2006 Mac mini (SATA-I) - SSD Experiences?

[Amethyst1]

While I'm waiting for my original Intel mini to arrive, I'm wondering which SSDs those of you who own/owned a 1,1/2,1 model have used successfully, given that some SATA-III ones are reported to not reliably work on a SATA-I interface.

I had an Intel 320 in my MBP 2,2 (same chipset) so presumably this is a safe choice - ironically my MB 4,1 did not like it.

The 2006 iMac and MB also have the same chipset, so reports from users of these would also be appreciated.

​

 

[eyoungren]

I don't currently have a SSD in my Mini, but I do have one in my MBP and one in my 17" PB (an mSATA). Both are Zheino as I've had a good experience with them.

They sell directly off eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Zheino-SSD...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

The one I link to above is a 500GB drive (which I have in my MBP) but it was $48 when I bought it. They've increased the price unfortunately.

MODS: Not my auction!!!!

 

[Amethyst1]

@eyoungren - Thanks. Are you referring to your 2006 or 2008 MBP?

 

[eyoungren]

@eyoungren - Thanks. Are you referring to your 2006 or 2008 MBP?

The 2008 MBP. I think it should work on your Mac though. The Zheino mSATA I have in my PB is SATA III.

 

[skinniezinho]

I never had Sata I macs...but back in time I had a Macbook Late 2009 on which certain SSDs wouldn't work at full Sata II speeds.
Back in time I bought a Samsung 830 SSD. It worked at full speed and is very realible. It is still my main SSD.
I know that back in time those and the Intel were the way to go.

 

[Raging Dufus]

Before I sold it recently, my 2006 Mac Mini was happily running on a Crucial MX500:



I also have a 2006 17" MBP (w/SATA-I) currently running the same thing.

In my 2007 15" MBP (also w/SATA-I) I have a WD Blue 250GB SSD:



On a 2006 HP-Compaq nc6400 laptop (also SATA-I) I have a Crucial BX500 120GB SSD, which is a budget version of the MX500 shown above.

They all work like champs, I've experienced no problems whatsoever.

 

[Amethyst1]

@Raging Dufus - Thanks for the feedback, the BX500 seems nice and cheap, I'll probably give that one a try.

 

[z970]

I can attest that the BX500 is a good performer. It's been in a G3, G5, XPS, and OptiPlex all without any problems at all.

Great purchase.

 

[LightBulbFun]

unlike the K2 SATA controller in the PowerMac G5 or the MCP79 controller found in many 2009 Macs

the Mac Mini 1,1 and 2,1 ICH7M SATA controller does not really have any SSD compatibility issues

so most even modern day SSDs should work fine in it

 

[TheShortTimer]

unlike the K2 SATA controller in the PowerMac G5 or the MCP79 controller found in many 2009 Macs

the Mac Mini 1,1 and 2,1 ICH7M SATA controller does not really have any SSD compatibility issues

so most even modern day SSDs should work fine in it

Can you please elaborate about the compatibility issues that the PM G5 has with SSDs? I'd like to know more about this.

 

[Amethyst1]

@Raging Dufus - Thanks for the feedback, the BX500 seems nice and cheap, I'll probably give that one a try.

Just ordered a 240GB BX500. Fingers crossed.

 

[LightBulbFun]

Can you please elaborate about the compatibility issues that the PM G5 has with SSDs? I'd like to know more about this.

most SATA3 SSDs just flat out wont work with a PowerMac G5, either wont show up or it will hang the machine etc

however some samsung ones do work

(I know the 850 Evo does as I personally tested that )

most SATA2 SSD's however work fine

 

[TheShortTimer]

Thanks for the info @LightBulbFun forewarned is forearmed and I'll keep that all in mind if I decide to replace my PM G5's HDD with an SSD.

 

[repairedCheese]

@LightBulbFun I've also been wanting to put an ssd into my G5, so this is incredibly relevant to me.