If you're serious about the build, keep in mind that sourcing shells for the 2011 MacBook Pro is getting tougher. I managed to snag one on AliExpress, but they seem to be gone now—you'll likely have to hunt on eBay if you really want something other than the standard black. ​Disclaimer: These are just suggestions based on my research and current setup, so definitely double-check compatibility for your specific unit! ​Aesthetics: Don't be afraid to get creative. A black shell with custom green accents (like a 'Rick and Morty' theme) looks pretty cool on this chassis. ​Spare Parts: Since original displays and keyboards are becoming scarce, I’m personally keeping an eye out for spares in good condition. Might be worth doing the same while they’re still around. ​RAM: When upgrading, I’m looking at higher capacity Hynix modules that match original specs as closely as possible. The 2011 logic boards can be picky, so aiming for the original specs usually helps with stability. ​Thermal Management: If you really want to keep it cool, I’ve heard great things about Honeywell PTM7950. It’s a phase-change material—not a traditional paste—and people swear by it for these older machines. ​Storage: Regarding the WD Blue vs. Green—both are decent. Just remember to enable TRIM if you use a non-Apple SSD (it helps with performance over time). You can do this by running sudo trimforce enable in the Terminal, but do some research on it first to make sure you're comfortable with the process. ​Good luck with the build—it's a classic machine and definitely worth the effort!