How do I set-up an SSD?

andybosik · Jul 28, 2012, 06:02 PM

I have a late 2008 MacBook, Intel Core2 Duo.
I recently did a clean install of Mountain Lion using a 8Gb
thumbdrive as a BootDrive.

I'd like to buy an SSD to replace my slow HDD.

Physically swapping the drives seems pretty straight-forward.

But I've never set-up a new drive before.

Can I just put my usb boot drive into the usb port
and go from there? Or do I need to do anything else?
Do I need to format the new drive?

Thanx so-much!

robvas · Jul 29, 2012, 11:55 AM

Clone your existing install using Carbon Copy Cloner or Super Duper.

andybosik · Jul 29, 2012, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robvas

Clone your existing install using Carbon Copy Cloner or Super Duper.

I assume I need some type of Sata to usb cable to
temporarily attach the new ssd drive externally and copy
the data right? If so, where do I get that?
Thanx!

robvas · Jul 29, 2012, 06:23 PM

Just buy the cable or enclosure from NewEgg or Amazon. They are under $10

Swip2 · Jul 29, 2012, 09:33 PM

I just did this a few days ago without any major problems. The performance increase has been insane, I also upgraded the ram at the same time.

I opted to clone my drive instead of doing a fresh install for the ease of it. I used Carbon Copy Cloner to clone my old (original) HD in my Macbook unibody over to the new SSD which was fitted temporarily into an external enclosure.

The one I get here in Sweden was a Deltaco brand for about 10 USD, and it did the job fine. Also holds my old HD in there now as a backup.

Once I made the physical switch, the transition was completely seamless.

If you use Carbon Copy Cloner it will help you through the process pretty straightforwardly. You'll need to format the SSD to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) first before you do the cloning though.

/Swip2

andybosik · Jul 30, 2012, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swip2

I just did this a few days ago without any major problems. The performance increase has been insane, I also upgraded the ram at the same time.

I opted to clone my drive instead of doing a fresh install for the ease of it. I used Carbon Copy Cloner to clone my old (original) HD in my Macbook unibody over to the new SSD which was fitted temporarily into an external enclosure.

The one I get here in Sweden was a Deltaco brand for about 10 USD, and it did the job fine. Also holds my old HD in there now as a backup.

Once I made the physical switch, the transition was completely seamless.

If you use Carbon Copy Cloner it will help you through the process pretty straightforwardly. You'll need to format the SSD to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) first before you do the cloning though.

/Swip2

Thanks for the info!

loickske · Jul 30, 2012, 10:39 AM

i did the same today, but when i put in the cd in the drive a i boot up from the cd rom, there is an error and i have to reboot the mac.

does some know how to resolve the problem?

Jul 28, 2012, 06:02 PM	#1
andybosik macrumors newbie Join Date: Jul 2012	How do I set-up an SSD? I have a late 2008 MacBook, Intel Core2 Duo. I recently did a clean install of Mountain Lion using a 8Gb thumbdrive as a BootDrive. I'd like to buy an SSD to replace my slow HDD. Physically swapping the drives seems pretty straight-forward. But I've never set-up a new drive before. Can I just put my usb boot drive into the usb port and go from there? Or do I need to do anything else? Do I need to format the new drive? Thanx so-much!
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Jul 29, 2012, 11:55 AM	#2
robvas macrumors 65816 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: USA	Clone your existing install using Carbon Copy Cloner or Super Duper.
	0

Jul 29, 2012, 06:23 PM	#4
robvas macrumors 65816 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: USA	Just buy the cable or enclosure from NewEgg or Amazon. They are under $10
	0

Jul 29, 2012, 09:33 PM	#5
Swip2 macrumors newbie Join Date: Jul 2012	I just did this a few days ago without any major problems. The performance increase has been insane, I also upgraded the ram at the same time. I opted to clone my drive instead of doing a fresh install for the ease of it. I used Carbon Copy Cloner to clone my old (original) HD in my Macbook unibody over to the new SSD which was fitted temporarily into an external enclosure. The one I get here in Sweden was a Deltaco brand for about 10 USD, and it did the job fine. Also holds my old HD in there now as a backup. Once I made the physical switch, the transition was completely seamless. If you use Carbon Copy Cloner it will help you through the process pretty straightforwardly. You'll need to format the SSD to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) first before you do the cloning though. /Swip2
	0

Jul 30, 2012, 10:39 AM	#7
loickske macrumors newbie Join Date: Jul 2012	i did the same today, but when i put in the cd in the drive a i boot up from the cd rom, there is an error and i have to reboot the mac. does some know how to resolve the problem?
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