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For a new MBP, OEM SSD vs Aftermarket

G

gonewestcoast

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 16, 2009
51
6
I'm planning to get a 17" MBP whenever they update. I've been toying with the idea of getting an SSD as well to reduce IO contention with some applications.

Would I be better served getting the Apple SSD option for whatever ludicrous amount of money they want, or would it make more sense to get one from NewEgg and install it myself? I'm curious about this not so much from a technical standpoint (I'm comfortable doing my own hardware swap), but rather from a "what kind of grief am I likely to get about voiding AppleCare if I have to have the new machine serviced down the road?
 
don't you have to mico manage any firmware updates as some break after market drives?
 
gfiz said:
If you have to ask, then perhaps you should rethink upgrading. :rolleyes:
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If I have to ask which model of SSD is the best price/perf since the last time I researched this (8 months ago or so), I should rethink getting one?
 
gfiz said:
If you have to ask, then perhaps you should rethink upgrading. :rolleyes:
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Good thing you were here! If it weren't for your quick action, someone might have given him a decent answer and he would have gone out and bought it! Thanks to you, he can go cower in his ignorance instead, refraining from the purchase because he just isn't informed enough.
 
Capt Crunch said:
Good thing you were here! If it weren't for your quick action, someone might have given him a decent answer and he would have gone out and bought it! Thanks to you, he can go cower in his ignorance instead.
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Yeah, heck with SSD! I'm going to hire a team of day laborers to memorize numbers and call them out really really fast instead.
 
gonewestcoast said:
Yeah, heck with SSD! I'm going to hire a team of day laborers to memorize numbers and call them out really really fast instead.
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Where do I sent resume? I'm programmer from India write very good code I charge $7 hour, I memorize many numbers. [/sarcasm]
 
Capt Crunch said:
Good thing you were here! If it weren't for your quick action, someone might have given him a decent answer and he would have gone out and bought it! Thanks to you, he can go cower in his ignorance instead, refraining from the purchase because he just isn't informed enough.
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Thank you Captain Crunch. If you're going to buy a top end component that you obviously know little about, I generally consider it good practice to do some research along the way. But by all means, just post on a forum, find out what some guy (maybe?) named Capt Crunch thinks, and go ahead and drop a couple hundred on a new SSD. Then in a couple days, when you're not satisfied and/or can't get it to work, then you can start another thread blaming the Crunchmeister. Good idea, I stand corrected on my original advice.
 
gfiz said:
Thank you Captain Crunch. If you're going to buy a top end component that you obviously know little about, I generally consider it good practice to do some research along the way. But by all means, just post on a forum, find out what some guy (maybe?) named Capt Crunch thinks, and go ahead and drop a couple hundred on a new SSD. Then in a couple days, when you're not satisfied and/or can't get it to work, then you can start another thread blaming the Crunchmeister. Good idea, I stand corrected on my original advice.
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*sighs* Here we go again.

I'm seeing IO contention on a number of commonly performed operations, specifically operations that are heavy on random writes. I know that SSDs alleviate this problem handily. What I DON'T know is whether or not Intel's x25-m's are still the way to go, or if Samsung, Hitachi, or Crazy Amal's SSD Store and Taxidermy have surpassed them. There's a LOT of material out there, and I was hoping someone could shave off some of the lengthy research process with a recommendation. Caveat Emptor, obviously; I do intend to fact check any advice given here.

Terribly sorry if this offends you, but I must confess I don't care.
 
gonewestcoast said:
*sighs* Here we go again.

I'm seeing IO contention on a number of commonly performed operations, specifically operations that are heavy on random writes. I know that SSDs alleviate this problem handily. What I DON'T know is whether or not Intel's x25-m's are still the way to go, or if Samsung, Hitachi, or Crazy Amal's SSD Store and Taxidermy have surpassed them. There's a LOT of material out there, and I was hoping someone could shave off some of the lengthy research process with a recommendation. Caveat Emptor, obviously; I do intend to fact check any advice given here.

Terribly sorry if this offends you, but I must confess I don't care.
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See, silly me, I'd actually do the research first, and then ask any specific questions. If google is too much trouble, then just KGB. They had a commercial on the SB last night!

http://www.anandtech.com/storage/showdoc.aspx?i=3631&p=22

edit: if clicking a link is too much work, then yes, currently of all the SSD's out there, Intel is best for what you're looking for.
 
I ThinkIt's Definately Worth It To Go With The OEM SSD It Seems ToBe Cheaper And Apple Does Inspect Your Hardware Before Service. I Had To Send My 15'' MPB In For Service And They Ended Up Calling me And Telling Me There Was A Problem With My Video Card As Well As My Lid. But IDK An After Market Might Suit You Just Fine. But If You Looking For Speed This Is The Route To Go
 
Capt Crunch said:
Good thing you were here! If it weren't for your quick action, someone might have given him a decent answer and he would have gone out and bought it! Thanks to you, he can go cower in his ignorance instead, refraining from the purchase because he just isn't informed enough.
Click to expand...

Very funny :)

After a hard day at work, reading posts like this is a great way to unwind.
 
I am currently running an OCZ Vertex 128GB SSD. After the first unit died after 3 months , this new unit has been running strong for 9+ months. The OEM option is to expensive in my opinion and the Vertex out performs.
 
X25-M is still the class leader, the 160GB variation is a tad bit faster than the 80gb.
 
Sneakz said:
Install it yourself. Cheaper, more options. When servicing your MBP, just put back in the original hard drive.
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Are you sure you need to put in the old HDD when servicing it? I thought that the new Unibody MBP's were 'user upgradable' meaning that you don't have to worry about voiding warranty when replacing the HDD
 
can someone explain to me how it is cheaper?

Apple Store: MBP 15" mid= 2k + $300 128 GB SSD - $2300.

128 GB SSDs are about $400-$500. So how is it cheaper? Not to mention the hassle with apple firmware breaking your drive.
 
abnospam said:
can someone explain to me how it is cheaper?

Apple Store: MBP 15" mid= 2k + $300 128 GB SSD - $2300.

128 GB SSDs are about $400-$500. So how is it cheaper? Not to mention the hassle with apple firmware breaking your drive.
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Well, if you bought a 160GB Intel X-25, you'd pay ~$450. For that you get a bigger, faster drive, and you get to keep the 320GB drive as well to sell or whatever. It's not "cheaper" per se, but it's pretty much a no brainer as long as Apple keeps using the samsung craptastic SSD option.

And what do you mean apple firmware breaking your drive???
 
What is the difference between stock ssd and x-25 in terms of speed? And is there really a resell market for 5400 HDDs? I mean it can't be worth more than $50 bucks.

I don't even own a mac yet, so take this lightly, but I have read Apple firmwares breaking after market SSDs. People have been holding off on the firmware update. Sorry I can't find a link ATM.
 
abnospam said:
What is the difference between stock ssd and x-25 in terms of speed? And is there really a resell market for 5400 HDDs? I mean it can't be worth more than $50 bucks.

I don't even own a mac yet, so take this lightly, but I have read Apple firmwares breaking after market SSDs. People have been holding off on the firmware update. Sorry I can't find a link ATM.
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Saa... I use a spinning disk in my macbook pro.... And sadly an intel G2 SSD in my dell mini10v with mac os lol.... Seems to have no problem, but I wish OSX would support trim.

Your answer lies here. It's not exact, but it should give you an idea.
http://www.anandtech.com/storage/showdoc.aspx?i=3631&p=19
 
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