Installation Guides

DDR Installation Guide (DDR, DDR2 & DDR3)

These instructions provide general installation and handling information for DDR, DDR2, and DDR3 upgrade memory, and are intended to be used in conjunction with your model-specific owner's manual.

Before you try this, check if your user manual has more specific information.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

NOTE: Before touching any electronic components, make sure you are properly grounded. By wearing a wrist strap (or using some other type of static control device), you can prevent static electricity stored on your body or clothing from damaging your installation. 

— Insert the module into an available expansion socket. Note how the module is keyed to the socket. This ensures the module can be plugged into the socket one way only. Firmly press the module into position, making certain the module is completely seated in the socket. The ejector tabs at each end of the socket will automatically snap into the locked position. Repeat this procedure for any additional modules you are installing.

— Most 168-pin DIMM modules have ejector tabs. The ejector tabs are used only when you need to remove a module. By pressing down on the ejector tabs, the module will pop-up from the socket and it can be removed.

 

1. Place the computer’s power switch in the "off " position and disconnect the AC power cord.



2. Remove the computer’s top cover following the instructions in the model-specific owner’s manual.



3. Before touching any electronic components, make sure you first touch an unpainted, grounded metal object to discharge any static electricity stored on your clothing or body.  Anti-static wrist straps can be bought from most good electronic stores (Dick Smith, Tandy) and ave very inexpensive insurance against damaging your computer.



4. Locate the memory expansion sockets on the computer’s motherboard. If all the sockets are full, remove smaller capacity modules to allow room for higher capacity modules.



5. The ejector tabs shown in the illustration are used to remove a module. By pushing outward on the ejector tabs, the module will pop-up from the socket and it can then be removed. 
    
6. Handle your new module(s) carefully; do not flex or bend the module(s). Always grasp the module by its edges.



7. For most installations, DDR modules can be installed in any available expansion slot. Other installations may require the memory to be installed in a particular sequence based on the modules capacity. Check your owner's manual to determine the correct installation sequence for your configuration.
8. Once the module(s) have been installed, the computer’s top cover can be reinstalled.



9. Plug in the AC power cord and reinstall any cables disconnected during the installation process.



10. Turn on the computer and follow the instructions in your computer owner’s manual that describe the steps necessary to allow your computer to recognize the newly installed memory.

More of a show-and-tell kind of person? Check out our installation videos here
 

SO-DIMM Installation Guide

These instructions provide general installation and handling information for 144-pin and 200-pin SODIMM Memory, and are intended to be used in conjunction with your model-specific owner’s manual.

Before you try this, check if your user manual has more specific information.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

NOTE: Before touching any electronic components, make sure you are properly grounded. By wearing a wrist strap (or using some other type of static control device), you can prevent static electricity stored on your body or clothing from damaging your installation. 

1. Place the computer’s power switch in the "off " position and disconnect the AC power cord.



 
2. Unscrew the computer’s memory access hatch (usually found underneath, or you may need to remove the keyboard) following the instructions in the model-specific owner’s manual.



 
3. Before touching any electronic components, make sure you first touch an unpainted, grounded metal object to discharge any static electricity stored on your clothing or body.  Anti-static wrist straps can be bought here and are a very inexpensive insurance against damaging your computer.



 
4. Always turn off your computer and remove the rechargeable battery pack before installing your Kingston memory.



 
5. Handle your new module(s) carefully; do not flex or bend the module(s). Always grasp the module by its edges.



 
6. For some installations, DIMM memory can be installed in any available expansion slot. Other installations may require the memory to be installed in a particular sequence based on the modules capacity. Check your owner’s manual or our website to determine the correct installation sequence for your configuration.



 
7. Insert the module into the socket at a slight angle (approximately 30 degrees). Note that the socket and module are both keyed, which means the module can be installed one way only. 
   
   
   
8. To seat the module into the socket, apply firm, even pressure to each end of the module (see the arrows) until you feel it slip down into the socket. If you are having problems getting the module to seat properly, try rocking the module up and down slightly, while continuing to apply pressure.

   - When properly seated, the contact fingers on the edge of the module will almost completely disappear inside the socket.

   
9. With the module properly seated in the socket, rotate the module downward, as indicated in the illustration. Continue pressing downward until the clips at each end of the socket lock into position. With most sockets, you will hear a distinctive CLICK, indicating the module is correctly locked into position. 


10. Once the module or modules have been installed, the computer's memory cover or keyboard can be reinstalled.



 
11. Reinstall the rechargeable battery pack and any cables disconnected during the installation process.



 
12. Turn on the computer and follow the instructions in your computer owner's manual that describe the steps necessary to allow your computer to recognize the newly installed memory.

RAMBUS Installation Guide

The instructions on this page provide general installation and handling information for Kingston Technology®184-pin Rambus® upgrade memory, and are intended to be used in conjunction with your model specific owner's manual.

Before you try this, check if your user manual has more specific information.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

NOTE: Before touching any electronic components, make sure you are properly grounded. By wearing a wrist strap (or using some other type of static control device), you can prevent static electricity stored on your body or clothing from damaging your installation. 

— Insert the module into an available expansion socket. Note how the module is keyed to the socket. This ensures the module can be plugged into the socket one way only. Firmly press the module into position, making certain the module is completely seated in the socket. The ejector tabs at each end of the socket will automatically snap into the locked position. Repeat this procedure for any additional modules you are installing.

1. Place the computer’s power switch in the "off " position and disconnect the AC power cord.



2. Remove the computer’s top cover following the instructions in the model-specific owner’s manual.



3. Before touching any electronic components, make sure you first touch an unpainted, grounded metal object to discharge any static electricity stored on your clothing or body.  Anti-static wrist straps can be bought from most good electronic stores (Dick Smith, Tandy) and ave very inexpensive insurance against damaging your computer.



4. Locate the memory expansion sockets on the computer’s motherboard. If all the sockets are full, remove smaller capacity modules to allow room for higher capacity modules.



5. Handle your new module(s) carefully; do not flex or bend the module(s). Always grasp the module by its edges.



6. For most installations, Rambus modules can be installed in any available expansion socket, but empty sockets must contain a "Kingston Continuity Module" as shown in the illustration. Note that some models may use a specific installation sequence for Rambus modules (e.g. Rambus dual-channel configurations); see your model specific owner's manual for more details.
 



7. Once the module(s) have been installed, the computer’s top cover can be reinstalled.



8. Plug in the AC power cord and reinstall any cables disconnected during the installation process.



9. Turn on the computer and follow the instructions in your computer owner’s manual that describe the steps necessary to allow your computer to recognize the newly installed memory.

Apple system model-specific Memory Installation Guides

Listed below are official apple.com memory installation guides for all models of macs.  Follow the instructions carefully for a hassle-free upgrade.

If you haven't ordered your ram yet, then start on our Mac Upgrade Guide page to locate the perfect JEDEC and Apple compliant upgrade for your Mac, and we'll have it shipped out to you in a jiffy.

MacBook Pro Memory Installation Guides

Unibody Models (Mid 2009 to 2012)

• Mid-2009 13-Inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 35)
• Mid-2009 15-Inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 35)
• Mid-2009 17-Inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 35)
• Mid-2010 13-Inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 35)
• Mid-2010 15-Inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 35)
• Mid-2010 17-Inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 35)
• Mid-2011 13-Inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 35)
• Mid-2011 15-Inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 35)
• Mid-2011 17-Inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 35)
• 2012 Models, refer to any of the manuals above.

Non-Unibody Models (Early 2006 to Early 2009)

Memory Installation Guide (non-unibody) Covers Model ID's: MacBookPro1,1 - MacBookPro2,1 - MacBookPro2,2 - MacBookPro3,1 - MacBookPro4,1

MacBook Memory Installation Guides

• 2006-2008 Model Memory Replacement Instructions
• Mid-2010 13-Inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 35)
• Late-2009 13-Inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 35)
• Mid-2009 13-Inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 35)
• Early-2009 13-Inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 35)
• Late-2008 (Aluminum) 13-Inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 35)
• Early-2008, Late 2008 13-Inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 35)
• Late 2007 13-Inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 35)
• Mid-2007 13-Inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 35)
• Late-2006 13-Inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 35)
• Mid-2006 13-Inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 35)

iMac Memory Installation Guides

• Late-2011 User Guide(memory installation starts from page 33)
• Mid-2011 21.5-inch, 27-inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 33)
• Mid-2010 21.5-inch, 27-inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 33)
• Late-2009 21.5-inch, 27-inch User Guide (memory installation starts from page 33)
• Early-2009 User Guide (memory installation starts from page 33)
• Early-2008 User Guide (memory installation starts from page 33)
• Mid-2007 Intel based User Guide (memory installation starts from page 33)
• Late-2006 User Guide (memory installation starts from page 33)
• Mid-2006 User Guide (memory installation starts from page 33)
• Early-2006 User Guide (memory installation starts from page 33)
• iMac G5 (iSight) User Guide (memory installation starts from page 33)
• iMac G5 20-inch Memory Replacement Instructions (Do It Yourself Manual) (memory installation starts from page 33)
• iMac G5 (17-inch) - Memory Replacement Instructions (memory installation starts from page 33)

Mac Mini Memory Installation Guides

• Mac Mini Mid-2011 User Guide(memory installation starts from page 41)
• Mac Mini Mid-2010 User Guide (memory installation starts from page 41)
• Mac Mini Server Mid-2010 User Guide (memory installation starts from page 41)
• Mac Mini Late 2009 User Guide(memory installation starts from page 41)
• Mac Mini Server Late-2009 User Guide(memory installation starts from page 41)
• Mac Mini Early 2009 User Guide(memory installation starts from page 41)
• Mac Mini Mid-2007 User Guide(memory installation starts from page 41)
• Mac Mini Early 2006 User Guide(memory installation starts from page 41)
• Mac Mini Mid-2005 User Guide(memory installation starts from page 41)
• Mac Mini (Original) User Guide(memory installation starts from page 41)

Mac Pro Memory Installation Guides

Mac Pro Early 2009 to current models Model ID's: MacPro4,1 MacPro5,1

Original Mac Pro to Late 2008 models Model ID's: MacPro1,1 MacPro2,1 MacPro3,1

Apple system model-specific Hard Drive Replacement Guides

Listed below are official apple.com hard drive replacement guides for all models of macs.  If your model isn't listed here then take a look at a model in a different year as the process is very similar among most models.

If you haven't ordered your replacement hard drive or solid state drive yet yet, then start on our Mac Upgrade Guide page to locate the perfect upgrade for your Mac, and we'll have it shipped out to you in a jiffy.

MacBook Pro Hard Drive Replacement Guides

• Mid-2010 17-Inch Hard Drive Replacement Guide

MacBook Hard Drive Replacement Guides

• Late-2009, Mid 2010 13-Inch Hard Drive Replacement Guide
• 2007, 2008 Model 13-Inch Hard Drive Replacement Guide

iMac Hard Drive Replacement Guides

• iMac G5 Hard Drive 17-inch Replacement Instructions Education Only (Do It Yourself Manual)
• iMac G5 17-inch Hard Drive Replacement Instructions (Do It Yourself Manual)