Is your trusty MacBook Pro 2012 starting to feel a little sluggish? Perhaps boot times are taking forever, or applications are crawling to a halt? You’re not alone! Many owners of these beloved machines find that the original hard drive is the biggest bottleneck to performance. Upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD) is arguably the most impactful enhancement you can make, breathing new life into your vintage Mac.
But with so many options out there, how do you find the SanDisk best 1tb ssd for macbook pro 2012? It’s a common question, and one that requires a bit of nuance. While SanDisk offers a fantastic range of high-performance portable SSDs, finding a direct internal SanDisk 1TB replacement specifically for the 2012 MacBook Pro’s proprietary SSD slot (especially for Retina models) can be a challenge. The good news? You have excellent options! Whether you’re looking for a blazing-fast external drive to boost your workflow or a compatible internal replacement, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll dive into 10 top SSDs, including powerful SanDisk portable drives and excellent internal alternatives, to help you choose the perfect 1TB upgrade for your MacBook Pro 2012. Get ready to experience faster boot-ups, quicker app launches, and an overall snappier experience!
Understanding Your MacBook Pro 2012’s Needs
Before we jump into the reviews, it’s important to note that the MacBook Pro 2012 came in two main variants:
* Non-Retina Models: These typically came with a traditional 2.5-inch SATA hard drive. Upgrading these is usually straightforward with any 2.5-inch SATA III SSD.
* Retina Models: These came with a proprietary blade-style PCIe SSD. Replacing these requires a specific form factor, often from third-party manufacturers like OWC.
Most SanDisk SSDs are external portable drives or standard 2.5-inch SATA drives. The products below reflect a mix of these, offering solutions for both internal upgrades (from other brands) and powerful external storage (where SanDisk truly shines).
The Best 1TB SSDs for Your MacBook Pro 2012
Let’s explore the top contenders to give your MacBook Pro 2012 the speed boost it deserves!
1. SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD – Up to 2000MB/s
If you’re looking for an external drive that can keep up with demanding tasks, the SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD is a powerhouse. This isn’t an internal replacement, but it’s an incredible solution for professionals or anyone needing lightning-fast external storage. Imagine editing large video files or running a virtual machine directly from this drive – its NVMe performance will blow you away, dramatically improving your MacBook Pro 2012’s workflow.
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Key Features:
- Powerful NVMe solid state performance with up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds.
- Forged aluminum chassis acts as a heatsink for sustained speeds.
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
- Handy carabiner loop for secure transport.
- 256-bit AES hardware encryption for private content.
- SanDisk Memory Zone app for file management.
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast speeds for external storage (though limited by MBP 2012’s Thunderbolt 1/USB 3.0).
- Extremely durable and rugged design, ideal for on-the-go use.
- Effective heat management for consistent performance.
- Hardware encryption offers robust data security.
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Cons:
- Performance will be bottlenecked by your MacBook Pro 2012’s USB 3.0 (up to 5Gbps) or Thunderbolt 1 (up to 10Gbps) ports, not reaching its full potential.
- Not an internal replacement drive.
- Higher price point due to extreme performance and ruggedness.
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User Impressions: Users rave about its incredible speed and solid build quality, often using it for video editing, large file transfers, and secure backups. They appreciate the peace of mind that comes with its ruggedness.
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2. SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C
The SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD offers a fantastic balance of speed, durability, and portability. While the Extreme PRO is faster, this model still delivers impressive NVMe speeds perfect for external storage on your MacBook Pro 2012. It’s ideal for photographers, videographers, or anyone who needs fast, reliable storage for their creative projects or simply wants to offload large files without waiting forever.
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Key Features:
- NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds.
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
- Carabiner loop for added security.
- 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
- SanDisk Memory Zone app for file management.
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Pros:
- Excellent speed for external storage, a significant upgrade over traditional external HDDs.
- Highly durable and resistant to drops, water, and dust.
- Compact and lightweight, easy to carry anywhere.
- Includes password protection for sensitive data.
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Cons:
- Still limited by the MacBook Pro 2012’s older USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt 1 ports.
- Not an internal replacement.
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User Impressions: Customers love its compact size, robust build, and quick transfer speeds. It’s often praised for being a reliable daily driver for external storage, especially for those who travel or work outdoors.
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3. SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C (Alternate Listing)
This is essentially the same excellent SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD as the previous entry, sometimes appearing as a separate listing due to minor packaging or version differences. Its core performance and durability remain consistent, offering a reliable, high-speed external storage solution for your MacBook Pro 2012. If you’re looking for the SanDisk best 1tb ssd for macbook pro 2012 in an external format, this series is a top contender.
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Key Features:
- NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds.
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
- Handy carabiner loop.
- 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
- SanDisk Memory Zone app.
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Pros:
- Reliable and consistent fast external storage.
- Exceptional durability for peace of mind.
- Portable and user-friendly.
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Cons:
- As an external drive, it doesn’t replace your internal storage.
- Speeds will be capped by the Mac’s older ports.
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User Impressions: Just like its twin, users highly recommend this drive for its consistent performance and ruggedness, making it a go-to for backing up important data and working with large files on the go.
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4. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C
Need more space without sacrificing speed? The 2TB version of the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD offers double the capacity while maintaining the same great performance and durability. This is perfect for users with massive photo libraries, extensive video projects, or those who simply never want to worry about running out of external storage. It’s an ideal companion for your MacBook Pro 2012, allowing you to expand your digital footprint significantly.
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Key Features:
- NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds.
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
- Carabiner loop for security.
- 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
- SanDisk Memory Zone app.
- Wide operating/non-operating temperature range.
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Pros:
- Massive 2TB capacity with high-speed performance.
- Built to withstand harsh conditions.
- Reliable and secure with hardware encryption.
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Cons:
- Higher cost due to increased capacity.
- Not an internal upgrade for the MacBook Pro 2012.
- Full speed potential won’t be realized due to older Mac ports.
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User Impressions: Reviewers are very satisfied with the extra storage for their growing data needs, praising it as a robust and fast solution for carrying extensive media collections or project files.
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5. Bitsjour 1TB SATA SSD Replacement for Apple MacBook Air
Important Note: While this product is a 1TB SSD replacement, it is specifically designed for Mid 2012 MacBook Air models (A1465 and A1466), not the MacBook Pro 2012. If you happen to have a MacBook Air from that era, this is an excellent internal upgrade option. However, for MacBook Pro 2012 owners looking for an internal drive, please consider other options like the OWC below. For Air owners, this could be the internal SanDisk best 1tb ssd alternative for your machine.
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Key Features:
- Compatible only with Mid 2012 MacBook Air 11-inch (A1465) and 13-inch (A1466) with 7+17pin connector.
- SATA III technology with read/write speeds up to 520MB/s / 480MB/s.
- Uses premium controller and 3D TLC NAND flash memory.
- Supports ECC, TRIM, NCQ, and S.M.A.R.T.
- Includes tools and detailed instructions for DIY installation.
- macOS 10.15 Catalina pre-installed (requires High Sierra 10.13 or later prior to installation).
- 5 years hassle-free after-sales service.
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Pros:
- Direct internal replacement for specific MacBook Air 2012 models.
- Comes with all necessary tools and instructions for easy DIY installation.
- Pre-installed macOS simplifies the setup process.
- Significant speed and capacity upgrade over original Air drives.
- Reliable performance and data security features.
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Cons:
- NOT COMPATIBLE WITH MACBOOK PRO 2012.
- Only fits specific MacBook Air 2012 models, check compatibility carefully.
- Requires macOS High Sierra 10.13 or newer already installed to work.
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User Impressions: MacBook Air 2012 owners praise this SSD for its straightforward installation and the dramatic performance improvement it brings to their aging laptops, making them feel like new machines.
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6. SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD – Up to 2000MB/s
Just like its 1TB counterpart, the SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD delivers top-tier performance for external storage, but with a generous 2TB capacity. This is ideal for power users who handle enormous datasets, 8K video, or simply need the absolute fastest portable storage available. While your MacBook Pro 2012 won’t unlock its full 2000MB/s speed, you’ll still get blazing transfer rates limited only by your Mac’s Thunderbolt 1 or USB 3.0 ports, which is still a massive improvement over any traditional HDD.
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Key Features:
- Powerful NVMe solid state performance featuring up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds.
- Forged aluminum chassis for heat dissipation and sustained speeds.
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
- Handy carabiner loop.
- 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
- SanDisk Memory Zone app.
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Pros:
- Highest external speeds in the SanDisk lineup, even if bottlenecked.
- Exceptional durability and heat management.
- Massive 2TB capacity for extensive storage needs.
- Strong data security with hardware encryption.
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Cons:
- Premium price.
- Doesn’t serve as an internal drive replacement.
- Your MacBook Pro 2012’s interface will limit its peak performance.
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User Impressions: Professionals consistently rate this drive highly for its robust performance under heavy loads, reliability, and ability to handle large project files with ease, especially useful for creative workflows.
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7. SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD – Up to 800MB/s, USB-C, USB
For those who prioritize affordability and solid performance in an external SSD, the standard SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD is an excellent choice. While not as fast as the Extreme or Extreme PRO series, its 800MB/s read speeds are still a dramatic improvement over a traditional hard drive, making it a great everyday external drive for backups, file storage, or even carrying a bootable OS. It embodies the essence of a reliable, no-frills external SanDisk best 1tb ssd for macbook pro 2012 user.
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Key Features:
- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds.
- Designed to fit seamlessly into a mobile lifestyle.
- Up to two-meter drop protection for durability.
- Tough rubber hook for securing to a belt loop or backpack.
- From SanDisk, a trusted brand for professionals.
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Pros:
- Good balance of speed and value for external storage.
- Durable design with drop protection.
- Compact and truly portable.
- Reliable brand reputation.
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Cons:
- Slower than the Extreme or Extreme PRO models.
- Not an internal replacement.
- No hardware encryption listed (though software options exist).
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User Impressions: Many users find this SSD to be the perfect “sweet spot” for performance and price. They appreciate its robust feel and depend on it for everyday backups and quick file transfers.
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8. SanDisk Professional 1TB PRO-G40 SSD – Up to 3000MB/s, Thunderbolt 3
The SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 SSD is built for the absolute cutting edge, offering incredible speeds up to 3000MB/s via Thunderbolt 3. While this drive is exceptionally powerful, it’s crucial to understand that your MacBook Pro 2012 does not have Thunderbolt 3 ports. It features Thunderbolt 1, which has a maximum theoretical speed of 10Gbps (around 1250MB/s). Therefore, while you can connect this drive via a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 1 adapter (or possibly USB-C to USB-A), its full potential will be severely limited by your Mac’s older interface. If you’re planning a future upgrade to a newer Mac, this drive is a fantastic investment, but for the 2012 model, it’s overkill in terms of raw speed.
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Key Features:
- Super-fast speeds up to 3000MB/s read and 2500MB/s write with Thunderbolt 3.
- Dual-mode compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) and USB-C (10Gbps).
- Ultra-rugged design with IP68 dust/water resistance, 4000lb crush resistance, and 3m drop resistance.
- Cool aluminum core for sustained transfer speeds.
- Pro-grade enclosure.
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Pros:
- Future-proof with top-tier Thunderbolt 3 performance.
- Unmatched ruggedness for extreme environments.
- Excellent thermal management.
- Dual-mode compatibility offers flexibility.
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Cons:
- NOT COMPATIBLE with full speeds on MacBook Pro 2012 due to lack of Thunderbolt 3.
- Very high price point.
- An adapter would be required for connectivity to MBP 2012, further limiting speeds.
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User Impressions: Professionals with newer Thunderbolt 3-equipped machines praise this drive for its insane speeds and bomb-proof construction, calling it essential for high-end production workflows. For MBP 2012 users, the sentiment is that it’s over-specced for the older hardware.
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9. SanDisk Professional 1TB PRO-Blade SSD Mag – Portable & Modular
The SanDisk Professional PRO-Blade SSD Mag is part of a modular system designed for ultimate flexibility and high-speed workflows with compatible enclosures (PRO-BLADE TRANSPORT or PRO-BLADE STATION). This 1TB “Mag” is essentially the SSD cartridge itself. While incredibly innovative for future-proof and scalable professional setups, using it with your MacBook Pro 2012 would require purchasing the separate PRO-BLADE TRANSPORT enclosure (which uses Thunderbolt 3, meaning the same speed limitations as the PRO-G40 apply). This is a niche, high-end product for very specific professional needs, not a direct plug-and-play solution for your 2012 Mac.
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Key Features:
- Compact, lightweight, and modular design.
- Ultra-durable build (3m drop and 4000lb crush resistance).
- Requires PRO-BLADE TRANSPORT enclosure for up to 2000MB/s transfer speeds (Thunderbolt 3).
- Can be stacked for up to 16TB total capacity in PRO-BLADE STATION (Thunderbolt 3).
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Pros:
- Revolutionary modular storage system for scalability.
- Extremely durable and robust.
- High speeds when paired with appropriate (newer Mac) enclosures.
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Cons:
- Requires separate enclosure for use, adding cost and complexity.
- Full speeds are only achievable with Thunderbolt 3, not available on MacBook Pro 2012.
- Not a standalone external SSD or internal replacement.
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User Impressions: Users involved in high-end cinema and broadcast production appreciate the PRO-Blade system’s flexibility and robust design for managing massive amounts of footage. It’s considered an excellent, albeit expensive, component of a professional ecosystem.
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10. OWC 1TB Aura Pro 6G 3D NAND Flash SSD Compatible with MacBook Pro Retina (Mid 2012 – Early 2013)
If you own a MacBook Pro Retina, 15-inch or 13-inch, Mid 2012 – Early 2013 (models MacBookPro10,1 and MacBookPro10,2), then this OWC 1TB Aura Pro 6G SSD is likely the best 1tb ssd for macbook pro 2012 internal upgrade option. OWC (Other World Computing) is renowned for providing high-quality upgrade components for Apple devices. This SSD is specifically designed to replace your existing proprietary blade-style SSD, offering a significant boost in both capacity and speed, truly bringing your older Retina MacBook Pro back to life.
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Key Features:
- Up to 26% faster than the factory SSD.
- Get write speeds up to 500MB/s and read speeds up to 530MB/s.
- Advanced security protocols support AES 128/256-bit full-drive encryption.
- Specifically compatible with MacBook Pro Retina, 15-inch and 13-inch, Mid 2012 – Early 2013.
- 5 Year OWC Limited Warranty.
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Pros:
- Direct internal replacement for specific MacBook Pro Retina 2012 models.
- Significant speed and capacity upgrade over the original drive.
- Enhanced data security with hardware encryption.
- Backed by OWC’s strong reputation and warranty.
- Dramatically improves boot times and application loading.
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Cons:
- Requires opening your MacBook Pro and careful installation.
- Only for Retina models with the proprietary SSD slot, not standard 2.5-inch drive bays.
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User Impressions: MacBook Pro Retina 2012 owners who have installed this OWC SSD universally praise the incredible performance improvement, describing their laptops as feeling brand new. They often mention the ease of installation with OWC’s clear guides and the peace of mind from the warranty.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why should I upgrade my MacBook Pro 2012 with an SSD?
A1: Upgrading to an SSD (Solid State Drive) is the single most effective upgrade for a MacBook Pro 2012. It dramatically improves boot times, application loading speeds, file transfers, and overall system responsiveness, making your older Mac feel much faster and more capable. Traditional hard drives are mechanical and slow compared to flash-based SSDs.
Q2: Can I use a SanDisk 1TB SSD internally in my MacBook Pro 2012?
A2: For non-Retina MacBook Pro 2012 models (which use a standard 2.5-inch SATA III drive), you can typically use any standard 2.5-inch SanDisk SATA III SSD. However, for Retina MacBook Pro 2012 models, which use a proprietary blade-style SSD, SanDisk does not commonly offer direct internal replacement drives. For Retina models, third-party brands like OWC (as reviewed above) provide compatible internal upgrade solutions.
Q3: What’s the difference between an internal and external SSD for my MacBook Pro 2012?
A3: An internal SSD replaces your Mac’s existing hard drive or SSD, becoming the primary storage for your operating system and files. This offers the best overall performance boost. An external SSD connects via a USB or Thunderbolt port and acts as a portable, fast storage device for backups, large files, or even running applications from. While external SSDs are fast, they don’t impact your Mac’s boot time or general OS responsiveness as much as an internal upgrade.
Q4: Will a faster external SSD, like the SanDisk Extreme PRO, run at its maximum speed on my MacBook Pro 2012?
A4: Unfortunately, no. Your MacBook Pro 2012 uses USB 3.0 (up to 5Gbps) and Thunderbolt 1 (up to 10Gbps). The SanDisk Extreme PRO SSDs can reach speeds up to 20Gbps (via USB 3.2 Gen 2×2) or even 40Gbps (via Thunderbolt 3). This means your Mac’s older ports will act as a bottleneck, and the SSD will operate at the maximum speed supported by your Mac’s ports, which is still significantly faster than a traditional hard drive.
Q5: Is it difficult to install an internal SSD in a MacBook Pro 2012?
A5: For non-Retina MacBook Pro 2012 models, replacing the 2.5-inch hard drive with an SSD is relatively straightforward, usually requiring a few screwdrivers. For Retina MacBook Pro 2012 models, replacing the proprietary blade SSD is a bit more involved but still manageable for someone with basic technical skills and the right tools (often included with the upgrade kit). Always follow detailed guides or watch video tutorials before attempting.
Q6: What other benefits does an SSD offer besides speed?
A6: Besides speed, SSDs are more durable than traditional hard drives because they have no moving parts, making them more resistant to drops and shocks. They also consume less power, which can lead to slightly better battery life, and they operate silently as there’s no spinning platter noise.
Q7: Should I get a 1TB or 2TB SSD for my MacBook Pro 2012?
A7: This depends on your usage. 1TB is a great balance for most users, offering ample space for the OS, applications, and a significant amount of data. If you deal with very large files (e.g., high-resolution photos, 4K videos) or have an extensive software library, a 2TB SSD might be a better investment for future-proofing and convenience.
Conclusion
Upgrading your MacBook Pro 2012 with a 1TB SSD is one of the best investments you can make to prolong its lifespan and significantly improve its performance. While direct internal SanDisk best 1tb ssd for macbook pro 2012 solutions are not abundant for Retina models, excellent external SanDisk drives and compatible internal replacements like the OWC Aura Pro (for Retina models) offer fantastic pathways to a faster, more responsive Mac.
Whether you opt for the blazing speed and ruggedness of a SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD for your external needs or choose a dedicated internal upgrade like the OWC Aura Pro, you’re in for a treat. Say goodbye to the spinning beach ball and hello to a revitalized MacBook Pro 2012! Choose the option that best fits your specific model and usage, and enjoy the speed boost.