SSD Optical Drive Swap 2006 Macbook Pro 17"

[chuuchhackz]

I'm giving my younger brother my old MBP, but I want to upgrade the optical bay to an SSD for his OS.

I did this on my unibody Macbook Pro, and love the speed. I've been searching around the web, and specifically OWC. I read somewhere that the connections to the optical drive aren't ATA - is that true? Any recommendations for what to purchase would be greatly appreciated! His 2005 MacBook just died.

Looking for a 120GB config. Already has the 160GB Internal stock 5400 HDD.

I read the SSD buyers guide, but didn't see many recommendations.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Squilly]

I don't even think the '06 model is compatible for SSDs...

 

[AlexMaximus]

THIS is the one to go for...

The normal 06' HD bay should be a standard SATA version. However since you want to put it into the opti bay it could be an older ATA or PATA connection. It this case you would need this one here:

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/SSD/OWC/Mercury_Legacy_Pro

Make sure you give them a call. On the owc configuration page choosing which model you have to determine which hd you need, the legacy solution only states the 05' model and older. So you may even go with a SATA. My advice, call them..

 

[chuuchhackz]

I don't even think the '06 model is compatible for SSDs...

It actually is and works great!

 

[robvas]

You need a PATA to SATA caddy like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Micro-SATA-Cables-Optical-Adapter/dp/B005L91ZL8