Reference Files
MacBook Pro service manual (macbook-pro.pdf)
Time
This lesson takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Goals
Install memory in a MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro is the first Mac portable based on an Intel Core Duo processor. It sports a sleek, one-inch thick design that rivals dual-processor desktop performance. Despite having a similar exterior look as the aluminum PowerBook, in reality only the power cord “duckhead” and power adapter AC plug are the same.
This lesson explains how to install additional random-access memory (RAM) in the MacBook Pro to further enhance system performance. We will focus on the original MacBook Pro with a 15-inch liquid crystal display (LCD).
Servicing a MacBook Pro requires a precise and careful touch, as it is composed of many expensive components in a very compact form factor. Always exercise care and do not exert excessive pressure when working on its sensitive parts.
Given the experience gained in previous lessons in this book, you will be required to locate the online resources and sections in the service manual to accompany this text. The Apple Service Manual has been provided for you on this book’s companion website, www.peachpit.com/ats.deskport3.
Because users of this computer are most probably professionals, ensuring a minimum of downtime for the customer is of utmost importance.
Apple maintains an extensive online collection of instructions and videos for each Macintosh model’s Do-It-Yourself (DIY) parts. End users can install these replacement parts and upgrades, as they require only a moderate amount of technical ability and common tools. For a complete list of DIY parts, visit www.apple.com/support and look for the Do-It-Yourself link.
To complete this lesson, you need the following:
• Clean, non-marring work surface
• Soft cloth
• Phillips #0 screwdriver (magnetized)
• Electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap and anti-static mat
• PC2-5300 small outline dual inline memory module (SO-DIMM) double data rate 2 (DDR2) memory modules
Follow the normal antistatic procedures discussed in Lesson 4, “Safe Working Procedures and General Maintenance.” It is vital that you follow these instructions and that you do so in the order presented. Take precautions, as ESD can do permanent harm to the computer.
Whenever you open any portable computer—whether to install memory or remove a faulty component—your first step is to shut down the computer and remove the battery.
Always shut down the computer before opening it to avoid damaging its internal components or causing injury. After you shut down the computer, the internal components can be very hot. Let the computer cool down before continuing.
Removing the battery before shutting down your computer may result in data loss.
The MacBook Pro comes with a minimum of 512 megabytes (MB) of 667 megahertz (MHz) DDR2 synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM) installed. Both memory slots can accept an SDRAM module that meets the following specifications:
• SO-DIMM format
• 1.25 inch or smaller
• 512 MB or 1 gigabyte (GB)
• 200-pin
• PC2-5300 DDR2 667 MHz
Depending on the configuration of the MacBook Pro, both memory slots may already be full. The maximum amount of memory that can be installed in the MacBook Pro is 2 GB, by using 1 GB modules in both memory slots. The MacBook Pro will run well with unmatched memory sizes, however by loading both slots with an equal amount of memory, you can take advantage of the system’s dual-channel memory architecture, thus enabling the MacBook Pro to reach a memory throughput of up to 10.7 GB/s.
Apple recommends that you have an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) install memory. If a non-AASP attempts to install memory and damages the unit, such damage is not covered by the AppleCare limited warranty.
The following installation process is extremely simple. It assumes you have already removed the MacBook Pro battery following the steps in this lesson.
If only one memory module is installed, the factory installs it in the bottom memory slot. Memory must be removed from the top slot before removing from the bottom slot. In the images that follow, both slots are filled with modules that must be replaced.
If performing a DIY, non-AASP installation (not using a grounding strap), touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body, without touching any circuit boards or exposed components. An ESD wrist strap and mat are highly recommended.
Handle the memory module only by its edges. Do not touch the gold connectors.
If installing two modules, be sure to install the bottom module first.
If the back of the module drops down before it is fully seated, raise it up enough to push it fully into the slot.
1. True or false: The MacBook Pro models use the same PC2-5300 DDR2 667 MHz type RAM as the MacBook (13-inch).
2. Which of the following tools is necessary when upgrading memory in a MacBook Pro?
a. TORX T8 screwdriver
b. Phillips #0 screwdriver
c. Coin
3. How many SDRAM slots are available in the MacBook Pro?
a. Zero
b. One
c. Two
4. True or false: Before installing memory in a MacBook Pro, you must remove the battery.
5. True or false: Before installing memory in a MacBook Pro, you should touch the gold connectors on the module to discharge any static electricity.
6. How many screws hold the memory door to the bottom of the MacBook Pro?
a. Three
b. Four
c. Five
7. True or false: Top and bottom memory modules are inserted at a 35-degree angle in the MacBook Pro.
8. True or false: It is possible to remove the module from the bottom slot without first removing the module from the top slot in a MacBook Pro.
7. False, modules are inserted at a 25-degree angle
8. False, removing the top module is necessary before accessing the bottom module.
18.191.254.44