SSD Buying Guide

[InfiniteLoopy]

So my Crucial M4 is on the way for ML.
Now, I know this has been asked many times but I can't find a definite answer:

- Should I enable TRIM?
- If yes, which method is best: the TRIM enabler app or the Terminal command line?

My use of the Mac is divided between casual use such as browsing and email, and heavy Aperture use, with the photos and app on the SSD. I occasionally do some editing in iMovie too.

Thanks,

 

[Retrostarscream]

So my Crucial M4 is on the way for ML.
Now, I know this has been asked many times but I can't find a definite answer:

- Should I enable TRIM?
- If yes, which method is best: the TRIM enabler app or the Terminal command line?

My use of the Mac is divided between casual use such as browsing and email, and heavy Aperture use, with the photos and app on the SSD. I occasionally do some editing in iMovie too.

Thanks,

I have a 256gb M4 SSD & benched its performance before & after enabling trim. There was no performance difference in the least.

Therefore, it is reccomended to enable trim for the sake of performance reliability without fear of side effects as I found none on my particular setup with the M4.

I used trim enabler 2.0 since it achieves the same as the terminal commands just easier & possibly safer to manage.

 

[InfiniteLoopy]

Thanks,

But if there's no difference, why enable it?

 

[Retrostarscream]

Thanks,

But if there's no difference, why enable it?

Long explanation short, it manages free space on your SSD allowing it to perform less write cycles, which in turn makes it work less, & as a result makes for a longer lasting & a healthier performance drive in the LONG RUN.

This means there are no immediate benefits however your drive will thank you for enabling trim through out its operating life time.

 

[InfiniteLoopy]

OK thanks. I guess I'll enable it then.

 

[ixodes]

Long explanation short, it manages free space on your SSD allowing it to perform less write cycles, which in turn makes it work less, & as a result makes for a longer lasting & a healthier performance drive in the LONG RUN.

This means there are no immediate benefits however your drive will thank you for enabling trim through out its operating life time.

Well said

I have mine enabled on both my 17" and 15" MBP's and after lots of usage, I'm experiencing very consistent fast performance. I chose 512 GB Samsung 830 series for these two laptops.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

The HDD weight gain over the OD is definitely a subjective opinion... I definitely can't feel a difference. It is not like the HDD is even 5% of the total weight of your laptop.

 

[mikkelnl]

@ everyone with a Crucial M4 SSD, which firmware are you using? I'm reading stories about the 000F version causing all sorts of lockups and freezes, and the 0309 would be better?

I'm using 000F on my 512gb M4 in a early 2011 macbook pro, and haven't noticed anything strange...

 

[steve-p]

@ everyone with a Crucial M4 SSD, which firmware are you using? I'm reading stories about the 000F version causing all sorts of lockups and freezes, and the 0309 would be better?

I'm using 000F on my 512gb M4 in a early 2011 macbook pro, and haven't noticed anything strange...

If you're not experiencing a problem, then I wouldn't worry too much about an unknown and possibly tiny percentage of other users having one. I'm on 000F and no issues to report either. There's a tendency around here for things to get blown out of all proportion.

 

[Retrostarscream]

@ everyone with a Crucial M4 SSD, which firmware are you using? I'm reading stories about the 000F version causing all sorts of lockups and freezes, and the 0309 would be better?

I'm using 000F on my 512gb M4 in a early 2011 macbook pro, and haven't noticed anything strange...

Every report I've read of lockups and freezes on the Crucial M4 were of SSDs on the 0309 firmware originally upgrading directly to the 000F, and even then some SSDs reported a successful firmware upgrade coming from 0309 --> 000F

 

[Retrostarscream]

I am about to pull the trigger on a Samsung 830 256 gb SSD, however I am wondering if I will be needing the laptop kit simply for the filler to give it a "snug" fit within an optical bay hard drive caddy ?

Otherwise I could simply make due with the bare drive or cheapest available kit.

 

[klmaj]

Hi can someone help me out here.....

I just got a macbook pro and my SSD. I do NOT have an enclosure. Is there a way I can install Lion onto my blank DVD via the DVD drive?

How do I get Lion to make a copy of the OS to DVD that is bootable? Kind regards.

 

[Retrostarscream]

Hi can someone help me out here.....

I just got a macbook pro and my SSD. I do NOT have an enclosure. Is there a way I can install Lion onto my blank DVD via the DVD drive?

How do I get Lion to make a copy of the OS to DVD that is bootable? Kind regards.

Follow the steps posted in the link below

How to create an OS X Lion installation disc

On a side note, I advise you to use a USB drive of sufficient capacity as opposed to optical as it would boot much quicker than an optical disc & save you some time, however both methods will work regardless of which path you take.

 

[wytwolf]

I am about to pull the trigger on a Samsung 830 256 gb SSD, however I am wondering if I will be needing the laptop kit simply for the filler to give it a "snug" fit within an optical bay hard drive caddy ?

Otherwise I could simply make due with the bare drive or cheapest available kit.

My late 2011 MBP uses screws to mount the HD so they kit is not really needed, though might help in transferring data. The 4 screw heads once once screwed the SSD would fit into 4 holes. The SSD would simply "float" and not touch the bottom of the MBP.

 

[klmaj]

Follow the steps posted in the link below

How to create an OS X Lion installation disc

On a side note, I advise you to use a USB drive of sufficient capacity as opposed to optical as it would boot much quicker than an optical disc & save you some time, however both methods will work regardless of which path you take.

Hiya do you mean I have to PAY for Lion? Why should I i just bought a macbook pro. So they make u buy it?

 

[Retrostarscream]

My late 2011 MBP uses screws to mount the HD so they kit is not really needed, though might help in transferring data. The 4 screw heads once once screwed the SSD would fit into 4 holes. The SSD would simply "float" and not touch the bottom of the MBP.

Right I imagined so, the hard drive caddy for the optical drive on the other hand does not require the use of the those 4 screws so I question the fit tolerance of the SSD in that particular bay.

I will most likely purchase the bare drive minus the kit, and attempt to fit it in the optical bay. If problems arise, I will hesitantly switch out the original hard drive and place the SSD in its place while placing the HDD in the optical bay.

This setup should work just fine. Thank you for your response.

 

[Retrostarscream]

Hiya do you mean I have to PAY for Lion? Why should I i just bought a macbook pro. So they make u buy it?

If you purchased your Mac on or after June 11 2012, then you are eligible for the latest operating system, Mountain Lion 10.8 available now for free.

The process for making a bootable volume for that is the same as listed here

How to create an OS X Lion or Mountain Lion Installation disc

If you are intent on sticking with Lion 10.7 then you would need access to the installer package. Honestly I am not quite sure where you might get your hands on that at the present time.

 

[BigMoo]

Hello all!

I have a 2010 MBP with an OWC 60gb ssd in it currently and would like to upgrade for more space. Is it worth paying the price for the samsung 830 if it's only going to be used on sata 2?

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[Ishmumrhmn]

Hello all!

I have a 2010 MBP with an OWC 60gb ssd in it currently and would like to upgrade for more space. Is it worth paying the price for the samsung 830 if it's only going to be used on sata 2?

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Absolutelt no.

 

[apolloa]

Here's a dilemma, the place I ordered my Samsung 830 512GB from still hasn't got it in yet, but they have now dropped the price of the Vertex 4 512GB to LESS then the Samsung and it's in stock...!!!!!!!

What would you do? Stick with the Samsung?

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Hello all!

I have a 2010 MBP with an OWC 60gb ssd in it currently and would like to upgrade for more space. Is it worth paying the price for the samsung 830 if it's only going to be used on sata 2?

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

I would argue yes, since the 830 theoretically only barely makes it past the theoretical upper limit of SATA2 (3Gbps). And given the minor price differences between current models and older models, newer firmware and technology makes it a no brainer, IMO.

 

[apolloa]

Hello all!

I have a 2010 MBP with an OWC 60gb ssd in it currently and would like to upgrade for more space. Is it worth paying the price for the samsung 830 if it's only going to be used on sata 2?

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Buying an older Sata 2 drive is only worth it if you have Sata 1, otherwise it's a waste of money as you get more benefits then speed with Sata 3.

 

[praktical]

Ssd/hdd

Useful info here. Thank you

 

[mobutt]

I had ordered an OCZ Agility 3 but reading reviews it seemed very unreliable so I'm gonna wait on a deal for the crucial m4 again... Really hope it goes on sale soon

 

[FastEddiebags]

I had ordered an OCZ Agility 3 but reading reviews it seemed very unreliable so I'm gonna wait on a deal for the crucial m4 again... Really hope it goes on sale soon

If you trust ebay, you can always look for deals on there. I found one at $351 for a new 512gb M4. It works perfectly and I am glad I bought it.