tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post7355956698331819883..comments2023-12-18T15:51:40.714+01:00Comments on OBSCURED CLARITY: MacBook Hard Drive Upgrade InstructionsTim Molterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09117791052747688044noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-39833905150375743562014-10-15T17:45:32.776+02:002014-10-15T17:45:32.776+02:00Thanks to your guide, in 2010 I installed a 500GB,...Thanks to your guide, in 2010 I installed a 500GB, albeit with two 250GB partitions as some suggested to get around the supposed "limit". No problems since then.<br /><br />But does the volume size limit apply also to external drives? You spoke of using a 500GB external, and I'd like to know if you had any issues with it.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16415167790447592333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-5918083152963860912013-12-08T10:13:20.236+01:002013-12-08T10:13:20.236+01:00Hi Tom, I'm not tech-savvy at all, and have be...Hi Tom, I'm not tech-savvy at all, and have been trying my best to find the specific specs for a replacement hard drive for my late 2008 white macbook. From your blog and other websites, I know it's best to stay within 250gb and 5200rpm (even though it's tempting to get ones with better specs since we're almost in year 2014 and the technology has definitely advanced since 2008!). Do you have any updates regarding the recommended max size, since the last post made in 2011? And before I buy it, do you know if this one will be compatible? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00168BSEW/ref=gno_cart_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER<br /><br />Thanks!Nancynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-52000851809199647102011-03-05T23:22:37.313+01:002011-03-05T23:22:37.313+01:00um, thanks.um, thanks.Tim Molterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09117791052747688044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-20703628461226643072011-03-05T13:58:58.039+01:002011-03-05T13:58:58.039+01:00Ura dorkUra dorkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-12058790337729064002011-01-02T13:28:12.577+01:002011-01-02T13:28:12.577+01:00Hi John, Glad it worked out for you. Thanks for sh...Hi John, Glad it worked out for you. Thanks for sharing your experience. It's amazing how cheap a 640GB drive is these day.Tim Molterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09117791052747688044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-16651523277447349232010-12-30T17:16:14.182+01:002010-12-30T17:16:14.182+01:00As promised, I am back with the status of my upgra...As promised, I am back with the status of my upgrade.<br />It worked like a charm. I have a newer Macbook 13" purchased mid 2010.<br />The manual (with hard drive replacement instructions can be found at http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/MacBook_13inch_Mid2010_UG.pdf<br /><br />I purchased a WD 640GB 5400rpm drive on sale for $49.99.<br />I followed your instructions and it worked perfectly. I am writing from my updated computer.<br />My biggest issue was having screw drivers small enough. I used a steak knife to remove the screws but have since gone to purchase proper screwdrivers before re-assembling.<br />The hard drive itself has 4 small screws using Torx heads. So I am currently typing with the drive not properly seated in the system (though it is connected to the sata cable).<br />I'm about to shut down to place all the screws back in place.<br />Thanks for your excellent instructions. Worked like a charm.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07749017456010860349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-83836236384235974522010-12-29T04:07:24.517+01:002010-12-29T04:07:24.517+01:00I appreciate your post. I'm going to go purch...I appreciate your post. I'm going to go purchase a 640GB hard drive tomorrow and give it a go. I'll try to remember to come back and post my results.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07749017456010860349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-41269427707040005852010-10-10T03:01:43.047+02:002010-10-10T03:01:43.047+02:00Thanks so much for this! I got a message that my ...Thanks so much for this! I got a message that my start up drive was full and thought I was going to have to buy a whole new Mac. This is a great solution and waaaaay cheaper.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06291741535914583734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-11631124030479957192010-07-07T12:55:31.766+02:002010-07-07T12:55:31.766+02:00cgs, I could never find tech specs that specified ...cgs, I could never find tech specs that specified that either. Unfortunately what has been told to me (and others who commented here: http://obscuredclarity.blogspot.com/2008/10/500gb-macbook-harddrive-upgrade-for.html) by Apple support employees is not officially documented anywhere that I can find. That's why this issue is unclear and frustrating, to me at least.Tim Molterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09117791052747688044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-50388482319661394152010-07-07T06:36:27.417+02:002010-07-07T06:36:27.417+02:00To those who have found tech specs for their 2007 ...To those who have found tech specs for their 2007 or 2008 MacBooks that state the 250 GB limit - can you post a URL? The only tech specs I can find on Apple's site state the hard drive configurations that were available at that time, with 250 GB being the largest, but no where does it state this is a max.cgsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-89031686592215471372010-03-15T00:51:46.318+01:002010-03-15T00:51:46.318+01:00Great instructions. Followed it, but I also zero&#...Great instructions. Followed it, but I also zero'ed the new hard drive. And it automatically did the GUID partition as well. <br /><br />The only difference I have noticed with the new hard drive installed is the boot time. When i turn on my macbook, it is blank white for about 8 seconds, then the apple logo shows and loads for another 10-15 seconds. Before with the OG hard drive, it would go straight to the apple logo when turning it on. <br /><br />Other than the extended boot time, everything is well and identical.DjSmearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10448066803590088902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-68778745036462612942010-03-13T22:53:32.897+01:002010-03-13T22:53:32.897+01:00Cooperton, Yes, you could see it as being paranoid...Cooperton, Yes, you could see it as being paranoid, I agree, because many people including you have left feedback reporting that no problems have occurred whatsoever. However, while in the minority, some people have left comments saying that they did have problems. Add to that a tech person at Apple directly told me that the specific Macbook model I had could only handle up to a 250GB hard drive, I felt I must say something about there possibly being a limit. I couldn't sleep at night thinking I was helping people upgrade their Macbooks only to have them fail down the road. I'm glad that for the majority of people it's working out fine.Tim Molterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09117791052747688044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-5815827310487931832010-03-12T16:15:54.018+01:002010-03-12T16:15:54.018+01:00Ok, little confused.
I upgraded my Santa Rosa Mac...Ok, little confused.<br /><br />I upgraded my Santa Rosa MacBook3,1 to a 320 GB over a year ago. Everything's been fine. No extra heating, drive noise, etc.<br /><br />Now I have just upgraded to a 620 GB, and it also appears to be fine. My question/comment then has to do with whether ANYONE has actually reported any problems with >250 GB drives in MacBooks, and which models, specifically? There seem to be several counter examples on the web where everything just worked fine (including myself... I went up to 315 GB of data which is why I'm upgrading).<br /><br />Warning everyone off of this kind of upgrade is kind of paranoid, isn't it?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06921882698901872887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-56132008438004516652010-03-02T09:47:30.502+01:002010-03-02T09:47:30.502+01:00Thanks so much for this great post! Just finished ...Thanks so much for this great post! Just finished upgrading to 320 GB (pushing the limit a little past the recommended 250 GB. if I get too much heat, I'll try partitioning). <br /><br />Now to figure out why my RAM isn't working...<br /><br />But I'm thrilled to have more storage capacity. Great way to extend the life of my macbook. It's economical and green. Woohoo!Eliza Weehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09963727031671340571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-16470197870599483552010-02-27T23:27:45.638+01:002010-02-27T23:27:45.638+01:00Lisa, That's great that you managed to do this...Lisa, That's great that you managed to do this with the Firewire interface. i wish I would have thought of that. Thanks for leaving feedback!<br /><br />c.d., Thanks for the data point. <br /><br />Brenna, I'm not sure if it's possible to disconnect the SATA to USB interface from the HD on that model. Tough to say without seeing it.Tim Molterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09117791052747688044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-48303062406264635922010-02-26T00:00:42.212+01:002010-02-26T00:00:42.212+01:00Tim, or anyone, do you know if the WD 250GB My Pas...Tim, or anyone, do you know if the WD 250GB My Passport HD will work for this? <br /><br />http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Western+Digital+-+My+Passport+Essential+250GB+External+USB+2.0+Portable+Hard+Drive+-+Black/9522251.p?id=1218118265547&skuId=9522251&st=western%20digital&cp=1&lp=6<br /><br />I just purchased this but am unsure if I will be able to disconnect the SATA from the USB on the inside. Can someone help?Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10691134231176310622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-78970341295808445412010-02-13T12:44:07.018+01:002010-02-13T12:44:07.018+01:00Nice clear instructions. I heartily second the Su...Nice clear instructions. I heartily second the Super Duper recommendation.<br /><br />Just a data point: White MacBook 3,1, late '08, 2.2 GHz. Replaced stock drive with a 320GB, 7200 rpm Western Digital Scorpio Black WD3200BEKT. Partitioned as ~120 GB boot and ~180 GB data. No increased noise or vibration over stock Hitachi 120 GB, 5400 rpm drive. Although I didn't compare the MacBook temperatures before/after the swap, I didn't notice anything untoward on iStat in the menu bar. After 17 months, no problems. <br /><br />c.d.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-35231643566895457532010-01-20T18:06:21.189+01:002010-01-20T18:06:21.189+01:00Hey Tim, Yes it worked!
I finally got around to g...Hey Tim, Yes it worked!<br /><br />I finally got around to getting my upgrade done. I got the firewire enclosure, and the cloning went off without a hitch. Thanks to your instructions and the confidence it gave me, everything did. I upgraded to 4 GB RAM while I was in there also.<br /><br />Thanks again. I'm enjoying my "new" lightning fat Mac, with double the hard drive and quadruple the RAM.Lisa @ Me and My Househttp://frommeandmyhouse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-76742924138403302522009-11-29T20:35:39.414+01:002009-11-29T20:35:39.414+01:00Lisa, I think that's a great idea. Especially ...Lisa, I think that's a great idea. Especially for just $5 more, it would definitely be worth it. I don't see any reason why that wouldn't work out. You should be able to folow the instructions exactly but just swap in the Filerwire instead of USB. But having said that, since I haven't done it myself, I can't say for sure it will work. :) <br /><br />Let me know if it works out and thanks for stopping by!Tim Molterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09117791052747688044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-48311821810651056372009-11-29T01:25:02.491+01:002009-11-29T01:25:02.491+01:00Hey Tim, is it worth getting an enclosure that has...Hey Tim, is it worth getting an enclosure that has firewire and usb for about $5 or so more. When I got my new MacBook I used firewire to transfer everything over from my old MacBook. Can I do the same with Super Duper!? Or to use firewire would I need to install OS first then use Time Machine backup drive or something else. IOW, does cloning with Super Duper only work through USB? Would love to here your thoughts.Lisa @Me and My Househttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07284916959868217797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-81549271195112834212009-11-28T22:58:13.984+01:002009-11-28T22:58:13.984+01:00I read your original post when searching for upgra...I read your original post when searching for upgrading my MacBook hard drive. A friend had recommended googling for instructions and she had upgraded to 500 GB. (I don't know the age or capabilities of her MB.) I was so excepted to put 500 GB in here. But I found my tech specs that say 250 GB (early 08)and then read this update post. So I guess I will go for 250 at 5400 speed (I had been wondering if I could put 500 GB - or more - and 7200 in, but best not push my luck, and just do as Apple tells me, huh?)<br />Thanks for your detailed instructions. Looking forward to not having to constantly wrestle over downloading items and what I need to get rid of before I can add something etc. I never thought my 120 GB hd would fill so fast. (Which is why I'm not happy about "only" 250 upgrade.)Lisa @Me and My Househttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07284916959868217797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-87699057576639970982009-11-19T23:18:57.547+01:002009-11-19T23:18:57.547+01:00Please accept these box of virtual chocolate. My U...Please accept these box of virtual chocolate. My Upgrade worked like a dream. <br /><br />Quick Note: Make sure you have a phillips star screwdriver as you would need it for the hard drive. I did not have one and tried using pliers, worked but im pretty sure I damaged my ex hard drive. <br />Say hello to my Black Macbook with 250 GB worth of memory. <br /><br />Thanks againOlujuwonhttp://www.worldfamousnaijablog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-1228531741214318512009-11-14T17:17:49.060+01:002009-11-14T17:17:49.060+01:00I have been using a 500gb drive in my June 2007 Ma...I have been using a 500gb drive in my June 2007 Macbook 2,1 now for over half a year and haven't had any problems so far. <br />However I have partitioned the HD such that Mac OS X uses only 430 of the 500 Gb. Currently about 280GB are occupied and everything works just fine (HD temp: 34°C). <br /><br />Anyway I guess making two 250GB partitions isn't a bad idea. You could use one of them for your data and the other one for your system just as Linux users do..https://www.blogger.com/profile/01702321618560845981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-21618327348077802772009-10-27T17:47:09.471+01:002009-10-27T17:47:09.471+01:00damngood, that's a good question! I wish I kne...damngood, that's a good question! I wish I knew the answer. :) I would guess that the "limit" was bound to the individual partition size as you're suggesting, but that's just a guess.Tim Molterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09117791052747688044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4650152229438238529.post-24199667603224365582009-10-26T01:00:50.430+01:002009-10-26T01:00:50.430+01:00Great instructions. I used your 500 GB guide a fe...Great instructions. I used your 500 GB guide a few months back and haven't had any major problems, except the laptop runs a little bit hotter than before.<br /><br />I wanted to use the guide to upgrade another laptop with a 1 TB drive and then saw your warning. Any idea if the 250 GB "limit" is for the entire drive? What if I partitioned the hard drive into smaller (< 250 GB) chunks? Thanks!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17786291047529544104noreply@blogger.com