Upgrading a Macbook Air's SSD

The 2010 Macbook Air models are a special case as they don't actually have a standard SSD drive built in. Instead, what they have is an SSD module that many thought could not be upgraded. We've found that it can, so we'll show you how to upgrade your SSD module in this episode.

These modules are rare and can't be found just buy picking one off a shelf at a computer store. You can order them online however, as we found at Other World Computing. We ordered the 240GB Mercury Auro Pro Express and we'll show you how to install it here.

In the past, Apple used a torque screw to fasten the back plate on. Now, in a tricky effort to keep hands out of their systems, Apple switched to a

Pentalobe screw

that needs a special screwdriver to remove. Though many of the upgrade modules for the Macbook Air will come with these screwdrivers, you can buy a pentalobe screwdriver online if you don't have one. Before swapping out the modules, you should back up your data. You can do this by using software like SuperDuper or by using Time Machine.

To swap out the models, first, take out all of the screws on the back. Keep these somewhere safe as they are extremely hard to replace. Now locate the SSD module and remove the screw holding it in place. Slide out the old module and replace it with the new one, and replace the screw. Now, replace the back plate and all of the screws you removed. To start up your Macbook Air for the first time, you'll need to use the USB recovery key that came with your machine. Once the Macbook asks you whether you want to restore data, specify where your data is stored and continue.

After that, your Macbook Air should be good to go with a freshly upgraded hard drive.