I've read on various sites that people have reported this working on the 2,2 but not 2,1 or earlier, so you should be good to go. I just got the Filemate 48GB today from TigerDirect and so far it is unbelievable on my MBP 3,1. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone I know who's got an empty expresscard slot!
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Can I install OSX and on a ExpressCard/34 SSD
- Thread starter ipedro
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I've read on various sites that people have reported this working on the 2,2 but not 2,1 or earlier, so you should be good to go. I just got the Filemate 48GB today from TigerDirect and so far it is unbelievable on my MBP 3,1. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone I know who's got an empty expresscard slot!
Update from me, a few months later.
I did get the OptiBay-like thing, and I'm using the SSD now. Unfortunately, I miss my dvd-rom, so I am planning on getting a FileMate Expresscard SSD instead. It would be about half the rated speed of the Vertex SSD I have now, but i don't think I would notice in daily use.
I did get the OptiBay-like thing, and I'm using the SSD now. Unfortunately, I miss my dvd-rom, so I am planning on getting a FileMate Expresscard SSD instead. It would be about half the rated speed of the Vertex SSD I have now, but i don't think I would notice in daily use.
Filemate Solidgo 64GB won't sleep
I've been trying the Filemate Solidgo 64GB Expresscard SSD on my MBP5,1 for the last day or so. Boot, shutdown, and restart work fine, but sleep doesn't - the machine wakes up immediately and then is unresponsive, requiring a shutdown with the power button. The SSD is not showing as SATA in System Profiler, but as USB.
I've been trying the Filemate Solidgo 64GB Expresscard SSD on my MBP5,1 for the last day or so. Boot, shutdown, and restart work fine, but sleep doesn't - the machine wakes up immediately and then is unresponsive, requiring a shutdown with the power button. The SSD is not showing as SATA in System Profiler, but as USB.
The 64GB model is a USB based card and is pretty slow as far as SSDs, whereas the 24 and 48GB models are SATA based and much faster.
That being said, I have an issue with mine (48GB) where it does not rewake from sleep when warm. So if I shut my MPB's lid and reopen it, the SSD doesn't always rewake and the system crashes.
Does anyone else have experience with this problem? Did an RMA help?
That being said, I have an issue with mine (48GB) where it does not rewake from sleep when warm. So if I shut my MPB's lid and reopen it, the SSD doesn't always rewake and the system crashes.
Does anyone else have experience with this problem? Did an RMA help?
Looks like the "FileMate SolidGO ExpressCard SSD with USB" is quite good in performance but also very unreliable (gets to hot and fails after day/weeks/months).
Just saw this cards from Japan Green-House, does anyone knows anything about speed+reliability? or any Japanese out there owning such a card and can tell me something about it?
http://en.akihabaranews.com/24593/pc/green-house-japan-s-new-express-card-ssds
Manufacturer homepage:
http://www.green-house.co.jp/products/storage/ssd/ssd_gex_34/index.html
Just saw this cards from Japan Green-House, does anyone knows anything about speed+reliability? or any Japanese out there owning such a card and can tell me something about it?
http://en.akihabaranews.com/24593/pc/green-house-japan-s-new-express-card-ssds
Manufacturer homepage:
http://www.green-house.co.jp/products/storage/ssd/ssd_gex_34/index.html
Not sure, as I'm from Europe. But there should be a possibility, I found some Japanese seller, which would ship it to Europe.
Absolutely. Removing the ExpressCard slots on 15" and down made a mockery of the Pro moniker in my opinion.
I am still very interested in an Expresscard SSD solution! Just read this about the Verbatim Expresscard SSD on the Apple Support Forum: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2282110&tstart=0
Seems like the Verbatim SSDs are bootable? at least on the Unibody MBP's (starting late 2008=MBP 5,1). I think only the not Unibody MBP's are unable to boot from the Expresscard SSD's (in the blog review the MBP type is never mentioned)? Can anyone confirm that, because i would like to use the Verbatim as a boot drive? At least it would not "melt" away like the Filemate
I'm getting the "crash after sleep" issue as well, but so far that's the only issue I have. The 24gb is almost as fast as the Vertex I used internally.
About 50 % of the time after waking from sleep mode, I have to hard-reset to get the machine back.
About 50 % of the time after waking from sleep mode, I have to hard-reset to get the machine back.
Wintec Ultra 48GB SSD ExpressCard 34
I was looking to see if there are any larger SSD ExpressCards with decent speed. Just thought I would share my experience....
My experience is with the Wintec Ultra 48GB ExpressCard 34 SSD. The first one I had was bad and would not function. It was graciously replaced and the experience has been phenomenal!
I have Snow Leopard installed with all applications on the SSD and the User file on the internal HDD. I also created a "Boot Partition" on the internal HDD that I frequently backup from the SSD so I have two up-to-date "Boot drives" in my computer at all times. The replacement SSD has worked flawlessly for 6 months now. I use the computer daily. This last month the computer has been on continuously as I have been scanning my 35mm slide collection to digital format. Roughly 8,000 slides! I do not notice the heat of the SSD and have not experienced any problems. The computer boots in about 1/3 the time of my internal HDD (500GB 7,200 RPM) and applications like word, excel and the like fly open never having more than two bounces!!
THIS HAS BEEN THE SINGLE BEST PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT OF ANY COMPUTER THAT I HAVE EVER OWNED!
In my opinion all computers should be built with an optional 50 to 100GB SSD as the primary boot / application drive. You could then use slower spinning HDDs for max storage without significant impact on performance.
JR
I was looking to see if there are any larger SSD ExpressCards with decent speed. Just thought I would share my experience....
My experience is with the Wintec Ultra 48GB ExpressCard 34 SSD. The first one I had was bad and would not function. It was graciously replaced and the experience has been phenomenal!
I have Snow Leopard installed with all applications on the SSD and the User file on the internal HDD. I also created a "Boot Partition" on the internal HDD that I frequently backup from the SSD so I have two up-to-date "Boot drives" in my computer at all times. The replacement SSD has worked flawlessly for 6 months now. I use the computer daily. This last month the computer has been on continuously as I have been scanning my 35mm slide collection to digital format. Roughly 8,000 slides! I do not notice the heat of the SSD and have not experienced any problems. The computer boots in about 1/3 the time of my internal HDD (500GB 7,200 RPM) and applications like word, excel and the like fly open never having more than two bounces!!
THIS HAS BEEN THE SINGLE BEST PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT OF ANY COMPUTER THAT I HAVE EVER OWNED!
In my opinion all computers should be built with an optional 50 to 100GB SSD as the primary boot / application drive. You could then use slower spinning HDDs for max storage without significant impact on performance.
JR
Looking into this after seeing a video on YouTube. The speed increase looks to be insanely worth it, compared to the loss in value of invalidating AppleCare and putting an actual drive in. A benefit is also obviously the original drive for extra storage.
Anyways, what is the deal with the Sleep problems people were having. Is that common for all? Or only some. If sleep is broken, that might deter me as the whole point of a laptop is mobility. Even though the boot / shutdown times are significantly reduced, it still is more convenient to keep work open and asleep than to shut down every time. 48GB is enough for Snow Leopard and Library files, so I think the Wintec is the best option. It also seems that this is universally the best received in terms of performance and reliability.
Has everyone's experiences stayed the same / changed / improved? Or is this still not a viable option...
Anyways, what is the deal with the Sleep problems people were having. Is that common for all? Or only some. If sleep is broken, that might deter me as the whole point of a laptop is mobility. Even though the boot / shutdown times are significantly reduced, it still is more convenient to keep work open and asleep than to shut down every time. 48GB is enough for Snow Leopard and Library files, so I think the Wintec is the best option. It also seems that this is universally the best received in terms of performance and reliability.
Has everyone's experiences stayed the same / changed / improved? Or is this still not a viable option...
My personal theory is that the sleep issue is somehow related to the expresscard getting "cut off" early. I know the hibernation image isn't being written to, so hibernate definitely doesn't work.
I don't know why sleep would work some of the time, though. I can't find a pattern...
I don't know why sleep would work some of the time, though. I can't find a pattern...
Possible solutions for Wintec EC SSD crash?
Champs: getting reliability from my 10.6.2 MacBook Pro 17" 3,1 6GB w/ 48GB Wintec EC SSD !
Using FlashBlock add-on for Firefox. I believe this is "key".
Uninstalling or disabling all unnecessary add-ons in Firefox.
Download videos: then watch in VLC.
SMCFanControl up or close to max when running VMWare or CS3 (anything processor intensive)
iStat Menus to keep an eye on CPU, GPU diode, and Memory Controller temps and disk activity etc.
OS and apps on the Wintec, Home Folder on the 2nd big data partition on the internal HDD.
VMWare virtual disk on main data partition on internal 7200rpm 500GB HDD and minimal services/no candy in XP (setup for VM).
All temp/scratch/sleep/swap written to 1st (fastest) partition on internal 500GB HDD. (use Xupport to move swap file)
1cm foam feet to rear underside!
CoolBook to throttle CPU to 1000MHz on battery mainly for web browsing on lap w/ 50C temps and long battery life -medium throttling level and default voltages for now.
Noatime OSX enabled. Currently disabled sleepimage and wake on lid open. SMS still on for now
3rd 45GB partition on HDD for a CCC bootable clone of the Wintec - my insurance.
Still to do:
Fix left fan buzz and perhaps reapply thermal compound.
Reduce 1st and 3rd HDD partitions a little - 45GB might be overkill for temp files and the OS + apps are currently only 20GB.
Try XP virtual disk image on the Wintec using Windows Steady State cache on the internal HDD and user profiles to limit services (no urgency there).
Enable 3,1 64bit boot efi etc - still learning the ropes...
Raid 0 dual internal HDD/SSD optibay.
OR
Is there any way to attach a second Wintec 48GB EC SSD in the optical bay?
As per an optibay setup.
That would be truly great Raid 0 SSD value. Cheers, Ben.
PS: agreed with John R's RMA experience: my patience and politeness was matched fully by the Wintec People.
Champs: getting reliability from my 10.6.2 MacBook Pro 17" 3,1 6GB w/ 48GB Wintec EC SSD !
Using FlashBlock add-on for Firefox. I believe this is "key".
Uninstalling or disabling all unnecessary add-ons in Firefox.
Download videos: then watch in VLC.
SMCFanControl up or close to max when running VMWare or CS3 (anything processor intensive)
iStat Menus to keep an eye on CPU, GPU diode, and Memory Controller temps and disk activity etc.
OS and apps on the Wintec, Home Folder on the 2nd big data partition on the internal HDD.
VMWare virtual disk on main data partition on internal 7200rpm 500GB HDD and minimal services/no candy in XP (setup for VM).
All temp/scratch/sleep/swap written to 1st (fastest) partition on internal 500GB HDD. (use Xupport to move swap file)
1cm foam feet to rear underside!
CoolBook to throttle CPU to 1000MHz on battery mainly for web browsing on lap w/ 50C temps and long battery life -medium throttling level and default voltages for now.
Noatime OSX enabled. Currently disabled sleepimage and wake on lid open. SMS still on for now
3rd 45GB partition on HDD for a CCC bootable clone of the Wintec - my insurance.
Still to do:
Fix left fan buzz and perhaps reapply thermal compound.
Reduce 1st and 3rd HDD partitions a little - 45GB might be overkill for temp files and the OS + apps are currently only 20GB.
Try XP virtual disk image on the Wintec using Windows Steady State cache on the internal HDD and user profiles to limit services (no urgency there).
Enable 3,1 64bit boot efi etc - still learning the ropes...
Raid 0 dual internal HDD/SSD optibay.
OR
Is there any way to attach a second Wintec 48GB EC SSD in the optical bay?
As per an optibay setup.
That would be truly great Raid 0 SSD value. Cheers, Ben.
PS: agreed with John R's RMA experience: my patience and politeness was matched fully by the Wintec People.
I've been reading a lot about this setup lately, but I haven't decided to buy the ssd card yet, maybe it'll be cheaper after september?
Anyways, everything I've read sounds very exciting and all, with reports of improved boot and app-launch performance, but I haven't yet seen any comments on the performance otherwise. Let's face it, people only boot/launch applications (for the first time) a few times a week.
So I'm really interested in how the performance is affected in everyday tasks after most of the programs etc are open. For example, does Photoshop gets an improvement by having the internal hdd all for itself? Does switching programs and spaces feels "snappier"? Any other improvements besides boot/launch?
How are things going for those that have this setup for a few months now? I've heard complaints about the drive dying after 6 months or so...
Anyways, everything I've read sounds very exciting and all, with reports of improved boot and app-launch performance, but I haven't yet seen any comments on the performance otherwise. Let's face it, people only boot/launch applications (for the first time) a few times a week.
So I'm really interested in how the performance is affected in everyday tasks after most of the programs etc are open. For example, does Photoshop gets an improvement by having the internal hdd all for itself? Does switching programs and spaces feels "snappier"?
Any other improvements besides boot/launch?How are things going for those that have this setup for a few months now? I've heard complaints about the drive dying after 6 months or so...
I'm also running into the sleep issues w/the FileGate 48GB version. Seems like it's only people w/that card. Looks like I may need to try the Wintec Ultra 48GB ExpressCard. Makes me sad that I just wasted $170 though :/
It boots SOOOO fast, no standby is obviously a huge issue though.
It boots SOOOO fast, no standby is obviously a huge issue though.
No, I bought this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...&cm_mmc=TEMC-RMA-Approvel-_-Content-_-text-_-
Wish I had bought the one I mentioned in my earlier posts. My theory is everyone w/the sleep issues bought the above, that's the drive people mention.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...&cm_mmc=TEMC-RMA-Approvel-_-Content-_-text-_-
Wish I had bought the one I mentioned in my earlier posts. My theory is everyone w/the sleep issues bought the above, that's the drive people mention.
I've got a question for you guys. I run an Intel X-25M G2 160GB as my boot and application drive and a 500GB 7200RPM HDD in the optibay. I'm exclusively using it for digital audio. Is there a viable way that I could have Logic and my most-used samples running of the G2, all data files and more samples on the 500GB, and then install VM Ware Fusion on the ExpressCard SSD and then run Windows-only audio software from it and rewire audio from Windows plugins into Logic? This would be a REALLY REALLY awesome and completely portable setup for me if it worked and I'm not hitting even close to hitting my 8GB RAM ceiling right now. But, I definitely don't have the drive space for Windows on my Intel SSD. Thoughts?
Yeah I think everyone is having problems with the Filemate Cards that run on the USB 2.0 Bus. I believe the newer Filemate Ultra Cards run on the actual PCI-e Bus. I'd like to see more positive results with people using the Ultra Cards.
i this Xprs34 SSD bootable???
Hi troops, just joined macrumors, as its full of the questions i need answered ; )
I thought i had a handle on this, but now im confused.........
This internal SSD i found here in the uk, looks ok to me, would this be possible with this?
im an av performer and use 2xMBP's live
One of them my 15" MBP 3,1 osx10.5.8 6gb/150g 2.4ghz 2008 with a replaced geforce8600GT video card has an express34 slot.
Im wondering if its possible and fast enough compared with the internal HD, to put a trimmed osx with just my performance software+ av clips on it and boot up from that and run my midivideo software?
im trying to limit as much latancy as possible for performance, my clips are photojpg codec with audio, h264 codec with audio and dxv codec with audio at 1280 x 720 + 1440 x 1080 30fps
all audio at 48kkhz.
many thanks in advance for any help
/hgb
Hi troops, just joined macrumors, as its full of the questions i need answered ; )
I thought i had a handle on this, but now im confused.........
This internal SSD i found here in the uk, looks ok to me, would this be possible with this?
im an av performer and use 2xMBP's live
One of them my 15" MBP 3,1 osx10.5.8 6gb/150g 2.4ghz 2008 with a replaced geforce8600GT video card has an express34 slot.
Im wondering if its possible and fast enough compared with the internal HD, to put a trimmed osx with just my performance software+ av clips on it and boot up from that and run my midivideo software?
im trying to limit as much latancy as possible for performance, my clips are photojpg codec with audio, h264 codec with audio and dxv codec with audio at 1280 x 720 + 1440 x 1080 30fps
all audio at 48kkhz.
many thanks in advance for any help
/hgb
ok I wanted to post back, as I discovered some things I purchased the Filemate GO 48GB Ultra, which was BLAZING fast. But obviously had sleep issues (waking from sleep was full of fail), and the drive died 4 days later. So clearly it was just a bad drive. They seem pretty hit or miss from the reviews on newegg + what I've read online.
But I RMAed it, and newegg gave me a refund since they don't have anymore in stock /cry
I purchased the Filemate GO 48GB Ultra, which was BLAZING fast. But obviously had sleep issues (waking from sleep was full of fail), and the drive died 4 days later. So clearly it was just a bad drive. They seem pretty hit or miss from the reviews on newegg + what I've read online.But I RMAed it, and newegg gave me a refund since they don't have anymore in stock
/cry