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Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A
Update Published May 11, 2016
All Mac Q&As >> Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A | Also See: All MacBook Pro Specs
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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 number 2255 on the bottom of the computer. In software, they can be spotted by the MacBookPro5,1 model 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.
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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