How to Upgrade the MacBook Pro 17 HD

Apple's MacBook Pro is the company's line of laptops targeted towards professional users. The computer comes in three sizes, the largest of which features a 17-in., high-resolution. LED-backlit display. The basic 17-in. model comes equipped with a 2.2 GHz Intel Core i7 processor, four GB of 1333 MHz DDR3 memory and an AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics processor. The laptop also includes a 750 GB 5400-rpm SATA hard drive, which some users may wish to upgrade with one of larger size or faster read speeds.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• 2.5-inch SATA hard drive
• OS X System installation disc
• Application installation discs

Instructions

1. Review the contents of your computer's hard drive. Burn any important documents onto a blank CD or DVD, or transfer them over to an external hard drive. Shut down the computer and disconnect any peripheral devices. Close the display and unplug the AC adapter. Carry the computer over to a level work surface.

2. Spread out a clean cloth over the work surface. Place the computer on the work surface with the bottom panel facing upwards. Rotate the computer until the rear edge is facing you. Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the three large screws located along the bottom left corner of the rear edge. Remove the seven small screws installed along the remaining edges of the bottom panel. Lift the bottom panel free of the laptop and set it aside.

3. Rotate the computer until the front edge is facing you. Touch one of the metal surfaces inside of the laptop to discharge any residual static electricity. Inspect the interior of the computer and find the hard drive, located in the near right corner. Use the Phillips screwdriver to loosen the screws installed in the hard drive bracket. Remove the bracket and set it aside.

4. Grip the tab attached to the edge of the hard drive. Lift the tab upwards and disconnect the cable attached to the drive. Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the mounting screws from the sides of the hard drive. Install the mounting screws in the same holes on the replacement drive. Connect the previously-disconnect cable to the replacement hard drive.

5. Lower the replacement hard drive into the hard drive bay. Reinstall the hard drive bracket and tighten the screws. Fit the bottom panel back onto the computer case. Reinstall the three large screws and seven small screws. Return the computer to its original location and reconnect all previously-disconnected cords and cables.

6. Open the display and turn on the computer. Insert the system installation disc into the optical drive. Follow the on-screen instructions. Reinstall any previous-installed applications. Transfer over your saved documents to the new hard drive.

References

• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011) - User Guide"; Apple Inc.; February, 2011 (PDF)