How To Upgrade Mid 2009 Macbook Pro

Apple 13' MacBook Pro (Mid 2009); MacBookPro5,5 Installation Guides & Specifications. Upgrading the Macbook Pro 13' Unibody Mid-2009 model is very easy. You can add some RAM, replace a faulty Hard Drive or just get a new one with a higher capacity. You can add a second Hard Drive by removing the optical drive, replace a dead battery. Apple does not intend for the 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models - which consist of the 'Late 2008,' 'Early 2009,' 'Mid-2009,' 'Mid-2010,' 'Early 2011,' 'Late 2011' and non-Retina Display 'Mid-2012' MacBook Pro lines - to have the optical drive replaced with a second hard drive or an SSD, but it is quite possible. 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) While the specifications of each of these Macs is different, the actual architecture of them is similar enough that the same rules apply when it comes to taking them apart.

Upgrading the Macbook Pro 13' Unibody Mid-2009 model is very easy. You can add some RAM, replace a faulty Hard Drive or just get a new one with a higher capacity. You can add a second Hard Drive by removing the optical drive, replace a dead battery. All You'll need is some simple tools, and the correct parts. We then urge you to follow the videos or the Apple manual provided on the links below.

Please see our Apple RAM Memory for Macbook Pro page to locate your Apple compatible RAM upgrade for your Mac, and we'll ship it fast from our warehouse in Victoria.

Please see our Hard Drive for Apple 13' MacBook Pro (Mid 2009) page to locate your Apple compatible Hard Drive upgrades for your Mac

Please see our MacBook Pro Battery Replacement for Apple 13' MacBook Pro (Mid 2009) page to locate your Replacement Battery for your Mac

Apple User Guides for the Apple 13' MacBook Pro (Mid 2009)

MacBook Pro: How to remove or install memory Learn how to remove or install memory in your MacBook Pro notebook computer on the Apple support page.

OWC Video Installation Guide for MacBook Pro (Mid 2009) Models:

Memory Install Video

Step-by-step video of how to install memory in the Apple MacBook Pro 13' Mid 2009 'Unibody'.
Skill Level: 'Easy' Duration: 4:24 Model ID: MacBookPro5,5

Recommended Tools for the RAM upgrade:

- #00 Precision Philips Screwdriver - Economy
- Spudger - Apple Pry Tool Non-Marking - Nylon (Black Stick) - 922-5065

You will also find some of these tools plus more in the complete toolkit from Newertech under the following link: Newer Technology 14 Piece Tool Set

Add a second hard drive or SSD easily with the OWC Data Doubler. Here's an instructional video from OWC:


OWC Data Doubler Install Video

Step-by-step video of how to install the OWC Data Doubler in the Apple MacBook Pro 13' Mid 2009 'Unibody'.
Skill Level: 'Involved' Duration: 6:33 Model ID: MacBookPro5,5

Recommended Tools for the install Data Doubler:

- #00 Precision Philips Screwdriver - Economy
- Spudger - Apple Pry Tool Non-Marking - Nylon (Black Stick) - 922-5065

You will also find some of these tools plus more in the complete toolkit from Newertech under the following link: Newer Technology 14 Piece Tool Set

Here is how to fix or upgrade the main Hard Drive:


Hard Drive/SSD Install Video

Step-by-step video of how to install a hard drive or SSD in the Apple MacBook Pro 13' Mid 2009 'Unibody'.
Skill Level: 'Easy' Duration: 4:44 Model ID: MacBookPro5,5

Recommended Tools for the HDD/SSD upgrade:

- Macfixit 5-Piece Mini Toolkit
- Spudger - Apple Pry Tool Non-Marking - Nylon (Black Stick) - 922-5065
- External Hard Drive Enclosure - Convert your existing drive into an external one

You will also find some of these tools plus more in the complete toolkit from Newertech under the following link: Newer Technology 14 Piece Tool Set

And this is the installation video for a battery replacement:

Battery Install Video

Step-by-step video of how to Upgrade/Replace the Battery in a 13' MacBook Pro (Mid 2009).
Skill Level: Straightforward Duration: 5:52 Model ID: MacBookPro5,5

Recommended Tools for the battery replacement:

- #00 Precision Philips Screwdriver - Economy
- Tri-Wing Screwdriver (Tri-Point)
- Spudger - Apple Pry Tool Non-Marking - Nylon (Black Stick) - 922-5065

You will also find some of these tools plus more in the complete toolkit from Newertech under the following link: Newer Technology 14 Piece Tool Set

Here is some detailed specifications as well as direct link to available upgrades:

Apple 13' MacBook Pro (Mid 2009)
OVERVIEW
IntroducedJune 2009
DiscontinuedApril 2010
Model IdentifierMacBookPro5,5
Model NumberA1278
EMC2326
Order NumberMB990LL/A (2.26 GHz), MB991LL/A (2.53 GHz)
PROCESSOR
ProcessorIntel Core 2 Duo (P7550, P8400, P8700) ('Penryn')
Processor Speed2.26 or 2.53 GHz
Architecture64-bit
Number of Cores2
Cache3 MB shared L2
System Bus1066 MHz
STORAGE AND MEDIA
Standard Storage160, 250, 320, or 500 GB (5400-rpm SATA) or 128 or 256 GB (SSD)
Link to upgrade tool & kitsTools for HDD and RAM installation
Link to internal HDDUpgrade to a new 2.5” HDD
Link to internal SSDUpgrade to a new 2.5” SSD
Media8x Slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Link to external optical driveGet an external burner here
KEYBOARD AND TRACKPAD
TrackpadMulti-Touch trackpad
KeyboardBuilt-in full-size backlit keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys
RAM
Built-in Memory
Maximum Memory8.0 GB
Memory Slots2 - 204-pin PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM
Interleaving SupportYes
Link to RAM upgradeUpgrade your RAM here
DISPLAY
Built-in Display13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen
Resolutions1280 by 800
GRAPHICS
Graphics CardNVIDIA GeForce 9400M
Graphics Memory256 MB DDR3 shared with main memory (Minimum graphics memory usage is 256 MB)
Display Connection1 - Mini DisplayPort (VGA, DVI, or dual-link DVI with adapter)
Display Support
Display ModesDual display extended and video mirroring
External ResolutionUp to 2560 by 1600 pixels
CameraBuilt-in iSight
CONNECTIONS
Wi-FiBuilt-in AirPort Extreme card (802.11a/b/g/n)
BluetoothBuilt-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Ethernet10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45)
Modem
USB2 - 480 MBit/s
FireWire1 - 800 MBit/s
Thunderbolt
Display1 - Mini DisplayPort (VGA, DVI, or dual-link DVI with adapter)
Infrared1 - For Apple Remote only
Audio In1 - 3.5-mm analog/optical combo jack, 1 - Built-in microphone
Audio Out1 - Combined optical digital output/headphone out, 2 - Built-in speakers
EXPANSION
Slots1 - Secure Digital (SD)
Hard Drive Interface3.0 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA)
Optical Drive Interface3.0 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA)
POWER
System BatteryBuilt-in 58-watt-hour lithium-polymer
Battery LifeUp to 7 hours
Standby Time
Maximum Battery Cycles1000
Power Adapter60W MagSafe Power Adapter
Link ot replacement batteryGet a replacement battery here
Link to replacement chargerGet a replacement MagSafe here

When you upgrade to macOS Catalina, you get more of everything you love about Mac. Experience dedicated apps for music, TV, and podcasts. Smart new features in the apps you use every day. And Sidecar, which lets you use iPad as a second Mac display. Best of all, upgrading is free and easy.

Chances are, your Mac can run macOS Catalina.

Mac computers with Metal-capable graphics processors (GPUs) can upgrade to macOS Catalina.

Make sure you’re ready to upgrade.

Before you upgrade, we recommend that you back up your Mac. Then, if your Mac is running OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later, you can upgrade directly to macOS Catalina.

Upgrading is free. And easier than you think.

Upgrading from macOS Mojave?

Go to Software Update in System Preferences to find the macOS Catalina upgrade. Click Upgrade Now and follow the onscreen instructions to begin your upgrade. If you don’t have broadband access, you can upgrade your Mac at any Apple Store.

Upgrading from an older version of macOS?

If you’re running High Sierra (10.13), Sierra (10.12), or El Capitan (10.11), upgrade to macOS Catalina from the App Store. If you’re running Lion (10.7) or Mountain Lion (10.8), you will need to upgrade to El Capitan (10.11) first. If you don’t have broadband access, you can upgrade your Mac at any Apple Store.

  • OS X 10.9 or later
  • 4GB of memory
  • 12.5GB of available storage (OS X El Capitan 10.11.5 or later)*
Upgrade

How To Upgrade Mid 2009 Macbook Processor

  • Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
  • Some features require a compatible internet service provider; fees may apply.

For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac. These Mac models are compatible with macOS Catalina:

  • MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)
  • Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)
  • iMac (Late 2012 or newer)
  • iMac Pro (2017)
  • Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)

Siri

Requires a broadband internet connection and microphone (built-in or external).

Hey Siri

Supported by the following Mac models:

  • MacBook Pro (2018 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (2018 or newer)
  • iMac Pro

Dictation, Voice Control, and Voice Memos

Requires a microphone (built-in or external).

Spotlight Suggestions

Requires a broadband internet connection.

Gestures

Requires a Multi-Touch trackpad, Force Touch trackpad, Magic Trackpad, or Magic Mouse.

Force Touch gestures require a Force Touch trackpad.

VoiceOver gestures require a Multi-Touch trackpad, Force Touch trackpad, or Magic Trackpad.

Photo Booth

Requires a FaceTime or iSight camera (built-in or external), or USB video class (UVC) camera.

FaceTime

Audio calls require a microphone (built-in or external) and broadband internet connection.

Video calls require a built-in FaceTime camera, an iSight camera (built-in or external), or a USB video class (UVC) camera; and broadband internet connection.

Apple TV

High Dynamic Range (HDR) video playback is supported by the following Mac models:

  • MacBook Pro (2018 or newer)
  • iMac Pro (2017)
  • Mac Pro (2019) with Pro Display XDR

Dolby Atmos soundtrack playback is supported by the following Mac models:

  • MacBook Air (2018 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (2018 or newer)

Sidecar

Supported by the following Mac models:

  • MacBook (2016 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (2018 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (2016 or newer)
  • Mac mini (2018 or newer)
  • iMac (late 2015 or newer)
  • iMac Pro (2017 or newer)
  • Mac Pro (2019)

Supported by all iPad models with Apple Pencil support:

2009 Macbook Pro Processor Upgrade

  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro
  • 11-inch iPad Pro
  • 10.5-inch iPad Pro
  • 9.7-inch iPad Pro
  • iPad (6th generation or later)
  • iPad mini (5th generation)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation)

Continuity Camera

Requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 12 or later.

Continuity Sketch and Continuity Markup

Requires an iPhone with iOS 13 or an iPad with iPadOS.

Handoff

Requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 8 or later.

Instant Hotspot

Requires an iPhone or iPad with cellular connectivity, a Lightning connector, and iOS 8.1 or later. Requires Personal Hotspot service through your carrier.

Universal Clipboard

Requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 10 or later.

Auto Unlock

Supported by Mac models introduced in mid 2013 or later.

Requires an Apple Watch with watchOS 3 or later or an iPhone 5 or later.

Approve with Apple Watch

Supported by Mac models introduced in mid 2013 or later.

Requires an Apple Watch with watchOS 6 or later or an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 13.

Apple Pay on the Web

Requires MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, an iPhone 6 or later with iOS 10 or later, or an Apple Watch with watchOS 3 or later.

Phone Calling

Requires an iPhone with iOS 8 or later and an activated carrier plan.

SMS

Requires an iPhone with iOS 8.1 or later and an activated carrier plan.

Home

Requires an iPhone with iOS 12 or later and a configured Home app.

AirDrop

AirDrop to iOS and iPadOS devices requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 7 or later.

AirPlay

AirPlay Mirroring requires an Apple TV (2nd generation or later).

AirPlay for web video requires an Apple TV (2nd generation or later).

Peer-to-peer AirPlay requires a Mac (2012 or later) and an Apple TV (3rd generation rev A, model A1469 or later) with Apple TV software 7.0 or later.

Time Machine

Requires an external storage device (sold separately).

Power Nap

Supported by the following Mac models:

  • MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro with Retina display (Mid 2012 or newer)
  • Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)
  • iMac (Late 2012 or newer)
  • iMac Pro (2017)
  • Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)

Boot Camp

Allows Boot Camp installations of Windows 10 on supported Mac models.

Exchange Support

Requires Microsoft Office 365, Exchange 2016, Exchange 2013, or Exchange Server 2010. Installing the latest Service Packs is recommended.

Windows Migration

Supports OS X 10.7 or later and Windows 7 or later.

App Store

Available only to persons age 13 or older in the U.S. and many other countries and regions.

  • Apple Books
  • Apple News
  • App Store
  • Automator
  • Calculator
  • Calendar
  • Chess
  • Contacts
  • Dictionary
  • DVD Player
  • FaceTime
  • Find My
  • Font Book
  • Home
  • Image Capture
  • Launchpad
  • Mail
  • Maps

How To Upgrade Mid 2012 Macbook Pro

  • Messages
  • Mission Control
  • Music
  • Notes
  • Photo Booth
  • Photos
  • Podcasts
  • Preview
  • QuickTime Player
  • Reminders
  • Safari
  • Siri
  • Stickies
  • Stocks
  • System Preferences
  • TextEdit
  • Time Machine
  • TV
  • Voice Memos

How To Upgrade Mid 2009 Macbook Pro Battery

  • Activity Monitor
  • AirPort Utility
  • Audio MIDI Setup
  • Bluetooth File Exchange
  • Boot Camp Assistant
  • ColorSync Utility
  • Console
  • Digital Color Meter
  • Disk Utility
  • Grapher
  • Keychain Access
  • Migration Assistant
  • Screenshot
  • Screen Time
  • Script Editor
  • Sidecar
  • System Information
  • Terminal
  • VoiceOver Utility

2009 Macbook Pro Ssd Upgrade

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