Is there a technical/logical reason for $800 1TB SSD?

[ambientdaw]

Would love to know so I could feel better about buying it. Not really sure what other choice i have. I say it's $800 because the SSD is $700 on top of the cost of the 2TB Fusion which comes stock. It feels like I am in 1995 paying a thousand dollars for a 1GB hard drive!

I use some sample-heavy VST's which do well with SSD. I also want to put all my apps on the internal SSD. Maybe I am unaware of some great ways to configure the apps, samples, data and large iTunes library which may allow me to work with the 512GB SSD option? That is so very small in this day and age!

I will be using a FW800 external to record audio onto.

 

[Hellhammer]

Just get an external USB 3.0 SSD, they are less than half the price of Apple's 1TB option. It's not as fast as the internal SSD, but still miles faster than any external HDD and should be plenty for music samples and library.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

It's just the going rate for PCIe SSD upgrades same as everyone else charges. If you can find a one terabyte for sale anywhere they are around $600 for the SM951 so a $200 mark up is not horrific, and to buy a genuine Apple version is more like $1000.

https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Genuin...66670372&sr=8-3-fkmr2&keywords=Sm951+nvme+1tb

It's a bit of a pain but that's the way it goes if you don't like it buy something else.

 

[varian55zx]

Oh please.

The 1tb SSD is inconceivably fast. Some cheapo SSD from Amazon with a max 300 mb/s read is sooo much slower than the 1tb from Apple. So much slower

We can either downplay that fact, which is flat out wrong, or highlight that incredibly significant difference.

Obviously in terms of hardware the price Apple charges is a rip off. But in terms of hardware Apple's prices are always a rip off.

The reason we are interested in buying from Apple is the overall experience that the products offer. That is what makes it worth it, and that is what is supposed to make it worth it. That would be the only thing that would make it worth it.

Obviously the 1tb SSD fits right into that description. It, itself, is a rip off. But the overall experience it offers is quite appealing. If you can bite the bullet at the purchase then you've just bought yourself the best iMac experience available.

I would've bought it but I plan on replacing my computer in a couple years.

 

[maflynn]

I say it's $800 because the SSD is $700 on top of the cost of the 2TB Fusion which comes stock.

Apple is gouging, no doubt about it. Apple products are always more expensive, but how they've handled the storage configuration and pricing on the iMac is atrocious.

Your only solution as noted above is to use an external SSD.

 

[tubeexperience]

It's a rip-off

Get the 256GB Flash Storage (which is the same price as a 2TB Fusion Drive).

Then, put in a 1TB Samsung EVO 850 ($300).

Now you have 1.25TB SSD and saved $400.

Since I made you life better, you should mail me the $400 that you saved.

EDIT:

This is the kit to perform the upgrade: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DIYIMACHDD12/

Guide: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+Retina+5K+Display+Hard+Drive+Replacement/30522

Video:

 

[Samuelsan2001]

It's a rip-off

Get the 256GB Flash Storage (which is the same price as a 2TB Fusion Drive).

Then, replace the internal hard drive with a 1TB Samsung EVO 850.

Now you have 1.25TB SSD and saved $400.

Since I made you life better, you should mail me the $400 that you saved.

But after you've bought all the bits and the glue and ruined your screen heating it to get the whole thing apart you'll waste $1000 dollars getting the whole thing fixed after you've ruined it doing it yourself.

If you want an upgradeable desktop machine Apple aren't for you buy something else.

 

[tubeexperience]

But after you've bought all the bits and the glue and ruined your screen heating it to get the whole thing apart you'll waste $1000 dollars getting the whole thing fixed after you've ruined it doing it yourself.

If you want an upgradeable desktop machine Apple aren't for you buy something else.

What are you talking about? You don't need to heat the screen nor do you need glue.

You do need new adhesive strips, but they are cheap.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

What are you talking about? You don't need to heat the screen nor do you need glue.

You do need new adhesive strips, but they are cheap.

Fair enough I assumed they were stuck together like the screen modules in a rMBP.

Took a look at ifixit easier than I thought.

Op if you fancy a do it yourself solution then take a look here.

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+Retina+5K+Display+Hard+Drive+Replacement/30522

Of course it does void your warranty but hey it is a cheap option.

 

[tubeexperience]

Fair enough I assumed they were stuck together like the screen modules in a rMBP.

Took a look at ifixit easier than I thought.

Op if you fancy a do it yourself solution then take a look here.

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+Retina+5K+Display+Hard+Drive+Replacement/30522

I know: I get paid to do this.

This kit includes everything needed for this upgrade: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DIYIMACHDD12/

That Digital Thermal Sensor Cable is necessary.

Of course it does void your warranty but hey it is a cheap option.

If he/she needs to take it in for warranty, he/she can swap the original parts back.

 

[Fishrrman]

Question:
"Is there a technical/logical reason for $800 1TB SSD?"

Answer:
No, but there's definitely a "greed" reason...

 

[tubeexperience]

Question:
"Is there a technical/logical reason for $800 1TB SSD?"

Answer:
No, but there's definitely a "greed" reason...

Bean Counter CEO Tim Cook wants your monies.

 

[varian55zx]

The Samsung Evo is so much slower than the 1tb SSD from Apple. So much slower.

Even comparing the two is outright ludicrous.

 

[ambientdaw]

I have the 1TB Samsung EVO 850 in my 2011 MBP. I love it. I do note that iTunes is LESS responsive with this drive than the 500GB 7200rpm that came with the laptop. It makes iTunes hiccup now and then and editing fields is really slow. It was smooth as butter with the 7200. I do not think I notice any other problems anywhere else.

 

[tubeexperience]

I will reiterate: make sure configure your iMac with 256GB Flash Storage instead of 2TB Fusion Drive. (They are both the same price anyway.)

You can then put in a 1TB Samsung 850 EVO.

You then get a total 1.25TB SSD while saving some money.

Also, that Digital Thermal Sensor Cable (included in the kit that I posted a link to) is absolutely required!

You also need a 2.5" to 3.5" hard drive adapter.

___

And while you are at it, might as well upgrade the memory from 8GB to 32GB for another $140 instead of paying Apple another $600.

($140): CORSAIR 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3L 1866 (PC3L 14900) Unbuffered Mac Memory Model CMSA32GX3M4C1866C11

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820236043

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I have the 1TB Samsung EVO 850 in my 2011 MBP. I love it. I do note that iTunes is LESS responsive with this drive than the 500GB 7200rpm that came with the laptop. It makes iTunes hiccup now and then and editing fields is really slow. It was smooth as butter with the 7200. I do not think I notice any other problems anywhere else.

You might need a new hard drive cable.

If you have the SSD in the optical bay, you might need to move it to the hard drive slot.

 

[varian55zx]

I have the 1TB Samsung EVO 850 in my 2011 MBP. I love it. I do note that iTunes is LESS responsive with this drive than the 500GB 7200rpm that came with the laptop. It makes iTunes hiccup now and then and editing fields is really slow. It was smooth as butter with the 7200. I do not think I notice any other problems anywhere else.

The Evo is still good, I'm not denying that. And it's a good value too. For a lot of people, it's exactly what they need.

But please. Once again. If you just take a look at the benchmarks of the 1tb from Apple, you'll see.

To put it mildly, incredibly fast is an understatement.

Of course, to anyone who opted to install their own drive, more power to you.

 

[h9826790]

Is there a technical/logical reason for $800 1TB SSD? NO

 

[ambientdaw]

Well, I did some math, and if I move my iTunes and Photos to external, I would presently be at 270GB for my internal needs who would allow me to go with the 512GB SSD. It does unnerve me a bit going backwards in storage size and I don't really like the thought of having my music library, which I play a lot, on an external. it would also mean having that external on and making noise all the time.

Thanks tubeexperience for your ideas! I don't think I would have the guts to disassemble a brand new $3700 computer.

 

[tubeexperience]

Well, I did some math, and if I move my iTunes and Photos to external, I would presently be at 270GB for my internal needs who would allow me to go with the 512GB SSD. It does unnerve me a bit going backwards in storage size and I don't really like the thought of having my music library, which I play a lot, on an external. it would also mean having that external on and making noise all the time.

Thanks tubeexperience for your ideas! I don't think I would have the guts to disassemble a brand new $3700 computer.

$3700? what?

You could hire someone to do upgrade it for you.

In fact, that's exactly what I do as a part time job (college student).

Unfortunately, I don't live anywhere near you.

Upgrading the memory and SSD afterward is much cheaper, even taking into account having to pay the labor cost.

1TB SSD
Apple: +$700
Aftermarket ~$300

Upgrade kit: $55

You also get 25% more storage (1.25 TB SSD)

__

You can upgrade the memory yourself. It's really easy.

32GB Memory:
Apple: +$600
Aftermarket: $140

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+Retina+5K+Display+RAM+Replacement/30533

 

[ambientdaw]

Definitely going for the aftermarket RAM, no brainer. This total does not even include the +Magic mouse upgrade and the + $250 M395X 4GB GPU upgrade (which I need to research to see if it will benefit me)

 

[varian55zx]

$3700? what?

You could hire someone to do upgrade it for you.

In fact, that's exactly what I do as a part time job (college student).

Unfortunately, I don't live anywhere near you.

Upgrading the memory and SSD afterward is much cheaper, even taking into account having to pay the labor cost.

1TB SSD
Apple: +$700
Aftermarket ~$300

Upgrade kit: $55

You also get 25% more storage (1.25 TB SSD)

__

You can upgrade the memory yourself. It's really easy.

32GB Memory:
Apple: +$600
Aftermarket: $140

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+Retina+5K+Display+RAM+Replacement/30533

But why aren't you mentioning that putting an aftermarket 1 tb SSD into the Mac will incredibly slower than getting the one from Apple?

We're taking about a gargantuan speed difference. As I had said before, it doesn't even make sense to compare the two.

 

[tubeexperience]

View attachment 637641 Definitely going for the aftermarket RAM, no brainer. This total does not even include the +Magic mouse upgrade and the + $250 M395X 4GB GPU upgrade (which I need to research to see if it will benefit me)

You are spending too much money on unnecessary accessories.

For instance, why are you spending $79 on that horribly overpriced Apple USB SuperDrive? You can get a Samsung Slim burner for $25.

Also, why are you buying both the Magic Mouse and the Magic Touchpad?

But why aren't you mentioning that putting an aftermarket 1 tb SSD into the Mac will incredibly slower than getting the one from Apple?

We're taking about a gargantuan speed difference. As I had said before, it doesn't even make sense to compare the two.

And? Is the OP going to benchmark his/her SSD everyday?

The most important files (including the OS) can be kept on the 256GB SSD while the rest of his/her files can be kept on the 1TB SSD.

He/she saves money and get 25% more storage.

 

[Clix Pix]

Just buy the Samsung T3 2 TB external SSD and you'll be just fine. It's just under $800. I have the T1 from last year, 1 TB, and it is fast, plenty fast enough for my needs. I dump everything I am not currently using or working on from my internal 512 SSD (rMBP) to this and it works a treat. I use the T1 1 TB as an adjunct/supplementary drive, which is different from my other external drives that I use for backup purposes.

 

[tubeexperience]

I don't know why everyone here makes such a big deal about putting/upgrading a SSD in an iMac.

It's actually really easy if you have a 2nd person helping you.

 

[ambientdaw]

@ tubeexperience; thanks for the tip on the Samsung! save me 50 bucks...... and regarding the trackpad plus mouse; I went to the Apple store yesterday and mentioned how I love the trackpad. The worker guy said that he finds the mouse is better for exacting cursor placement, but of course the trackpad for gestures. I played with the tracking speed, played with the mouse and sure enough the mouse felt better for cursor placement, which can mean a lot in tiny fields in music apps. I figure I will grab one or the other depending on the duties.
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But why aren't you mentioning that putting an aftermarket 1 tb SSD into the Mac will incredibly slower than getting the one from Apple?

We're taking about a gargantuan speed difference. As I had said before, it doesn't even make sense to compare the two.

I must say it's very exciting to hear things like "incredibly faster", etc. but I'm wondering what the real-world applications are of such blazing speed. Would it allow me to run sample-heavy VST's like NI's Kontact better than the Evo?