Just Updated New MacBook 2.0 Hard Drive to 7200rpm

[donster28]

Hi all. Just want to pass on my experience upgrading the HD of my newly purchased Aluminum MacBook 2.0.

Install:
"A breeze" is an understatement. I never experienced upgrading anything on my computers this easy. I wouldn't even explain the process...my cat can do it...hehe...

I opted to install a fresh Leopard then migrated my files from my MBP 2.16 Core2Duo via Ethernet.

Performance:
At first, I didn't notice the speed difference but once I started working on things, the speed jump was obvious. The MB was snappier opening files especially big ones.

Important Note:
I had a little problem restoring my Time Machine back-up from my MBP to my new MB. I first opted to restore from Disk Utility which took about 2 hours. Afterwhich my MB kept booting repeatedly, with the old Apple Logo and sound.

Found out, I should have done this when Leopard prompted me for a "migrate" after the fresh install, or just simply migrate after installing and updating Leopard.

There you go. Just a first hand experience. Next will be a RAM upgrade to 4 gigs.

 

[shady825]

is it a 320gb?? I was thinking of doing the same..

 

[donster28]

is it a 320gb?? I was thinking of doing the same..

Yup, a Seagate 320gb 7200. I got it for $100.

 

[shady825]

Yup, a Seagate 320gb 7200. I got it for $100.

WOW $100?? Thats exactly what i want! Congrats

 

[donster28]

WOW $100?? Thats exactly what i want! Congrats

Thanks shady825. It sure helped choosing just the base model MB. Now I have more moolah to spend on stuff that can actually speed up my MB.

 

[shady825]

Thanks shady825. It sure helped choosing just the base model MB. Now I have more moolah to spend on stuff that can actually speed up my MB.

You said you want to do ram next, same here.. I want your hard drive and 4gigs of ram. Have you decided on a brand? I think im just gonna go with Crucial

 

[phoobo]

I want your hard drive and 4gigs of ram.

The aluminum MB has a bug - can't run 4 gigs of RAM (no matter what they claim). Wait till this gets fixed before you install; yesterday's patch didn't fix this problem.

http://gizmodo.com/5107267/macbook-firmware-update-doesnt-fix-cranky-ram-problems

 

[shady825]

The aluminum MB has a bug - can't run 4 gigs of RAM (no matter what they claim). Wait till this gets fixed before you install; yesterday's patch didn't fix this problem.

http://gizmodo.com/5107267/macbook-firmware-update-doesnt-fix-cranky-ram-problems

OH really!? I was hoping that update woulda smoothed things out!
Thanks for the heads up!!!!

 

[donster28]

You said you want to do ram next, same here.. I want your hard drive and 4gigs of ram. Have you decided on a brand? I think im just gonna go with Crucial

Crucial is a good brand...will consider it, thanks shady. I guess we should check compatibility on this forum first. I heard of issues with a few brands with the new MB.

Happy upgrading!

 

[donster28]

The aluminum MB has a bug - can't run 4 gigs of RAM (no matter what they claim). Wait till this gets fixed before you install; yesterday's patch didn't fix this problem.

http://gizmodo.com/5107267/macbook-firmware-update-doesnt-fix-cranky-ram-problems

Oh wow. I will wait.

 

[SelfMadeCelo]

I was thinking about upgrading my hard drive but was curious, is the 7200rpm drive any louder? or is it not very noticeable? what about heat?

 

[VSMacOne]

Can you post about changes in temp, vibration, noise, and battery life?

 

[conshok26]

I'm running 4GB in my MacBook. No problems. I got the set from OWC. I guess the RAM problem is hit or miss.

 

[donster28]

I was thinking about upgrading my hard drive but was curious, is the 7200rpm drive any louder? or is it not very noticeable? what about heat?

No additional noise whatsoever...I guess it will depend on the HD brand. Seagates so far are silent.

I find that it heats up a tad but not bothersome after the upgrade. The longest I've used it is 1 hour at a time and I put it to sleep in-between. I guess this will also vary depending on the HD brand.

Overall, no issues here that I noticed.

 

[donster28]

Can you post about changes in temp, vibration, noise, and battery life?

I will do my best..

 

[California]

Seagate just came out with the 500gb 7200 drive 2.5".

I almost pulled the trigger on the 320 until I heard of this new one. Can't wait but the 320 is also a great drive.

 

[steve31]

I have been running with 4gb of ram with no problems also.

 

[donster28]

Seagate just came out with the 500gb 7200 drive 2.5".

I almost pulled the trigger on the 320 until I heard of this new one. Can't wait but the 320 is also a great drive.

Whoa, Do you know how much they're going for?

 

[IronCross]

For RAM use Corsair's Mac Memory...

GREAT price and tuned specifically for Macs. I use it in my MacBook Pro and I absolutely love it. Plus you can't go wrong with Corsair. Premium memory.

http://www.corsairmemory.com/default.aspx

 

[California]

Whoa, Do you know how much they're going for?

OWC is charging 179 and a two week wait.

Probably can find them in the 150 range elsewhere. We probably can't get them until New Years.

 

[fuzzycuffs]

There was another 7200rpm thread that said that the vibration from the faster spinning drive drove the user insane.

So, how's the vibration? It might be dependent on the manufacturer of the drive, but I've also noticed them becoming more... "vibrationy" after they've been used for a while.

 

[NC MacGuy]

There was another 7200rpm thread that said that the vibration from the faster spinning drive drove the user insane.

So, how's the vibration? It might be dependent on the manufacturer of the drive, but I've also noticed them becoming more... "vibrationy" after they've been used for a while.

I just stuck in a 320 7200 WD Scorpio Black that does have noticeable vibration. Fast, vibration not super bad but definitely there.

 

[donster28]

I just stuck in a 320 7200 WD Scorpio Black that does have noticeable vibration. Fast, vibration not super bad but definitely there.

My Seagate is silent and vibration free...yeah, I think it's brand dependent.

 

[fuzzycuffs]

My Seagate is silent and vibration free...yeah, I think it's brand dependent.

so which model is it?

Looking to get a 320+GB drive. Although 7200rpm isn't a big deal to me. But it would be nice to know.

Notice any discernible performance gains?

 

[SelfMadeCelo]

Battery life! What about the battery life?! lol I don't think it would make too much of a difference but I'd like to know. The 500GB drive sounds nice...