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By Nathan E. Malpass, Last updated: August 27, 2019

I have a MacBook Pro and I fill it with a lot of stuff. I put on videos, music, images, documents, and worksheets. What I want to do right now is to upgrade my hard drive to a solid state drive (SSD). This is due to the fact that an SSD is smaller and faster. Can you teach me how to upgrade my hard drive to a solid state drive?

~MacBook Pro Owner

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Part I: Introduction

Do you want to replace your traditional hard disk drive with a modern solid state drive? You might be surprised that, at present, it’s actually affordable.

Plus, the result is an astounding 5x increase in performance. An SSD for a MacBook with a storage capacity of 500GB costs approximately USD 150.00. While a 1TB version will cost you around USD 300.00. This is significantly cheaper than a MacBook itself.

Plus, it’s actually very easy to upgrade your traditional hard disk drive to a modern SSD. Even if you don’t know much about Macs in general, you can still do it.

In this article, we will be telling you how to upgrade your traditional hard drive into a surprisingly faster solid state drive (SSD). Hop on!

Part II: Is An Upgrade To An SSD Really Needed?

Upgrading your traditional hard disk drive within a MacBook Pro to a solid state drive is very easy and quick. However, this upgrade might not be necessary all the time.

If you utilize your Mac for tasks that don’t consume many resources (e.g. browsing the web, making documents), then the current hard disk drive you use is probably okay.

Don’t try to upgrade your hard drive first. If you think your system is very slow, try running FoneDog’s Mac Cleaner first.

The said tool will help you clean up junk within your system. All junk such as duplicate files, old files, large files, all types of caches, and temporary files, can be removed with a few simple clicks. Here are the advantages and the steps to use the said tool:

* It gives you the ability to make your Mac device perform faster by freeing up more space within the said device.

* It scanning mode is very powerful and helps locate duplicate files, system files, junk files, unnecessary applications, clutter, etc.

* It gives you the ability to clear up junk files. It helps you locate and remove duplicate files. It helps you find and clear up similar images. It helps you delete large files and old files.

* The Mac Cleaner helps you delete unnecessary applications without leaving any leftovers behind. Plus, it helps in securing redundant searching history. Finally, it helps in the management of extensions, shredding of files, and cleaning of browsers.

* All of the features of the Mac Cleaner can be implemented with just a few clicks.

* Scanned results of the Mac Cleaner can be sorted on a variety of factors including date, time, size, etc.

* The Mac device status is displayed by the device including disk usage, CPU status, memory usage, etc.

* It helps you locate and detect files that are identical. Thus, more space is freed up within your device because no two files are exactly the same. Redundancy is removed within your device.

Here’s how to use FoneDog’s Mac Cleaner step by step:

(Screenshots below are under the dark mode on Mac.)

Step 01 - Download the tool.

Step 02 - Launch it within your Mac device. The main interface will show a variety of the device’ system status.

Step 03 - Select ToolKit and then Cleaner which provides you with the cleaning function for the system, photo, email, files, apps and other fields on your Mac.

Step 04 - Press Scan button. The tool will now do a comprehensive scan of your device.

Step 05 - Once the process of scanning is complete, click View. This will allow you to check scanned results.

Step 06 - Select the specific files you wish to remove per category and press Clean.

Step 07 - Confirm the cleaning operation.

Step 08 - Wait until the cleaning process is finished.

However, if you think that the issues below come up every single time, upgrading to an SSD will certainly give you the performance boost you need:

* Startup that is very slow.

* Sluggish performance especially with applications that are resource hungry (eg.g. Adobe Photoshop).

* Crashes with the system.

* Errors of denied permissions to files and data that were previously okay.

Part III: Things To Consider When Looking For A MacBook Pro Solid State Drive (SSD)

To get the best possible performance that you want, you need a solid state drive that’s up to par. Here are the things you should consider when purchasing an SSD:

01 - Speed Of Read/ Write - Solid state drives are given a rating based on their read or write speed. The higher the read/ write speed, the better the actual performance. A good SSD to buy has a speed of 500MB per second. Anything above this is good as well. However, the actual speed you will experience is about one-third of what was advertised.

02 - Memory - The two available options are single-level cell (SLC) and multi-level cell (MLC). The multi-level cell is actually cheaper and has the ability to hold more information than SLC. However, SLC is more reliable.

03 - Capacity- Of course, the larger the space, the better. The higher the capacity of the solid state drive, the more benefit it will lead to that of Mac’s performance.

04 - Reliability - Of course, you have to check out reviews for this. Check out what users and even experts state about the performance of the SSD.

Check out its reliability as well. You’ll notice that SSDs that are branded ranks higher than unbranded ones. The best brands out there are usually SanDisk, Samsung, Crucial, Transcend, and KingSpec.

Part IV: How To Place An SSD On A MacBook Pro

Okay, let’s roll into the meat of this article. Before you start placing your SSD onto your MacBook Pro, here are the things you will need:

* SATA-to-USB cable

* Torx T6 screwdriver

* Phillips screwdriver (small)

Step 01: Formatting the SSD

Before you perform an upgrade of a MacBook Pro’s solid-state drive (SSD), it is necessary for you to make a clone of your current hard disk drive. This is to ensure that the new SSD will run perfectly when it has been installed.

However, before you clone the hard disk drive, you first need to perform a cleanup of your entire hard drive. To do this, you need FoneDog’s Mac Cleaner tool. This will help remove junk files and clutter within your system. In this way, these junk are not transferred to your new drive.

After you have finished cleaning the hard disk drive, it’s time to clone it. This can be implemented by using a tool such as Carbon Copy Cleaner or SuperDuper!. You can also use the program Disk Utility by Apple. Here’s how to do it step by step with the Disk Utility tool:

Step 01 - Plug your solid state drive to the Mac device. Do this by using the SATA-to-USB cable we said you needed earlier.

Step 02 - Visit Applications.

Step 03 - Go to Utilities.

Step 04 - Launch Disk Utility.

Step 05 - Click on the icon of the SSD.

Step 06 - Go to the tab labeled Partition.

Step 07 - Choose the following from the actual Partition Layout: Partition 1.

Step 08 - Press Options.

Step 09 - Choose GUID Partition Table within the next window that comes up.

Step 10 - Press the tab labeled First Aid.

Step 11 - Press Verify Disk Permissions.

Step 12 - Press Verify Disk.

Step 13 - Press Repair Disk.

Step 14 - Shut your Mac down. Restart it again while you hold the Option key.

Step 15 - Select the option that allows you to boot to your Recovery Disk.

Step 16 - Press the label that states to Reinstall your Mac’s operating system.

Step 17 - Select the solid state drive as the destination drive.

Step 18 - Copy the files and data from the hard disk drive towards the solid state drive. When the Mac prompts if you wish to restore your files or data from another disk drive, select the hard drive that’s currently installed.

Step 02: Removing The Hard Disk Drive

Now will be the time to get your hands dirty.

Step 01 - Ensure that the Mac device is shut off.

Step 02 - Locate the 10 screws and remove them by utilizing the Phillips screwdriver.

Step 03 - Ensure that you keep the screws in a small container to avoid losing them.

Step 04 - Detach the cover.

Step 05 - Touch a part that’s metal in order for the static electricity to be released.

Step 06 - Find the hard drive

Step 07 - Detach the plastic bracket that’s securing the hard drive. This is usually helped by two screws. Simply remove these screws to detach it.

Step 08 - Remove the hard disk drive gently.

Step 09 - The SATA ribbon should be disconnected in this step. You can disconnect or remove the SATA ribbon through wiggling its connector. Avoid yanking this SATA ribbon.

Step 10 - Remove the Torx screws that are attached toward the hard disk drive. This is usually four in number.

Step 11 - Screwing the posts towards the solid state drive is the last step of this phase.

Step 03: Fitting In The Solid State Drive (SSD)

Step 01- Attach the ribbon (SATA ribbon) to that of the solid state drive carefully. After which, you have to lower it in order to keep it in place.

Step 02 - Put the holding bracket in place.

Step 03 - Place back the cover of the MacBook.

Step 04 - Put the 10 screws back again

Step 05 - Switch your MacBook Pro on.

Step 06 - Visit System Preferences.

Step 07 - Go to Startup Disk.

Step 08 - Ensure that your solid state drive is the one selected as the startup disk.

Step 10 - Restart the Mac device.

Part V: Conclusion

Now, you can enjoy a MacBook Pro after you have installed and upgraded to a new solid-state drive. You will notice the difference in performance.

Your applications will open faster, your files will be saved faster, plus you will be able to multitask within your Mac device.

Use FoneDog’s Mac Cleaner and its 8 modules in order to maintain your Mac device regularly. Plus, use it to remove junk files so you can experience a smooth performance every single day.

FoneDog’s Mac Cleaneris a great Mac device cleanup tool that will definitely give you the best user experience you need.

To identify your MacBook Pro model, use the information in How to identify MacBook Pro models.

Once you're sure which model you have, find it in the list below to go to the instructions for that model. Note: Apple notebooks not listed in this table have non-removable memory.

Applicable Models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro (13-inch) models:

• 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)

Memory specifications

Use the tables below to confirm the memory you're installing is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

Removing or installing memory

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Step 1: Remove the bottom case

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, USB cables, security lock, and any other cables connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and remove the ten (10) screws that secure the bottom case. Because the screws are different lengths, note the screw lengths and locations so you can replace the screws correctly. Put them aside in a safe place. Lift off the case and place it to the side.
   
3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
   

Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)

1. Push the levers on the sides of the memory module in an outward direction to release the module from the memory card slot. The memory pops up at an angle. Before removing it, make sure you find the half-circle notches. If you don’t, try pressing the levers outward again.
2. Hold the memory module by its notches and remove it from the slot.
3. Remove the other memory module.
   Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges, and do not touch the gold connectors.
   

Step 3: Install memory

1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
2. Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
3. Use two fingers with firm, even pressure to push down on the memory module. There should be a click when you insert the memory correctly.
4. Repeat this procedure to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.
   Note: Make sure you install the memory according to this illustration, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.

Step 4: Replace the bottom case

Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.

Applicable Models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 15-inch models:

• 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)

Memory specifications

Please use the tables below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

Removing or installing memory

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Step 1: Remove the bottom case

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, USB cables, security lock, and any other cables connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and remove the ten (10) screws that secure the bottom case. Because the screws are different lengths, note the screw lengths and locations so you can replace the screws correctly. Put them aside in a safe place. Lift off the case and place it to the side.
   
3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
   

Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)

1. Push the levers on the sides of the memory module in an outward direction to release the module from the memory card slot. The memory pops up at an angle. Before removing it, make sure you find the half-circle notches. If you don’t, try pressing the levers outward again.
2. Hold the memory module by its notches and remove it from the slot.
3. Remove the other memory module.
   Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges, and do not touch the gold connectors.

Step 3: Install memory

1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
2. Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
3. Use two fingers with firm, even pressure to push down on the memory module. There should be a click when you insert the memory correctly.
4. Repeat this procedure to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.Note: Make sure you install the memory according to this illustration, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.

Step 4: Replace the bottom case

Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.

Applicable model

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 15-inch models:

• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)

Memory specifications

Please use the table below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

Removing or installing memory

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Step 1: Remove the access door

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, security lock, and any other cords connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and locate the latch. Push down to release the latch and remove the access door that covers the battery and hard drive.
3. The latch must be in its released, open position to remove the access door.

Step 2: Remove the battery

With the latch still in its open position, gently pull up on the tab to remove the battery.

Step 3: Remove the bottom case

1. Remove the eight screws that secure the bottom case of your MacBook Pro, and then remove the bottom case.
   Important: Because the screws are different lengths, note the screw lengths and locations so you can replace the screws correctly. Put them aside in a safe place.
   
2. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.

Step 4: Remove existing memory (if present)

1. Push out the ejection levers on the sides of the memory module to release the module from the memory card slot. The memory pops up at an angle. Before removing it, make sure you find the half-circle notches. If you don’t, try pressing the ejection levers again.
2. Hold the memory module by the notches and remove it from the slot.
3. Remove the other memory module.
   Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges; do not touch the gold connectors.
   

Step 5: Install memory

1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
2. Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
3. Use two fingers with firm, even pressure to push down on the memory module. There should be a click when you insert the memory correctly.
4. Repeat, if necessary, to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.
   Note: Make sure you install the memory according to the illustration below, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.
   

Step 6: Replace the bottom case

Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the eight screws.

Step 7: Replace the battery

To replace the battery, make sure the latch is in its open position. Hold the battery at an angle and slide the lipped edge of the battery below the brackets on the outside edge of the battery bay. Gently press the battery down.

Step 8: Replace the access door

With the latch in the open position replace the access door, making sure it is level with the bottom case of your MacBook Pro, and press the latch into the closed position.

Applicable models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 17-inch models:

• 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)

Memory specifications

Use the tables below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

Removing or installing memory

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Step 1: Remove the bottom case

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, USB cables, security lock, and any other cables connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and remove the ten (10) screws that secure the bottom case. Because the screws are different lengths, note the screw lengths and locations so you can replace the screws correctly. Put them aside in a safe place. Lift off the case and place it to the side.
   
3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
   

Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)

1. Push the levers on the sides of the memory module in an outward direction to release the module from the memory card slot. The memory pops up at an angle. Before removing it, make sure you find the half-circle notches. If you can't find the notches, try pressing the levers outward again.
2. Hold the memory module by its notches and remove it from the slot.
3. Remove the other memory module.
   Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges; do not touch the gold connectors.
   

Step 3: Install memory

1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
2. Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
3. Use two fingers with firm, even pressure to push down on the memory module. There should be a click when you insert the memory correctly.
4. Repeat this procedure to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.
   Note: Make sure your memory is installed according to the illustration below, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.

Step 4: Replace the bottom case

Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.

Applicable models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 15-inch and 17-inch models:

• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008) and earlier
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008) and earlier

Memory specifications

Please use the tables below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

Pros Kingston Ny

Refer to this table for the maximum amount of memory that can be recognized by these notebook computers:

Removing or installing memory

You will need to remove the battery before installing additional memory and reinstall the battery after installing the memory. The following procedure includes all the necessary instructions for both parts of the process.

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Step 1: Remove the battery

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, and any other cords connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Turn the computer over.
3. Locate the battery release latches on each side of the battery.
4. Slide both latches up. The battery should pop up slightly.
5. Lift the battery out.
   

Step 2: Remove the memory door

1. Using a Phillips size 00 screwdriver, unscrew the memory door and remove it from the battery bay of your computer. Depending on the model of your MacBook Pro, you may have three or four screws.
   
2. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
   

Step 3: Remove existing memory (if present)

If you need to remove a memory card—for example if you are replacing it or if you need to get past the memory in the top slot to access the bottom slot—you can remove the card by spreading the tabs on each side of the card away from the notches in the memory card. The card should pop up slightly. Lift the memory card to about a 25-degree angle and then gently slide the card out of the memory slot.
Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges; do not touch the gold connectors.

Step 4: Install memory

1. Insert the new memory card at a 25-degree angle. Line up the notch in the card with the small tab in the memory slot and slide the card into the slot until the gold edge is almost invisible. Firmly press the memory card into the memory slot. You might feel some resistance.
2. Gently spread the small tabs in the memory slot away from the notches and push the memory card down until the two tabs on either side of the card lock into place.
3. Insert any additional memory into the second slot.
   Note: Make sure you install the memory according to the illustration below, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.
   

Step 5: Replace the memory door

Replace the memory door, and make sure the door is lying flat before you screw it back into place.

Step 6: To insert the battery

1. Place the bottom edge of the battery into the battery compartment at an angle, as shown below.
2. Gently press the top edge of the battery down until the battery latch locks into place.
   

Learn more

Checking that your computer recognizes the new memory

After installing additional memory, you should confirm that the computer recognizes the new memory. To check the computer’s memory:

1. Start up your computer.
2. When you see the Mac OS X desktop, choose the Apple () menu from the upper-left menu bar, then choose About This Mac.

The total memory includes the amount of memory that originally came with the computer plus the new memory you added, or if all the memory has been replaced, the new total for that memory. For detailed information about the amount of memory installed in your computer, open System Profiler by choosing Apple () and then About This Mac. Then, click More Info and then Memory from the Hardware section that appears in System Profiler.

Kingston Usb Mac Problem

If your computer doesn’t recognize the memory or doesn’t start up correctly, confirm that the memory you installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro and that it is installed correctly by reseating the memory.