When you have an old computer, you may find that it is already having a hard time working. Experts recommend in these cases the installation of a larger RAM memory, as well as a storage unit that offers greater writing and reading speed.
The important points you should know
Before starting this process, in the approach, different critical points must be taken into account. In this sense, it is necessary to highlight the models that are going to be compatible with this repair and also the risks that are going to have to be assumed at all times.
Models where you will be able to change RAM
This is undoubtedly a critical point when it comes to knowing if you are going to be able to make a change in RAM. Unfortunately, Apple makes it quite complicated on many occasions when it comes to making repairs or changes to its products. And this is a clear example of this. In the market you can find in the MacBook world, the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air. From the start you should know that this change cannot be made on the MacBook Air. This is mainly because it is an element that is welded to the board.
In the case of the MacBook Pro, this change can be made “at home”. But as you will see below in the list of equipment, the compatibility is mainly from the laptops of the brand that already has a few years behind it. In short, the MacBook Pro to which you will change the RAM memory are the following:
13-inch MacBook Pro
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)
15-inch MacBook Pro
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz, Mid 2009)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008) and earlier
17-inch MacBook Pro
- MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011)
- MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011)
- MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010)
- MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009)
- MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)
- MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2008) and earlier
It is easy to do?
This is undoubtedly one of the most common questions that anyone who wants to venture to make this change can ask. In this case you should know that the steps to follow are quite simple. You don’t have to disassemble the computer too much. This is because Apple itself has made it very visible in the models that have been previously discussed.
In other situations, it may not be recommended that you change at home and turn to a professional. But if we talk about this piece, you can choose to do it yourself in order to give it much more power, and ultimately a new life to the computer.
The risks involved
It is important to note that like other repairs that can be done on MacBooks, it has different risks. You have to remember that you are manipulating the inside of the computer. In this space there are numerous delicate components, which can be damaged at any time if they are handled correctly or misused. That is why before getting down to work, you have to know exactly what you are going to do and not go on an adventure without having the necessary prior knowledge.
In this way, the most important risk that has to be assumed in this situation is the possibility that at any moment the computer will not be able to start up again. Keep in mind that RAM is a component closely related to video streaming. If they are placed incorrectly, it is possible that this signal emission cannot be seen. There is also the risk that you can assume of damaging other components that can be found in its “guts”.
what you will need
Another point to keep in mind is everything you will need in order to carry out this change. As in a recipe, you have to have all the ingredients to be able to carry out the change of RAM memory. In this case, the tools and also the spare RAM memory stand out.
Tools
If you look at the back of your MacBook Pro, you will see that it has small screws in the corners. None of the tools you have at home will be able to do anything with these types of screws. In online stores you will be able to find all the necessary tools to carry out repairs on an iPhone, Mac or iPad. You will find screwdrivers and everything you need to be able to change components.
The truth is that it may seem that you are buying it only to carry out this repair and it will seem absurd to you. But the truth is that it will be great for you to be able to carry out similar operations on other Apple devices but also on many other brands. That is why an investment will be made in reality for everything related to technology with the aim of messing with electronic devices.
Spare RAM
When you want to change the RAM, it is logical that you will need to have a completely new spare part with the appropriate characteristics to be able to install it after removing the old component. It must be based on the inconvenience that Apple applies with respect to the replacements that can be made on a computer. Officially, the company does not offer the sale of this type of component in its online store. These are only available to SAT technicians who access these official components without any problem.
What must be taken into account in this regard is that you must choose to make the purchase in different online stores. Amazon, for example, offers RAM memories from different manufacturers that can be installed in the MacBook Pro. Obviously, different aspects must be taken into account, such as compatibility with the model you have right now. It is also important to highlight the memory capacity in order not to exceed the maximum established by the manufacturer.
The steps to put more RAM in a MacBook
Once all these aspects have been taken into account, it is time to start consulting the steps to install more RAM in a MacBook Pro. It should be noted that the process varies depending on the model you have and that we have previously discussed.
The general process in all models
- Turn off the MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, USB cables, and the security lock.
- Turn the MacBook Pro upside down and remove the ten screws that hold the case in place. You should pay attention to the location of each of them since they have different lengths.
- Touch a metal surface to discharge static electricity.
- Locate the RAM memory and press the levers located on the sides of the module. The memory will jump to the side. Make sure you find the notches in the shape of a semicircle.
- Grasp the module by its notches and pull it out of the slot. Do this in the other modules.
- With the new memory, tilt it and insert it into the corresponding slot. Push the module until the characteristic «click» sounds.
- You must make sure that the gold contacts are inserted almost completely into the connector.
- Replace the top case.
If you have a MacBook Pro 17″ and 15″ from 2008
The steps below are related to the MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008) and earlier, and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008) and earlier
- Shut down the MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, and any other cables that are connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damage to the computer.
- Put the computer upside down.
- Locate the latches on each side of the battery.
- Slide the clasps up. Doing so will push the battery out slightly.
- Lift up the battery and take it out.
- Unscrew the memory cover and remove it from the computer’s battery compartment. You will come across three or four screws, depending on the MacBook Pro model.
- Insert the new memory card at an angle of about 25 degrees.
- Replace the memory cover.
- Insert the battery.
On a MacBook with a removable battery
In this case the steps that we are going to present are related to the MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008).
- Shut down the MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, security lock, and any other cables that are connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damage to the computer.
- Flip the MacBook Pro over and locate the latch. Press the latch to release it and remove the access cover that covers the battery and hard drive.
- The latch must be open in order to remove the access cover.
- Remove the eight screws that secure the bottom case of your MacBook Pro, then remove it.
- Push the ejector levers on the sides of the memory module outward to release the module from the slot.
- Grasp the memory module by its notches and pull it out of the slot.
- With the new RAM, line up the notch on the gold edge and insert it.
- Replace the different covers that you previously removed.