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. ?