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Need advice on SSD SATA III 3 for new MacBook Pro 17"

S

sobi6111

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 2, 2011
2
0
I just bought MacBook pro MC725 17" 2.2 i7
I want to put SSD SATA 3 drive. 240-256gb . What brand should i go with which will be recognized by macbook with no problems? :)

Any input appreciated.
 
Vertex 3 has the highest success rate of SATA III drives with MBP 2011.

It has two big concerns though: it sips relatively a lot of power and the reliability of Sandforce based SSDs isn't very good.

If you want low power consumption and high reliability: Samsung 470, Intel 320 or Kingston V+ 100.
 
All SATA 6Gb/s SSDs are having some issues. Vertex 3 seems to be a decent choice since it's fast and reasonable priced but like I said, ALL have their share of issues.

If you prefer reliability and even cheaper price, check Intel 320 Series.
 
I tried two Vertex 3s (240GB) on my MBP 2011 (17) and both did not work. OSX would install (takes too long) but it runs slower than the HD. I did the trick of isolating the IDE cable with aluminum foil and the drive worked flawlessly.

I did this just to experiment and eventually I returned both and purchased a Samsung 256.

My advice, buy it from a retailer who accepts returns, no questions asked, and try it. If it worked, then you are lucky as this drive is soooo fast.
 
my vertex 3 120GB IOPS works perfectly, at full speed. I think a lot of the issues have been sorted out on Apple's end, so if you've bought your macbook recently your probably fine.
 
My 17" was built in March and the Vertex 3 works great. Speeds go up to 540MB/s. I've even enabled TRIM. Had some beachballs first but it seems they're gone now.
In Windows 7 however, the speed is like a SATA 2 SSD, but still fast enough. Might be a Bootcamp problem.
 
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I guess milage must vary. I can give you my experiences. I bought a MacBook Pro 17" (week19 2011) 10 days ago. I also ordered a Corsair Force Series 3 120 GB SSD to replace the 5400 rpm drive. The disk utilities didn't recognize it so I couldn't use it. I tried a Vertex 3 and Snow Leopard installed no problems. Unfortunately when trying to install Windows 7 using Boot Camp I had lots of problems and gave up after 12 hours. I've actually returned the MBP now. So the Vertex is probably okay providing you don't want to use Windows 7 with Boot Camp.

Regards
Kraznet
 
Using a Crucial M4 256 gb in a MBP 17" (built in May). Firmware 0001 had issues with Link Power Management (LPM). 0002 fixes it mostly, but not completely.

I noticed that it seems to make a differences whether I have the M4 installed "properly" with the screws etc. or just put it in with some paper handkerchiefs to fix it. It's probably based on how close the SSD is to the SATA cable that runs below it in the MBP chassis. The "proper" installation leaves a gap of air between the drive and the cable.
 
sunnyj said:
is your MBP a 13"?
Click to expand...

Nope, a 17", the one with all the problems. But like i said, it's been perfect, so I'm guessing Apple has sorted the issues out on their end. Mine says it was built july (26th week i believe), even though i received it the end of june.
 
just want to share, I have Curcial C300 sataIII 256g on my 17" 2011 and it doesn't work even I tried aluminium foil. The installation take forever

I just stop playing with SSD since it takes to much $ and don't really know which one get compatible. :mad:
 
ynewmarc said:
just want to share, I have Curcial C300 sataIII 256g on my 17" 2011 and it doesn't work even I tried aluminium foil. The installation take forever

I just stop playing with SSD since it takes to much $ and don't really know which one get compatible. :mad:
Click to expand...

The most compatible one is the one Apple uses. Kingston V+ 100.

It always works in MBP and needs no TRIM.

Samsung 470 is very good too.
 
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I thought OP wanted a SATA III drive?

Aka... not Kingston, not Samsung 470, not C300.

And I thought Vertex 3 has some of the worst reliability issues? Or was that just a myth? Seems too good to have speed + reliability eh? I thought Crucial, Intel, and Samsung were definitely a step of the game based on reliability.
 
Philflow said:
22% of the reviews on Newegg have mayor issues.
Click to expand...

And what percentage of people without issues do you think bother posting a review?

I have two Vertex 3s and no issues. C300 was good too. In a 15" MBP though, not 17". Ensure your vendor accepts returns.
 
I have the 120GB Vertex Max IOPS in my 17" and it works perfect! Its freaking fast. 5 stars from me.
 
Got CORSAIR FORCE 3 . It did install Mac OS barely ,but was recognized at Sata 2 not 3. Foild trick didn't work. But here is sad part : if i shut down computer drive won't start OS anymore. Maybe will start up once after 5 tries. :mad:

I guess time for sata 2 drive.
 
geezzzz guys!! u'r scaring me out. i just recently purchased a 2011 13' mbp in indonesia, and i just bought OWC 6G from USA. it's still in the process of shipping here, the shipping fee for dhl international express is $115. i would be fcked up big time if i find out the ssd wouldn't work ok with my mbp.

fyi, indonesia is on the other side of the world from USA. it's like 12-14 hours of flight.
 
aleni said:
geezzzz guys!! u'r scaring me out. i just recently purchased a 2011 13' mbp in indonesia, and i just bought OWC 6G from USA. it's still in the process of shipping here, the shipping fee for dhl international express is $115. i would be fcked up big time if i find out the ssd wouldn't work ok with my mbp.

fyi, indonesia is on the other side of the world from USA. it's like 12-14 hours of flight.
Click to expand...

I'm using a 120gb OWC Mercury Extreme PRO 6G since early June and not even one problem on both SnowLeopard and Lion GM. So be calm it worth the money, and the tech support of OWC its excellent. :cool:
 
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