Photo tutorial: Upgrading a MacBook Pro with an SSD

Replacing your HDD with an SSD – it is easier than you might think. Just follow our how-to guide!

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (8 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
Loading...
| CompuRAM Redaktion | 8 Replies
Tags: , , ,

 

In addition to our tutorial “More performance for notebooks: how to safely upgrade to SSD“, today we will show you how to replace a MacBook’s HDD with a SSD (Solid State Disk or Solid State Drive). For the tutorial we used a “late 2008” MacBook Pro (15 inch, 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 DUO, 250GB 5400 rpm HDD, Mac OS X 10.6.8 Snow Leopard). The procedure applies to all MacBook Pro models (in the Unibody models, however, you have to remove the entire lower case, not just the small panel).

The following MacBook Pro models are upgradeable with a 2.5-inch SATA SSD

• MacBookPro9,2
• MacBookPro9,1
• MacBookPro8,3
• MacBookPro8,2
• MacBookPro8,1
• MacBookPro7,1
• MacBookPro6,2
• MacBookPro6,1
• MacBookPro5,5
• MacBookPro5,4
• MacBookPro5,3
• MacBookPro5,2
• MacBookPro5,1
• MacBookPro4,1

How do I find my Apple Model Identification?

Here you will find support

 

The main difference to upgrading a Windows system is that the Samsung 850 PRO SSD (256GB) we chose comes with Windows migration software that guides the user through the cloning process (copying the Windows system plus the data to the new SSD). Mac users will need to download similar cloning software – we chose the shareware tool SuperDuper! and describe the cloning process in more detail using this tool.

Table of contents:

  1. Workbench check – the tools you need
  2. Formatting the SSD
  3. Cloning your system using SuperDuper!
  4. Installing the SSD
  5. Starting the system

1. Workbench check – the tools you need

WerkzeugSSD

The preparations and tools required for replacing a MacBook (Pro) drive are identical to those necessary for any other system (see our general upgrading tutorial for notebooks): you need to work on a clean, electrostatic-free surface.

We recommend you use antistatic tools for installing the SSD; wearing an antistatic wrist strap will enhance safety.

In addition, you need a SATA to USB drive adapter in order to transfer the data from your present HDD to the new SSD.
 
 
 

2. Formatting the SSD

Use the drive adapter to plug the SSD into the USB port of your MacBook (Pro). Next, start the Disk Utility application from the Utilities folder (see the screenshot), and select the SSD from the list on the left.

ssd-formatieren-1

Fig .1: Select the SSD in the Disk Utility.

Select the Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format, enter a name for the SSD (in the screenshot “MacBookProSSD”) and click “Erase”.

Namen und korrektes Format vergeben.

Fig .2: Enter a name and select the correct format.

At the end of the erase process, you are asked whether you wish to use the SSD to create a Time Machine backup. As you are not going to use the flash drive as a backup medium, select “Don’t use”.

SSD soll nicht für ein Backup verwendet werden.

Fig .3: Do not let Time Machine use the SSD for backups.

3. Cloning your system with SuperDuper!

Download and install the cloning tool SuperDuper! to your MacBook. The unregistered edition allows you to easily clone your MacBook’s HDD to the SSD (you do not need to buy the $27.95 registered edition).

superduper-install-3

Fig .4: Installing SuperDuper!

Next, launch SuperDuper! and select the Macintosh HD that you wish to copy onto the freshly formatted (erased) SSD – in our screenshots the “MacBookProSSD” drive.

Click “Copy Now” and confirm that you wish to proceed

Fig .5: Click “Copy now”.

Cloning the Macintosh HD will take a while – in our example it took over 3 hours. SuperDuper! is doing the work for you, so go ahead and do something else in the meantime.

ssd-clone-5

Fig .6: SuperDuper! has finished cloning the disl amd ,ade tje SSD bootable.

After SuperDuper! has successfully cloned your Macintosh HD, click”OK” to finish the process.

4. Installing the SSD

The hardware part will vary depending on your MacBook Pro model. For our late 2008 MacBook Pro, use a Phillips screwdriver to open the small cover on the rear that protects your HDD. For Unibody MacBook Pros (mid 2009 and later), remove the entire lower case.

HDD-entnehmen

Fig .7: Remove the HDD.

Remove the Phillips screw(s). Lift the HDD using the plastic tab and pull it out of the casing.

compuram-ssd-5

Fig .8: Remove the retaining bracket.

Remove the screw(s) securing the HDD retaining bracket using a Torx 6 screwdriver.

compuram-ssd-6

Fig .9: Attaching the retaining bracket to the SSD.

Insert the new SSD into the retaining bracket and tighten it.

compuram-ssd-7

Fig .10: Attaching the bracket.

Fasten the retaining bracket to the SSD (caution: the bracket is not symmetrical). Insert the SSD into your MacBook (Pro) casing.

Tighten the screw and close the casing.

SSD-fixieren

Fig .11: Fastening the SSD.

5. Starting the system

The first system start after the upgrade can take a few moments longer as the system may not immediately recognize the new SSD and search for the previously installed HDD. For new system starts to proceed faster, we recommend you select the new SSD as “Start Volume” in the System Preferences and click “New start”.

Read the “RAM upgrade and/or a SSD drive” blog post to find out what performance boost our ageing MacBook Pro gained through the new SSD.

For detailed information about the lifespan of an SSD and how and if it is possible to have an impact, please read our blog entry “The life span of an SSD – how long does it last and what can be done to take care?”.

………………………………………
(Update May 12, 2020) For an overview of all Mac models that can be upgraded with a 2.5-inch SATA SSD, see “Which SSD for my Mac?”



8 thoughts on “Photo tutorial: Upgrading a MacBook Pro with an SSD

  1. Seppo Pirttiniemi

    I have Macbook pro 2010. 4gb 250 gb HDD, verusus 7.1. Batteri was out of control ( was swollen). I have looked at news without batteri. My brother said it is not worth repairing and new upgrades will run out in the High Sierra. According to him, there is no guarantee that the device will work. I would have liked to hear your knowledgeable and complementary views on the matter.

    Reply
  2. Jeri protheroe

    Had mac book mid2010 given to me has be wiped cleaned don’t know alot about computers how do I get it reprogrammed

    Reply
  3. Victor

    I have a question, does Kingston SSD A400 is compatible with a Macbookpro8,2 to upgrade ?

    Reply
  4. Aaron

    Thanks for this. I upgraded my mid-2009 MacBook Pro 15″ with a Samsung Evo SSD, but the machine would freeze intermittently. After a year of frustration (and thinking it was finally time to buy a new MacBook), I switched to a Crucial SSD and the freezing problem stopped. All I use this computer for is Office applications, YouTube and general surfing of the web, and it is now as fast as any current-day computer I’ve used; and this is what I wanted to achieve in the first place with the Samsung SSD. Replaced the battery at the same time with a unit from iFixit. Battery life is not great compared to new machines (<4 hours), but it's enough to read the morning news and do a bit of work out on the deck (or in the garden) with a coffee. For the cost of the Samsung and Crucial SSDs (both 1TB) and the new battery, I've saved myself quite a bit over the cost of a new MacBook.

    Reply
    1. CompuRAM Redaktion Post author

      Hi Aaron,
      thank you for sharing your experience with us.
      There may have been a special problem with your Samsung SSD. You should have had it replaced by your dealer. In terms of quality, Samsung SSDs are fundamentally well above the Crucial SSD.
      your CompuRAM Team

      Reply
  5. Robert

    I have followed all the steps and used super duper and when I get to the place of copying it starts and then stops saying permissions not allowed any help?

    Reply
  6. John

    Did the SSD help solve the battery life issue on the Late 2008 Macbook Pro?

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *