OWC Data Doubler question

[abuleban]

So I'm going to be installing the OWC data doubler kit and putting a 1.5 TB drive in my cMBP optical drive bay.

here's the link to what I'm getting

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/HGST/DDMB5KH1.5/#comp_notes

OWC DIY Upgrade Kit:
OWC Data Doubler, HGST 5400RPM 1.5TB 9.5mm hard drive, and an OWC 5-piece ToolKit.

My laptop is an early 2011 model , and I just noticed some fine print that may apply; can anyone give me some advice, not sure if it's gonna work out

"MacBookPro8,2 | 2.0GHz, 2.2GHz, 2.3GHz (See special notes for details)
MacBookPro8,2 | 2.2GHz, 2.3GHz (See special notes for details)"

"Testing has demonstrated that Apple factory hardware does not reliably support a 6G (6Gb/s) Solid State Drive or Hard Disk Drive in the optical bay of 2011 MacBook Pros (ModeI ID8,1; 8,2; 8,3). If your OWC Data Doubler bundle comes with a 6G drive, you should ONLY install that drive in the main drive bay and utilize the Data Doubler to re-task your existing drive or install a new 3G SSD or HDD in the optical bay. PRE-2011 models can utilize a 6G drive in the optical bay, but will do so at a reduced 3G (3Gb/s) speed. "

So does this apply to me? What does it mean? Any ideas?


Thanks in advance!

 

[maflynn]

MacBookPro8,2 is a 2011 MBP so yes it pertains to you. You'll want the fastest drive to be installed in the drive bay and the slower one in the data doubler cage

 

[abuleban]

ok

so I should put my current HD in the optical drive and the new one in the HD bay, just switch'em, right?

 

[maflynn]

If you want to take advantage of the faster speed, yes.

 

[niteflyr]

so I should put my current HD in the optical drive and the new one in the HD bay, just switch'em, right?

Yes. Definitely do it this way.

 

[abuleban]

any reccs on an ssd drive?

Maybe this summer I'll put down on an SSD to go with the 1.5 TB drive, any reccs on the right one to get?

 

[niteflyr]

Maybe this summer I'll put down on an SSD to go with the 1.5 TB drive, any reccs on the right one to get?

After re-reading the page from the link you provided above, in regards to the spec's on the 1.5 TB HDD you intend to add, note 4 at bottom of page under specs tab states:

"This unit has been firmware updated with HGST authorization to be limited to SATA 2.0 3Gb/s link fully SATA 1.5Gb/s backwards compatible.The 3Gb/s link speed setting ensures reliable operation for use in 2011 MacBook Pro optical bay as well as with other certain systems that do not properly link to 3Gb/s with a 6Gb/s type drive."

This drive should be compatible in the optical bay. If you add a SSD later, make sure that drive(SSD) is installed in the main bay.

Samsung and Crucial SSD's seem to be quite popular and reliable now.