How To: Upgrade Memory In A 2008, 2009 MacBook

There are a lot of reasons to love your MacBook with build quality and intelligent industrial design likely topping the list. As you’d expect, upgrading the memory in your Apple consumer portable is really quite simple and requires just one simple tool and about 10 minutes of your time.

Before you begin:

— You will need a bath towel, coin (a penny or dime will do) and size 00 Phillips screwdriver (see also: Tools of the Trade)

— Turn off your MacBook and disconnect the power adapter, as well as all USB, FireWire, Ethernet and audio peripheral cabling.

— Lay your closed MacBook Apple logo down on a soft surface (ie a towel) so the battery compartment is accessible.

① Using the coin, turn the battery lock and remove the battery

IMPORTANT Before proceeding touch with your hand a metal part inside the MacBook to discharge any static electricity that may be in your body.

— Using the Phillips screwdriver, loosen but do not remove the three screws on the long edge of the L-bracket indicated in Figure 1, allowing you to remove the L-bracket long edge first.

② Using your pinky or the screwdriver retrieve the small lever (Figure 2), pulling it out and releasing the memory module. Note the orientation of the memory module(s) as you remove them (small tab on left as shown above).

— Insert the new module(s) using both thumbs (easier than the method shown above) until you feel them gently snap into place

③ To reattach the battery compartment L-bracket, insert the short side first (Figure 3), pairing the nub and hole for correct alignment.

— Tighten the three captive screws (I’ve found starting with the screw closest to the inside corner works best)

④ Reinsert the batter our edge (look for the connector) first and closing the lock with the coin, being sure to lock it firmly into position

Do you prefer video tutorials? Check out Other World Computing

That’s it, super easy. Perhaps the hardest part of upgrading your MacBook’s memory is finding the best price, but check out Where to buy MacBook memory modules, it’s a good starting point with helpful tips to guide you along the way.

For what it’s worth, my Early 2008 MacBook now has 4GB (2×2), with one module from Other World Computing and the other from Trans International.