I want to upgrade my RAM & possibly add a solid state hard drive
I’m just not positive on the specifics & what would be ideal. Please advise.
Thank you,
K
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The older non-retina models can be upgraded! Both RAM & 2.5" drive. The retina system only allow you to upgrade the custom SSD blade drive the RAM is soldered and can't be upgraded.
Depending on what you are using your system for and how you use it will determine how much RAM you'll need. Most people find 8 GB works but a photographer or doing video or music editing will likely need 16 GB which is the max the system can support.
As for the drive the non-Retina models use a 2.5" SATA drive. And the newer retina Series use a custom SSD blade drive. The very newest models no longer offer SSD upgradability.
Update (02/06/2018)
Here's the IFIXIT guide to replace the RAM modules: MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Mid 2009 RAM Replacement. The RAM you need is 1066 MHz PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM.
Here's the IFIXIT guide to replace the HDD: MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Mid 2009 Hard Drive Replacement. You do need to be careful with your system as it only has a SATA II (3.0 Gb/s) interface so what ever drive you get needs to be able to run at this data rate. As an example: Samsung 750 EVO lists your systems SATA data rate. Review the line 'Interface' Make sure whatever drive you get spec sheet lists it.
The last thing I recommend is you replace the HD SATA cable: MacBook Pro 13" Unibody (Mid 2009-Mid 2010) Hard Drive Cable and here's the IFIXIT guide: MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Mid 2009 Hard Drive Cable Replacement The issue is the cable tends to wear against the uppercase. I recommend you place some electricians tape where the cable rests. In addition the cable gets brittle and often fails in the process of moving it about.
Product
MacBook Pro 13" Unibody (Mid 2009-Mid 2010) Hard Drive Cable
$34.99
Guide
MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Mid 2009 RAM Replacement
Difficulty:
Easy
—
3 - 10 minutes
Guide
MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Mid 2009 Hard Drive Replacement
Difficulty:
Moderate
—
30 minutes
Guide
MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Mid 2009 Hard Drive Cable Replacement
Difficulty:
Easy
—
30 minutes
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@rockofgibraltar - Sorry guy ;-{ This system only supports 8 GB max. If you click on the system specs link I posted in your question you'll see all of the details of your system.
As for learning Web design 8 GB will be more than enough!
Ok. Thanks again!
I really appreciate all your help here. Do you think you could recommend a compatible SSD drive with just enough capacity to optimize performance? I shouldn’t be using it for too much bulk storage. I’m clueless here though. Thank you!
@rockofgibraltar - The Samsung 750 EVO is a good drive. As to the size for most people who are using the system for simple surfing a 120 GB is fine, but you are programing and likely will need more space 250 GB will likely be enough.
Great! Thanks again
2 Comments
We really need to know which model you have. Go to this web site: EveryMac - Lookup and plug in your systems serial number it will tell you the details of your system. Post the URL link here for us to see as well.
by Dan
Your systems specs: MacBook Pro 13" 2.26 GHz Core 2 Duo (Mid 2009)
by Dan