How do you upgrade the processor and hard drive in the MacBook?

Based on a series of photographs of the internals of the MacBook housing from Kodawarisan, whom you increasingly can expect to tear apart any new Mac within days of its release, the processor is soldered to the logic board.

This may come as a disappointment to some, but the MacBook Pro has its processor soldered to the logic board as well, so it should not be unexpected. Given the design of both the MacBook and MacBook Pro, it is clear that Apple does not intend for the processor to be upgraded in either system.

The hard drive, on the other hand, is a different story. It is just about as easy as upgrading the RAM.

The always excellent iFixIt covers replacing the hard drive, installing RAM and other internal upgrades for the MacBook models. Apple provides instructions on how to replace the hard drive yourself as well.

iFixIt provides nice color photographs of the process, but it is so simple, photos barely are needed. In a nutshell, the the quick instructions are:

1. Shut down the MacBook, unplug it, and disconnect any cords or cables.

2. Remove the battery.

3. Unscrew the now visible "L bracket".

4. Discharge static electricity by touching a metal surface (or better yet, use a grounding wrist strap).

5. Grasp the internal hard drive by the white tab and gently slide it out.

6. Slide in the new hard drive.

7. Reconnect the L bracket and install the battery.

The MacBook is an excellent design for anyone who wants to upgrade the RAM or hard drive themselves.

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