MacBook Pro: How to remove or install memory

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

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

13-inch MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid2012)MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late2011)MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early2011)MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid2010)MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid2009)

15-inch MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid2012)MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late2011)MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early2011)MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid2010)MacBook Pro (15-inch,2.53GHz, Mid 2009)MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid2009)MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late2008)MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early2008) and earlier

17-inch MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late2011)MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early2011)MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid2010)MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid2009)MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early2009)MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late2008) 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 compatiblewith your MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro (13-inch, mid 2012)Number of memoryslots 2

Base memory 4 GBMaximum memory 8 GBMemory cardspecifications

- 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 notes For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equalmemory module in each slot.

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011) and MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011)Number of memoryslots 2

Base memory 4 GBMaximum memory 8 GBMemory cardspecifications

- 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 notes For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equalmemory module in each slot.

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010) and MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)Number of memoryslots 2

Base memory 4 GBMaximum memory 8 GBMemory cardspecifications

- 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 notes For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equalmemory module in each slot.

Removing or installing memory

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. Ifyou have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shuttingdown 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, Ethernetcable, USB cables, security lock, and any other cables connected to theMacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.

2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and remove the ten (10) screws that se-cure the bottom case. Because the screws are different lengths, note thescrew 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 elec-tricity from your body.

Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)

1. Push the levers on the sides of the memory module in an outward di-rection to release the module from the memory card slot. The memorypops 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 nottouch the gold connectors.

Step 3: Install memory

1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in thelower 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 removedearlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper loca-tions.

Applicable Models

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

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 com-patible with your MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012)Number of memoryslots 2

Base memory 4 GBMaximum memory 8 GBMemory cardspecifications

- 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 notes For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equalmemory module in each slot.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011) and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011)Number of memoryslots 2

Base memory 4 GBMaximum memory 8 GBMemory cardspecifications

- 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 notes For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equalmemory module in each slot.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010), MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz Mid2009), MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)Number of memoryslots 2

Base memory 4 GBMaximum memory 8 GBMemory cardspecifications

- 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 notes For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equalmemory module in each slot.

Removing or installing memory

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. Ifyou have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shuttingdown 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, Ethernetcable, USB cables, security lock, and any other cables connected to theMacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.

2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and remove the ten (10) screws that se-cure the bottom case. Because the screws are different lengths, note thescrew 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 elec-tricity from your body.

Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)

1. Push the levers on the sides of the memory module in an outward di-rection to release the module from the memory card slot. The memorypops 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 nottouch the gold connectors.

Step 3: Install memory

1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in thelower 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 putthe different length screws in their proper locations.

Applicable model

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

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)

Memory specifications

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

MacBook Pro (15-inch, late 2008)Number of memoryslots 2

Base memory 2 GBMaximum memory 4 GBMemory cardspecifications

- 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 notes For best performance, fill both memory slots and install anidentical memory module in each slot.

Removing or installing memory

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. Ifyou have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shuttingdown 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, Ethernetcable, security lock, and any other cords connected to the MacBook Proto prevent damaging the computer.

2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and locate the latch. Push down to re-lease the latch and remove the access door that covers the battery andhard drive.

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

Step 2: Remove the battery

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

Step 3: Remove the bottom case

1. Remove the eight screws that secure the bottom case of your MacBookPro, and then remove the bottom case. Important: Because the screws are different lengths, note the screwlengths and locations so you can replace the screws correctly. Put themaside in a safe place.

2. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static elec-tricity from your body.

Step 4: Remove existing memory (if present)

1. Push out the ejection levers on the sides of the memory module to re-lease the module from the memory card slot. The memory pops up atan angle. Before removing it, make sure you find the half-circle notch-es. 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 thegold connectors.

Step 5: Install memory

1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in thelower 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 illustrationbelow, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the con-nector.

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 thebattery at an angle and slide the lipped edge of the battery below the brack-ets 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 islevel with the bottom case of your MacBook Pro, and press the latch into theclosed position.

Applicable models

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

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 compatiblewith your MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011) and MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011) Number of memoryslots 2

Base memory 4 GBMaximum memory 8 GBMemory cardspecifications

- 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 notes You can add two 4 GB memory modules for a maximum of 8GB of memory. For best performance, fill both memory slotsand install an identical memory module in each slot.

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010), MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009), and MacBookPro (17-inch, Early 2009)Number of memoryslots 2

Base memory 4 GBMaximum memory 8 GBMemory cardspecifications

- 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 notes You can add two 4 GB memory modules for a maximum of 8GB of memory. For best performance, fill both memory slotsand install an identical memory module in each slot.

Removing or installing memory

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. Ifyou have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shuttingdown 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, Ethernetcable, USB cables, security lock, and any other cables connected to theMacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.

2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and remove the ten (10) screws that se-cure the bottom case. Because the screws are different lengths, note thescrew 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 elec-tricity from your body.

Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)

1. Push the levers on the sides of the memory module in an outward di-rection to release the module from the memory card slot. The memorypops 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 out-ward 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 thegold connectors.

Step 3: Install memory

1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in thelower 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 illustrationbelow, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the con-nector.

Step 4: Replace the bottom case

Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the ten screws you removedearlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper loca-tions.

Applicable models

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

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

Memory specifications

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

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008) and earlier and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008)and earlierNumber of memoryslots 2

Base memory 512 MB (configure to order)Maximum memory Refer to the table belowMemory cardspecifications

- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module(DDR3) format- 30mm (1.18 inch)- 200-pin- PC2-5300 DDR2 667 MHz Type RAM

Additional notes You can add two 4 GB memory modules for a maximum of 8GB of memory. For best performance, fill both memory slotsand install an identical memory module in each slot.

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

2 GB MacBook 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 tomaximize 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 GB MacBook 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)

Removing or installing memory

You will need to remove the battery before installing additional memoryand reinstall the battery after installing the memory. The following proce-dure includes all the necessary instructions for both parts of the process.

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. Ifyou have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shuttingdown 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, Ethernetcable, and any other cords connected to the MacBook Pro to preventdamaging 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

1. Using a Phillips size 00 screwdriver, unscrew the memory door and re-move it from the battery bay of your computer. Depending on themodel of your MacBook Pro, you may have three or four screws.

2. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static elec-tricity 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 orif 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 cardaway from the notches in the memory card. The card should pop up slight-ly. Lift the memory card to about a 25-degree angle and then gently slide thecard out of the memory slot.Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges; do not touch the goldconnectors.

Step 4: Install memory

1. Insert the new memory card at a 25-degree angle. Line up the notch inthe card with the small tab in the memory slot and slide the card intothe slot until the gold edge is almost invisible. Firmly press the memo-ry card into the memory slot. You might feel some resistance.

2. Gently spread the small tabs in the memory slot away from the notchesand push the memory card down until the two tabs on either side ofthe card lock into place.

3. Insert any additional memory into the second slot.Note: Make sure you install the memory according to the illustrationbelow, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the con-nector.

Step 5: Replace the memory door

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

Step 6: To insert the battery

1. Place the bottom edge of the battery into the battery compartment atan angle, as shown below.

2. Gently press the top edge of the battery down until the battery latchlocks into place.