Multitudes of highly advanced and better-looking notebooks are introduced every year. With technology only moving forward, tech enthusiasts may frequently find themselves having to sell used laptops and other outdated electronics to afford the latest versions. But is it worth it? Not always. What’s new isn’t always better. Take the MacBook Pro, for example. New models are expensive but do not always have better/newer hardware. So, if you’re hesitant to buy the newer model, know that you can upgrade your older MacBook Pro.
With a few tweaks, you can give an older Apple laptop specs that are supposedly only available in the latest models. Here, you will discover what components can be upgraded and how to do it.
13-inch MacBook Pro Hard Drive Replacement
Tools Needed: Phillips #00 Screwdriver, Spudger, and a T6 Torx Screwdriver.
To replace the hard drive, shut down your MacBook Pro and disconnect it from the power adapter. Turn over the device and remove all 10 screws to remove the lower case. Start with the three screws at the top right corner, which are longer than the rest. Gently lift and push the lower case towards the laptop’s rear to free the tabs.
Afterward, use the spudger’s flat end to extract the battery connector from the logic board. Remove the two screws securing the hard drive bracket, and take out the retaining bracket from the upper case. Pull the hard drive out of the chassis using its pull tab before disconnecting the cable. Finally, remove all four T6 Torx screws on each side of the hard drive.
To install the new hard drive, use these instructions, but in reverse order.
13-inch MacBook Pro Memory Replacement
Tools Needed: Phillips #00 Screwdriver and a Spudger.
When replacing your MacBook’s RAM, follow the same steps to remove the lower case and remove the battery connector from the logic board. Once you’ve done these steps, push the lever on each side in an outward direction. Hold the module by its edges when the chip is out of the socket. Avoid touching the golden connector.
To install the memory, ensure the module’s golden edge is aligned with the lower memory slot, then insert the card into its slot. If you want to add extra RAM, repeat this last step.
13-inch MacBook Pro Battery Replacement
Tools Needed: Phillips #00 Screwdriver, Spudger, and a Tri-point Y0 Screwdriver.
Again, remove all 10 Phillips screws before prying the bottom cover open. Next, remove the tri-point screws holding down the battery to the upper case. Take the battery connector out of its socket using the flat end of a spudger, and then proceed to remove the battery. Follow the same set of instructions but in reverse to install the new battery and reassemble your device.
It is important to note that while these procedures are similar to those for other models, it is always best to follow the guide specific to your MacBook Pro model. With these simple instructions, you can upgrade at a much cheaper price.
Upgrade vs. Sell
Lastly, if you decide to buy the latest model, you can sell your used MacBook Pro and use the spare cash to buy a new one. If you don’t trust yourself with tools, then trying to upgrade your old Mac may not be worth it. Apple parts are delicate and expensive, so there is always a risk of damaging your computer while trying to make it better/faster.
References:
https://support.apple.com/en-ph/HT201165
https://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/mac/how-upgrade-mac-3656129/
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2009+Hard+Drive+Replacement/1337
