- Retina MacBook (All Models) MacBook Pro 13' (2016-2017) MacBook Pro 13' with Touch Bar (All Models) MacBook Pro 15' with Touch Bar (All Models) This may change if a third-party manufacturer manages to create a compatible hard drive, but for the time being you'll need to go to an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider if you.
- Apr 10, 2018 Retina MacBook (All Models) MacBook Pro 13' (2016-2017) MacBook Pro 13' with Touch Bar (All Models) MacBook Pro 15' with Touch Bar (All Models) This may change if a third-party manufacturer manages to create a compatible hard drive, but for the time being you'll need to go to an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider if you.
Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A
Set up Apple Pay: You can set up Apple Pay for one user account on your MacBook Pro during setup. Other users can still pay with Apple Pay, but they must complete the purchase using their iPhone or Apple Watch that's been set up for Apple Pay (see Use Apple Pay on your Mac). Follow the onscreen prompts to add and verify your card.
Update Published May 11, 2016
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How do you upgrade the hard drive in the 15-Inch 'Late 2008/Unibody' MacBook Pro?
Please note that this Q&A is up-to-date and covers the 'Late 2008 Unibody' MacBook Pro models. EveryMac.com also provides hard drive upgrade instructions for later 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models released between 'Mid-2009' and 'Mid-2012.'
Upgrading the hard drive in the 'Unibody' 15-Inch MacBook Pro models is incredibly easy, perhaps even easier than upgrading the RAM.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (15-Inch, Late 2008 Unibody MacBook Pro)
Identification Help
If you're not sure whether or not you have a 15-Inch 'Late 2008' MacBook Pro or another model, these models -- and for the purpose of a hard drive upgrade, the almost identical 'Early 2009' models -- can be most readily identified externally via EMC number2255 on the bottom of the computer. In software, they can be spotted by the MacBookPro5,1model identifier.
These models also can be identified by the serial number using EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature.
Official Hard Drive Upgrade Instructions
Apple covers how to replace the stock hard drive with a larger one (or an SSD) on pages 38-41 of the 'Unibody' 15-Inch MacBook Pro User Guide (PDF).
The User Guides start by noting that:
You can upgrade the hard disk drive in your MacBook Pro. The hard disk drive is located to the left of the battery when you open the back of your MacBook Pro. The replacement drive must be a 2.5-inch drive with a Serial ATA (SATA) connector.
It continues with detailed instructions, complete with drawings, which absolutely should be read in their entirety before one replaces the hard drive.
However, the basic procedure is to turn off the notebook, disconnect cables, and let it cool; flip it over and push down the latch to release the access door, discharge static electricity, unscrew the drive bracket, disconnect the SATA connector, install the new drive, and reassemble the computer.
It's really quite easy with a video walkthrough.
Hard Drive Upgrade Video Instructions
The Apple-provided drawings are helpful, but even better, site sponsor Other World Computing provides a convenient step-by-step video of the process:
After watching this video, it should be apparent that upgrading the hard drive is quite easy. However, if you do not feel comfortable -- or have the time -- to perform the upgrade yourself, hiring a professional always is a good plan.
MacBook Pro Storage Purchase Options
In theory, just about any hard drive or SSD that meets the minimum requirements should work in the MacBook Pro. However, it always is best to buy from a trusted company with Mac knowledge for the most trouble-free experience.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades in addition to memory for the MacBook Pro models (and all other Macs as well).
In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells MacBook Pro compatible hard drives and SSDs with free shipping. The company provides flat rate shipping to France, Germany, and Switzerland and inexpensive shipping for all of Europe, too.
In Canada, site sponsor CanadaRAM sells hard drives and SSDs for all MacBook Pro models with guaranteed compatibility, fast shipping, and no customs.
In Australia, site sponsors Macfixit and Upgradeable sell MacBook Pro compatible hard drives and SSDs with fast shipping, a money-back guarantee and more.
In New Zealand, site sponsor Upgradeable New Zealand sells MacBook Pro hard drives and SSDs with fast delivery to all corners of the country, precise compatibility, a lifetime warranty, and a money-back guarantee.
Also see:
- How do you upgrade the RAM in the 15-Inch 'Late 2008/Unibody' MacBook Pro? How much RAM of what type does it support?
- How do you replace the optical drive in the 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models with a hard drive or SSD? Is it possible?
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To boot from a Recovery HD you should use COMMAND-R, not CTRL-R. Do you have a functioning optical drive? Here is the proper process for installing Snow Leopard from the DVD.
Booting From An OS X Installer Disc
1. Insert OS X Installer Disc into the optical drive.
2. Restart the computer.
3. Immediately after the chime press and hold down the 'C' key.
4. Release the key when the spinning gear below the dark gray Apple
logo appears.
5. Wait for installer to finish loading.
Clean Install of Snow Leopard
1. Boot the computer using the Snow Leopard Installer Disc or the Disc 1 that came
with your computer. Insert the disc into the optical drive and restart the computer.
After the chime press and hold down the 'C' key. Release the key when you see
a small spinning gear appear below the dark gray Apple logo.
2. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue
Macbook Pro New Hard Drive Setup Srd00f2
button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu.
After DU loads select the hard drive entry from the left side list (mfgr.'s ID and drive
size.) Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window. Set the number of
Macbook Pro New Hard Drive Setup Software
partitions to one (1) from the Partitions drop down menu, click on Options button
and select GUID, click on OK, then set the format type to MacOS Extended
(Journaled, if supported), then click on the Apply button.
3. When the formatting has completed quit DU and return to the installer. Proceed
with the OS X installation and follow the directions included with the installer.
4. When the installation has completed your computer will Restart into the Setup
Assistant. After you finish Setup Assistant will complete the installation after which
you will be running a fresh install of OS X. You can now begin the update process
by opening Software Update and installing all recommended updates to bring your
Macbook Pro Hard Drive Replacement
installation current.
Download and install Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1.
Macbook Pro New Hard Drive Setup For Gaming
Aug 25, 2015 1:50 PM
