MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Mid 2009 RAM Replacement

Written By: Walter Galan
  • Comments: 31
MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Mid 2009 RAM Replacement

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

5

Time Required

3 - 10 minutes

Introduction

Accessing the RAM in this computer is straightforward and requires minimal disassembly.

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    • Remove the following 10 screws securing the lower case to the MacBook Pro 13" Unibody:

    • Seven 3 mm Phillips screws.

    • Three 13.5 mm Phillips screws.

    Compare the short screws carefully before reinstalling them. The shouldered screws go in the holes on the front edge.

    David Kilbridge -

    Before I started removing any screws I took a piece of paper and drew the bottom of the laptop and put a piece of double-sided tape in the spot where each screw goes. That way when I took out the screws, I could put them on the tape so I knew exactly which screw went in which spot. I did the same thing for dismantling the inside on another sheet of paper, then a third sheet for the screen after getting the front glass off.

    mastover -

    I use a similar technique: I print out the iFixit manual for the job, and Scotch-tape down the screws/brackets/cables I remove at each step next to the component descriptions. That way, when I'm reassembling, the bits are taped right next to the photo of where they came from.

    adlerpe -

    That's exactly what I do for all my repairs! It's the best way to keep track of all of the parts ' original location and to make sure that you don't miss any parts during reassembly.

    joyitsjennie -

    Great idea and one I use often

    Thomas Overstreet -

    Excellent idea! Thanks for sharing it here.

    Laura Sharkey -

    I used a 00 that fit but the screws were very tight so I used a tiny paintbrush with some wd40 on it and put it around the edges of the screws. Worked like a charm

    valentinedhdh -

    I use a magnetic mat and place the screws in order on that :)

    Cary B -

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    • Slightly lift the lower case and push it toward the rear of the computer to free the mounting tabs.

    In the introduction you should link fixers to this excellent doc: https://www.ifixit.com/Misc/HD_Software_...

    It is really critical, super easy, and free(!) to clone your existing drive onto the new one you will install. I ran into one error, but SuperDuper! support replied immediately on how to fix it...Thanks ifixit and SuperDuper! (I ponied up the $28 for the software anyway, I was so impressed!)

    Mike -

    Long story short: I drank the AppleKoolAid back in 1984 and have always left the guts of my machines up to Apple - until recently when I needed to swap the SATAs from my original MacDaddy (2009 13" MBPro that I killed in 2018 - coffee + blackout = OOOOPS) into a pristine 2009 MBPro from a Goodwill in North Carolina through eBay. I need the files from iCal and MacMail that can't be opened in my newer machines.

    Well . . . I ain't never done nuttin' like that, before!

    Enter Luke Miani on YouTube. He raves about you guys! So, I watched everything I could, read your site, bought the right tools and at the ripe old age of 72, I sat down, this morning and did the work. Now my original MacDaddy lives in MacDaddy2.0.

    Am I allowed to cry?

    Seriously, I can't thank you enough for your bitchen site and killer tools. I wish I'd'a been turned on to this shizzle 30+ years ago.

    IFIXIT - IDIGIT!

    kath myers -

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

    That was a brilliant read.

    Yes, I came across ifixit a few years ago. Totally helped me out on several occasions.

    Glad your Mac repair journey worked out.

    :)

    Cary B -

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    • For precautionary purposes, we advise that you disconnect the battery connector from the logic board to avoid any electrical discharge.

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the battery connector up out of its socket on the logic board.

    Quote from gansodesoya:

    why is step 3 necessary?

    Just to disconnect any power source to avoid damages by short-circuits.

    MrKane -

    How do you get that battery connector back on? Do you just press it in back in place after you're done?

    Horace Chung -

    yes. I usually plug it in before I screw it down so I can lift the battery a bit and have enough slack to be able to go straight down on the connector, otherwise it comes in on a bit of an angle, which can't be good (though not necessarily bad).

    maccentric -

    This step almost finished me, and I did extensive damage to the battery plug. Fortunately, I later replaced the battery, and the replacement came with a new plug! :) Newbies need to know - 1. The battery plug is like a thin lip on a thicker lip, so you need to pry BETWEEN 2 thin lips to get it off, else you are trying to yank out the socket. 2. Mine was initially VERY tight, and trying to get it out broke the plastic on all sides of plug, even though I was as careful as possible. Luckily, this didn't hurt functionality and I later replaced the battery. AFTER disconnecting once, it was never so tight again,

    Jeff Diamond -

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    • Release the tabs on each side of the chip by simultaneously pushing each tab away from the RAM.

    • These tabs lock the chip in place and releasing them will cause the chip to "pop" up.

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    • After the RAM chip has popped up, pull it straight out of its socket.

    • Repeat this process if a second RAM chip is installed.

    Do this step slowly! Depending on the age of the components, both ram and the system board, removing and inserting RAM can actually break threads on the board that read and write info to the ram sticks. It should be very easy to remove the ram. If it seems hard to remove, stop and make sure you have followed all the steps correctly!

    Everett Whiteman -

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

Walter Galan

685236 Reputation

15 comments

I think something went wrong with mine at step 3.. after connecting back with new RAM.. Mac stopped working with battery... its working only on external power plug.. I rechecked it, googled it for SMC etc.. still no luck.. I did notice a small spark while removing for first time.. nothing after that.. even the LED indicator on the side with dots as battery indicaot is not working.. can someone help me please.. I'd say Step 3 is risky if it does these kind of things..

yasaswy nagavolu -

Hi, just wondering is it fine to put 4gb 10600 instead of the 8500 ?

Lorax -

I just installed 10600 into my mothers 13" today. It seems to be working great for her!

Dustin -

Upgraded from 2 GB to 8 GB using the guide. Purchased ram chips from Fixit, works great. Macbook recognized the new 8 GB. Thanks IFixit.

okibob

okibob -

Alright so I did this step by step and removed one ram because my Mac. Wasn't turning on and beeping, after removing the top ram it did turn on but now my keyboard is not working and my trackpad is lagging

valentinedhdh -

Overall, the procedure went well. I used a 00 screwdriver for all the screws and I didn't have any problem. When I reassembled the rear cover, only one screw on the left side wouldn't go in easy (the other ones did) but it went in with a little pressure. I used a spunger to get the battery cable off. I rocked the cable head back and forth from the sides without forcing it and it came off. The first RAM chip came out fine. I had a bit of a problem getting the second one out. I had to use the spunger again for the bottom chip and positioned it under the chip and lightly rocked it from one side to another and it finally popped out. Don't use any force when doing anything! I actually had some problems getting the new RAM out of the packaging. I suggest that you do that BEFORE you start. Finally, getting the top RAM in had me a bit bewildered for a second. However, I took my time and got it in where it belonged. I put back the back cover and only put in two screws to test it. Success! Macbook 2009 mid model FYI

Yuri -

Way cool, one more upgrade for my baby. Thanks iFixit :-)

fixitskiaddict1 -

I purchased the recommended RAM chips from iFixit and followed this guide to boost my Mid-2009 MBP from 4 GB to 8 GB. I had to try 3 times to get the RAM to seat properly-- the first two times I received the dreaded beeping sound when I powered up. On the third try she booted up and recognized the memory. I am very pleased.

jmerritt -

I have a 2009 mid macbook pro 13''. It says I can replace the 2GB that it has with x2 4 GB DDR3 pc3 8500s. I switched the ram sticks over properly and started my macbook back up but it only gets to 75% loading at the startup screen and turns off and restarts again. I don't know what is going on.

Adam Little -

I upgraded my macbook pro 13" mid 2009:

replaced optical drive with 250GB SSD.

replaced 2x2GB RAM with 2x4GB.

replaced old battery..

Things work, except the fan never slows down and makes a lot of noise.

The fan start at full speed as soon as I click the power button, even before the screen lights up.

Please help.

Also the bluetooth and camera stopped working :(

abhi -

I have to say that the experience was not that difficult thanks to this tutorial. My macbook pro 2009 now works like 2016! Upgraded to 256 SSD and 8GB ram. Awesome !

Azfar Naim -

If you are upgrading to SSD and RAM, I found out that its better to put the new RAM in first then the SSD. Unplugging the battery is a vital must do.

mg.eaglemeare -

OMG, now I have 8 applications running + facebook, emails, google maps, a video playing, a song playing on iTunes, and I had to start playing a flash game to make the fan start. Thanks god, I can be efficient again. Thank you to help me do that !

WomanTECH -

Upgraded from 2 GB to 8 GB using this guide and everything works great. My MacBook Pro (Mid 2009) recognized the new 8 GB. Thanks a lot!

Gustav Robert Morten -

make sure memory cards are properly installed otherwise Mac will not start and there will be beep

John Penny -