MacBook: How to remove or install memory

Your MacBook (13-inch Late 2009) computer has two memory slots that you access by removing the access door, battery, and bottom case. Your MacBook comes with at least 2 GB (1 GB in each slot) of 1066 MHz Double Date Rate (DDR3) Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) installed.

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 Gigabyte (GB) or 2 Gigabyte (GB)
• 204-pin
• PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz Type RAM

Depending on the configuration of the MacBook (13-inch Late 2009) you purchased, both memory slots may already be full. The maximum amount of memory you can install in your MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) is 4 GB (using 2 GB DIMMs in both memory slots).

Note: For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot.

Step 1: Before you begin

1. Shut down your MacBook. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, and any other cords connected to the MacBook, in order to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Turn the computer over.
3. This MacBook model has an integrated battery that cannot be removed.  Do not attempt to disconnect or remove the battery in the MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009).

Step 2: Remove the bottom case

1. Remove the eight (8) screws that secure the bottom case of your MacBook, and then remove the bottom case.
2. 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.
   

    

3. When you remove the bottom case, you expose sensitive internal components. Avoid touching anything other than the memory assembly when you remove and replace memory.
4. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body. 
    

Step 3: Removing the original memory

1. Push the ejection levers on the sides of the memory module in an outward direction to release the module from the memory card slot.
2. 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 ejection levers outward again.
    
3. Hold the memory module by its notches, do not touch the gold connectors, and remove it from the slot. 

 Step 4: Installing the new 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.
4. Repeat to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.
5. The memory modules should be parallel to each other. If it appears that one of the memory modules is not parallel, remove the modules and seat them again.
    

Step 5: Replace the bottom case

1. Replace the bottom case making sure it is sitting flush. Grasp the case in the middle of each side, and push down first with one thumb and then the other to lock the snaps on the inside of the case.
    
2. When the bottom case is seated flush, replace and tighten the eight screws. Make sure the different length screws are in their proper locations.
    

Your MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) computer has two memory slots that you access by removing the access door, battery, and bottom case. Your MacBook comes with at least 2 GB (1 GB in each slot) of 1066 MHz Double Date Rate (DDR3) Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) installed.

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 Gigabyte (GB) or 2 Gigabyte (GB)
• 204-pin
• PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz Type RAM

Depending on the configuration of the MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2009) you purchased, both memory slots may already be full. The maximum amount of memory you can install in your MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) is 4 GB (using 2 GB DIMMs in both memory slots).

Note: For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot.

1. Shut down your MacBook. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, and any other cords connected to the MacBook, in order to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Turn the computer over.
3. Review and follow MacBook: How to remove or install the battery to remove the battery.

Step 2: Remove the bottom case

1. Remove the eight (8) screws that secure the bottom case of your MacBook, and then remove the bottom case.
2. 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.
   

   

3. When you remove the bottom case, you expose sensitive internal components. Avoid touching anything other than the memory assembly when you remove and replace memory.
4. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body. 
   

Step 3: Removing the original memory

1. Push the ejection levers on the sides of the memory module in an outward direction to release the module from the memory card slot.
2. 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 ejection levers outward again.
   
3. Hold the memory module by its notches, do not touch the gold connectors, and remove it from the slot. 

Step 4: Installing the new 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.
4. Repeat to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.
5. The memory modules should be parallel to each other. If it appears that one of the memory modules is not parallel, remove the modules and seat them again.
    

Step 5: Replace the bottom case

1. Replace the bottom case making sure it is sitting flush. This is especially important in the area of the access door latch.
2. When the bottom case is seated flush, replace and tighten the eight screws.  Start with the four screws in the middle, then the two screws on the same side as the access door latch, and finally the two screws opposite the access door latch. Make sure the different length screws are in their proper locations.
   

Your MacBook computer has two memory slots that you access by removing the memory door in the battery bay. Your MacBook comes with at least 512 MB (256 MB in each slot) of 667 MHz Double Date Rate (DDR2) Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) installed.

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
• 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 gigabyte (GB), or 2 gigabytes (GB)
• 200-pin
• PC2-5300 DDR2 667 MHz Type RAM or PC2-6400 DDR2 800 MHz Type RAM

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

Refer to this table for the maximum amount of memory and recommended memory speed for these portable computers:

Note: For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot.

1. Shut down your MacBook. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, and any other cords connected to the MacBook, in order to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Turn the computer over.
3. Review and follow MacBook: How to remove or install the battery to remove the battery.

Step 2: Installing the new Memory

1. Using a Phillips size 00 screwdriver, unscrew the three captive screws that secure the L-bracket.
2. Pull out the long end of the bracket first to remove it from the battery bay of your computer. (Levers on the memory slot spring out when you remove the bracket.)
   
3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
4. If you need to remove a memory card, follow these instructions: In one swift motion, use your thumb or index finger to move the lever to the left and release it. This swift motion ejects the memory card, and the lever then springs back to the starting position. Pull out the memory module(s).
   

   Note: If any of the following issues occur, see an Apple-authorized service technician to complete the memory card installation:

   • lever wobbles
   • lever offers no resistance
   • lever is stuck
   • lever does not return to starting position
      
5. Insert the new memory modules into the slots.
   1. Insert the gold edge first, with the notch on the left side.
   2. Use two fingers with firm even pressure to push in the memory modules.
   3. If the levers don't return to the closed position, move them to the right to close them.
      Note: You may need to use increased firm pressure in order to ensure that the memory seats properly. If you do not seat the memory correctly, it could result in a "no power" situation, or the memory may not being recognized by the computer.



6. Replace the L-bracket by inserting the short end first and tightening the screws.