The issue is not one of weight but an issue with the systems cooling and an opening which objects could enter. For a few grams of weight I don’t think its worth it! A better solution would be to swap out the heaver HD for a much lighter SSD, and getting all of the performance benefits of the faster drive as well! While you might not think it the optical drive also acts as a stiffener so there is less twist in the case. This is because of the size of the hole for the DVD/CD’s so taking it out weakens the case design.

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Since you’ll be removing many screws it’s best to plan ahead. I found it especially helpful to have a small plastic tray with about a dozen separate compartments to hold screws. As I removed screws I kept them in one compartment for each item removed. For example: The lower case removal involves the removal of ten screws. I kept them all in the first tray compartment and set the lid aside. Also, I put a post-it note identifying this compartment as “Lower case” and noted that the top right-most screws were the long ones.

I continued with this methodology as a removed the next item, and the next, etc. Disassembly notes included for each compartment.

This helped SIGNIFICANTLY as I was able to reassemble the Macbook easily by simply going from one compartment to the next (in reverse order). This guide is rated “Difficult” which it really isn’t when you plan ahead in this way.

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It saves time in the long run. When putting the macbook pro back together, the middle screw on the right side (if the computer is upside down and you have the hinge furthest away from you) requires a bracket that was not included with my new upper case. I had to remove it from my old case and transfer it over - if you don’t do this, that screw will have nothing to attach to. This was one of the many additional parts i needed to transfer from my old case to the new one that aren’t mentioned in this guidei’m adding comments on each step to try to help othersi wish i had thought to take pictures. Did you properly ground yourself to the case before putting the spudger to the connector/logic board?

Did you use a spudger or something else that is non conductive.or did you use a flat blade metal screw driver instead and compound your error by not grounding yourself before touching the logic board? All kinds of variables here but the bottom line is iFixit provided you a guide to fix your computer. Lots of others have followed this guide without trouble. Your battery issues are not their fault.

They did say this guide was moderate difficulty.maybe it's just a little beyond your skill level. We should all know our limits! DON'T remove the Battery Cable, you risk the battery NOT being recognised when you start the Mac up again, or breaking it!! More to the point, APPLE DOES NOT RECOMMEND THIS, so don't do it!

I Installed 2x 8GB ( 16Gb total) of Crucial Mac RAM at 1333Mhz for my Late 2011 MacBook Pro, and it works beautifully, fully recognised and working well. I followed these instructions, but as Apple didnt recommend disconnecting the battery, I skipped this step, and as well as taking less time, nothing was damaged or broken, and everything works perfectly!!! Just make sure that you DISCHARGE ALL STATIC ELECTRICITY FROM YOUR HANDS, by touching a metal surface in the Mac. Apple recommends the edge of the Optical Disk Drive ( Big silver thing ) before touching any parts. Also, Take care removing the RAM out of its packet, DO NOT touch the Gold connectors, and hold the RAM by the edges. Finally, be PATIENT, GENTLE and it should all go perfectly.

I have a 2012 MacBook pro retina, that still runs amazingly well. The major difference (other than the screen) is that mine came with an SSD. You will get 85% of the performance boost from the latest MacBook pros simply by adding an SSD.

I managed it first time, with no technical ability, so follow my advice. This comment made me think that disconnecting the battery was no point at all, because really - how would the computer be able to switch on by it self. I had my mac flipped around and was fiddling with the last part of the guide when I all of a sudden hear the start up sound!

Don't know how and why it did. I turned it around with it guts open and guts hanging out.

Screen was on. I forced it to shut down by keeping the power button down. Turned it back and first thing removed the battery cord. Luckily the computer started up just like normal. But hearing that sound was just too scary.

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BTW I had been cautious to de static myself multiple times. The guide worked perfectly, as it has in the past (our family has three Mid-2012 Macbook Pros that have been separately upgraded with RAM and SSD). The PH00 screwdriver fit perfectly. One note on getting the screws to seat easily and thread perfectly.always turn them gently a couple turns to the left (CCW or Anti-Clockwise) until you hear a small click. That's where the threads will grab. Works with any screw, but when threads are fine, this will help ensure that the screw is at the correct angle and will grab and seat perfectly. Great guides.