SSD in PowerBook G4 12” (A1010 EMC 1986)

[Faloude]

I have a beautiful PowerBook G4 12” 1 GHZ powerpc (A1010) here with a dead hard drive which I want to replace with a SSD.

Is there any reason why a mSATA SSD (with mSATA to IDE adapter) would not work on this device?

 

[Raging Dufus]

I'd recommend mSATA SSD's in IDE adapters for any PowerPC-based portable.

I've had four of them, installed in:

• PowerBook G3 Pismo 500 MHz
• PowerBook G4 Titanium 867 MHz
• PowerBook G4 12" 1.33 GHz
• PowerBook G4 15" HR DLSD 1.67 GHz

They've served my needs quite well. They're noticeably faster than any spinning platter drive; just don't expect rocket-like performance - I think that's been oversold a bit. Your PowerBook has an ATA-100 drive bus that will limit the SSD's throughput, but it will make the most of it and you should notice a nice improvement over the stock HDD. Plus complete silence, cooler running, better shock protection and longer life.

Just make sure you choose well. Opening up a 12-inch "Little Al" is something best done only once if you can help it, those things are a real pain to work on. If there's anything else you'd like to change/fix, try to do it all in one go.

I've been very happy with the 120 GB Intel SSDMCEAW120A4 in my 12-inch running Tiger. I have it in one of these adapters [ATTN MODS: not my auction]. There are other options as well, that's just what I've used and am happy with. Do your research, open 'er up, and enjoy!

 

[Faloude]

Awesome so it should be compatible. Will post results here

 

[amagichnich]

I have a beautiful PowerBook G4 12” 1 GHZ powerpc (A1010) here with a dead hard drive which I want to replace with a SSD.

Is there any reason why a mSATA SSD (with mSATA to IDE adapter) would not work on this device?

Please, do tell me what "PowerBook G4 12” (1986)" means - the year? Model number? Out of curiosity: Where did you get this number from?

 

[Faloude]

Please, do tell me what "PowerBook G4 12” (1986)" means - the year? Model number? Out of curiosity: Where did you get this number from?

I wasn't specific enough. I should have written EMC 1986

 

[AphoticD]

Here are a couple of threads worth checking;

My PowerBook G4 12" Journal - Full tear down, SSD upgrade and CPU Fan.

And...

Post Your SSD/CF SATA/PATA PowerPC Benchmark Results

 

[amagichnich]

I wasn't specific enough. I should have written EMC 1986

Ahh, that makes a lot more sense - stupid me