How to Upgrade a Hard Drive in MacBook Pro

Internal Hard Drive

Replacing a MacBook Pro internal hard drive was inconvenient, costly and a breach of warranty until Apple released a redesigned version in mid-2009. With the redesign, users have relatively easy access to the hard drive bay and may install a 2.5-inch Serial ATA (SATA) drive of their choosing without fear of invalidating their warranty. Before beginning a hard drive replacement, you should back up all data on your previous hard drive with Apple's included Time Machine software or a third-party backup service.

Things You'll Need

• Philips screw driver
• 2.5-inch Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive
• Electrostatic discharge bracelet (optional)

Instructions

1. Shut down the MacBook Pro and remove all cables. To prevent scratching, place the unit on a lint-free towel.

2. Flip the MacBook Pro on its back and orient it so the latch is facing you. Remove 10 screws, noting their location, because they are of two different lengths (seven short, three long). Also note that the screws located on curved surfaces are at different angles. Tilt back the cover from the front and remove.

3. Discharge static electricity by wearing an electrostatic discharge bracelet or touching a metal component inside the MacBook Pro.

4. Unscrew the two screws holding the hard drive bracket and remove the bracket.

5. Gently detach the hard drive connector cable from the hard drive. Notice the four mounting screws on the sides of the drive; if the replacement hard drive does not have these screws, you must transfer them to the replacement drive.

6. Attach the hard drive connector cable to the replacement drive and orient it in the hard drive bay.

7. Reattach the hard drive bracket by screwing in the two corresponding screws.

8. Reattach the bottom case, replacing the screws in the locations from which you removed them.

9. Reinstall Mac OS X if necessary by booting from an official Mac OS X DVD.

Tips & Warnings

• Back up any important data before beginning to upgrade your MacBook Pro hard drive.

• Electrostatic shock can irreparably damage internal MacBook Pro components. Be sure to use an electrostatic discharge bracelet or manually discharge by touching a grounded screw or metal component on the MacBook Pro itself.

References

• Apple: Hard Drive Replacement Instructions