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As we mentioned in the introduction to this article, there are two essential tools required for upgrading your Macbook Pro with an SSD. These are a Phillips #00 Screwdriver and a Torx T6 Screwdriver. We would also recommend that you locate the Mac OS X install DVDs that are supplied with your Macbook Pro before you start as they are needed to install OS X on the blank SSD when installed. Once you've obtained all these items, you can start the installation procedure. We used a Macbook Pro 13 Model A1278 (2009) for this guide.
Please note that KitGuru doesn't take any responsibility for users damaging their system while using this guide. Replacing the hard drive may invalidate the warranty on your machine.
We also recommend mirroring your internal drive to the new SSD with OSX software such as Carbon Copy Cloner
Step 1 – Power down your machine and ensure that the Mag Safe power connector is disconnected from your machine. Turn the machine over so the hinged edge is furthest away from you.
Step 2 – Using the Phillips #00 Screwdriver, remove the ten screws around the edge of the bottom cover of the machine. You'll notice that the three rightmost of the four screws along the hinged edge are significantly longer than the others. It is essential that you note where these are removed from for when you come to replace the cover.
Step 3 (optional) – Unplug the battery connector which is located on the logic board, just above the battery, to the right of the blue RAM module. This must be done with care as these connectors are quite delicate. This step isn't vital but will reduce the chance of damage to your system.
Step 4 – Locate the black plastic bracket that secures the hard drive in place and remove the two screws using the Phillips #00 Screwdriver. The hard drive can then be carefully removed by lifting the plastic flap on the top – make sure that you disconnect the hard drive cable before removing the drive completely.
Step 5 – Using the Torx T6 Screwdriver, remove the two screw plugs on each side of the hard drive. If you don't have a Torx T6 screwdriver, a small Allan key will suffice. These can then be attached to the replacement Kingston drive.
Step 6 – Connect the SSD up to the hard drive cable and insert it back into the system. The black plastic bracket can then be reinstalled, securing the SSD in place.
Step 7 – Reconnect the battery connector (if you removed it in the first place) and then replace the machine's bottom panel. Make sure that you replace the screws in the right locations as mentioned earlier.
Step 8 – Reconnect the power adapter, turn the machine on and insert the Mac OS X Install DVD – you may need to restart the system to ensure that the DVD is recognised. Follow the on screen instructions to reinstall OS X on the machine if you didn't mirror the drive with software such as Carbon Copy Cloner beforehand.
