DIY: How to replace the HDD on the Aluminum MB and MBP

Hi everybody, I was thinking about replacing my HDD on my aluminum Macbook recently, and I thought it might be interesting to make a guide for all of those that have an alu-MB or MBP and would like to replace the HDD. You are going to need a 2.5inch laptop HDD, in the SATA format. I haven't upgraded it yet, but I'll show you a step by step process on how to replace it.

Step 1: To replace a HDD, you need to turn the computer completely off.

Step 2: Make sure that you have your data backed up to an external HDD, via Time Machine or Carbon Copy Cloner.

Step 3: You are then going to flip the notebook over. Be sure to have a cloth or towel on the surface you're laying to notebook on, to prevent any scratches.



Step 4: Now, you are going to flip the tab up that is near the bottom of the notebook. That will release the battery/HDD cover.



Step 5: Now that the cover is off, you are now going to unscrew the HDD screw. There is only one screw that you have to remove to replace the HDD.




Step 6: You then want to pull on the clear tab, to get the old HDD out of the notebook. Be careful not to damage the SATA connector pins while taking it out. Safely disconnect the HDD from the connectors. Then you will need to take out the 4 screws on the original HDD caddy, and transfer them to the new HDD, as they will help reduce movements and vibration, keeping the HDD firmly in place. For that job you will need a T6 Torx screwdriver (star-shaped)-Credits to Underpantman and ClearSkies.

Step 7: Now take the new HDD, and insert it into the HDD bay. Connect the approiate connectors to the HDD. It will be obvious on what to connect, because it's just like matching up batteries in a TV remote.

Step 8: Now that you have the new HDD in, put the cover back on the back of the computer. Make sure that the cover is flush with the rest of the notebook, with no slight edge or the like. The tab will go back down automatically when you attach the cover.

Step 9: Flip the computer back over, and boot the system up. If you have a Time Machine backup, insert you Mac OS X install disc, and wait for the installer. You then will want to go up to the menu bar, and select "Restore". Make sure you have your Time Machine external HDD connected at this time. You will then go to Time Machine, and select the date to where you want to restore your system. Then you will be set, and ready to go.

If you are using Carbon Copy Cloner, and you already cloned your HDD, then it will be just like using your original HDD. You won't need to use your Mac OS X install CD at all.

You now have installed your new HDD into your Aluminum Macbook or Macbook Pro. Enjoy!

EDIT: Sorry about the poor photo quality...

 

THanks a lot! Bookmarked for future HD swap and +1

 

Hey no problem! Glad I could help you out!

 

Thank you for the guide.I decide to get an larger capacity HD for my macbook.
Can you take a look at this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136197
Does this one fit into a macbook? I decide to get a 5400rpm to minimize the heat.

 

Yes it will.

 

Great guide, except you missed one thing.
There should be 4 screws on the original hdd, these need to be transfered to the new drive as they help prevent movement an lock the drive into place.
I found that a pair of pliers was the easiest way to remove those as they are not a standard philips head
a

 

i once did that and nearly bent my cover. you should place the cover directly above the battery. Then when you close the tab, it will automatically sit flush.

 

Thanks man! Appreciate it

 

Agreed - nice visual to what Apple draws on the underside of the cover.

To get those out of the sides of the HDD caddy - so you can insert the HDD - you need a T6 Torx (star shaped) screwdriver. This is generally available at any computer or hardware store.

 

Thanks for all the replies guys. Glad I could help out

@Underpantman: Thanks! I completely ran over that part. I'll edit it, and put that part in there

 

Do you think I should make a guide on how to upgrade the White Macbook RAM and Hard Drive? It would be more beneficial to people like Sam who have previous generation Macbooks. Any ideas?

 

I wouldn't use pliers in case of crushing or damaging the screws. Just use a Torx screwdriver to remove them. I can't remember which size Torx it is, but if you have a set of them, one of them will fit!

 

I used a Torx and it worked great, but I can't remember what number it was...