Deep Cleaning & Restoring this FILTHY MacBook Pro for $10!

Thanks to iFixit for sponsoring today's video project! I used their Pro Tech Toolkit and repair guides to guide the process outlined today, so check out their resources: iFixit.com/luk...
All resources from this video
Mid 2012 MacBook Pro teardown guides: www.ifixit.com...
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[@MrVnick1]

I’ve had my mid 2012 since new. I’ve had 3 cars, graduated from 3 schools, and she’s still kicking strong. (Edit: I use it daily for everyday use I’ve upgraded to 16gb RAM, 500 SSD, and new thermal paste). I’m gonna use it till it dies at this point haha

[@alliejr]

Yup. Tanks. Same with old Airs.

[@Resume08]

still rocking a macbook pro intel core 2 duo from 2007........long live Snow Leopard

[@shouryagupta13]

Same one. With a ssd it runs so smooth

[@garysimcox345]

picked up a 2011 17-inch on eBay for $350 and it’s an absolute beast. The MBPs from this era truly are the best

[@henrycollins2478]

What cars?

[@abraarmasud9194]

This is my favorite type of content from you, Luke. Even though you're famous now and can afford to do fancy af videos, you're still taking your time for these. It feels so satisfying to watch. Thank you so much.

[@mmrw]

Ha ha same, these are my favorite

[@ishaansamra282]

Bruh his views aren't close to a million once he got 1,000 views 🤣

[@wisehat_yt]

@@ishaansamra282 this aged well

[@martin-1965]

Luke's videos are like ASMR videos for tech geeks :) Seeing an unloved macbook returned to its former glory is both ecological and a joy to see. Love it x

[@brandon_nope]

dang your footage is so CLEAN I barely see any grain at all in the shots

[@gznewman]

Well... clean with the exception of the 2012 13" Macbook Pro on screen.

[@Resume08]

@@gznewman lol

[@caroncomp]

a

[@mikaelbiilmann6826]

I think he just switched from a Panasonic GH5 to a Sony A7Siii... or was that someone else..? I watch so many tech news...😁 EDIT: Never mind... it is still the GH5...

[@austinouellette]

@@mikaelbiilmann6826 he did switch

[@maxmustermann1381]

Good ol times, when everything was screwed in and no glue in sight.

[@matthewbridgeman57]

There’s glue in the backlight and in some of the flat cables within the body.

[@BartechTV]

There's still glue securing the glass to the LCD, but easily overcome with a hairdryer, some ifixit opening picks and a lot of patience.

[@maxmustermann1381]

Still better than being forced to use a corrosive solvent, just to get the battery out.

[@pafawag5b6b5b]

yeah, i today cleaned my thinkpad for the first time and i must say it's easier than i thought

[@Ashleyyyyy666]

yes! my daily driver laptop is a 15" unibody macbook pro running linux, and it's an awesome system. it's sad to say but my next laptop won't be from Apple even though i really like everything about them (build quality, nice displays, even the keyboard layout on Mac's is amazing), but i'm forced to as the new Mac's can't boot linux or easily upgraded/repaired...

[@ajiteshsharma6714]

So the MacBook was used by a kid who use to attend his online class in his garden while playing with sand...😂

[@mattcamara]

hahaha. good one! I thought the same!

[@farzu_yusuf7184]

And eating cheetos😂

[@ajiteshsharma6714]

@@farzu_yusuf7184 Yeah! xD how can a laptop be so dirty until and unless it was found inside a garbage can

[@45kzzeemoney]

he was took it to the beach because he was bored of the sand and water

[@guillermodelgadovega5421]

Indeed

[@loganandreoni230]

Can we appreciate how much Luke has grown in video production quality? Wow

[@namataken]

yeah

[@canoopsy]

Bruh the things that laptop has seen 🤢🤢🤢

[@mmMikey223]

First

[@anshlyk]

Ah the iPad dude!

[@mmMikey223]

@@anshlyk that’s him

[@mmMikey223]

I’m an Apple engineer Want to Talk?

[@lukemiani]

I don't wanna know 🥶

[@AppleTrack]

Did this MacBook cause a mudslide lol why does it look like that 😂

[@ImCarterM]

HOW COULD ANYONE DO THAT TO A MACBOOK! 😡😡😡

[@lukemiani]

I think it may have been involved in a mulch-based crime ring

[@neubauerjoseph]

@@lukemiani or maybe he was watching your video by eating his morning muffins every day since you bought it?

[@ionianblue31]

@@lukemiani Maybe it hit a pudding truck on the interstate. 😝

[@barefeg]

I think @luke miani might have added a bit extra drama touches, you know for the algorithm 😉

[@Unknowned1234]

It looks beautiful now. Those unibodies do be holding up despite it being 2021.

[@ajiteshsharma6714]

Yeah! Looks premium and better than many cheap windows laptop even today and those trackpads are also better than many trackpads found in windows laptops today

[@oofingberg]

@Gaming York my late 2008 aluminum works pretty good to

[@HubertEtAlice]

@@oofingberg Under which OSX version?

[@leopoldbuttersstotch6060]

My only problem with them is the weight, 4.5 pounds is HEAVY for a student

[@cidsx]

Yeah, except for the display. I can't handle 1280x800 and 1-inch bezels.

[@PolosRavros]

PLEAAAASE make more restoration videos like from today! I really like it!

[@ChrisEpp]

Agreed!

[@snjert8406]

Can we just appreciate the machining on the frame? These cutouts for the keys are super satisfying to look at. Ugh, I love it.

[@ilyasg2108]

i absolutely love cleaning computers or phones, or any type of electronics. it’s SO SATISFYINGGGG

[@anshlyk]

It is wayy too satisfying sometimes..

[@Terminal_Apotos]

@@anshlyk woah

[@anshlyk]

@@Terminal_Apotos uhhhh?

[@kareemhayes9347]

I find these MacBook cleaning videos therapeutic. I love a clean laptop.

[@nicosandio]

This Type of Video are ma favourite, excuse for my Bad english bug I’m italian

[@QuikyBassman]

No non ti scuso, impara l'inglese lol

[@ps5hasnogames55]

why are you italian 🤮

[@Maavs174]

@@ps5hasnogames55 what the fuck is wrong with you. Italians are fine.

[@lucetothebridge]

@@Maavs174Classic.. she was deeply in Love, but he was Not 😁 That little adventure in her holiday in Italy ended with tears all the way back home 😜

[@a7madx7]

I love it when I find people that give life back to electronics.

[@davidm.d.hyskell8983]

These restoration videos are my all time favorite on your channel. I enjoy seeing the attention to detail that you employ...especially in the cleanup process. Thank you for bringing them back. I was beginning to wonder if the dawn of fully integrated Apple silicon Macs was the death knell of the old restoration/upgrade content. Outstanding all around video production, and looking forward to this year on the channel.

[@Epicgamer_Mac]

Oh yeah, EXCELLENT job Luke!

[@digital4ddict]

Seeing you caress that laptop with 70s pron music is the icing on the cake.

[@colinmountford5176]

Luke, I have been watching from afar, literally, from Australia that is. I think you are doing a great job and helping the likes of me who knew nothing about Apple computers weeks ago. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm in what we would all like to know about maintaining and using these computers.

[@TheAlphaWolf2013]

Fantastic restoration job Luke. Looking forward to the future video. Unfortunately I would think most electronics sent to recycling centres just end up getting shredded and melted down to extract the valuable materials from them. It's a massive shame really when machines like the Macbook in this video can often easily be fixed up and used for several more years but they generally get scrapped as they are considered to be too old to be worth fixing.

[@Epic_Gamer_9000]

Aww. This was adorable. Lil MacBook just needed someone to care a little and it found you. Very chill. Glad to be able to be able to hangout while you give this tech tool another chance.

[@coolguy5555551]

0:14 You sure you don't need a biohazard suit?

[@MrIDGAF]

Fixing stuff like this and giving it to charity shops or people in need is amazing. Even with basic cleaning or some simple repair skills you can make a difference to someone’s life and prevent e-waste

[@ThinkCleverAndSmart]

This was just a big teaser for your upcoming video and we are all biting it! Can't wait!

[@michaelbeiyt]

Great job! I had to clean a MBA used by a heavy smoker some years ago. It took some time, but the machine was rescued! The pre retina unibody series was really nice to work on. No glue!

[@MasterBaker2020]

Love my mid 2012!

[@shivanshagarwala5836]

Even i love mine

[@TrainToAlaska]

Aw, this was my first MacBook! Loved it, died bc of a soda spill 😓 now I still have my 2013 retina pro which still works like a dream. Kind of want to try and fix my 2012 MacBook now...

[@AnnDroidGirl]

You did a great job with the restoration. Looking at it before made me hurt on a deep level. Poor MBP

[@federicopagani1234]

you are the only 'Apple KZbin' who is not annoying lol! your videos are interesting and full of content

[@diamonddave2622]

My 2013 MBP is immaculate. I paid for it with my own money and so took good care of it.

[@rogerhargreaves2272]

Your patience & persistence amazes me in many of your videos Luke. Thank you. 😎✌️From Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿.

[@khaz606]

I see a Big Sur install vid coming with one of those 2012's.

[@CarlosStorms]

I installed Bensova Patcher on my Retina 15" Late-2012 and it runs great, a1278 being metal-capable, should do fine as well!

[@johncunningham5435]

Excellent! "difference is like night and day", I also refurbish and repair my own laptops/desktops computers, "keeps them out of the landfill sites".

[@theencryptedpartition4633]

It’s like you are replacing and reassembling parts of WALL-E. You’re like Eva. Such a romance you have with computers😂

[@propjoe1060]

Typing this message on the same model as the one in the video - one of the best MacBook Pro's ever made. I love mine and won't be ditching it anytime soon! Nice video!

[@kinocchio]

The previous owner abused the hell out of it.

[@wilmaelizabeth4297]

I have a macbook pro mid 2012 that im trying so hard to restore. I just got laid off and finally got a homebased job. My macbook after all these years is still doing great. However it's really slow. 🤣😂 cant wait to upgrade when i finally can afford to. Thanks for sharing! This gives me hope coz i cant afford a laptop🙃😅

[@creounity]

Psivewri approves this video!

[@themalumi]

More of these kind of videos please! It's so satisfying to watch

[@fernandoalbuquerque8435]

Great video, Luke! Probably one of the most “satisfying” restoration I ever saw! How is the former “BioHazard” Mac doing after the process?

[@MujahidOmer]

I thought for sure I wouldn't watch till the end of this video. But something about getting stuff cleaned is so damn satisfying 😌

[@cdos9186]

Restoring technology is very enjoyable to do!

[@enp3413]

I love projects like this one~ ^_^ About 1.5 years ago now, I bought a Macbook Air (11") for ~110$CAD, with a 'stain' on the lid and 'trackpad issues', as well as some cosmetic marks and grime. A little elbow grease, alcohol wipes, and reseating/cleaning the trackpad, and no more stains, no more marks, no dirt, and its in perfect working condition! Someone offloaded it 'for parts' because they didn't know how to fix it.. it took me about 5-10 mins, because I knew what to do (its not difficult). One of these days I'll upgrade the SSD to something a little bigger capacity (64gb right now..) Always preferable to fix and re-purpose (if possible) IMO~ ;P It's still going strong and is great as a backup/portable laptop. Just wish the RAM wasn't soldered on ;'D

[@blagger116]

My mid 2012 15" MBP was such a trusty beast for 4-5 years and it held a good amount of its original value when I moved it on. Really enjoy the restoration videos - wish I had the time. patience and skill to do this stuff.

[@papasfritas3]

Any reason why you’re not using compressed air or a datavac?

[@ryanswatson]

Came here to find this comment. I have a feeling that some compressed air could have brought out a lot more dirt, especially in the switches of the keyboard.

[@Adrian-tg2iw]

What an amazing transformation. It was great to see it rescued - these MacBooks last for a loooong time if you look after them.

[@mikemiles3068]

I love these types of videos because 30 years ago I worked for Compaq Computer Corp in Manufacturing and service, brings back good memories.❓✅👍

[@Stealth1986]

You definitely have much more patience than I do when it comes to thoroughly cleaning electronics.

[@janbottcher8267]

01:33 "It's super easy..." my mind automatically added "barely an inconvenience", youtube, what did you do to me ...

[@fhturner3]

Oh, really??

[@MultiStormywaters]

Mac restore videos are TIGHT!

[@fhturner3]

@@MultiStormywaters 😂

[@Jarredino]

this is the most satisfying laptop detailing ive ever seen

[@ablandanderamika912]

i LOVE the videos where you restore Macs!

[@raffaelender9464]

i cant express how much i love this type of videos

[@cashuuu]

Great restoration! Love the content

[@515ventures3]

Videos like this makes you appreciate old macs!

[@sueskiing]

I wish I could do something like that, I'm sure I would forget where everything goes!!

[@CarlosStorms]

Follow the ifixit guides! I have repaired at least a dozen of these and still i follow the guide to make sure i don't miss something

[@woomyzooms3781]

I usually take a picture before cleaning

[@adibee88]

Incredible Restoration and Upgrade. You CRUSHED it!!

[@soubhikmukherjee6871]

This is a great ASMR video.

[@MaxingOutTech]

Well not really an ASMR, but great nonetheless!

[@soubhikmukherjee6871]

@@MaxingOutTech yup

[@tomburke5311]

Good to see an 'old school' Luke Miani video.

[@MarkM22]

How come you didn’t repaste the cpu. For nearly a ten year old MacBook it is probably running kind of hot under loads. My 6 year old MacBook Air needs to be repasted and it has been treated very well so I’d think that this would need it?

[@halami2149]

I have a theory. Maybe he did it off camera, and didn’t mention it at all, so the comments wouldn’t be filled with “oh you did the thermal paste wrong” or something like that

[@MarkM22]

@@halami2149 Maybe, yeah, that’s likely.

[@unCoopervised]

Pro tip - wipe down the outside with a stainless steel refrigerator wipe followed by another wipe down with the microfiber cloth. Makes it shiny. 😀

[@robgreenstein5917]

Geez, I would have worn a HazMat suit. That was someone not taking care of their tech!

[@carson2646]

Those dings and scratches are acceptable for the age of the machine. I have a late 2013 that I love and its in about the same condition. I really prefer this type of video to the M1 videos. I have a M1 air that I like as well but it’s satisfying to see the old Macs come back to life

[@greywolfe6444]

Should have replaced the thermal paste while you were in there.

[@FDNY8231]

I was thinking the same thing ... Kind of an abomination not to after all THAT cleaning ....

[@CarlosStorms]

The Mid-2012 is king for upgradability, repairability (no T2 Chip, no soldered RAM or SSD) and they still are quite usable even for moderate content creation with that upgrade. Many of my customers cannot be convinced to let them go, because they work so well. I upgrade two or three a month to happy customers.. great cleaning!

[@juanchagoya8772]

Hey Luke as a clean freak myself, what’s the best solution to clean the keyboard and screen?

[@CarlosStorms]

Screen, Windex, Keyboard, WD-40! just make sure to use a damp cloth instead of spraying it directly

[@rsprockets7846]

Eucliptus. Oil.........

[@jnorth9702]

You are a rescue hero!

[@quiting9379]

pov: u give ur laptop to ur 6 year old cousin

[@leoepcotfan2144]

Very satisfying. Witnesses it coming back to life

[@icasemobileservicecenter3293]

Good bro

[@themarquis336]

I had my mid 2012 MacBook Pro upgraded to 16gb 480gb SSD and new thermal paste last year and it’s literally better than new. It’s a sturdy computer (that model of Mac Book Pros were designed that way) which I LOVE, and it runs like an airplane. I can work with literally 50 Safari tabs on three different windows, Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat and Whatsapp at the same time. It’s literally like having a brand new computer.

[@NormanF62]

The mid 2012 pre Retina a1278 Intel i5 dual core is still a classic and my daily driver. Its a very nice Mac for not a lot of money, considering its the last repairable and upgradeable MacBook Pro Apple ever built. A keeper!

[@Stephen_A.]

I wish I had the skills you have to be able to do a restoration like this. 💙

[@stevemoore3951]

Outstanding restoration 👏🏻 I kept waiting for some industrial grade eucalyptus oil to get used 😎

[@alan181090]

I understood that reference.jpg

[@Crea_TV]

I wish you could fix my macbook pro, man that was awesome, mine has a kernel panic everytime it is turned on due to a capacitor being overloaded, and the keyboard is broken and missing a key due to heavy use in school. Your process in fixing shows real care for the device. You did great.

[@bobgrimes8618]

You are the go to source for restoration of old Macs!

[@ryanmurphyart]

Music selection is great for this video. Nice job on this restoration!

[@driveramd12]

Ppl who know what they doing make the process look easy 😅😮

[@carolynalison4997]

I was hoping you would give this machine upgrades and you did. So very satisfying.

[@bambinone]

Wow. This was incredibly satisfying to watch. Great job! I couldn't help but think that an IPA bath (or at least a healthy flush) would have been the best way to clean the keyboard, logic board, and MagSafe board. Do you know anyone with an ultrasonic cleaner?

[@Belamarimages]

Finally cool music in a youtube video! 👍

[@ai7o_O]

Thanks for the help man. My macbook pro broke today and i gave it to apple they said come back in 1 to 2 days and i got my mid 2012 macbook cleaned and good with your help.

[@wizboyhunk2844]

The funny thing is........I'm watching this on a Mid 2012 Macbook pro... I'M still using this Macbook because of luke and his early videos....... My Macbook is fully maxed out with 16GB RAM and 4tb ssd (That's kinda overkill) with raid storage 2tb each i swapped out my superdrive with an harddrive enclosure and it's still worth it in 2021.

[@prwrp]

It’s this type of video that made me subscribe to you about 18-24 months ago. Keep doing these!

[@tamilmovieshood7390]

Your work is so good

[@codiphobia884]

so satisfying to see that. you are give the amazing help for that poor macbook. absolutely amazing work

[@pedrofelck]

Yay, new Luke Miani video, just in time when I was looking for something to watch during lunch. ... 3 minutes later: yeah, maybe this wasn't the best idea to watch during lunch.

[@hervehei9346]

Super Luke, pour ce nettoyage en profondeur de ce vieux MBP. J'adore ce genre de vidéo. Un petit bonjour de France. Thank you.

[@omarreyes4964]

RDKL inc and Luke Miani Collab soon Im calling it

[@petrterzi4201]

Great job, Luke! New life for this Mac!

[@glenfordgreen3277]

Yo the music was very cool in this video, you got some dope Hip Hop, Barry white, Curtis Mayfield, Jay Z, type of beats in this video. You also did a great job in saving this laptop.

[@grtmn]

The best macbook ever. I’ve had mid 2012 since new, and I use it still this day. I’ve upgraded RAM to 8 gb and put under the hood SSD. Gonna use till it’s die)

[@chunkyboiii]

Great work as always Luke. Very satisfying to watch

[@gammagonad1657]

Great job! I would have spent 16 Bucks more and gotten a hard shell cover to hide the rest of the damage. I always put one on my new MacBooks to keep them in pristine condition. Basically a phone case for your laptop.

[@davidlarson2534]

I’ve had to do this with many Macs over the years. People think all you do is wipe it down. No, I have even had to disassemble optical drives and all the key caps.

[@michaelhuey4187]

Yes, Luke, I enjoyed watching you bring this old trooper back for more use. Did you replace the thermal paste? Keep saving old Macs! 🙏

[@The_Phone_Bin_Diver]

Someone used that MacBook as toilet paper during lockdown

[@vinniemcgheesr.5294]

Man Luke, you are the man, I wish I had the skills replace and upgrade my old Macs

[@DBLCreations]

Man, besides those thick bezels, Apple knows how to make timeless design... Great video Luke! 😎

[@jaspervanestelfeen2173]

Undoubtedly an amazing job and result. A pleasure to watch as well

[@amitanivfx]

Yeah Macbooks do last loong times!❤️ No wonder the entire world loves them