Is it worth removing the optical drive to make the computer lighter?

Joined
Jan 16, 2009
Messages
41
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Your Mac's Specs
MD546LL/A - MacBookPro9,1
This is probably a personal preference, but thought I would ask it.

I have an i7 2011 MBP that I plan to use solely to work on music production (Live 9) on the road. I carry my work computer already (a Dell 13 inch) and my iPad Pro. I want my bag to be as light as possible.

Question is - is it worth removing the optical drive to make the MBP lighter? (Yes, I am handy and have the tools)
 

Raz0rEdge

Well-known member
Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Jul 17, 2009
Messages
15,745
Reaction score
2,071
Points
113
Location
MA
Your Mac's Specs
2022 Mac Studio M1 Max, 2023 M2 MBA
The optical drive will have no noticeable difference in the weight. The heavy components of the MBP are the batteries, LCD, logicboard and things that you can't remove.
 
Joined
May 21, 2012
Messages
10,702
Reaction score
1,158
Points
113
Location
Rhode Island
Your Mac's Specs
M1 Mac Studio, 11" iPad Pro 3rdGen, iPhone 13 ProMax, Watch S7, 2018 15" MBP, AirPods Pro
The internal hd is heavier than the optical drive. Change it out for an SSD.
 

pigoo3

Well-known member
Staff member
Admin
Joined
May 20, 2008
Messages
44,210
Reaction score
1,418
Points
113
Location
U.S.
Your Mac's Specs
2017 15" MBP, 16gig ram, 1TB SSD, OS 10.15
Question is - is it worth removing the optical drive to make the MBP lighter? (Yes, I am handy and have the tools)

As others have mentioned...removing the optical drive probably won't be that noticeable from a weight perspective. If you find you don't need the optical drive...you could move the current HD to the optical drive bay...and install an SSD where the internal HD currently is (usually for most folks...more storage is better).:)

Or you could do a combination of removing the optical drive...and replacing the current HD for an SSD...leave the optical drive bay empty...resulting in a little additional weight removed beyond just the optical drive.:)

- Nick
 
OP
R
Joined
Jan 16, 2009
Messages
41
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Your Mac's Specs
MD546LL/A - MacBookPro9,1
The optical drive will have no noticeable difference in the weight. The heavy components of the MBP are the batteries, LCD, logicboard and things that you can't remove.
Thank you, this is good information.

The internal hd is heavier than the optical drive. Change it out for an SSD.
I forgot to mention, I di this. I have an SSD in it.

As others have mentioned...removing the optical drive probably won't be that noticeable from a weight perspective. If you find you don't need the optical drive...you could move the current HD to the optical drive bay...and install an SSD where the internal HD currently is (usually for most folks...more storage is better).:)

Or you could do a combination of removing the optical drive...and replacing the current HD for an SSD...leave the optical drive bay empty...resulting in a little additional weight removed beyond just the optical drive.:)

- Nick

Thanks! I have an SSD :)
 
Joined
Jun 21, 2018
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
Points
6
I don't think it would be worth the hassle for minimal savings on weight. If you are that concerned about weight you are probably better off saving for a newer computer that will be much lighter to begin with.
 
Joined
Oct 16, 2010
Messages
17,494
Reaction score
1,541
Points
113
Location
Brentwood Bay, BC, Canada
Your Mac's Specs
2011 27" iMac, 1TB(partitioned) SSD, 20GB, OS X 10.11.6 El Capitan
Question is - is it worth removing the optical drive to make the MBP lighter?

FYI: For a 8X 9.5mm Internal DVD/CD Writer:
Weight (typical)0.16kg (0.35lbs.)

Not exactly a big weight gain I'd say.




- Patrick
======
 

Shop Amazon


Shop for your Apple, Mac, iPhone and other computer products on Amazon.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
Top