SSD Buying Guide

[3282868]

What problems do you had with the SSD's? I had the Wildfire and the Crucial M4 in my MacBook Pro and had hard issues.

The Wildfire is unrecognized and the Crucial M4 it is impossible to use (very low, freezes, beach balls).

A little late in the game here but wanted to throw in my 2 cents on 6G SSD's. I haven't read all 50+ pages, so forgive me if this has been addressed.

I've been running an OWC Mercery EXTREME Pro 6G 256GB SSD for well over a year in my 12-Core Mac Pro (using one of my optical bays). No issues (knock on wood). Got SATA III just in case Apple does release an updated Mac Pro with SATA III (knocking on wood again).

Great thread, thanks guys (and gals)! 🙂

 

[Miss Terri]

Having just had a new battery installed in my 2010 MBP 13" yesterday, I think I'd like to upgrade from the stock, 256gb HD, to an SSD hard drive (either 256 or 512... probably 512 as I have about 200g filled on my computer now). I attempted to read this thread from the beginning, but the problem is that some of the drives mentioned early on don't even seem to be available anymore and I got really bogged down 😱, to the point where I felt like "oh I'll just live with this noisy spinning hard drive." Even the Samsung 830 seems to be either out of stock, or more expensive than the newer 840. Not that I'm complaining, as prices seem to have come down too 🙂

So, I would appreciate a couple of quick recommendations for what drive to buy now, for this computer. I'm not an "early adopter" sort, and I would like something that will be solid and dependable without a lot of interaction from me. From what I understand, I only have SATA 2 so there is only so much I can benefit from anyway.

Are the Samsung 840 (non pro) and Crucial M4 good choices? Is there something else I should look at? Does the fact that I have a Core2Duo machine change your recommendations?

I don't want to spend unnecessarily, but actually something solid and "easy" is more important to me than the absolute best deal.

Thank you!

Miss Terri
late 2010 MBP 13" (7,1), 2.4ghz, 10.6.4

 

[S.B.G]

Are the Samsung 840 (non pro) and Crucial M4 good choices? Is there something else I should look at? Does the fact that I have a Core2Duo machine change your recommendations?

Yes those are good choices and are dependable. Your CPU, Core 2 Duo is irrelevant. But your computer as a SATA II, will not see the total speed potential of a SATA III SSD. The SSD is backwards-compatible and will work fine on a SATA II interface. It will just be limited to the 3Gbps speed of SATA II. I have an iMac set up like this and it's just fine and super fast compared to the HDD.

 

[Miss Terri]

Yes those are good choices and are dependable. Your CPU, Core 2 Duo is irrelevant. But your computer as a SATA II, will not see the total speed potential of a SATA III SSD.

Thanks for the response! I should have just said SATA II, sorry. Can I ask a couple more questions?

1) Unless I'm missing something, even though I can't benefit from some of the features of the newer SSD (because of the SATA II), the older ones are actually more expensive (I guess because of the continual march down in price as time goes on)?

2) I use my computer on battery power a lot, and often have limited recharge capabilities (boat or RV). Do they all use pretty much the same battery power?

Thanks again. I'm not trying to be lazy by not researching, but - as I mentioned - I've just spent hours reading the archives and I'm finding a lot of info but either it's older (so SSD models are different) or it's really new and being discussed by folks with newer MBP's.

Miss Terri

 

[S.B.G]

Thanks for the response! I should have just said SATA II, sorry. Can I ask a couple more questions?

1) Unless I'm missing something, even though I can't benefit from some of the features of the newer SSD (because of the SATA II), the older ones are actually more expensive (I guess because of the continual march down in price as time goes on)?

The only thing you'll not get is the extra speed of a SATA III SSD. I'd recommend the Samsung 840 (SATA III) which will work and be plenty fast.

2) I use my computer on battery power a lot, and often have limited recharge capabilities (boat or RV). Do they all use pretty much the same battery power?

This I don't know, without actually looking at the technical specifications of the SSD's being considered.

Thanks again. I'm not trying to be lazy by not researching, but - as I mentioned - I've just spent hours reading the archives and I'm finding a lot of info but either it's older (so SSD models are different) or it's really new and being discussed by folks with newer MBP's.

Miss Terri

 

[Miss Terri]

Okay, found the 840 on Amazon for a decent price and I have Prime delivery option. Question: There is a "bare drive" BW model, or a KW model with "...Desktop and Notebook upgrade kit provides everything you need to install and maintain your drive."

Is this something I need or want? Right now I have my MBP, with its stock 250gb Toshiba hard drive, and a 500gb G-drive in an enclosure (they came as one unit) that I use for backups over Firewire (but it can use USB also). I have the Firewire and USB cables that came with the G-drive (I make backups with Time Machine and SuperDuper!).

I'm not clear on whether I need the "upgrade kit" at all, or even if I do if it's stuff I should source individually vs. buying the one with the kit. The kit adds $25 to the price. Here is what it includes:

-SATA data and power cables,
-screws,
-a 2.5-inch to 3.5-inch adapter bracket,
-a SATA to USB adapter cable to facilitate easy data migration,
-a mounting spacer so that laptops with traditional 9.5mm drive bays can accommodate the Samsung SSD 840 Series’ slim 7mm profile.

Can anyone advise? Now I can't wait to get the SSD! Must. Order.! 😀

Thanks,
Miss Terri

 

[S.B.G]

Okay, found the 840 on Amazon for a decent price and I have Prime delivery option. Question: There is a "bare drive" BW model, or a KW model with "...Desktop and Notebook upgrade kit provides everything you need to install and maintain your drive."

Is this something I need or want? Right now I have my MBP, with its stock 250gb Toshiba hard drive, and a 500gb G-drive in an enclosure (they came as one unit) that I use for backups over Firewire (but it can use USB also). I have the Firewire and USB cables that came with the G-drive (I make backups with Time Machine and SuperDuper!).

I'm not clear on whether I need the "upgrade kit" at all, or even if I do if it's stuff I should source individually vs. buying the one with the kit. The kit adds $25 to the price. Here is what it includes:

-SATA data and power cables,
-screws,
-a 2.5-inch to 3.5-inch adapter bracket,
-a SATA to USB adapter cable to facilitate easy data migration,
-a mounting spacer so that laptops with traditional 9.5mm drive bays can accommodate the Samsung SSD 840 Series’ slim 7mm profile.

Can anyone advise? Now I can't wait to get the SSD! Must. Order.! 😀

Thanks,
Miss Terri

Basically the kit version is to make it easier to mount the SSD in a traditional HDD space. The SSD is much smaller and the mounting bracket fits the HDD spot with the screw holes lined up properly. Then you mount the SSD to that.

I bought and used the kit version for my iMac. It worked great.

 

[iArch]

Okay, found the 840 on Amazon for a decent price and I have Prime delivery option. Question: There is a "bare drive" BW model, or a KW model with "...Desktop and Notebook upgrade kit provides everything you need to install and maintain your drive."...

Miss Terri,
I have the same MacBook Pro and did this very upgrade last November, right down to using Amazon.
Go back up to post #1718 and it's all settled by post #1730. #1726 points to the only cable you'll need.
You're going to love the difference.

 

[dukebound85]

Okay, found the 840 on Amazon for a decent price and I have Prime delivery option. Question: There is a "bare drive" BW model, or a KW model with "...Desktop and Notebook upgrade kit provides everything you need to install and maintain your drive."

Is this something I need or want? Right now I have my MBP, with its stock 250gb Toshiba hard drive, and a 500gb G-drive in an enclosure (they came as one unit) that I use for backups over Firewire (but it can use USB also). I have the Firewire and USB cables that came with the G-drive (I make backups with Time Machine and SuperDuper!).

I'm not clear on whether I need the "upgrade kit" at all, or even if I do if it's stuff I should source individually vs. buying the one with the kit. The kit adds $25 to the price. Here is what it includes:

-SATA data and power cables,
-screws,
-a 2.5-inch to 3.5-inch adapter bracket,
-a SATA to USB adapter cable to facilitate easy data migration,
-a mounting spacer so that laptops with traditional 9.5mm drive bays can accommodate the Samsung SSD 840 Series’ slim 7mm profile.

Can anyone advise? Now I can't wait to get the SSD! Must. Order.! 😀

Thanks,
Miss Terri

I got the bare. The mounting bracket on your current hdd will transfer to the ssd.

 

[Miss Terri]

Thanks everyone!

I have the same MacBook Pro and did this very upgrade last November, right down to using Amazon.

iArch, I've opened your link in another tab and will go read it now. [Edited to add: Cool, you have the same exact computer as me, down to the added RAM. Great to know about your experience. Can you address power consumption? Did you notice any change in battery life after the 840 install?]

[Also, is that cable in addition to the notebook kit-drive, that has 'everything you need'? Or did you get the "bare" drive and then just that added cable?]

On power consumption, I found this great comparative chart on Anandtech. It shows that the 840 non-pro is low in power consumption when idle, but comparatively rather high in power consumption for sequential write and random write. The Pro version (which I otherwise totally do NOT need) comes in with lower power consumption, as do some of the older drives.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/6337/samsung-ssd-840-250gb-review/12

But what I don't know is how much of either "writing" I will be doing? I live on 12-volt batteries, basically, so this might be a big factor.

Typical uses of the computer for me:

1) Web browsing, and I'm a multiple tab addict 😱 This is by far my majority use.

2) Working with photos in an amateur way. Would like to step this up a little (Aperture) but still only for my own use.

3) Skype video chats

4) Future: iMovie for recording travels and making videos of such.

What I need to get my head around is if this "high" power consumption makes a difference to me real world, on my computer, for my uses. Maybe it's meaningful? Or maybe it's like the super high end stereo specs in the old days that were not really meaningful for many listeners past a certain point?

Thanks again, so great to get your expertise!

Miss Terri

Wanting to click "Buy" but just making sure 😀

 

[Miss Terri]

Oh, another thought: Maybe even the "high power consumption" 840 non-pro uses less power than my original 250gb Toshiba spinning platter? I guess I don't have any idea what the consumption is, but it seems like it would take some power to keep it spinning... right?

Miss Terri

 

[Ledgem]

Oh, another thought: Maybe even the "high power consumption" 840 non-pro uses less power than my original 250gb Toshiba spinning platter? I guess I don't have any idea what the consumption is, but it seems like it would take some power to keep it spinning... right?

Miss Terri

According to storagereview.com, the average hard drive uses 6-7 watts of power. So even though the Samsung 840 uses "high power consumption" compared to other SSDs, at 4 watts maximum power usage it's still below traditional hard drives. At idle, it's nothing.

I have one suggestion for you to consider. I recently upgraded from a Seagate Momentus XT (now rebranded as "SSHD"), a hybrid HDD+SSD, to a Samsung 840. The "SSHD" was worlds faster than the stock 200 GB 5400 RPM drive that came with my MacBook Pro, but the Samsung 840 doesn't seem to be that much faster than the Seagate by comparison. By that I mean it's faster, but in a fairly subtle way. Either upgrade will feel huge compared to the stock drive, but the Seagate is a lot cheaper per unit storage than any SSD. If you're comfortable with the cost and capacity of whichever Samsung 840 you're looking at, then go for it! If you're having any doubts, though, then check the Seagate SSHD line. Having used both, I'd personally opt for a Seagate SSHD at 7200 RPM over a Samsung 840 if I were doing another computer upgrade. The power savings of a SSD may still make it worthwhile for you to go for the Samsung, though.

 

[Miss Terri]

According to storagereview.com, the average hard drive uses 6-7 watts of power. So even though the Samsung 840 uses "high power consumption" compared to other SSDs, at 4 watts maximum power usage it's still below traditional hard drives. At idle, it's nothing.

Thanks! That's exactly what I started to wonder about. So okay, the 840Pro is really low, but the "high" consumption of the 840 is still probably quite a bit lower than my Toshiba spinning HD.

I have one suggestion for you to consider. I recently upgraded from a Seagate Momentus XT (now rebranded as "SSHD"), a hybrid HDD+SSD, to a Samsung 840. The "SSHD" was worlds faster than the stock 200 GB 5400 RPM drive that came with my MacBook Pro, but the Samsung 840 doesn't seem to be that much faster than the Seagate by comparison.

Thank you for taking the time to post that option. Much appreciated. One reason I dislike my stock Toshiba drive, is that it's kind of noisy. Not only that, but it's almost always spinning (whereas in my iBook the HD seemed like it would spin down much of the time. I do have "spin down when possible" set, but I guess it's never possible). So the quiet factor is a big one for me (forgot to mention that since I started just by SSD to SSD comparison). I presume the combo drive would still spin/make sound?

Even if it only strengthens my feeling about the SSD, I'm really glad you posted your thoughts. Thanks!

Miss Terri

 

[Ledgem]

So the quiet factor is a big one for me (forgot to mention that since I started just by SSD to SSD comparison). I presume the combo drive would still spin/make sound?

Yes, it would. I never really noticed it while I had the Momentus XT, but there is a certain quietness now that I have the 840 instead. That is certainly a pure positive for SSDs!

 

[brop52]

According to storagereview.com, the average hard drive uses 6-7 watts of power. So even though the Samsung 840 uses "high power consumption" compared to other SSDs, at 4 watts maximum power usage it's still below traditional hard drives. At idle, it's nothing.

I have one suggestion for you to consider. I recently upgraded from a Seagate Momentus XT (now rebranded as "SSHD"), a hybrid HDD+SSD, to a Samsung 840. The "SSHD" was worlds faster than the stock 200 GB 5400 RPM drive that came with my MacBook Pro, but the Samsung 840 doesn't seem to be that much faster than the Seagate by comparison. By that I mean it's faster, but in a fairly subtle way. Either upgrade will feel huge compared to the stock drive, but the Seagate is a lot cheaper per unit storage than any SSD. If you're comfortable with the cost and capacity of whichever Samsung 840 you're looking at, then go for it! If you're having any doubts, though, then check the Seagate SSHD line. Having used both, I'd personally opt for a Seagate SSHD at 7200 RPM over a Samsung 840 if I were doing another computer upgrade. The power savings of a SSD may still make it worthwhile for you to go for the Samsung, though.

I bought the same drive at a highly discounted rate on Newegg. The price difference between a full SSD and the Seagate is huge (especially if waiting for the right coupon code at Newegg).

 

[iArch]

iArch, I've opened your link in another tab and will go read it now. [Edited to add: Cool, you have the same exact computer as me, down to the added RAM. Great to know about your experience. Can you address power consumption? Did you notice any change in battery life after the 840 install?]

[Also, is that cable in addition to the notebook kit-drive, that has 'everything you need'? Or did you get the "bare" drive and then just that added cable?]...

I didnt repurpose my old drive, so no need here for the external enclosure. I just bought the bare 840 and the cable, then used Carbon Copy Cloner to clone over my existing setup. It was easy.

As for battery life, can't say I notice any difference, but its plugged in for the most part, so others might be able to address that better.

 

[Munkhbyamba]

Hi im getting m4 512gb
The original hard drive is failed i guess
Is there any possible ways to get data from that hard drive
I dont do TRIM on crucial m4 right
just put new hard drive and install clean install right

 

[garybUK]

I just put a Samsung 840 (non-pro) into a 2007 SR Macbook Pro, it was fine for 6 days then woke up the macbook pro and it hung, rebooted and it couldn't find the SSD.

Tried in another computer and it hangs at POST.

Going to RMA but i'm a little disgruntled with samsung's lack-of-customer-service especially the debacle I had with a 2 year old LED TV going kaput because of their famed Capacitor Issue. grrr

 

[zdigriz]

Installed Samsung 840 SSD drive in early 2007 Macbook Pro

I just finished installing the Samsung 500GM SSD 840 drive in my early 2007 Macbook Pro. The results are terrific, so I recorded a short screencast showing some specific improvements and a table of test results for activities I do multiple times each day.

https://vimeo.com/62303915

Hopefully, this helps someone else considering a similar upgrade. These forums have a been a great resource over the years for figuring out strange problems.

p.s. And I'm *really* hoping it doesn't die in six days like the previous post.

~ Chris

** Summary ***

New drive: Samsung 500GB SSD 840 Series Model: MZ-7TD500
Old drive: Samsung 500GB Spinpoint M6 Model: HM500LI

I upgraded an early 2007 Macbook Pro 15” (Model #A1211) running OSX 10.7.5, Core 2 Duo 2.16 and 3GB DDR2 SRAM. Many of the major components have been replaced over the years, so it’s definitely not the original laptop. This is my full-time work computer and gets used at least ten hours every day.

It was getting pretty slow and prone to long delays with the spinning rainbow wheel. A clean install of Snow Leopard helped a little, but it’s been getting pretty frustrating to use over the past year. After installing Menu Meters, it was pretty clear most of the time was spent accessing the hard drive, so I decided to splurge and purchase one of the new SSD drives before spending $2,500 on a new Macbook Pro.

The previous hard drive was installed about four years ago to upgrade the original Macbook Pro hard drive. It took about 30 minutes to install the SSD drive and another 2.5 hours to restore two partitions from a USB clone using Super Duper backup.

The improvement is tremendous and it feels like a brand new laptop. Most tasks are basically instantaneous and I haven’t had any of the usual slowdowns where the laptop just cranks away doing (apparently) nothing for 30-90 seconds with the spinning rainbow wheel. My early 2007 MBP is too old to support SATA3, so I’d expect even better performance from a newer MBP.

 

[Khryz]

Everyone is recommending the Samsung's but you can't update the firmware on Mac's .. I don't get it, what if I don't have any PC's in my house?

Is there no alternative to the Samsung's that is fully Mac-compatible? That seems to be my biggest issue with pulling the trigger on a 500 GB Samsung from NewEgg. That and I assume if things go wrong, a Samsung will have more heachaches to replace than say an OWC with their great service.

Any help would be much appreciated! I have a mid-2010 MBP btw.

Thanks!

 

[S.B.G]

Everyone is recommending the Samsung's but you can't update the firmware on Mac's .. I don't get it, what if I don't have any PC's in my house?

Is there no alternative to the Samsung's that is fully Mac-compatible? That seems to be my biggest issue with pulling the trigger on a 500 GB Samsung from NewEgg. That and I assume if things go wrong, a Samsung will have more heachaches to replace than say an OWC with their great service.

Any help would be much appreciated! I have a mid-2010 MBP btw.

Thanks!

You can update the Samsung from the Mac. Here is the firmware update page for Mac's. Scroll to the bottom of the page.

http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/samsungssd/downloads.html

 

[Khryz]

You can update the Samsung from the Mac. Here is the firmware update page for Mac's. Scroll to the bottom of the page.

http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/samsungssd/downloads.html

Ohh, thank you! That makes me feel better about getting one of these, especially considering how highly recommended it is here.

 

[mentaluproar]

I bought a Momentus XT and ended up ripping it out after only a few days. It had this slow-pulsed, loud, low-pitched hum that would reverberate through my desk, amplifying it to obnoxious levels. I can say that hybrid drive was no gimmick. My mac was FAR more agile. It was a shame to have to return it.

I ordered a 240gb Corsair Neutron GTX off of Newegg today. I've been really interested in this thing for about a week and finally pulled the trigger. I'll post benchmarks when it arrives next week.

 

[F1 Fan]

Crucial have a three day sale on until Thursday 28th March (at least in the UK). Discounted M4s included...

I have also heard whisperings of the long-awaited M500 being available for pre-order in Norway...

960GB SSD could be about to drop 😀

 

[mentaluproar]

results! Trim slowed it down, oddly.