth upgrading this model?
If the machine is otherwise healthy, yes. Storage and memory upgrades are the cheapest way to make an older Mac noticeably quicker, and we’ll tell you honestly if we think a replacement would be better value.
Is there a warranty?
Yes, our repairs come with a warranty on the work and parts. Ask us for the terms that apply to your repair.
Book a repair
Call 020 7394 2528 or email info@mac-repair.london with a short description of the fault and we’ll come back with a quote.