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Last Thoughts Before Ordering… SSD size

richard13

richard13

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Aug 1, 2008
1,112
972
Odessa, FL
Hey guys!

So I've pretty much gotten down my configuration:

27" Late 2013 iMac
  • 3.5GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz
  • 8GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2X4GB
  • 512GB Flash Storage
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M 4GB GDDR5

But I've been thinking… do I really need 512GB of internal storage? I currently have 200GB of used space on my existing hardware so 256GB would be tight. But, I believe I can slim this down by getting rid of things I don't necessarily need to keep. If I can live with 256GB I can save the $300 extra cost of the 512GB. But would it be practical? Could I even still use Boot Camp on such a relatively small drive with my data on it as well?

So, how would I mitigate having a small internal SSD?

  • Leverage free SSD space on my MBP
  • Start using iCloud and SkyDrive more often
  • Get a wireless external storage such as WD My Cloud
  • Use external HD/SSD attached to iMac (would really rather not do this)

Are we moving in a direction where your data mostly lives outside your computer on servers? Or is this all pie in the sky? :p Should I just get the 512GB SSD anyway? At least then all my data is in one place.

Thanks!
 
Get the 512GB or you'll be constantly cleaning up both the boot camp and OS X partitions to keep enough free space for smooth operation.
 
Last edited:
I have 256 and its fine -

But I can never have more than just system and programs.

If you ever want fast external storage via TB you will be better off to just get a bigger internal SSD.... sure USB3 is cheaper but you only have 2 full speed simultaneous USB3 lanes. For really fast stuff TB is the way to go...

lets say 512GSSD - ~$350 -
TB case - ~$150 (and very hard to find!)
$500 for 500G external

1TB external - $600+$150 = $750

Mine as well just pay the apple tax for internal - of course I figured this out for myself too late :)
 
Get 512g if not just for resale value.

256g might be too small to resale a few years down the road. People will point at your small SSD and giggle "its so cute, its like a real SSD but only SMALLER" :p
 
Until you said Boot Camp I thought 256GB would be fine. I think you need 512 if you're going to be using that.

I purchased the 256GB one, and it's just about OK for me, but no Boot Camp!
 
I changed my order from a 1 TB Fusion to a 256 Gb SSD. I like to control what goes where, and 256 Gb is more than enough for the programs and OS.

I do have a dedicated external hard drive for audio and video though.
 
Bear said:
Get the 512GB or you'll be constantly cleaning up both the boot camp and OS X partitions to keep enough free space for smooth operation.
Click to expand...

Good point. You are probably right, Bear.

propower said:
I have 256 and its fine -

But I can never have more than just system and programs.

If you ever want fast external storage via TB you will be better off to just get a bigger internal SSD.... sure USB3 is cheaper but you only have 2 full speed simultaneous USB3 lanes. For really fast stuff TB is the way to go...

lets say 512GSSD - ~$350 -
TB case - ~$150 (and very hard to find!)
$500 for 500G external

1TB external - $600+$150 = $750

Mine as well just pay the apple tax for internal - of course I figured this out for myself too late :)
Click to expand...

Hmm… I hadn't thought of TB drives being so expensive but you a probably right.

Shivetya said:
Get 512g if not just for resale value.

256g might be too small to resale a few years down the road. People will point at your small SSD and giggle "its so cute, its like a real SSD but only SMALLER" :p
Click to expand...

ROFL! I love this!

Thanks to everyone for your responses! I'm pretty sure I'll go with the 512GB SSD now! :)
 
Bear said:
Get the 512GB or you'll be constantly cleaning up both the boot camp and OS X partitions to keep enough free space for smooth operation.
Click to expand...

Bear recommended me the exact same thing in my own thread. It is more pricey, but now that it's ordered, I know I made the right decision.

I'll be installing windows 8.1 in boot camp and will give it at least 100-200GB's. There goes almost half of my 512 right there. That really made me reconsider the 256.

Go with the 512 my friend!
 
propower said:
If you ever want fast external storage via TB you will be better off to just get a bigger internal SSD.... sure USB3 is cheaper but you only have 2 full speed simultaneous USB3 lanes. For really fast stuff TB is the way to go...
Click to expand...

I disagree. USB 3.0 is insanely fast and much cheaper than Thunderbolt. 5Gbps equates to 640MB/s. That's faster than most SSDs on the market today.
 
Well, it's official! I submitted my order this morning for the configuration in my original post with a delivery date between Nov 9 and Nov 14. ;)
 
richard13 said:
Well, it's official! I submitted my order this morning for the configuration in my original post with a delivery date between Nov 9 and Nov 14. ;)
Click to expand...

Congratulations! I have the exact iMac coming in November 8-12.

Please do tell me if it gets shipped with mavericks as well as mavericks on the box. I am little worried about this, thanks.
 
MacOG728893 said:
Congratulations! I have the exact iMac coming in November 8-12.

Please do tell me if it gets shipped with mavericks as well as mavericks on the box. I am little worried about this, thanks.
Click to expand...

Thank you and congratulations to you too! Yay!

Funny thing… I was going to order last night and they gave me the same date range as you but I decided to sleep on it one more night and ordered in the morning.

I will definately let you know what happens with my order. Please do the same. :)
 
richard13 said:
Thank you and congratulations to you too! Yay!

Funny thing… I was going to order last night and they gave me the same date range as you but I decided to sleep on it one more night and ordered in the morning.

I will definately let you know what happens with my order. Please do the same. :)
Click to expand...

Awesome! I appreciate it. I would be quite disappointed if you got and I didn't. It would only be by a few days.
 
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