HDD out, SSD in, now what?

[raythepa]

My machine:
White MacBook (5,2), Mid-2009, 2.13 Ghz Core 2 Duo with 2GB and 160GB config, running 10.6.8...does that cover the basics

Ok I'm getting out there with my skill level so even though I'm likely never to repeat this on a new Mac part of me wants to see if I can do this on this machine and if I can get two more years out of it it'll be a success

My plan:
upgrade RAM to 4 (I know I can go higher but not sure worth the coin)
Swap HDD to Crucial M500 240GB 2.5-inch Internal SSD

this seems pretty straight forward thanks to iFixit tutorials but then what?

I'm going to have to format the SSD?
Reload the operating system?
Rebuild iTunes and my photo library?

Not sure I know how to do any of these things and couldn't quite find them on the forum. I'm very coachable so any insight or links into what I need to do next will be appreciated.

 

[BrianBaughn]

4GB RAM should be plenty if you plan to continue with Snow Leopard 10.6.8.

I would suggest getting an external connector (housing or dock...whatever's cheaper) to first format the drive, then use Carbon Copy Cloner (the free, 3.4.7 version...download page here) to clone your old drive to the new one.

Then, swap the drives. You may or may not have to reauthorize particular 3rd party apps.