How to Install a SSD (Solid State Disk) in a Macbook
Apple recently starting offering solid state disk options when ordering new Macbooks. As with most of Apple's upgrades, these upgrades are quite pricey. This article will show you how to install a SSD in your new (or old!) macbook and save a lot of money in the process.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Macbook
- SATA Solid State Disk
- External SATA Enclosure
- A Penny
- 00 Phillips Screwdriver
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1
You can buy solid state disks for fairly cheap at the link below or other places online. While it may be tempting to purchase a large one, a 32GB drive will be more than enough to hold your basic system information and applications. You'll then be able to use your old hard drive as external storage. A bigger drive wouldn't make things much faster anyhow.
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2
First we want to mirror all the data from the macbook onto our new SSD. Open up the enclosure and install the SSD. Plug the external into the Macbook.
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3
Open disk utility, and select the SSD from the left hand pane. Click the Partition tab on the right. Set the Volume Scheme as "1 Partition." Set the Format to "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)." Click the Options button and insure "GUID Partition Table" is selected. Click "Apply."
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4
Open Carbon Copy Cloner. Under source disk, select your Macbook's main hard drive. On the right hand pane, select your SSD as the Target Disk. You should seen a green light that lets you know the drive will become bootable. When you're all set up, click "Clone."
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5
When cloning is complete, turn off your macbook and unplug it from the power source. Turning the macbook over, insert the penny in the slot and rotate it to open the battery compartment.
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6
Here comes the hardware stuff, so let's take this part slow. Slide the battery out and set it to the side.
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7
There are three small screws along the inside of the compartment. Unscrew them and gently lift out the hinge.
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8
Facing the newly revealed slot, there is a small white plastic strip on the left hand side. Pull it out to reveal the hard drive.
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9
Unscrew the harddrive from it's brace. Remove the SSD from the external enclosure and screw it into the brace. If you'd like to continue to use your old hard drive as an external drive, you can install it in the external enclosure.
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10
Insert the SSD into the harddrive slot. Screw the bracket back in, and pop the battery back in place. Your upgrade is now complete!
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1
Tips & Warnings
Upgrading your hard drive is a great step towards much more horrifying modifications. Before you know it you'll be adding watercooling or something.
Make sure you don't have any static build up before you go touching things.
Print this article out or have it near by. Once you shut your macbook down, it's not going to be much help.
