09 Quad Startup: Longtime to Grey Screen...

[whyrichard]

Hey Guys,

My 09 quad takes a very long time (a minute it seems or more) to get to the grey apple screen (or the bootcamp disk selection screen when pressing alt) from either a cold starup or a restart. once past the grey screen starup is quite fast with the ssd's, but getting to the grey screen takes waaaay tooo long.

a minute or more is way longer then i think it should...

My disk arrangment is as follows:
bay 1 -osx sl: 80gb intel ssd
bay 2 -storage: 1T wd caviar black
bay 3 -time machine: 1T wd caviar black
bay 4 -win7: 80gb intel ssd

what can i do to make this process much snappier?


thanks,
r.

[Hellhammer]

Try OnyX (http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/system_disk_utilities/onyx.html)

[cutterman]

Check 'All Messages' in console to see if any errors are logged during start up.

[666sheep]

Check Startup Disk in System prefs, set your boot drive to desired.
You may also zap PRAM and see if it all will shorten your boot time.

[Harry6]

Check Startup Disk in System prefs, set your boot drive to desired.
You may also zap PRAM and see if it all will shorten your boot time.

Hi there, Good thing that I visited this forum! because I just bought a Mac Pro with 16GB RAM and couple of 500GB HD (Bay 1 and 4th slot) I used to have 24 inch iMac b4 but for some reason I don't see much of a difference in speed wise!! can any one tell me what am I doing wrong!! or does it needs some kind of setting?? as I am almost zee to technical side. It has 2x2.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon with 16GB 800 MHz DDR2 FB-DIMM and my stsrtup disk is Bay-1
I am using Snow leopard.

Graphic side: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT:

Chipset Model: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT
Type: GPU
Bus: PCIe
Slot: Slot-1
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 512 MB
Vendor: NVIDIA (0x10de)
Device ID: 0x0602
Revision ID: 0x00a2
ROM Revision: 3233
Displays:
Cinema HD:
Resolution: 2560 x 1600
Pixel Depth: 32-Bit Color (ARGB8888)
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Rotation: Supported
Display Connector:
Status: No Display Connected



Many thanks for help.:apple:

[Hellhammer]

Hi there, Good thing that I visited this forum! because I just bought a Mac Pro with 16GB RAM and couple of 500GB HD (Bay 1 and 4th slot) I used to have 24 inch iMac b4 but for some reason I don't see much of a difference in speed wise!! can any one tell me what am I doing wrong!! or does it needs some kind of setting?? as I am almost zee to technical side. It has 2x2.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon with 16GB 800 MHz DDR2 FB-DIMM and my stsrtup disk is Bay-1
I am using Snow leopard.

Many thanks for help.:apple:

So what exactly is slow? Boot time? In boot time your iMac and MP are pretty equal as both have 7200rpm SATA drive

[Harry6]

So what exactly is slow? Boot time? In boot time your iMac and MP are pretty equal as both have 7200rpm SATA drive

For a start when I switch my computer on, it takes about 1.5 minutes!! I am not sure whether it is slow or normal.

2nd thing is when I use Photoshop plug ins it takes more or less the same time as my old machine was taking which had only 4GB RAM.

Also it takes about 30 seconds to open PS... is it normal!! I am using all Topaz filters and Plug in suite 5.
By the way.... I have Two external drive of 500GB each and One 2TB which I am using for back up (Time Machine) they are all seagate and 7200 rpm.

Cheers... really appreciate your help.

[Hellhammer]

For a start when I switch my computer on, it takes about 1.5 minutes!! I am not sure whether it is slow or normal.

2nd thing is when I use Photoshop plug ins it takes more or less the same time as my old machine was taking which had only 4GB RAM.

Also it takes about 30 seconds to open PS... is it normal!! I am using all Topaz filters and Plug in suite 5.
By the way.... I have Two external drive of 500GB each and One 2TB which I am using for back up (Time Machine) they are all seagate and 7200 rpm.

Cheers... really appreciate your help.

See my post above, give OnyX a try

[666sheep]

OnyX and Repair Permissions (what OnyX also does) are worthless in most cases, and for sure will not shorten boot time of any Mac. This is more like placebo. Don't bother with it.

[Harry6]

Hi, I did gave it a try but it seems that there is no bugs or anything because result was ok. Having said that, it has not improved the speed! meaning perhaps it is normal !!

I also use software call "Clean my Mac" every day to keep my Mac clean.

Regardless, I appreciate your help.
Cheers.

[Loa]

Having said that, it has not improved the speed! meaning perhaps it is normal !!

As things stand now, the two main differences between an iMac and a Mac Pro running at the same clock speed are these:

-Performance gains only when using apps that are multi processor aware
-Expansion possibilities (optical drives/hard drives/SSDs, PCI-e slots, RAM, video cards, etc...)

If your apps can't use the extra processors in the Mac Pro, you won't see much of a difference. And if you don't need/use some of the possible expansions, again you won't see much difference.

There are a lot of other (theoretical) factors that make the Mac Pro faster. But if you're looking for "day and night" performance increases, only multi-processor aware apps (like Photoshop CS5 in your case) will let you see them.

The multi core hype is just that for most people: hype. For the majority of users, a 2 core 4GHz Mac Pro would be a lot faster than a 16 core 2.66GHz Mac Pro. In time, more apps will be coded to be aware of the extra processors, but a lot of apps simply "can't" be made multi-processor aware as their processes are sequential in nature. IMO, multi-core machines are a stopgap measure until we can get truly faster processors. Having two processors makes sense for most users. Conversely, eight and up is a "waste" for most users.

Loa

[Harry6]

Hi Loa,

Well explained, Really appreciate.

While I am with you... One question, At present I am using CS4 (will be getting CS5 by Friday) and some time.. infect many time I get message saying can not complete your request because of there is not enough RAM available ! while I have 16GB RAM on my computer. However, I have also noticed that PS only shows me maximum of available RAM 3072.MB.

Is there any way we can increase this RAM in to PS?

Thanking you.
Harry
www.pphotographi.com

[Apple Corps]

Harry6 - first thing to speed things up is to sleep your MP instead of turning it off ;)

Next - to save time dispense with "Clean my Mac" on a daily basis - doubt it does much.

Next - replace your 500 GB boot / app drive with a newer ssd - keep all your data on the 7200 rpm drives.

Recognize - as previously stated - that the MP advantage comes in expansion & customization. Speed can be significant in those few cases where the software take advantage of multiple cores.

Please go into Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor and show us what you pages in/out are showing. 16 GB is gobs of memory.

[Apple Corps]

Harry6 - look at your MP box and see if you purchased one of the current Nehalem Xeon based versions.

[cutterman]

Is there any way we can increase this RAM in to PS?

Thanking you.
Harry
www.pphotographi.com

Harry, the 64 bit version of Photoshop available in CS5 will utilize much more of your available RAM. You are observing expected free memory for a 32 bit program.

[Loa]

many time I get message saying can not complete your request because of there is not enough RAM available ! while I have 16GB RAM on my computer.

This should not be happening. Even though CS4 can only use 3GB of RAM, OS X is very intelligent in the way it handles RAM needs above those first 3GB. Before I switched to CS5, I saw significant performance gains by going up to 8GB of RAM. But even with the original 3GB, I never got a "not enough RAM" error. Are you getting this error when using a specific plug-in or filter?

In any case, getting CS5 will solve your "not enough RAM" situation. If it doesn't, then you have an underlying problem.

I second the "get yourself a SSD" advice. On the other hand, it won't do anything for you in Photoshop. A SSD as boot drive will greatly increase the overall "speedyness" of your Mac (and some very specific apps), but won't make any difference at all while working with Photoshop.

In fact, 16GB of RAM and CS5 is just about everything you can do to speed Photoshop up.

Loa

[alphaod]

My Mac Pro takes a minute or two to get past the grey screen.

I noticed if I remove all my drives but the the default boot volume, it will only take seconds.

[666sheep]

Hmm, your boot times seems a little long to me. My 2006 with 5 drives (4 mechanical and SSD connected to ODD port) boots up: from SSD 28 sec (Intel G2, 10.5.8), with mechanical (stock 250 GB Seagate, 10.4.11) in 38 sec. Measured from pushing Power button to fully functional desktop.

[Harry6]

Harry6 - look at your MP box and see if you purchased one of the current Nehalem Xeon based versions.

I know I don't have Nehalem.

[Hellhammer]

My Mac Pro takes a minute or two to get past the grey screen.

I noticed if I remove all my drives but the the default boot volume, it will only take seconds.

Are you sure you have selected your OS X partition/drive as boot up volume?

[Harry6]

Are you getting this error when using a specific plug-in or filter?

In any case, getting CS5 will solve your "not enough RAM" situation. If it doesn't, then you have an underlying problem.

I second the "get yourself a SSD" advice. On the other hand, it won't do anything for you in Photoshop. A SSD as boot drive will greatly increase the overall "speedyness" of your Mac (and some very specific apps), but won't make any difference at all while working with Photoshop.

In fact, 16GB of RAM and CS5 is just about everything you can do to speed Photoshop up.

Loa[/QUOTE]

Well yes, When ever I use plug in 5 suite and Topaz, I get this memory error but like you said, if the CS5 will solve this problem then it is only a matter of few days to wait and see!
I am sorry but what does SSD means? (sorry I hardly know anything technically in computer a specially in hardware). Suppose if I change my boot drive in to 1.5 TB would you reckon it will help? because my 1.5TB Seagate 7200 will arrive in next 5 days.... tell you the truth I don't even know how to transfer all data from one drive to the new one!! I guess you simply drag and drop in to new drive and then delete all from old one?? am I right?
I am attaching screen shots as requested herewith.
I thank you all for your valuable time and help.
Harry.
www.pphotographi.com

[Harry6]

Harry6 - first thing to speed things up is to sleep your MP instead of turning it off ;)

Next - to save time dispense with "Clean my Mac" on a daily basis - doubt it does much.

Next - replace your 500 GB boot / app drive with a newer ssd - keep all your data on the 7200 rpm drives.

Recognize - as previously stated - that the MP advantage comes in expansion & customization. Speed can be significant in those few cases where the software take advantage of multiple cores.

Please go into Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor and show us what you pages in/out are showing. 16 GB is gobs of memory.

Sorry but what does MP means? "Main Power"? is it? if so did you mean not to switch of my computer every night? I usually switch off every night from from shut down menu.

Clean My Mac gives me approx. 400MB every time I clean it. in last 3 months I have regain approx. 500GB according to it shows me on screen.

Next - replace your 500 GB boot / app drive with a newer ssd - keep all your data on the 7200 rpm drives.

Okay, if I change the boot up drive to 1.5TB 7200rpm will it help? if so do I replace as I mentioned in my other reply? (after installing, drag all files in to new drive and delete from the old drive) is that correct way to do?

I have attached the screen shots in reply above by mistake, If that is what you meant!

Look forward to your kind suggestion.
Cheers.
http://www.pphotographi.com

[Hellhammer]

Sorry but what does MP means? "Main Power"? is it? if so did you mean not to switch of my computer every night? I usually switch off every night from from shut down menu.

Clean My Mac gives me approx. 400MB every time I clean it. in last 3 months I have regain approx. 500GB according to it shows me on screen.

Next - replace your 500 GB boot / app drive with a newer ssd - keep all your data on the 7200 rpm drives.

Okay, if I change the boot up drive to 1.5TB 7200rpm will it help? if so do I replace as I mentioned in my other reply? (after installing, drag all files in to new drive and delete from the old drive) is that correct way to do?

I have attached the screen shots in to my other reply, please have a look if that is what you meant!

Look forward to your kind suggestion.
Cheers.
http://www.pphotographi.com

MP = Mac Pro

Most people, including me, always sleep their Macs as that is A LOT faster. It doesn't harm it or anything.

Replacing it with bigger HD might help little bit due density but you should really think getting a 80GB SSD as boot&app disk, it'll make it FLY

[Harry6]

Apple Corps
macrumors 65816

At present my File vault is off, is that how it supposed to be? if I turn it on I am getting scary message (please see attachment) shall I carry on by clicking the top check box or just carry on with box ticked on? or simply leave file vault off? I am afraid of deleting something very important !

My fire wall is also off at present.

Many thanks for your help.
Harry.
http://www.pphotographi.com

[wandal]

I also use software call "Clean my Mac" every day to keep my Mac clean.

this could be an issue. Keep it aside a fortnight.

[Harry6]

MP = Mac Pro

Most people, including me, always sleep their Macs as that is A LOT faster. It doesn't harm it or anything.

Replacing it with bigger HD might help little bit due density but you should really think getting a 80GB SSD as boot&app disk, it'll make it FLY

Ohh!! How dumb of me!

So, how do you sleep your computer then? Alt+Cmd and Eject ?

Would you mind giving me some information of the drive you just mention to replace for speeding up! please ( I mean full details of make and model) and when I replace, do I simply copy and paste or drag and drop all folders ? in to new one I mean. But hold on I think it will be too small for that purpose, as I am already occupying 311GB in Bay one! so how can I use 80GB one!

Cheers.

[Harry6]

this could be an issue. Keep it aside a fortnight.

Ohh ! is that possible??? okay we will leave it for 2 weeks and see if that makes any difference.

Many thanks.
http://www.pphotographi.com

[Hellhammer]

Ohh!! How dumb of me!

So, how do you sleep your computer then? Alt+Cmd and Eject ?

Would you mind giving me some information of the drive you just mention to replace for speeding up! please ( I mean full details of make and model) and when I replace, do I simply copy and paste or drag and drop all folders ? in to new one I mean. But hold on I think it will be too small for that purpose, as I am already occupying 311GB in Bay one! so how can I use 80GB one!

Cheers.

Alt + cmd + eject is the KB command to do, you can also do it from  -> Sleep

You don't use the SSD to store files, just OS X and applications, other stuff you will have in your hard drives. This (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167016) is a good one. It's enough for OS X and apps and doesn't cost too much. You have 4 bays and can still use your current ones for files

[Loa]

Well yes, When ever I use plug in 5 suite and Topaz, I get this memory error but like you said, if the CS5 will solve this problem then it is only a matter of few days to wait and see!

Maybe it's a Topaz error then. If it's the case, you may still have problems with CS5. Go to their website: they probably talk about CS5 compatibility with their plug-ins.


I am sorry but what does SSD means? (sorry I hardly know anything technically in computer a specially in hardware).

A SSD is a Solid State Drive. To make a long story short, SSD are very small drives for your computer that are very different from regular hard drives. Their specifications make them perfect for a boot drive (the drive where OS X is located). Most people buy SSD in the 50GB to 160GB range, with the Intel 80GB as one of the favourites.

Suppose if I change my boot drive in to 1.5 TB would you reckon it will help? because my 1.5TB Seagate 7200 will arrive in next 5 days.

As someone else said, going to a 1.5TB drive would help with general performance very slightly. But remember that with 16GB of RAM, the size and speed of your hard drive won't have any impact on your photoshop performance. Getting a SSD for your boot drive will make your overall Mac experience faster (opening windows, boot times, application starting time), but it will not speed photoshop up.


tell you the truth I don't even know how to transfer all data from one drive to the new one!! I guess you simply drag and drop in to new drive and then delete all from old one??

You can use this simple method for drives that do NOT contain OS X (the Applications, Library, System and Users) folders. If you want to copy a drive that has OS X on it, you should use some dedicated applications like Carbon Copy Cloner. The application works very well and is free.

I usually switch off every night from from shut down menu.

As others have suggested, you can put your computer to sleep. You'll find that option right above the "shut down" option in the Apple menu. In sleep mode, the computer doesn't do anything, uses only a very very small mount of electricity, and will "wake up" in a matter of seconds as soon as you touch your keyboard or mouse buttons.

Clean My Mac gives me approx. 400MB every time I clean it. in last 3 months I have regain approx. 500GB according to it shows me on screen.

I'm not a big fan of system cleaning apps. Actually I never use them and my computer is always in top shape. OS X runs a lot of maintenance tasks in the background and for me it's good enough.

You must also know that this 500GB is a huge amount, but that it's the sum of cleaning the same cache/temporary files over and over again. Not running the app will not result in 500GB of lost space!

At present my File vault is off, is that how it supposed to be?

That's up to you. I don't advise it for photoshop usage. File Vault is designed to protect your data in case of theft, so it's a lot more useful for laptops that you carry around. If you Mac Pro is in a public or easily accessible location, you could consider activating FileVault if total privacy is important for you. Know that it will slowdown your Mac.

My Mac Pro is in my house and I've never activated FileVault.

My fire wall is also off at present.

Same with mine: I've never used a Firewall on a Mac. Then again, I'm using my very own private network in my house, and my router is protected. If your internet connection is shared or public, it "may" be a good idea to activate it.

Many people disagree on the subject of the usefulness of firewalls on Mac computers. It's up to you.

Loa

[Harry6]

Hi,

Believe me or not, this advise have built my confidence and I am going to leave Fire wall state as it is as well as File vault because my computer is in my house and well secure.

Yes, I shall refer to Topaz forum

This SSD drives, do they fit in the same way as the normal drive? if so I can manage that because if I am not wrong, Once you mount on slider, You simply push it in. To copy all OS files, I will download the software you suggested.
Actually I made a mistake by ordering this 1.5TB Seagate drive, if I have known this SSD b4 then I would have ordered it instead... never mind will buy later on.

Thanks for explaining all in a very systematic manner! very easy to understand for a person like me.... really appreciate all of you guys.

Yes, I agree with you about the way I gain the space back by using Clean My Mac but thanks for clarifying it.

Any tips/suggestion on which make/model to go for SSD for my Mac Pro?

Once again many thanks for your kind reply to my problems.

Harry.
http://www.pphotographi.com

[Harry6]

Alt + cmd + eject is the KB command to do, you can also do it from  -> Sleep

You don't use the SSD to store files, just OS X and applications, other stuff you will have in your hard drives. This (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167016) is a good one. It's enough for OS X and apps and doesn't cost too much. You have 4 bays and can still use your current ones for files

Many thanks for updating my knowledge and helping me.... really appreciate.

[Hellhammer]

Hi,

Believe me or not, this advise have built my confidence and I am going to leave Fire wall state as it is as well as File vault because my computer is in my house and well secure.

Yes, I shall refer to Topaz forum

This SSD drives, do they fit in the same way as the normal drive? if so I can manage that because if I am not wrong, Once you mount on slider, You simply push it in. To copy all OS files, I will download the software you suggested.
Actually I made a mistake by ordering this 1.5TB Seagate drive, if I have known this SSD b4 then I would have ordered it instead... never mind will buy later on.

Thanks for explaining all in a very systematic manner! very easy to understand for a person like me.... really appreciate all of you guys.

Yes, I agree with you about the way I gain the space back by using Clean My Mac but thanks for clarifying it.

Any tips/suggestion on which make/model to go for SSD for my Mac Pro?

Once again many thanks for your kind reply to my problems.

Harry.
http://www.pphotographi.com

SSDs are mostly 2.5" so you need holders for it (costs few $ in eBay), retail versions come with the holders too. See the link above, I recommend Intel and OCZ, both are great

[Harry6]

Ohh! thanks for clarifying, I was under the impression that I can use my existing holder! I have found one : Intel X25-M Mainstream Solid State Drive - 34nm Product Line - Solid state drive - 80 GB - internal - 2.5" - SATA-300

is this okay? will cost me £181.00 from Amazone uk.

[Hellhammer]

Ohh! thanks for clarifying, I was under the impression that I can use my existing holder! I have found one : Intel X25-M Mainstream Solid State Drive - 34nm Product Line - Solid state drive - 80 GB - internal - 2.5" - SATA-300

is this okay? will cost me £181.00 from Amazone uk.

Yes, it's good. I'm not sure about the holders, Mac Pro owners should be able to help you on this. You may need something like this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817994064). Or do you already have 3.5" to 2.5" holders?

[Harry6]

SSDs are mostly 2.5" so you need holders for it (costs few $ in eBay), retail versions come with the holders too. See the link above, I recommend Intel and OCZ, both are great

Before I buy, would you please have a look at this link and advise me if this is the one I need? just to make sure I am buying the right thing! it's on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Intel-SSDSA2MH080G2C1-80GB-SSD-Solid-State-Drive-2-5-/230468467144?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Computing_HardDrives_RL&hash=item35a8fdb9c8#ht_1180wt_1167

Thank you.

[Hellhammer]

Before I buy, would you please have a look at this link and advise me if this is the one I need? just to make sure I am buying the right thing! it's on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Intel-SSDSA2MH080G2C1-80GB-SSD-Solid-State-Drive-2-5-/230468467144?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Computing_HardDrives_RL&hash=item35a8fdb9c8#ht_1180wt_1167

Thank you.

That's the same one as I linked, so yes, it does work. Could be OEM (doesn't matter) or something as it's not the same product code but spec wise, it's the same

[Harry6]

That's the same one as I linked, so yes, it does work. Could be OEM (doesn't matter) or something as it's not the same product code but spec wise, it's the same

Many thanks, Unfortunately the site you suggested don't ship internationally or else I would have saved another £30.00. Ohh never mind.

[Apple Corps]

Harry - looks like others have loaded you with good info - I'm 8 hours earlier than you so just getting on the board.

The screen shots you posted show very little virtual memory - your system has plenty of memory.

My summary of what to do:

Add ssd - some of the retail packs come with little carriers that you attach to the ssd that you then attach to your MP slide in carrier - very easy.

Don't use File Vault - slows things down - especially on large files that you do not need encrypted

Mac Clean or whatever = little or no value

Adjust your expectations to be in line with what an earlier generation MP does speed wise - my two cents is that you may have some speed ISSUES with your Mac but NOT any hardware problems per se

Loading apps onto the ssd (after you have formatted it) generally works well via BUT some apps do not copy easily - thus have your original install disks at hand.

[Harry6]

That's the same one as I linked, so yes, it does work. Could be OEM (doesn't matter) or something as it's not the same product code but spec wise, it's the same

I am ordering it from Amazon now. Once I receive it would you mind helping how to put all OX files from where ever it is to this new drive? as I don't know where are they at present!! I will give you all screen shot and perhaps you will be able to tell me what to do !

Of course that is if you have time.

Cheers.

[Hellhammer]

I am ordering it from Amazon now. Once I receive it would you mind helping how to put all OX files from where ever it is to this new drive? as I don't know where are they at present!! I will give you all screen shot and perhaps you will be able to tell me what to do !

Of course that is if you have time.

Cheers.

Yea, of course! It's very easy task, just install OS X in it. BTW, do you have any other drives than the 500GB? Just thinking about removing the OS X from it so it doesn't eat up space because if you wipe it, you lose everything. There is a work around for this though, so don't worry ;)

Drop me a private message when you get it, or add my MSN (kriz_u_93@hotmail.com)

[Harry6]

Yea, of course! It's very easy task, just install OS X in it. BTW, do you have any other drives than the 500GB? Just thinking about removing the OS X from it so it doesn't eat up space because if you wipe it, you lose everything. There is a work around for this though, so don't worry ;)

Drop me a private message when you get it, or add my MSN (kriz_u_93@hotmail.com)

This is the cheapest site I have found so far but it does not say whether it will work with Mac Pro !!
Can you tell whether it will be ok to use with Mac Pro?

http://uk.buy.com/pr/product.aspx?sku=211904401

[Hellhammer]

This is the cheapest site I have found so far but it does not say whether it will work with Mac Pro !!
Can you tell whether it will be ok to use with Mac Pro?

http://uk.buy.com/pr/product.aspx?sku=211904401

It works fine. As long as it's SATA drive, it'll work. It's, again, exactly the same as the one I linked you before and you linked already :p

[Loa]

Once I receive it would you mind helping how to put all OX files from where ever it is to this new drive?

Since you have a 09 Mac Pro, you should place your SSD in the second Optical Bay (under your dvd burner). The connectors are already there, all you need is a very cheap piece of plastic like this one (http://www.xpcgear.com/scythe-2-5-to-5-25-bay-rafter.html) to physically mount it securely in place.

As for the transfer, you could make a fresh OS X install on the SSD, but that could take hours. If you're satisfied with your current install, you can use Carbon Copy Cloner to copy it.

The difficult part is moving your Home directory. You'll find some instructions here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=9800344&postcount=3), and here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=9805422&postcount=10). Moving your Home directory is something you're going to have to do if you use a SSD, either with a fresh install or a copy.

It's not easy, but it's not rocket science either. The thing to remember is that your original drive and OS are never in danger so you can always start again if something goes wrong.

Loa

[Hellhammer]

Since you have a 09 Mac Pro, you should place your SSD in the second Optical Bay (under your dvd burner). The connectors are already there, all you need is a very cheap piece of plastic like this one (http://www.xpcgear.com/scythe-2-5-to-5-25-bay-rafter.html) to physically mount it securely in place.

As for the transfer, you could make a fresh OS X install on the SSD, but that could take hours. If you're satisfied with your current install, you can use Carbon Copy Cloner to copy it.

The difficult part is moving your Home directory. You'll find some instructions here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=9800344&postcount=3), and here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=9805422&postcount=10). Moving your Home directory is something you're going to have to do if you use a SSD, either with a fresh install or a copy.

It's not easy, but it's not rocket science either. The thing to remember is that your original drive and OS are never in danger so you can always start again if something goes wrong.

Loa

OS X install takes ~30mins... And he can't clone as he has more stuff than the SSD can take.

I would do a clean install of OS X for the SSD, then copy the apps to the SSD, move the files he need off the HD to another HD and erase the HD with Disk Utility and restore the files from the secondary HD.

[Apple Corps]

Is it an 09 MP or the earlier non-Nehalem MP?

[Harry6]

I have early 08 Mac Pro.

[Apple Corps]

Harry - so are you feeling better that you have a plan to resolve the issues ?

Another kind of common sense solution to the boot time issue is to turn your computer on and then go make a cup of coffee. The high end color corrected monitors need warm up time anyhow before color editing your images.

[Harry6]

Harry - so are you feeling better that you have a plan to resolve the issues ?

Another kind of common sense solution to the boot time issue is to turn your computer on and then go make a cup of coffee. The high end color corrected monitors need warm up time anyhow before color editing your images.

Hi,

lol.... I think the Coffee idea is the best solution for me !!!!!!!

Anyhow, I just ordered my SSD which should be with me by this weekend, after that I will bother you all lol...

Honestly I am learning so much from here and thinking that you guys must have very fast computers because you know so much about it !!

[Apple Corps]

The coffee idea is certainly the least expensive :p

There are all sorts of tradeoffs - the pursuit of snappiness and speed = $$ / £££

[Harry6]

The coffee idea is certainly the least expensive :p

There are all sorts of tradeoffs - the pursuit of snappiness and speed = $$ / £££

By the way, I just downloaded the CCC and it is very handy in deed! I am going to make use of it a.s.a. I receive my SSD.

Thanks for that.

[Harry6]

I have got some back up in one of my External HD and trying to erase it but I am getting code 50, any idea why? it won't let me erase for some reason!

[Harry6]

I have got some back up in one of my External HD and trying to erase it but I am getting code 50, any idea why? it won't let me erase for some reason!

Sorry, just managed it.

[Loa]

OS X install takes ~30mins... And he can't clone as he has more stuff than the SSD can take.

OS X is relatively quick; reinstalling all the apps that won't like simply being copied: that's long.

And he *can* clone his HD with CCC: as I said in the posts I linked: he only needs to copy the Application, System and Library Folders. That shouldn't take more than 80GB. Doing it in the Finder might result in errors, but doing it with CCC has been proven to work flawlessly.

I have early 08 Mac Pro.

Then forget my advice about putting your SSD in the second optical bay. I forgot that you were not the OP! You'll have to find a 2.5 to 3.5 converter (like an icy dock) and place it in one of the 4 regular bays.

Loa

[cutterman]

And he *can* clone his HD with CCC: as I said in the posts I linked: he only needs to copy the Application, System and Library Folders. That shouldn't take more than 80GB. Doing it in the Finder might result in errors, but doing it with CCC has been proven to work flawlessly.
Loa

Are you suggesting that CCC can "clone" specific directories? I dont believe it has that functionality. Also there are critical files in many other hidden folders that you didnt specify, if you are implying that only the above are necessary.

Offloading the user folder to another drive as was suggested and then cloning the entire remaining system drive would be the best and most reliable way to deal with space constraints on a new SSD.

[Loa]

Are you suggesting that CCC can "clone" specific directories? I dont believe it has that functionality.

Yep, I do it all the time for my back-ups.

Also there are critical files in many other hidden folders that you didnt specify, if you are implying that only the above are necessary.

Indeed. I wasn't clear enough because I was referring to the other thread. Maybe the best way to say it is that he needs to copy everything (including the invisible folders that CCC clearly displays) except his Users folder.

Offloading the user folder to another drive as was suggested and then cloning the entire remaining system drive would be the best and most reliable way to deal with space constraints on a new SSD.

Not the best and not the most reliable. The "clone everything except Users" is the fastest and most reliable because you don't have to modify anything on your original drive.

In fact, my original (pre-SSD) boot volume still has everything needed to boot OS X. The user-less system files are so small (~25GB in my case) that I decided not to delete them. So if I ever get a SSD problem, I can simply boot using my old volume (provided I update the system files regularly).

Loa

[Harry6]

OS X is relatively quick; reinstalling all the apps that won't like simply being copied: that's long.


Then forget my advice about putting your SSD in the second optical bay. I forgot that you were not the OP! You'll have to find a 2.5 to 3.5 converter (like an icy dock) and place it in one of the 4 regular bays.

Loa

****! guess what! I already ordered SSD! Now what? I mean will I be able to use it at all with my MP? Bearing in mind that it is an early 08 model.:(

[kirreip]

****! guess what! I already ordered SSD! Now what? I mean will I be able to use it at all with my MP? Bearing in mind that it is an early 08 model.:(

Don't worry. You'll be able to use it just fine. The only problem is, that it won't fit as it is a 2.5" drive (usually found in portable computers) and Mac Pro take 3.5" drives (which is normal for a work station). What you need is an enclosure that is 3.5" and takes a 2.5" drive. There are different solutions for that purpose. I can recommend you the one I am using (and many in these forums):

It is the ICY DOCK (MB882SP-1S-1B) (http://www.icydock.com/product/mb882sp-1s-1.html)

It fits the MacPro perfectly, no problems with it!


Hope this helps

EDIT: You live in the UK, right? There you go: http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Icy-Dock-MB-882SP-1S-2B-Black-HDD-Converter-Converts-25-Sata-into-a-35-Sata-HDD
(it is the second generation, the MB882SP-1S-2B...)

[Harry6]

[QUOTE=kirreip;9929240]Don't worry. You'll be able to use it just fine. The only problem is, that it won't fit as it is a 2.5" drive (usually found in portable computers) and Mac Pro take 3.5" drives (which is normal for a work station). What you need is an enclosure that is 3.5" and takes a 2.5" drive. There are different solutions for that purpose. I can recommend you the one I am using (and many in these forums):

It is the ICY DOCK (MB882SP-1S-1B) (http://www.icydock.com/product/mb882sp-1s-1.html)

It fits the MacPro perfectly, no problems with it!

Ohh Thank God and you too! I was little worried.
One more advise if you can! My 1.5TB HD just arrived and I inserted in to 4th (last) Bay and I am getting message of the disc you just inserted is not readable by this computer! and it is not even formatted, not only that it would not let me format!! any idea what to do?

Cheers. Yes I am based in UK and many thanks for advise on SSD.

[kirreip]

My 1.5TB HD just arrived and I inserted in to 4th (last) Bay and I am getting message of the disc you just inserted is not readable by this computer! and it is not even formatted, not only that it would not let me format!! any idea what to do?

Cheers. Yes I am based in UK and many thanks for advise on SSD.

Have you tried Disk Utility? Disk Utility is in the Utilities folder inside the main Applications folder.

Format it to HFS+

[Harry6]

Have you tried Disk Utility? Disk Utility is in the Utilities folder inside the main Applications folder.

Format it to HFS+

Yes, It would not give me any option to format!

Please see the attachments.

[kirreip]

Yes, It would not give me any option to format!

Please see the attachments.

In Disk Utility, what happens when you click on "Erase" next to "First Aid"?

[Harry6]

In Disk Utility, what happens when you click on "Erase" next to "First Aid"?

This is what I get but I was not sure what to do!!

[kirreip]

This is what I get but I was not sure what to do!!

Good. Now you can enter a name (this is what the drive will be called in Finder). Then just click on "Erase". It will then format your drive to HFS+, which is what you want.

[Harry6]

Good. Now you can enter a name (this is what the drive will be called in Finder). Then just click on "Erase". It will then format your drive to HFS+, which is what you want.

That simple?? let me try then.
Thank you my friend.

Guess what!! It's done! thanks.

[kirreip]

That simple?? let me try then.
Thank you my friend.

Yes it is. Just be sure to select the right drive when you hit that erase button ;)

[Harry6]

Yes it is. Just be sure to select the right drive when you hit that erase button ;)

Sure!
Thanks.

[kirreip]

Guess what!! It's done! thanks.

Now, when you get your SSD drive and the enclosure, you'll need to do exactly the same to format it.

When it's done, I recommend you to make a fresh Snow Leopard installation on your SSD drive. When you are done with that, before installing any applications to it, you need to move your home folder from the SSD drive to another hard disk (because you only need the OS and the applications on the faster SSD). Follow this guide (http://chris.pirillo.com/how-to-move-the-home-folder-in-os-x-and-why/) to do it right. It helped me a lot.

Then copy all your files (which you have backed up before on an external drive) to your new home folder.

Now you can reinstall all your applications (such as your Photoshop CS5).


As always: Be sure to backup your files before playing around with your disks!!!

It sounds complicated but it's not. And if you need help, just ask.

[Harry6]

[QUOTE=kirreip;9929481]Now, when you get your SSD drive and the enclosure, you'll need to do exactly the same to format it.



Guess what! I just received my SSD Drive 5 minutes go, now I am waiting for Icy box to arrive, which I think will be with me in couple of days.

By the way, which one is Machintosh HD? I don't have any by that name! OR is it the one which contains the OS X and Application folder?

Once again thank you.

[Harry6]

This is the slot I will be placing my SSD, Do I still need the Icy Box?
Please see picture. Do I have to remove those Two screws from the slot? (in first picture). If the answer is no then I really don't understand how can it be pushed in? Because if you see the picture of BOX there is noway it can slide in.

[kirreip]

This is the slot I will be placing my SSD, Do I still need the Icy Box?
Please see picture. Do I have to remove those Two screws from the slot? (in first picture). If the answer is no then I really don't understand how can it be pushed in? Because if you see the picture of BOX there is noway it can slide in.

No, you don't have to remove any screw. The box has the exact same dimensions and holes as a normal sized hard disk. You install the box the same way you would install a hard disk. The same way you installed your 1.5 terra byte disk you got earlier today. You screw it to the alu slider of a free bay (looking at your pictures in a earlier post I believe you have one bay left)

By the way, which one is Machintosh HD? I don't have any by that name! OR is it the one which contains the OS X and Application folder?

Yes it's the disk which contains the OS X and Application folder, your boot drive (in your actual setup I think it's called "System-Bay-1". When you get your SSD and format is, you can give it any name you want (Machintosh HD if you desire).

[Harry6]

[QUOTE=kirreip;9929839]No, you don't have to remove any screw. The box has the exact same dimensions and holes as a normal sized hard disk. You install the box the same way you would install a hard disk. The same way you installed your 1.5 terra byte disk you got earlier today. You screw it to the alu slider of a free bay (looking at your pictures in a earlier post I believe you have one bay left)


I have just inserted SSD on it's own! have supported from bottom because it was hanging also formatted it. Can we do the rest?
Of course that is if you have time ! I have CCC handy too.

[kirreip]

I have just inserted SSD on it's own! have supported from bottom because it was hanging also formatted it. Can we do the rest?
Of course that is if you have time ! I have CCC handy too.

Sure. Do you have a backup of everything? Is all your important data saved on an external drive? Also, do you have another computer? Because once you install Snow Leopard and have some questions during the process you will need another computer.

Best would be if you had another mac and a possibility to chat through iChat (a gmail account or mobile.me)

[Hellhammer]

[QUOTE=kirreip;9929839]No, you don't have to remove any screw. The box has the exact same dimensions and holes as a normal sized hard disk. You install the box the same way you would install a hard disk. The same way you installed your 1.5 terra byte disk you got earlier today. You screw it to the alu slider of a free bay (looking at your pictures in a earlier post I believe you have one bay left)


I have just inserted SSD on it's own! have supported from bottom because it was hanging also formatted it. Can we do the rest?
Of course that is if you have time ! I have CCC handy too.

Now, install OS X from the install disk. When that's done, move your apps from the HD to the SSD. After that, move the files you need (pics, docs, music...) to another HD and erase the HD with Disk Utility (as you did with the 1.5TB). Then restore the files from the other HD and you're done

[Harry6]

Sure. Do you have a backup of everything? Is all your important data saved on an external drive? Also, do you have another computer? Because once you install Snow Leopard and have some questions during the process you will need another computer.

Best would be if you had another mac and a possibility to chat through iChat (a gmail account or mobile.me)

I am not sure whether I have made a mistake!! but I already have started installing the OS X on SSD and it is half way now. Remaining time is 12 minutes.

Yes I have all back up in my External HD.
My gmail is : pphotographi@gmail.com

It is completed, I am on screen says do you already own a Mac?

[Hellhammer]

I am not sure whether I have made a mistake!! but I already have started installing the OS X on SSD and it is half way now. Remaining time is 12 minutes.

Yes I have all back up in my External HD.
My gmail is : pphotographi@gmail.com

Nah, it's fine. You have backups of everything etc, so don't worry. After installation, follow my instructions on the post above

[kirreip]

I am not sure whether I have made a mistake!! but I already have started installing the OS X on SSD and it is half way now. Remaining time is 12 minutes.

Yes I have all back up in my External HD.


Ok, open iChat and set it up with your gmail account and you should see me.

"Preferences - Accounts - Add an account (plus sign) - servertype: google talk - your login and password"

[Harry6]

It is asking me whether I want to transfer my info from either another Mac or another volume on this mac or from back up (time machine. what shall I say do not transfer or select one and continue?

I am on PC Laptop which do have Camera and am on gmail at the moment

[Hellhammer]

It is asking me whether I want to transfer my info from either another Mac or another volume on this mac or from back up (time machine. what shall I say do not transfer or select one and continue?

Select no. Then, copy your app folder from the old HD to the SSD (as I said before) and copy your files (the ones you need) to the 1.5TB and erase the old 500GB with DU

[Harry6]

Nah, it's fine. You have backups of everything etc, so don't worry. After installation, follow my instructions on the post above

Hello again
I could not manage it. It would not let me restore it.

[Hellhammer]

Hello again
I could not manage it. It would not let me restore it.

So what have you done now? Have you erased the HD already? Did you copy your files to the ext HD before it?

[Harry6]

Okay what I have done so far is installed SS and at the same time installed OS X on it. Now I am trying to use CCC to copy all Application folders to SSD.

[Hellhammer]

Okay what I have done so far is installed SS and at the same time installed OS X on it. Now I am trying to use CCC to copy all Application folders to SSD.

Okay so you haven't erased anything yet? You wouldn't have to use CCC to do that but it should work too. After that, COPY the files you need from the HD to the new 1.5TB HD and then erase the old 500GB with DIsk Utility (make sure the files are in the 1.5TB). After that, you can move them back to the 500GB or let them be in the 1.5TB, your call

[Harry6]

As you can see in attachment, I am copying some of Application folders because for some reason it was showing me 115GB while Application folder supposed to be 55GB. However, I started to copy what ever it copy and then I will see if it works, if it does then I will add the same way what ever is missing.

[whyrichard]

My Mac Pro takes a minute or two to get past the grey screen.

I noticed if I remove all my drives but the the default boot volume, it will only take seconds.

Yeah... getting back to the original post....

same with me. Before the grey screen, super slow... after the main screen (with startup disks on ssd's) super fast.

Seems that it takes a while to recognize the startup disk when there are a few available? (even though the mac ssd is set as startup in system pref's)

r.

[Harry6]

Ok, open iChat and set it up with your gmail account and you should see me.

"Preferences - Accounts - Add an account (plus sign) - servertype: google talk - your login and password"

I am sorry but I have external Camera and for some reason the other person can not see me. I have Apple camera.

I am on my PC Laptop at present. Purhaps my Camera needs setting too!
I do have Dell video chat on my Laptop if that is any good!

[Loa]

Seems that it takes a while to recognize the startup disk when there are a few available? (even though the mac ssd is set as startup in system pref's)

Your situation reminds me of an old problem with network startup disks. Could you unplug your ethernet cable (or turn Airport / router completely off) before restarting?

Also, what happens if you hold "Option" immediately after the startup chime?

Loa

[Hellhammer]

I am sorry but I have external Camera and for some reason the other person can not see me. I have Apple camera.

I am on my PC Laptop at present. Purhaps my Camera needs setting too!
I do have Dell video chat on my Laptop if that is any good!

How is your SSD upgrade going atm? Wiped the HD already?

[Harry6]

How is your SSD upgrade going atm? Wiped the HD already?

Well I have installed the SSD but I think I need some expert help !! because there are some complications and I can't resolve that!

The problem I have is that my back up is larger then the SSD drive and I don't know how to select particular folders also I had problem of different format in between the drives, which I think has been solved but I would not know till I try it.

[Hellhammer]

Well I have installed the SSD but I think I need some expert help !! because there are some complications and I can't resolve that!

Add me in MSN (kriz_u_93@hotmail.com), will be easier to help through that as it's instant messaging :)

[Harry6]

Add me in MSN (kriz_u_93@hotmail.com), will be easier to help through that as it's instant messaging :)

1 sec please, I am in my hotmail account, how do I add you?