I just installed a new 850 Evo 500 GB ssd into my macbook pro. I cloned the original hdd onto the new ssd and was able to boot while the ssd is plugged into the usb port. When I tried to install the SSD into the old hdd position using the SATA (I believe SATA II) cable it would not boot. It just loads about halfway through the bar on the apple screen and just sits there. I took it back out and plugged it in via usb and it is running fine. I have heard that there might be a need to switch out the SATA cable for a new one that is for SATA III (original HDD works fine with the current cable). Anyone have similar issues or any corrections?
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850 Evo 500GB not booting via SATA cable
- Thread starter userX2
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What year MBP do you have? The Evo 850 is generally compatible with MBP's that have SATA2 (Late 2008-2010). Not many people put SSD's in MBP's that have SATA1 but it appears to work.
The most likely cause is that there's a problem with the cable. These cables deteriorate over time (or in some cases through handling). Other people have reported that a cable will work with a HDD but not with a SSD, so your experience is not unique. Get a good-quality cable for your specific MBP model. You probably won't find the SATA version the cable is rated for in the listings - check the reviews for cables that people have used with a SSD - a good-quality cable should work with either a HDD or SSD.
If by chance you did get a new cable and it's having this problem, you should look for a better quality cable.
The most likely cause is that there's a problem with the cable. These cables deteriorate over time (or in some cases through handling). Other people have reported that a cable will work with a HDD but not with a SSD, so your experience is not unique. Get a good-quality cable for your specific MBP model. You probably won't find the SATA version the cable is rated for in the listings - check the reviews for cables that people have used with a SSD - a good-quality cable should work with either a HDD or SSD.
If by chance you did get a new cable and it's having this problem, you should look for a better quality cable.
If this is a 2010/2011 MacBook Pro 15" those are known to have issues with the SATA III interface in the original HDD slot. Solution is to get a caddy adapter for the optical drive bay and install your SSD in there. Then just use an external DVD drive if you ever need to access a DVD.
The SSD should work as I have used sata3 drives (mechanical and SSD) in 15" 2009 MBPs.
It could be a defective sata hard drive cable.
It could be a defective sata hard drive cable.
