Macbook Pro Install Os



Retina Display MacBook Pro FAQ @ EveryMac.com

Revision Published January 28, 2021

  • Find out how to install Ubuntu on a MacBook Pro today by following this step by step guide. Last Edited: September 9, 2020 by Matt Garrett Please Note: As an Amazon Associate we earn a small commission for qualifying purchases from our site.
  • This will install various drivers and bits of software to ensure compatibility with the MacBook Pro's hardware, including the display, trackpad, and Wi-Fi. After the installation is finished.

MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.1), 13inch; Core2Duo; 4GB RAM; NVIDIA 320M Posted on Mar 21, 2015 6:29 AM Reply I have this question too (1009) I have this question too Me too (1009) Me too. The MacBook Pro is a pretty fast machine so the installation process will run quickly. The process itself is robust though, and you shouldn’t run into any difficulties once the install begins. Step 5: Finishing up. Once macOS has finished downloading and installing, it should present you with the setup assistant. The MacBook Pro 13' Mid 2012 Unibody was released in June of 2012. The Mid 2012 model, as with the models from 2011, has a case is composed of a single block of aluminum, following the same process of the MacBook Unibody and the MacBook Pro 17' Unibody Repair. Use the /info/ID-your-Mac laptop identification system to help you identify your.

Also see: MacBook Pro Specs | All Mac Q&As

EveryMac.com's 'Retina Display' MacBook Pro Q&A answers questions about the 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 MacBook Pro models that are crafted from a single piece of aluminum and have a 13-Inch or 15-Inch 'Retina Display.'

These notebooks do not have a name on the display bezel (they only have 'MacBook Pro' text on the bottom of the notebook). They also lack an optical drive, so collective identification is possible by these two points alone. However, they additionally can be spotted by model numbers A1398, A1425 and A1502.

Questions range from 'How do you upgrade or replace the storage in the Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Is it even possible?' to 'Is there a 'hack' to switch between graphics processors on the Retina Display MacBook Pro models manually?' and include everything in between.

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Please note that all Retina Display MacBook Pro models have been discontinued.

The previous 'Unibody' MacBook and MacBook Pro systems have 'MacBook' or 'MacBook Pro' text on the bottom display bezel and have internal optical drives.

These 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch notebooks are model numbers A1278, A1286, and A1297, respectively.

EveryMac.com offers separate 'Unibody' MacBook Q&A and 'Unibody' MacBook Pro Q&A that cover these earlier models.

EveryMac.com covers earlier 'pre-Unibody' MacBook Pro models, sold from 2006 until 2008, in the Original MacBook Pro Q&A as well as later 'Touch Bar' MacBook Pro models, sold from 2016 to 2021, in the 'Touch Bar' MacBook Pro Q&A and current MacBook Pro models in the 'Apple Silicon' MacBook Pro Q&A.

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Most Frequently Asked Retina Display MacBook Pro Q&As:

What are all the differences between the 13-Inch 'Early 2015' Retina Display MacBook Pro models? What are the differences between these models and the 'Mid-2014' models replaced?

How do you upgrade or replace the storage in the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Is it the same storage and process as the 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? Is it possible?

How can you 'force' or 'hack' the Retina Display MacBook Pro models to run at the native resolution or otherwise fit more on screen than by default?

What are all the differences between the 13-Inch 'Early 2015' and the 15-Inch 'Mid-2015' Retina Display MacBook Pro models?

How do you upgrade or replace the storage in the 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Is it even possible?

How fast are the 13-Inch 'Early 2015' MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models replaced?

What are all the differences between the 15-Inch 'Mid-2015' Retina Display MacBook Pro models? What are the differences between these models and the 'Mid-2014' models replaced?

What are the major differences between the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro, the 'regular' 13-Inch MacBook Pro, and the 13-Inch MacBook Air?

Is there a 'hack' to switch between graphics processors on the Retina Display MacBook Pro models manually?

How fast are the 15-Inch 'Mid-2015' MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models replaced?

Software Compatibility Q&As:

What version of OS X is pre-installed on the Retina Display MacBook Pro models?

Can the Retina Display MacBook Pro run Mac OS X software written for the PowerPC processor?

How do you install software on the Retina Display MacBook Pro without an optical drive?

How do you restore the operating system on the Retina Display MacBook Pro models?

Can the Retina Display MacBook Pro run iPad apps?

Can the Retina Display MacBook Pro run Windows or Linux?

Comparison & Performance Q&As (15' Mid-2015):

What are all the differences between the 15-Inch 'Mid-2015' Retina Display MacBook Pro models? What are the differences between these models and the 'Mid-2014' models replaced?

What are all the differences between the 13-Inch 'Early 2015' and the 15-Inch 'Mid-2015' Retina Display MacBook Pro models?

How fast are the 15-Inch 'Mid-2015' MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models replaced?

What are the 'pros and cons' of the 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Is one right for me?

Comparison & Performance Q&As (13' Early 2015):

What are all the differences between the 13-Inch 'Early 2015' and the 15-Inch 'Mid-2015' Retina Display MacBook Pro models?

What are all the differences between the 13-Inch 'Early 2015' Retina Display MacBook Pro models? What are the differences between these models and the 'Mid-2014' models replaced?

What are the major differences between the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro, the 'regular' 13-Inch MacBook Pro, and the 13-Inch MacBook Air?

How fast are the 13-Inch 'Early 2015' MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models replaced?

What are the 'pros and cons' of the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? Is it for me?

Comparison & Performance Q&As (13' & 15' Mid-2014):

What are all the differences between the 13-Inch and 15-Inch 'Mid-2014' Retina Display MacBook Pro models?

What are all the differences between the 'Mid-2014' Retina Display MacBook Pro models and the 'Late 2013' models replaced?

What are the major differences between the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro, the 'regular' 13-Inch MacBook Pro, and the 13-Inch MacBook Air?

How fast are the 13-Inch and 15-Inch 'Mid-2014' MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models replaced? How fast are they compared to the MacBook Air?

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What is the 'real-world' battery life of the 'Mid-2014' 13-Inch and 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? How does the battery life compare to earlier models?

What are the 'pros and cons' of the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? Is it for me?

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What are the 'pros and cons' of the 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Is one right for me?

Comparison & Performance Q&As (13' & 15' Late 2013):

What are all the differences between the 13-Inch and 15-Inch 'Late 2013' Retina Display MacBook Pro models?

What are all the differences between the 'Late 2013' Retina Display MacBook Pro models and the 'Early 2013' models replaced?

What are the major differences between the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro, the 'regular' 13-Inch MacBook Pro, and the 13-Inch MacBook Air?

How fast are the 13-Inch and 15-Inch 'Late 2013' MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models replaced? How fast are they compared to the 13-Inch MacBook Air?

What is the 'real-world' battery life of the 'Late 2013' 13-Inch and 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? How does the battery life compare to earlier models?

What are the 'pros and cons' of the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? Is it for me?

What are the 'pros and cons' of the 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Is one right for me?

Comparison & Performance Q&As (13' & 15' Early 2013):

What are all the differences between the 13-Inch and 15-Inch 'Early 2013' Retina Display MacBook Pro models?

What are all the differences between the 13-Inch 'Early 2013' Retina Display MacBook Pro models and the 'Late 2012' models replaced?

What are all the differences between the 15-Inch 'Early 2013' Retina Display MacBook Pro models and the 'Mid-2012' models replaced?

What are the major differences between the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro, the 'regular' 13-Inch MacBook Pro, and the 13-Inch MacBook Air? Which is best for me?

How fast are the 13-Inch and 15-Inch 'Early 2013' MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models replaced? How fast are they compared to the 13-Inch MacBook Air?

What is the 'real-world' battery life of the 'Early 2013' 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? How does the battery life compare to the 15-Inch Retina Display and 13-Inch 'Mid-2012' non-Retina Display MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models?

What are the 'pros and cons' of the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? Is it for me?

What are the 'pros and cons' of the 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Is one right for me?

Comparison & Performance Q&As (13' Late 2012):

What are all the differences between the 13-Inch 'Late 2012' Retina Display MacBook Pro models?

What are the major differences between the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro, the 'regular' 13-Inch MacBook Pro, and the 13-Inch MacBook Air?

What are all the differences between the 13-Inch 'Late 2012' Retina Display MacBook Pro and the 15-Inch 'Mid-2012' Retina Display MacBook Pro?

How fast are the 13-Inch Retina Display 'Late 2012' MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro, 13-Inch non-Retina Display MacBook Pro, and 13-Inch MacBook Air 'Mid-2012' models?

What is the 'real-world' battery life of the 'Late 2012' 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? How does the battery life compare to the 15-Inch Retina Display and 13-Inch 'Mid-2012' non-Retina Display MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models?

What are the 'pros and cons' of the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? Is it for me?

Comparison & Performance Q&As (15' Mid-2012):

What are all the differences between the 15-Inch Retina Display 'Mid-2012' MacBook Pro models?

What are all the differences between the 'Mid-2012' regular MacBook Pro and 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro?

How fast are the 'Mid-2012' 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the 'regular' Mid-2012 MacBook Pro and the models replaced?

How fast is the graphics performance of the 'Mid-2012' 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models compared to the models replaced?

What is the 'real-world' battery life of the 'Mid-2012' 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? How does the battery life compare to the 'regular' Mid-2012 MacBook Pro and the models replaced?

What are the 'pros and cons' of the 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Is one right for me?

Upgrades & Expansion Q&As:

What custom processor options are available for the Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Do they have a processor that can be upgraded?

How do you upgrade the RAM in the Retina Display MacBook Pro models? What type of RAM do they use? How much RAM do they actually support? Is it even possible to upgrade the RAM?

How do you upgrade or replace the storage in the 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Is it even possible?

How do you upgrade or replace the storage in the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Is it the same storage and process as the 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? Is it possible?

Is it possible to add a second SSD or hard drive to a Retina Display MacBook Pro?

Which SD card storage solution is best for the Retina Display MacBook Pro? Which models are compatible? Is this type of storage safe?

What kind of expansion slots are provided by the Retina Display MacBook Pro models?

Display & Video Q&As:

How can you 'force' or 'hack' the Retina Display MacBook Pro models to run at the native resolution or otherwise fit more on screen than by default?

What type of video processor is provided by the Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Is it 'dedicated' or 'integrated' memory? Is it upgradable?

Is there a 'hack' to switch between graphics processors on the Retina Display MacBook Pro models manually?

How many external displays can the Retina Display MacBook Pro models support? What is the maximum supported resolution of each? Are adapters required?

What is 'Thunderbolt'? Is it an industry standard? What advantages does it offer? Are there any disadvantages?

Battery, Power & Connectivity Q&As:

What is the 'real-world' battery life of the 'Late 2013' and 'Mid-2014' 13-Inch and 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? How does the battery life compare to earlier models?

What is the 'real-world' battery life of the 'Mid-2012' and 'Early 2013' 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? How does the battery life compare to the 'regular' Mid-2012 MacBook Pro and the models replaced?

What is the 'real-world' battery life of the 'Late 2012' and 'Early 2013' 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? How does the battery life compare to the 15-Inch Retina Display and 13-Inch 'Mid-2012' non-Retina Display MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models?

How do you replace the battery in the 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? Is it even possible?

How do you replace the battery in the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? Is it more or less difficult than the 15-Inch Retina Display models? Is it possible?

What is the difference between the 'MagSafe 2' power connector on the Retina Display MacBook Pro and the 'MagSafe' power connector on earlier MacBook Pro models? Are they interchangeable?

How is it possible to physically secure the Retina Display MacBook Pro without a security port?

What is 'Thunderbolt'? Is it an industry standard? What advantages does it offer? Are there any disadvantages?

What is HDMI?

What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?

What is 802.11ac? How is it different from 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11c, 802.11g, and 802.11n?

Design, Configuration, & Purchasing Q&As:

Who designed the Retina Display MacBook Pro?

Where can I buy a Retina Display MacBook Pro?

What are the custom configuration options for the Retina Display MacBook Pro models?

What are the 'pros and cons' of the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Is one for me?

What are the 'pros and cons' of the 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Is one right for me?



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To identify your MacBook Pro model, use the information in How to identify MacBook Pro models.

Once you're sure which model you have, find it in the list below to go to the instructions for that model. Note: Apple notebooks not listed in this table have non-removable memory.

13-inch

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)

15-inch

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz, Mid 2009)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008) and earlier

17-inchMacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008) and earlier

Applicable Models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro (13-inch) models:

  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)

Memory specifications

Use the tables below to confirm the memory you're installing is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro (13-inch, mid 2012)
Number of memory slots2
Base memory4 GB
Maximum memory8 GB
Memory card specifications- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 67.6mm x 30mm (1.18 inch)
- 2 GB or 4 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-12800 DDR3 1600 MHz type RAM
Additional notesFor best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot.
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011) and MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011)
Number of memory slots2
Base memory4 GB
Maximum memory8 GB
Memory card specifications- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 67.6mm x 30mm (1.18 inch)
- 2 GB or 4 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-10600 DDR3 1333 MHz type RAM
Additional notesFor best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot.
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010) and MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)
Number of memory slots2
Base memory4 GB
Maximum memory8 GB
Memory card specifications- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
-30mm (1.18 inch)
- 2 GB or 4 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz type RAM
Additional notesFor best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot.

Removing or installing memory

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

Step 1: Remove the bottom case

  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.
  3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.

Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)

  1. 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 find the half-circle notches. If you don’t, try pressing the levers outward again.
  2. Hold the memory module by its notches and remove it from the slot.
  3. Remove the other memory module.
    Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges, and do not touch the gold connectors.

Step 3: Install 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. There should be a click when you insert the memory 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.
    Note: Make sure you install the memory according to this illustration, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.

Step 4: Replace the bottom case

Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.

Applicable Models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 15-inch models:

  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz Mid 2009)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)

Memory specifications

Please use the tables below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012)
Number of memory slots2
Base memory4 GB
Maximum memory8 GB
Memory card specifications- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 30mm (1.18 inch)
- 2 GB or 4 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-12800 DDR3 1600 MHz type RAM
Additional notesFor best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot.
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011) and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011)
Number of memory slots2
Base memory4 GB
Maximum memory8 GB
Memory card specifications- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 30mm (1.18 inch)
- 2 GB or 4 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-10600 DDR3 1333 MHz type RAM
Additional notesFor best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot.
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MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010), MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz Mid 2009), MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)
Number of memory slots2
Base memory4 GB
Maximum memory8 GB
Memory card specifications- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 30mm (1.18 inch)
- 2 GB or 4 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz type RAM
Additional notesFor best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot.

Removing or installing memory

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

Step 1: Remove the bottom case

  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.
  3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.

Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)

  1. 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 find the half-circle notches. If you don’t, try pressing the levers outward again.
  2. Hold the memory module by its notches and remove it from the slot.
  3. Remove the other memory module.
    Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges, and do not touch the gold connectors.

Step 3: Install 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. There should be a click when you insert the memory 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.Note: Make sure you install the memory according to this illustration, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.

Step 4: Replace the bottom case

Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.

Applicable model

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 15-inch models:

  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)

Memory specifications

Please use the table below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, late 2008)
Number of memory slots2
Base memory2 GB
Maximum memory4 GB
Memory card 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
Additional notesFor best performance, fill both memory slots and install an identical memory module in each slot.

Removing or installing memory

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

Step 1: Remove the access door

  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.
  3. The latch must be in its released, open position to remove the access door.

Step 2: Remove the battery

With the latch still in its open position, gently pull up on the tab to remove the battery.

Step 3: Remove the bottom case

  1. Remove the eight 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.
  2. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.

Step 4: Remove existing memory (if present)

  1. 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 find the half-circle notches. If you don’t, try pressing the ejection levers again.
  2. Hold the memory module by the notches and remove it from the slot.
  3. Remove the other memory module.
    Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges; do not touch the gold connectors.

Step 5: Install 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. There should be a click when you insert the memory 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.
    Note: Make sure you install the memory according to the illustration below, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.

Step 6: Replace the bottom case

Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the eight screws.

Step 7: Replace the battery

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.

Step 8: Replace the access door

With the latch in the open position replace the access door, making sure it is level with the bottom case of your MacBook Pro, and press the latch into the closed position.

Applicable models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 17-inch models:

  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)

Memory specifications

Use the tables below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011) and MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011)
Number of memory slots2
Base memory4 GB
Maximum memory8 GB
Memory card specifications- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 67.6mm x 30mm (1.18 inch)
- 2 GB or 4 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-10600 DDR3 1333 MHz type RAM
Additional notesYou 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.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010), MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009), and MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)
Number of memory slots2
Base memory4 GB
Maximum memory8 GB
Memory card specifications- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 30mm (1.18 inch)
- 2 GB or 4 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz type RAM
Additional notesYou 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.

Removing or installing memory

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

Step 1: Remove the bottom case

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  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.
  3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.

Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)

  1. 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 find the half-circle notches. If you can't find the notches, try pressing the levers outward again.
  2. Hold the memory module by its notches and remove it from the slot.
  3. Remove the other memory module.
    Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges; do not touch the gold connectors.

Step 3: Install 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. There should be a click when you insert the memory 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.
    Note: Make sure your memory is installed according to the illustration below, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.

Step 4: Replace the bottom case

Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.

Applicable models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 15-inch and 17-inch models:

  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008) and earlier
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008) and earlier

Memory specifications

Please use the tables below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008) and earlier and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008) and earlier
Number of memory slots2
Base memory512 MB (configure to order)
Maximum memoryRefer to the table below
Memory card specifications- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 30mm (1.18 inch)
- 200-pin
- PC2-5300 DDR2 667 MHz Type RAM


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

2 GBMacBook Pro, MacBook Pro (17-inch), MacBook Pro (15-inch, Glossy)
3 GBMacBook Pro (15-inch and 17-inch Core 2 Duo)
Note: These models will support only 3 GB total memory. If you want to maximize the amount of SDRAM in your computer, install a 2 GB SO-DIMM in one slot and a 1GB SO-DIMM in the other.
4 GBMacBook Pro (15-inch 2.4/2.2 GHz), MacBook Pro (17-inch 2.4 GHz), MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2008), MacBook Pro (17-inch Late 2008)

Macbook Pro Install Os On New Hard Drive

Removing or installing memory

Macbook Pro Install Os X From Usb

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.

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

Step 1: Remove 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.

Step 2: Remove the memory door

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  1. Using a Phillips size 00 screwdriver, unscrew the memory door and remove it from the battery bay of your computer. Depending on the model of your MacBook Pro, you may have three or four screws.
  2. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.

Step 3: Remove existing memory (if present)

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.
Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges; do not touch the gold connectors.

Step 4: Install memory

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Insert any additional memory into the second slot.
    Note: Make sure you install the memory according to the illustration below, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.

Step 5: Replace the memory door

Replace the memory door, and make sure the door is lying flat before you screw it back into place.

Step 6: 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.

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Checking that your computer recognizes the new memory

After installing additional memory, you should confirm that the computer recognizes the new memory. To check the computer’s memory:

  1. Start up your computer.
  2. When you see the Mac OS X desktop, choose the Apple () menu from the upper-left menu bar, then choose About This Mac.

The total memory includes the amount of memory that originally came with the computer plus the new memory you added, or if all the memory has been replaced, the new total for that memory. For detailed information about the amount of memory installed in your computer, open System Profiler by choosing Apple () and then About This Mac. Then, click More Info and then Memory from the Hardware section that appears in System Profiler.

If your computer 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.