How do I Upgrade a Macbook 500 GB?

Installing a larger hard drive on a MacBook helps equip it for future versions of Mac OS X.

Upgrading the hard drive on a MacBook to a 500GB model greatly increases storage space, allowing you to store an increased number of files, applications, videos and images on your computer. In fact, when upgrading to a larger hard drive, it is possible to restore your current installation of Mac OS X to the new drive, letting you increase storage space without having to reinstall the operating system. Additionally, when a new 500GB hard drive is installed to Apple specifications by an end user, your Apple warranty is preserved.

Things You'll Need

• 500GB 2.5-inch notebook hard drive
• Clean, lint-free cloth
• Coin
• Phillips #1 screwdriver
• Stiff, non-magnetic card

Instructions

1. Turn off the MacBook by selecting "Shut Down" from the "Apple" menu. Wait 30 minutes for the computer internals to cool down.

2. Unplug all USB and accessory cables from the computer. Unplug the power cable last.

3. Flip the MacBook over, placing it on a soft cloth to prevent scratching.

4. Remove the battery by using a coin to unlock the battery latch. You must turn the coin clockwise to unlock the battery, at which point it pops up slightly. Lift the battery from the bay.

5. Touch a metal surface in the battery bay to discharge static electricity.

6. Loosen the three screws on the RAM door, located along the edge of the battery bay, using a #1 Phillips screwdriver. Do not remove the screws; simply loosen them.

7. Use the long end of the L-shaped RAM door you unscrewed in Step 6 to pivot and remove it from the battery bay. You may need to use a nonmagnetic card, such as a library card, to pry the RAM door upward so it can be removed.

8. Unroll the hard drive pull tab, which is tucked underneath the hard drive at the narrow end of the battery bay.

9. Pull the tab outward to release the hard drive. Continue to pull the hard drive out until it is separated from the rubber rails running down each side of the battery bay.

10. Pivot the hard drive upward and remove it while holding it only by the sides.

11. Slide the 500GB replacement hard drive into the battery bay and push the hard drive into its bay.

12. Slide the hard drive removal pull tab underneath the drive so it is easily accessible in the event you want to change the drive again in the future.

13. Put the RAM door in place, starting with the short end that covers the hard drive opening. Tuck the gaskets on the RAM door so that it sits flush with the battery bay.

14. Tighten the three screws holding the RAM door in place once it is properly seated. A #1 Phillips screwdriver is necessary for this task.

15. Insert the battery into its bay by first lowering the connector end of the battery and gently pushing the rest of the battery in place. Hold down the opposite end of the battery while using a coin to turn the lock counter-clockwise to secure it. Flip your MacBook over and open the screen.

16. Connect the power cord and turn on your MacBook with a newly installed 500GB hard drive.

17. Insert your Mac OS X installation DVD disc one, and choose the language you want to use while setting up your new hard drive.

18. Click the "Utilities" menu and click "Disk Utility."

19. Select the new 500GB hard drive in the pane on the left of the screen by left-clicking on it, and click the "Partition" tab.

20. Click on "Options" to verify that the "GUID" format is selected for the 500GB drive. This is necessary on all startup drives, like the 500GB drive installed on your MacBook.

21. Name the volume "Macintosh HD" and click "Partition." Close the "Disk Utility" window after partitioning is complete. The hard drive is ready to accept a disk image to restore your MacBook, or you can reinstall Mac OS X using your installer DVD to start anew.

References

• Apple: MacBook (13-inch) - Hard Drive Replacement Instructions