Keep your old Pro around for FireWire if you like, but you should definitely consider a new lighter, faster computer - even if it's not the new Pro. It's probably time to abandon your optical drive and slow spinning magnetic storage. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with optical drive, last updated in 2012. Full-size USB, HDMI, Thunderbolt, Mini DisplayPort and SD card ports (you'll need dongles).Base storage capacities (unless you bought a 128GB 13-inch model).Double the base memory (compared to 15-inch, 2012).Up to 3 hours of additional battery life (15-inch model).If you bought one of the early MacBook Pros with Retina Display, it definitely might be time to upgrade, unless you're in love with the wider selection of ports and deeper keystrokes. Dedicated function keys (unless you opt for the non-Touch Bar model)įrom MacBook Pro with Retina Display (2012-Early 2013).Full-size USB, HDMI, Thunderbolt 2, Mini DisplayPort and SD card ports (you'll need dongles).Storage capacities (unless you bought a 128GB 13-inch model).4 USB-C / Thunderbolt 3 ports for single-cable docking and charging.Roughly an hour of extra battery life (15-inch vs.More accurate butterfly keyboard switches.Much faster graphics (roughly 2x faster).įrom MacBook Pro with Retina Display (Late 2013-2015)Įven if you just bought a MacBook Pro last year, the new versions are a pretty big bump - because Apple hadn't meaningfully refreshed the lineup in quite some time.
#2012 macbook pro motherboard upgrade how to#
Here's how to find out which Mac you own. Just scroll down until you see your current Mac. ( Click here if you'd prefer a giant spec sheet.) Heck, the 13-inch MacBook Pro is smaller than a 13-inch MacBook Air now.īut what do you truly get if you upgrade, and what do you give up? Here's a handy guide to everything that changes if you trade in your old Mac for a shiny new Pro.
It might look similar, but it's thinner and lighter, with far more power under the hood, a radically redesigned keyboard and a tiny, potentially amazing touchscreen. The new MacBook Pro is here, available for preorder today, and in many ways it's a very different machine.