SSDs for PowerPC Macs

[tensixturtle]

Original thread title: "SSD Not Recognized in iMac G5"

Hello,
I just replaced my internal HDD in my iMac G5 to an SSD, but now, it does not recognize it in Disk Utility when I boot from my Tiger disc. I had no problems with my HDD and I do not think I broke anything when installing the SSD. I was wondering if someone might have a suggestion? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[Amethyst1]

What SSD?
It needs to reliably work in a SATA I machine to begin with.

 

[tensixturtle]

@Amethyst1 It is a Lexar NS100 256GB 2.5” SATA III SSD. According to an answered Amazon question, it works with SATA I. Please see below.

 

[Amethyst1]

That not-very-helpful answer just says all SATA III drives can step down — yet some SATA III SSDs just don’t work properly in SATA I systems, and G5s seem to be even pickier. I’d suggest trying another SSD (assuming yours works in another machine, i.e. is not faulty).

 

[tensixturtle]

Oh, I see, thank you for clearing that up. Do you think you might have a suggestion for one that would work that is reasonably priced?
Thanks

 

[Amethyst1]

Do you think you might have a suggestion for one that would work that is reasonably priced?

I know that the Intel X25-M and 320 work (I put them in a friend’s G5) but these are very old so you’ll have to “hunt” for them.
Hopefully others will chime in with suggestions for readily available and cooperative SSDs.

 

[B S Magnet]

I know that the Intel X25-M and 320 work (I put them in a friend’s G5) but these are very old so you’ll have to “hunt” for them.
Hopefully others will chime in with suggestions for readily available and cooperative SSDs.

I recommend a two-part solution of a 2.5-inch-to-m.2-SATA adapter and getting a common and affordable m.2 SSD such as a WD Blue series of whichever capacity you need. These seem to co-operate well with SATA I buses and the WD Blue series are very reliable. WD Blue SATA m.2-to-2.5" adapter is one of the solutions I’ve been using with my older Macs for the past couple of years (Dogfish m.2 SATA SSDs being the other).

 

[Amethyst1]

These seem to co-operate well with SATA I buses.

G5s as well?

 

[B S Magnet]

G5s as well?

I’ve tested a Dogfish m.2 SSD in my mid–2004 G5. Unlike an earlier 2.5-inch SATA III Patriot Pyro (2011 vintage) which refused to play nice when trying to boot from it, I didn’t run into boot issues with the 2.5-inch adapter. I don’t know if this combo working is a function of the adapter I used, the m.2, or the pair, in tandem.

 

[Amethyst1]

A thread listing exactly which SSDs (and adapters, if applicable) are known to work in G5s would be cool

 

[TzunamiOSX]

SanDisk SSD Plus
Interface: SATA 2,5"
Size: 240 GB (G5) 120 GB (G3 with SATA Adapter, 9600 with SATA Card)
Test Systems: PowerMac G5, PowerMac G3 Beige, PowerMac 9600

Compatibility status: Good

 

[tensixturtle]

Hello,
Thank you to all for your suggestions, I really appreciate it. Hearing that some SSDs work and not others, I tried a PNY SSD I had around to see if it would work, which it did! That is interesting how some work and some don't.

 

[tensixturtle]

PNY CS900
Interface: SATA III 2.5"
Size: 250 GB
Test System: iMac G5 (ALS)

Compatibility status: Good


Lexar NS100
Interface: SATA III 2.5"
Size: 256 GB
Test System: iMac G5 (ALS)

Compatibility status: Unsuccessful

 

[NikolaPPC]

Samsung EVO 840
Interface: SATA III 2.5"
Size: 250 GB
Test System: Mac G5 (11.2} DC 2.3Ghz

Compatibility status: Good

 

[FerociousPPC]

PNY CS900
SATA III 2.5"
240GB

Mac 2.3Ghz Dual core G5 (11,2)
4GB Ram

Leopard (bottom tray) see SSD in top tray. Used CCC to install Sorbet Leopard 🐆. Disconnected Leopard HDD and SSD won't boot. Moved SSD to bottom tray and now boots. Noticed SSD boots in 36sec while old HDD boots in 43sec. 🤔 Seems to be working well. 👍