512GB SSD vs 2x256GB SSD MBP 13" 2011

[nedrug]

Hi all

Just after some advice. I want to virtualize Windows and Linux on my MBP 13" 2011. To make this quicker I plan on upgrading to 16GB RAM, and replacing the stock HDD with either (1) a single 512GB SSD, or (2) 2x256GB SSD via Optibay.

If I used the two SSDs I would have one dedicated to storage for the virtual machines, and one dedicated to OS X.

Which option is better?
Thanks.

 

[daleski75]

Hi all

Just after some advice. I want to virtualize Windows and Linux on my MBP 13" 2011. To make this quicker I plan on upgrading to 16GB RAM, and replacing the stock HDD with either (1) a single 512GB SSD, or (2) 2x256GB SSD via Optibay.

If I used the two SSDs I would have one dedicated to storage for the virtual machines, and one dedicated to OS X.

Which option is better?
Thanks.

It's much of a muchness as you could buy a 512 and partition it into 2 equal 256 chunks and also it would probably be cheaper to get 2 x 256gb than 1 x 512 with todays pricing.

 

[polbit]

I think it really depends on how much space will you need and pricing. If you know for sure that 512Gb is enough to last you the lifetime of the MBP, and 2 256Gb drives are cheaper (including the optibay kit), then go for it. Otherwise I'd just do the single drive. That way you still have room to add more storage if needed. That's the route I took, and I'm glad as I find myself needing more space and will probably be adding another drive soon.

 

[noteple]

I made the primary an SSD large as I could.

If you need to offload just for storage optibay a hybrid or even a mechanical disk

 

[GoreVidal]

I'd go for the single 512GB . That way you can expand into the optibay later. You can get 512GB SSDs for under $400 now.

 

[DannySmurf]

Hi all

Just after some advice. I want to virtualize Windows and Linux on my MBP 13" 2011. To make this quicker I plan on upgrading to 16GB RAM, and replacing the stock HDD with either (1) a single 512GB SSD, or (2) 2x256GB SSD via Optibay.

If I used the two SSDs I would have one dedicated to storage for the virtual machines, and one dedicated to OS X.

Which option is better?
Thanks.

What I would do (in fact what I did) was get two smaller SSDs with the intention of doing what you are describing. However, beware, if you're planning on SATA3 SSDs, there are known reliability issues with having a SATA3 drive in the optical bay of a 2011 MBP. Some machines are fine, but on others, problems can include random freezes and crashes, severe system slowdowns, or the drive may not be recognized at all.

From what I understand, SATA2 drives work fine, but will be slower.

 

[Greg M]

The 512gb SSD is cheaper then 2 256gb SSD's plus you don't have to take out the ODD which will allow you to have that space available in the future should you need it.