Early 2008 15" MBP SSD upgrade (done!)

[latestmonkey]

The OWC "data doublers" seem to be for the unibody models that come in late 2008. Unfortunately I have an early 2008 MBP.

Has anyone successfully swapped the optical drive for an SSD for that model?

I was originally going to just replace the HDD but I never use my Superdrive anyway.

If I could do that, I'd just get a smaller SSD (128 vs 256 GB) and save some money.

I wonder though whether storing my user files on the old HDD with my system files on the SSD would negate some of the speed benefits of switching to SSD?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[latestmonkey]

So after thinking about it, I just decided to order a 256GB m4 and replace the HDD in my computer. It was really simple and the difference has been dramatic.

I'm putting some notes here in case anyone else with an early 2008 MBP decides to upgrade.

1) cloned my computer to external hard drive (I do this every week anyway)
2) followed the instructions on ifixit on how to replace a hdd and follow the instructions. Needed a PH00 screwdriver and a Torx 6 screwdriver. They talk about using a spudger. I used a guitar pick. (Keep track of your screws! Grab some of those ketchup cups from the local fast food joint.)
3) booted my mbp off the external drive, got an error message that the drive that I installed was not recognized. small panic. realized nothing to panic about. formatted it in disk utiity for mac journaled.
4) cloned it back from the external drive.
5) reboot.

I'm very impressed by the speed. Wish I'd have known this sooner.

Speed test results: (my old HDD must have been really messed up)

 

[SDAVE]

Dat SATA I speed

This drive could do 350/500 easily on SATA III

 

[latestmonkey]

I know but my mbp only supports it 1.5.

I'm just glad to have such a drastic improvement over the 5400 hdd.

 

[latestmonkey]

The only thing that has gone wrong is this error upon startup:


anyone know what it is?

(I see it in my login items and I can just uncheck it but I'd like to know what it is.)