How easy to replace hard drive in MB?

[Stuart Hinde]

Hello everyone,

I currently use a iBook G4 and am looking to update it to a new MB so I can use bootcamp and run windows for the maths programs i need for university.

I was wondering how easy it is to replace the hard drive in a MB? I know the installation is easy enough but how hard is it to install OSX with the non-standard hard drive? Can you just boot from CD and install from there?

I'm looking at the new Seagate 160GB one:
http://www.techstore.co.uk/browse.php?a=p&prodLineID=96361

 

[Sun Baked]

I had missed this but, but Apple updated the manuals... you'll find a link here.

http://www.apple.com/support/manuals/

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/MacBook_13inch_HardDrive_DIY.pdf

 

[neocell]

It's very easy. Here's a link. That drive won't work. It has to be a SATA not UATA

 

[Pistol Pete]

retarded easy haha

 

[emaja]

If you have opposable thumbs, you can do it.

Remove the battery, take out 3 screws, and pull the tab to remove the drive.

Installing that drive would be impossible BTW, as it is not a SATA drive. The largest SATA notebook drive - to the best of my knowledge - is 120GB.

 

[Stuart Hinde]

Thanks very much, was a bit concerned about whether Apple had done something to stop you installing third party HDDs.

Will make sure I get the right type though.

Would this 160Gb one work?
http://www.dabs.com/productview.asp...60494,42240000,41580000,40970000&v=2#infoarea

 

[emaja]

Would this 160Gb one work?
http://www.dabs.com/productview.asp...60494,42240000,41580000,40970000&v=2#infoarea

It is a SATA drive, but did you see the speed - 4200RPM. Unless you desperately need 160GB of internal storage, can't carry an external drive, just can't wait, and won't mind the performance hit - I would wait a bit for faster drives to come out.

 

[ImNoSuperMan]

It is a SATA drive, but did you see the speed - 4200RPM. Unless you desperately need 160GB of internal storage, can't carry an external drive, just can't wait, and won't mind the performance hit - I would wait a bit for faster drives to come out.

I second that too. 5400 RPM is the bare minimum today. 4200 will work, but it`ll be noticably slower in comparison. Everything from startup to Apps launching will take at least 20% extra time.

 

[Xander562]

very easy search on youtube

 

[reh]

Thanks very much, was a bit concerned about whether Apple had done something to stop you installing third party HDDs.

Apple doesn't make their hard drives, therefore any drive you or Apple installs will be third-party.