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Late 2011 model, A1278 / 2.4 GHz i5 or 2.8 GHz i7 processor.

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How to remove RAM-card Bracket?

I have a stuck RAM-card (Bottom slot) in my macbook and am wondering if it is possible to remove the bracket to get it unstuck? I've also watched a video on how to remove the logic board and am considering that route, not sure if that is necessary to remove the bracket.

thanks!

Update (05/04/2017)

here are the pics of my ram card. this is the bottom bracket and the lower module, 2nd one is already removed.

does this help?

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Yes! The pics help explain whats happening here.

The module is correctly seated and is the correct part for your system (8 GB - DDR3L 1600). So unless you need to remove it you could just leave it.

Why do you think you need to remove it?

If you need to remove it you'll need to press on the latches to the sides at the same time and then with your third hand carefully lift the edge enough to clear the clips (a friends hand or good juggling). Once you've passed the latch points pivot it to release the pressure within the connector when it can't travel up any higher you should then have enough room to pull it out squarely from the socket. Just like you did for the top module.

I personally use a spunger which has a lip like a crowbar which I place in the mid point catching the lip of the module. I then press two screwdrivers pressing the clips at the point the module is latched at the same time as sometimes the toque of the levers at the top is not enough for the module to clear the latches.

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I don't think you understand my original complaint. When i pull the latches and press on the bottom modules, like the top, nothing happens. it doesn't lift. I am also unable to pry up the bottom module with my fingers while latches are pressed.

on the back side of the module, the side you push down on, it is butted up to the wall and i believe jammed, and i think the module is not pressed all the way in to its slot.

the laptop reads that one slot is empty and i only have 8gm of ram, even though both modules are currently installed.

I don't have a spudger however, so getting one of those could help. if it doesn't, i'm going to remove the motherboard and see if i can pull is out of the slot from there, because i have yet to hear of an alternative without trying that.

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Sorry guy taking the logic board out won't solve your problem.

Other than the latches there is nothing holding the module. Once the clips clear the module you need to pivot the module up to release the tension of the clips (each side).

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Why won't it @danj? If its lodged maybe below the bracket or sideways, removing the logic board would allow pressure from the other side to disloge it from where its jammed, would it not?

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so you know that if the logic board is removed there isn't a way to push out the RAM-card from the back, or to further disassemble the bracket?

I am not able to pivit the module with the tools i have, without damaging it. i'm going to borrow some jewelers pliers and see if those help remove it.

I installed it wrong, and didn't push it in all the way to the bracket before pushing it down into place, and it is now lodged at the bottom of the module, partially in the slot and wedged up against the wall opposing the slot.

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@cubixcreature - Can you takes some good snaps so we can see whats happening.

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i will have to do that another time when i am able to take it apart again, but yes i will send pics when i can.

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Yes you do as the front attaches to the back. Have you tried using a small plastic tool to gently pry up on it? If you have and it didnt work, remove the logic board and you should be able to push it out and remove it. No need to remove the bracket, just the logic board.

Hope this helps, if it did please hit the accept answer button!

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@cam2363 - Can you explain how removing the logic board will gain you any benefit here? Review both the of these IFIXIT guides: MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Late 2011 RAM Replacement & MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Late 2011 Logic Board Replacement

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@danj I did before posting. and im saying what if it is lodged sideways? How are you going to get behind it to push it out without removing the logicboard?

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@cam2363 - Lets see how its stuck when he posts the pics.

Taking the logic board out won't help here as you can't gain any access from the other side or from the bottom of the modules slot.

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if i removed the logic board, the ram bracket would come with it and i would have easy access to pull the card out of where it is jammed.

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you can see it in the pictures on removing the logic board, pics 22 - 24

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Be very careful what you do with pliers, they may strain the PCB and crack it, or scrape a trace and damage a component. You should use plastic tools sold on this web site: Spudger

I think this is worth a try:

http://i.imgur.com/CD0CpsE.jpg

Get a second opinion from one of the others that are more knowledgeable about Mac hardware before you try though.

Spudger Image

Product

Spudger

$3.99

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