MacBook Pro: How to install memory

Your computer has two memory slots that you access by removing the battery and bottom case. Your MacBook Pro comes with a minimum of 2 gigabytes (GB) of 1066 MHz Double Data Rate (DDR3) Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) installed. Each memory slot can accept an SDRAM module that meets the following specifications:

• Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
• 30mm (1.18 inch)
• 1 GB or 2 GB
• 204-pin
• PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz type RAM

You can add two 2 GB memory modules for a maximum of 4 GB of memory. For best performance, fill both memory slots and install an identical memory module in each slot.

Removing the battery:

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.

Note: The latch must be in its released, open position to remove and replace the battery and access door.
3. With the latch still in its open position, gently pull up on the tab to remove the battery.
   
4. Remove the eight (8) 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.
   
   Important: When you remove the bottom case, you expose sensitive internal components. Avoid touching anything other than the memory assembly when you remove or add memory.
5. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
   
6. 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 can see the half-circle notches. If you don’t, try pressing the ejection levers again.
   
7. Hold the memory module by the notches and remove it from the slot.
8. Remove the other memory module.
   Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges, and do not touch the gold connectors.
9. Insert the new memory module in the slot:
   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. You should hear a click when the memory is inserted 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.
      
10. Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the eight screws.
    
11. 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.

After installing additional memory in your MacBook Pro, check to see if the computer recognizes the new memory.

1. Start up your MacBook Pro.
2. When you see the Mac OS X desktop, choose About This Mac from the Apple () menu. The total memory includes the amount of memory that originally came with the computer plus the new memory you added.
3. For a detailed breakdown of the amount of memory installed in your computer, open System Profiler by selecting More Info and then Memory.

If your MacBook Pro 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.

Your computer has two memory slots that you access by removing the bottom case. Your MacBook Pro comes with a minimum of 4 gigabytes (GB) of 1066 MHz Double Data Rate (DDR3) Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) installed. Each memory slot can accept an SDRAM module that meets the following specifications:

• Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
• 1.25 inch (3.18cm)
• 2 GB or 4 GB
• 204-pin
• PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz type RAM

You can add two 4 GB memory modules for a maximum of 8 GB of memory. For best performance, fill both memory slots and install an identical memory module in each slot.

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.
   WARNING:  The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait 10 minutes after shutting down to let the internal components cool before continuing.
   
   Important:  When you remove the bottom case, you expose sensitive internal components. Avoid touching anything other than the memory assembly when you remove or add a hard disk drive.
3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
   
4. 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 see the half-circle notches. If you don’t, try pressing the levers outward again.
   
5. Hold the memory module by its notches and remove it from the slot.
6. Remove the other memory module.
   Important:  Hold the memory modules by their edges, and do not touch the gold connectors.
7. Insert the new memory module in the slot:
   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.  You should hear a click when the memory is inserted 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.
      
8. Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed in step 2, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.
   

Your MacBook Pro computer has two memory slots that you access by removing the memory door in the battery bay. Your MacBook Pro comes with at least 512 megabytes (MB) of 667 MHz Double Data Rate (DDR2) Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) installed. It may have more memory preinstalled, depending on the configuration you chose when you bought your computer.

Both memory slots can accept an SDRAM module that meets the following specifications:

• Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR SO-DIMM) format
• 30mm (1.18 inch)
• 200-pin
• PC2-5300 DDR2 667 MHz Type RAM

Depending on the configuration of the MacBook Pro you purchased, both memory slots may already be full.

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

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.

Step 1: Removing 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.
   
   

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

Step 2: Installing the new Memory

1. Using a Phillips size 00 screwdriver, unscrew the memory door and remove it from the battery bay of your computer.
   
   
2. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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.
5. 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.
   Note: Make sure your memory is installed according to the illustration above, where the gold contacts are almost completely inserted into the connector.
6. Insert any additional memory into the second slot.
7. Replace the memory door and make sure the door is lying flat before you screw it back into place.

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.