SSD advice for Black macbook purchased in 2008

[punjabi2]

So, I have a 2008 black macbook, that is running super slow these days. I have already upgraded the RAM to 4 GB (did it when bought the macbook in late 2008). So, now I am thinking of swapping the HDD with SSD. But, I have no idea what SSD to buy, what to look for. Only reason I got interested in SSD is reading here that SSD's improve the performance, and there is a good deal on 240 GB SSD, for about $110.

Here are two ( I dont know the difference between these two, if there is any )

Crucial M500 240GB SATA 2.5-Inch 7mm (with 9.5mm adapter) Internal Solid State Drive CT240M500SSD1

and

Crucial M500 240GB mSATA Internal Solid State Drive CT240M500SSD3

Please advice.

Also, is it even doable, though google search shows it should be easy, but want to hear from experts here who actually own macs.

 

[BrettApple]

The M500 is a good SSD. I don't have one, but I've got an OWC one and 10 Kingston SSD's in various PCs and Macs. I've been thinking of dropping a 120 GB model in my Early '08 BlackBook like yours but have yet to do so since I don't use it a whole lot at the moment and speed is fine on Snow Leopard.

The right SSD for your MacBook is going to be the first link. The mSATA model is for computers using the mSATA interface, typically ultra books and netbooks. So it would not work in the MacBook.

As to replacing it. It is pretty easy and I've done it somewhere in the hundreds of times myself (I'm a IT Admin and PC/Mac/Mobile tech). Just be careful with the screws and don't force anything. If you're using Time Machine you can also easily restore the backup to your new SSD. But if you can, I prefer doing a clean install of OS X and setting everything back up then copying data.

This is easy to do with Snow Leopard if you have the DVD, and a little more involved with Lion, but if you have a flash drive 8GB or larger you can easily make an install drive with DiskMakerX.

 

[Bruno09]

I currently use 3 Crucial M500 SSDs :

- 120 Go in a 2007 white Macbook, 10.6.8
- 240 Go in a 2009 white Macbook Unibody, 10.9.2
- 480 Go in a 2011 Macbook Pro 13", 10.9.2

Trim Enabler is installed on the 3 Macs.

All 3 SSDs are... perfect.

 

[punjabi2]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I did order the SSD (first link) from amazon. Hopefully, it will work fine.

Couple more questions (for now):

1. Will I need to use that 9.5 mm adapter or just the 7 mm will work fine? I mean, just take out the current HDD and replace with SSD?

2. What is this Trim Enabler? What does it do, and how do I go about doing once SSD is installed? I will appreciate if someone can give the instructions or link.

I believe I have the Snow Leopard disc. Will check at home what version of software I am running, and will update.

Thanks guys!!

Thank

 

[BrettApple]

I'll attempt to answer these.

1. You may want to use the adapter on the MacBook. The way the drive goes in the height may affect the alignment of the SATA connector as you slide it in. Though it may align without it. I would recommend putting it on. I had an SSD in a 2007 non unibody MacBook Pro and I had to use the adapter for the ribbon cables to sit right. But on my unibody Macs they mount differently and aren't needed. Perhaps Bruno09 can chime in since they've got one in this model style. I may find out in the future, but have yet to upgrade.

2. Trim Enabler is a simple app that enables TRIM support on non Apple SSD's. It isn't 100% necessary, but I use it on my Mac's. You'll need version 2.2 for Snow Leopard and you can just install it, flip a switch and reboot after you've got everything up to date. TRIM is a little long to explain, but it's a way of garbage collection with flash memory. Sooo, it helps keep the SSD running fast over time. I'd install it.

And Snow Leopard is the happiest OS for these machines. Lion will run fine with 4GB RAM, but it tends to run a little hotter because there are more graphical effects to render and the Intel GMA (950 and X3100) are both pretty slow and have to work harder to render them. It also uses more memory. If you use iCloud and need it for some newer applications, Lion is fine. But if you don't need it, I'd stick with Snow Leopard.

I use my BlackBook as a secondary machine to my MBP and as my workstation at work, so I have Office 2011 installed and all of Adobe CS5 along with Chrome to replace the old version of Safari. Works great. All I've done is replace the thermal paste and fan, get a new battery, and put in 6GB of RAM. Luckily the stock 250GB drive is still humming along, but I may go SSD whenever it starts feeling slow to me or I just have some cash to drop for whatever reason.

 

[Bruno09]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I did order the SSD (first link) from amazon. Hopefully, it will work fine.

Couple more questions (for now):

1. Will I need to use that 9.5 mm adapter or just the 7 mm will work fine? I mean, just take out the current HDD and replace with SSD?

This SSD will work fine.

You won't need the adapter, however you can use it.
The SSD will be secured by the same four screws than the original hard drive, have a look here :

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Core+2+Duo+Hard+Drive+Replacement/514

 

[punjabi2]

Thanks for the replies, BrettApple & Bruno09, and also for the link. That makes the life much easier, hopefully it will be as easy to install SSD. Now, I am eagerly waiting for SSD.

I got busy yesterday, and didnt check the software version, but I believe it is 10.6.8. Does anyone know if I can get Keynote, Pages for free with this version?

 

[BrettApple]

Sure, I like doing this in my free time or when I'm bored

10.6.8 is probably right, it's the latest version of Snow Leopard. It has the App Store, but the free iWork deal is only for NEW Macs with Mavericks. Though you can download a demo, and then it will show up in the App Store as a workaround. But this only applies to Mavericks machines. That and the newest version of Pages, Keynote, and Numbers requires Mavericks anyway.

You can still find iWork '09 here and there, I've seen it on Amazon if you need it. And Office 2011 works pretty well too. I've heard they're working on a new version since it's usually one year after Windows releases. But who's to say if it will work with Snow Leopard.

 

[punjabi2]

Thanks a lot once again, Brett. I am happy with Office 2011, so will stick with that till I get a new Mac.

Now eagerly waiting my SSD to see if I can get couple more years out of my black macbook. Thanks for reminding me about Amazon for iWork..they have it for ~13 bucks, but ships from China..I wonder if it is legit

Sure, I like doing this in my free time or when I'm bored

10.6.8 is probably right, it's the latest version of Snow Leopard. It has the App Store, but the free iWork deal is only for NEW Macs with Mavericks. Though you can download a demo, and then it will show up in the App Store as a workaround. But this only applies to Mavericks machines. That and the newest version of Pages, Keynote, and Numbers requires Mavericks anyway.

You can still find iWork '09 here and there, I've seen it on Amazon if you need it. And Office 2011 works pretty well too. I've heard they're working on a new version since it's usually one year after Windows releases. But who's to say if it will work with Snow Leopard.

 

[punjabi2]

Sorry one more question for now:

After installing SSD and a clean install of OS, can I use Time machine to backup just photos, music, address book, and my documents (no programs) or, I should manually copy these items to SSD? Which option is better (or preferred by experts)?