How to Take Apart a MacBook Aluminium

You can take apart an aluminum MacBook yourself to replace memory or the hard drive.

Some models of the Apple MacBook were made with an aluminum case in late 2008. These models are quite easy to take apart to access the internal components like the memory or hard drive. Always unplug the MacBook and remove the battery first to avoid the risk of injury from an electric shock to yourself or damage to the components in your MacBook. You should back up important files onto a USB flash drive or CD before removing the hard drive.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

Removing the Battery

1. Turn off the MacBook. Remove the power adapter and any other cables. The components inside can be hot, so let the MacBook cool for ten minutes before opening it.

2. Turn the MacBook upside down and rest it on a smooth flat surface.

3. Locate the release latch on the bottom of the MacBook. Push down on the grooved side of the latch closest to the outside of the case. The latch will pop up and the battery cover will partially open.

4. Remove the battery cover portion of the case and set it aside.

5. Locate the battery. It is in the compartment adjacent to the release latch. A small plastic tab protrudes from the side of the battery. It looks like a small piece of clear tape. Pull on it to lift the battery from the case. Set the battery aside.

Removing the Hard Drive

1. Touch a metal surface inside the case with your finger to release any static electricity from your body.

2. Locate the hard drive. It is in the side compartment on the opposite side from the battery.

3. Locate the release screw on a bracket on top of the hard drive. Loosen it with a Phillips screwdriver. You do not need to remove the screw.

4. Pull on the plastic tab to pull the hard drive from the case. The bracket will come off once the hard drive is removed. Set it aside. A wire is attached to the hard drive with a connector.

5. Hold the hard drive firmly and pull the connector from the side of the hard drive. Do not twist or turn the connector.

Removing Memory

1. Touch a metal surface inside the case with your finger to release any static electricity from your body.

2. Unscrew eight screws from the edge of the bottom case using a small Phillips screwdriver.

3. Make a note of each screw's location. They are different sizes. Write the location on a small piece of paper. Put each screw on each piece of paper. Place them in shallow bowls to keep them from rolling away, or loosely stick the screw to the paper with a small piece of clear tape.

4. Remove memory from the MacBook by pressing the ejection levers on both sides of the module outwards. The module will then spring upward at about a 30-degree angle.

5. Pull the memory from the slot without touching the gold contacts.

Tips & Warnings

• Other than removing the battery, you should not take apart your MacBook while it is still under warranty.

References

• Apple Support; MacBook: How to Remove or Install the Battery; November 2009
• Apple Support; MacBook: How To Remove or Install Memory; March 2011
• Apple Support: MacBook (13-Inch Aluminum Late 2008) User Guide (pdf)