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.
- How To Update A 2009 Macbook Pro 2020
- How To Update A 2009 Macbook Pro 15
- How To Update A 2009 Macbook Pro Model
I have purchased a second hand MacBook pro 15 inch mid 2009. The previous owner has installed OSX Lion on the MacBook. I will update the MacBook to El Capitan. I can't find the update in the mac app store. Has anyone an idea how I can install El Capitan on the Macbook? Kind Regards, Tom Buyvoets. Nov 25, 2015 I am looking to upgrade my mother's mid-2009 macbook pro for Christmas, as she has been complaining about how slow her computer is for quite some time now. I know the only upgradeable components are RAM and hard drive, and I was wondering what you tech experts out there would recommend I buy. 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). The RAM upgrade procedure for the 'Mid-2009,' 'Mid-2010,' 'Early 2011,' 'Late 2011' and non-Retina Display 'Mid-2012' MacBook Pro models is fairly easy. It's not quite as easy as it is for earlier ' pre-Unibody ' MacBook Pro systems, as these later models require a screwdriver, but it still is simple and straightforward. I got my Macbook Pro from the pawnshop (yea, I'm cheap haha) and it came with the whole Adobe Suite, and Office for Mac 2008 but no reinstall disks for any of it. I wanted to keep all of this stuff and increase my hard drive space. Things you will need: New 2.5' Sata HD Macbook Pro 13 Hard Drive adapter Small philips head screwdriver T6 screwdriver.
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
- 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
How To Update A 2009 Macbook Pro 2020
Recommended Tools for the install Data Doubler:
- #00 Precision Philips Screwdriver - Economy
- Spudger - Apple Pry Tool Non-Marking - Nylon (Black Stick) - 922-5065
- 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:
![How To Update A 2009 Macbook Pro How To Update A 2009 Macbook Pro](https://www.notebookcheck.net/fileadmin/Notebooks/Acer/Aspire_E5-551G-F1EW/Aspire_E5_551G_Teaser.jpg)
- 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
- 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
- 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 | |
Introduced | June 2009 |
Discontinued | April 2010 |
Model Identifier | MacBookPro5,5 |
Model Number | A1278 |
EMC | 2326 |
Order Number | MB990LL/A (2.26 GHz), MB991LL/A (2.53 GHz) |
PROCESSOR | |
Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo (P7550, P8400, P8700) ('Penryn') |
Processor Speed | 2.26 or 2.53 GHz |
Architecture | 64-bit |
Number of Cores | 2 |
Cache | 3 MB shared L2 |
System Bus | 1066 MHz |
STORAGE AND MEDIA | |
Standard Storage | 160, 250, 320, or 500 GB (5400-rpm SATA) or 128 or 256 GB (SSD) |
Link to upgrade tool & kits | Tools for HDD and RAM installation |
Link to internal HDD | Upgrade to a new 2.5” HDD |
Link to internal SSD | Upgrade to a new 2.5” SSD |
Media | 8x Slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) |
Link to external optical drive | Get an external burner here |
KEYBOARD AND TRACKPAD | |
Trackpad | Multi-Touch trackpad |
Keyboard | Built-in full-size backlit keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys |
RAM | |
Built-in Memory | |
Maximum Memory | 8.0 GB |
Memory Slots | 2 - 204-pin PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM |
Interleaving Support | Yes |
Link to RAM upgrade | Upgrade your RAM here |
DISPLAY | |
Built-in Display | 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen |
Resolutions | 1280 by 800 |
GRAPHICS | |
Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce 9400M |
Graphics Memory | 256 MB DDR3 shared with main memory (Minimum graphics memory usage is 256 MB) |
Display Connection | 1 - Mini DisplayPort (VGA, DVI, or dual-link DVI with adapter) |
Display Support | |
Display Modes | Dual display extended and video mirroring |
External Resolution | Up to 2560 by 1600 pixels |
Camera | Built-in iSight |
CONNECTIONS | |
Wi-Fi | Built-in AirPort Extreme card (802.11a/b/g/n) |
Bluetooth | Built-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR |
Ethernet | 10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45) |
Modem | |
USB | 2 - 480 MBit/s |
FireWire | 1 - 800 MBit/s |
Thunderbolt | |
Display | 1 - Mini DisplayPort (VGA, DVI, or dual-link DVI with adapter) |
Infrared | 1 - For Apple Remote only |
Audio In | 1 - 3.5-mm analog/optical combo jack, 1 - Built-in microphone |
Audio Out | 1 - Combined optical digital output/headphone out, 2 - Built-in speakers |
EXPANSION | |
Slots | 1 - Secure Digital (SD) |
Hard Drive Interface | 3.0 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA) |
Optical Drive Interface | 3.0 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA) |
POWER | |
System Battery | Built-in 58-watt-hour lithium-polymer |
Battery Life | Up to 7 hours |
Standby Time | |
Maximum Battery Cycles | 1000 |
Power Adapter | 60W MagSafe Power Adapter |
Link ot replacement battery | Get a replacement battery here |
Link to replacement charger | Get a replacement MagSafe here |
How to get updates for macOS Mojave or later
If you've upgraded to macOS Mojave or later, follow these steps to keep it up to date:
- Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu , then click Software Update to check for updates.
- If any updates are available, click the Update Now button to install them. Or click ”More info” to see details about each update and select specific updates to install.
- When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are also up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.
To find updates for iMovie, Garageband, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and other apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, open the App Store on your Mac, then click the Updates tab.
To automatically install macOS updates in the future, including apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, select ”Automatically keep my Mac up to date.” Your Mac will notify you when updates require it to restart, so you can always choose to install those later.
How to get updates for earlier macOS versions
If you're using an earlier macOS, such as macOS High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or earlier,* follow these steps to keep it up to date:
- Open the App Store app on your Mac.
- Click Updates in the App Store toolbar.
- Use the Update buttons to download and install any updates listed.
- When the App Store shows no more updates, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, iBooks, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime. Later versions may be available by upgrading your macOS.
To automatically download updates in the future, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click App Store, then select ”Download newly available updates in the background.” Your Mac will notify you when updates are ready to install.
How to open flash drive on macbook air.
* If you're using OS X Lion or Snow Leopard, get OS X updates by choosing Apple menu > Software Update.
* If you're using OS X Lion or Snow Leopard, get OS X updates by choosing Apple menu > Software Update.
How to get updates for iOS
Learn how to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to the latest version of iOS.
How To Update A 2009 Macbook Pro 15
Learn more
How To Update A 2009 Macbook Pro Model
- Learn how to upgrade to the latest version of macOS.
- Find out which macOS your Mac is using.
- You can redownload apps that you previously downloaded from the App Store.
- Your Mac doesn't automatically download large updates when it's using a Personal Hotspot.