Best SSD-disk for around 100USD?

[gomezkebab]

Hey,

I own a Macbook Pro 13-inch, Mid 2012, Memory: 4 GB 1600 Mhz DDR3, 500GB SATA.

What is the best SSD-disk for around 100USD for my Macbook model?

 

[andy9l]

Samsung 850 EVO 250GB you can get for $83 at Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-2-5-Inch-Internal-MZ-75E250B-AM/dp/B00OAJ412U

I used an 840 Pro in my 2009 MBP without any issues.

Remember to format the drive as Mac OS X Extended (Journaled) before putting it in. You'll need a SATA to USB adapter to do that (just connect it externally and use Disk Utility).

 

[gomezkebab]

I'm considering Samsung 750 EVO series 500GB

I guess it should work flawlessly with my Macbook Pro model?

 

[andy9l]

I'm considering Samsung 750 EVO series 500GB

I guess it should work flawlessly with my Macbook Pro model?

There's never a guarantee with third-party modifications, but you'd be pretty damn unlucky to hit any issues.

Should be fine

Edit: You still need to format it correctly before you put it in your Mac.

 

[febLey]

I've got a Samsung 850 Pro in my iMac at work.
It works pretty flawless.

Just remember to enable TRIM:

http://www.howtogeek.com/222077/how-to-enable-trim-for-third-party-ssds-on-mac-os-x/

 

[Fishrrman]

Remember to get a 2.5" USB3 external enclosure as well.

You can use it to "prep and test" the new SSD BEFORE you install it. This way, you do the preparations and software install while you still have a working Mac.
Can save the day if you encounter any problems.

Then, put the HDD inside the enclosure and use it for a backup, etc.

I'd recommend using either CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper to clone from the old drive to the new. CCC can even clone over the recovery partition.

Last thought: Be sure to use THE RIGHT TOOLS. I believe you'll need a Phillips #00 and a TORX T-6 driver.

 

[jerryk]

I would get the Samsung 850 EVO 250 GB. Solid performer and very reliable. $89 on Amazon

 

[tubeexperience]

OCZ Trion 150 480GB

 

[gomezkebab]

I'm now considering between these 2 options to speed up my Macbook:

1. Upgrading RAM to 8GB Crucial (2 x 4 GB sticks) + buy a Samsung SSD 750 EVO 500GB

OR

2. Upgrading RAM to 16GB Crucial (2x 8GB sticks) + buy a Samsung SSD 750 EVO 500GB


Or should I first buy a SSD-disc and then upgrade RAM to either 8 or 16GB?

 

[Fishrrman]

You could also buy a single 8gb DIMM, replace the top DIMM, and have 10gb of RAM.

I did that with my 2012 Mac Mini and it worked fine...

 

[Weaselboy]

I'm now considering between these 2 options to speed up my Macbook:

1. Upgrading RAM to 8GB Crucial (2 x 4 GB sticks) + buy a Samsung SSD 750 EVO 500GB

OR

2. Upgrading RAM to 16GB Crucial (2x 8GB sticks) + buy a Samsung SSD 750 EVO 500GB


Or should I first buy a SSD-disc and then upgrade RAM to either 8 or 16GB?

That will depend entirely on how you use your MacBook. Do you just surf, check emails, a Word document now and then... then you will likely notice no difference going even to 8GB, much less 16GB.

If you are working with HUGE PhotoShop files or video editing, then 16GB can make a difference. See this test.

Reboot then use your MacBook a couple hours or so like you normally do. Then start Activity Monitor and go to the memory tab. Look at the bottom under memory pressure. If that is in the green, you are unlikely to benefit from more memory.

If memory pressure is in the green, I would just pop in the SSD and be done with it.

 

[jerryk]

I'm now considering between these 2 options to speed up my Macbook:

1. Upgrading RAM to 8GB Crucial (2 x 4 GB sticks) + buy a Samsung SSD 750 EVO 500GB

OR

2. Upgrading RAM to 16GB Crucial (2x 8GB sticks) + buy a Samsung SSD 750 EVO 500GB


Or should I first buy a SSD-disc and then upgrade RAM to either 8 or 16GB?

The Samsung 750 EVO is/was a kind of strange drive. It is a designed to be low cost by cutting a few corners. It was mainly designed for system integrator versus end retail customers. It is slower in many performance test than the same size 850 EVO.

So for the $10-15 extra I would go with the 850 EVO.

Here is a article testing the 750 EVO
http://www.anandtech.com/show/10258...b-250gb-ssd-review-a-return-to-planar-nand/10

 

[gomezkebab]

If a SATA to USB adapter or SATA clone case is required for a Samsung EVO SSD-disc, which one? Any SATA to USB adapter or SATA clone case will be fine?

 

[cube]

If 250GB is plenty of space, I would get a Crucial MX200.

 

[Weaselboy]

If a SATA to USB adapter or SATA clone case is required for a Samsung EVO SSD-disc, which one? Any SATA to USB adapter or SATA clone case will be fine?

Yes... just make sure it is USB3. UASP support is a bonus, but not mandatory.

I own and like this one.

 

[gomezkebab]

Currently I have an external USB 1TB where I store the audio files, music, etc. In that case, I will only store Logic project files on my future SSD.

Can I get away with 256GB Samsung SSD, or is it still better to invest for a 500GB?

 

[cube]

I would leave at least 10% of the drive unallocated for overprovisioning.