Thinking about installing a data doubler

I recently installed an OWC Data Doubler in my early 2011 Macbook Pro. My suggestion is to perform the installation an extremely well-lit area with good quality screwdrivers -- the screws on the optical drive are extremely easy to strip. If you strip one of them, you won't be able to remove the optical drive at all. I almost did this myself. :/

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?is=REG&sku=797526&Q=&O=&A=details

 

If its anything like the 2011s - the optibay doesn't have a motion sensor in it.

So, you're better off putting the spinning disk in the internal HD bay, and your SSD in the optical bay.

By now with ivy bridge i doubt there are any remaining gremlins with regards to second SATA port performance to worry about.

I doubt you'd have any issues not having a motion sensor on the spinning drive unless you're really brutal with your machine, but the sensor is there, and is of no use to the SSD drive, so why not use it for the spinning disk? No drawback...

 

Agree x1000000000, I stripped a screw that held down the optical drive, had to use needle nose pliers to grab onto a chunk of the screw and twist it out that way, not a fun experience... Having said that, best upgrade I couldve made for my MBP, and if you order from OWC, i believe you can get a discount for the housing for your optical drive (at least I did).

 

As far as quality of the components, it really does not matter much where you get them from. They are all manufactured in the same factories anyway. I got some on eBay for several laptops, shipped directly from China, and they work just fine. Got both the bracket for the HDD and the USB enclosure for the optical drive, they were just a little over $10 each.

As far as installation, the key in my opinion is to have a good set of screwdrivers. I found that for various electronics when a Philips screw needs to be taken out, the best tool is not a regular screwdriver, but a Japanese Cross Point one - the difference is that the X shape of the bit is cut at a more obtuse angle which makes it much harder to strip a screw. You won't find them in hardware stores, but can easily order online. If you plan to fiddle with your expensive equipment it's good to get them to prevent those painful incidents when a screw is stripped and needs to be drilled out.

 

motion sensor works fine on all the 2011's and previous models I've done this on. The park signal is sent to all drives.

SSD in optical bay may give you other issues.

 

I have the new 2012 MBP and did this with mine. I have had no issues so far. Even through upgrading to ML no issues and my Symbolic link stayed in place for my SteamApps for games.

There is one thing that you will not be able to do and it might not be an issue for you. You cannot install Windows via BootCamp on the Optical Bay HDD without a lot of extra work.

My battery life is still very good.
I did set the HDD to Spin-Down after 5 minutes to reduce drain on the battery. Follow this Blog from OWC on how to do that.

Your Data transfer rate will be as fast as the HDD is and I have not heard any extra noise or noticed an increase in heat.

A good tip, get an empty egg carton and use that to hold your screws and make sure you are using the correct screwdriver sizes so you do not strip the screws out. The entire process took me all over 15-20 minutes to perform.

They make enclosures to put your Optical Drive in just like you would a HDD. I bought a cheap one from eBay and the quality was horrible. Once the drive was in it was very difficult to remove.

 

Does OCW data doubler include tools when you order it thru them. You mean to tell me, that the tools that they included won't cut it or a piece of crap.

 

The Data Doubler from OWC includes screws and tools. The tools it comes with were a perfect fit for me and had no issues removing the screws without slipping.

 

Oh good I was thinking of ordering it too, from OWC.

 

I ordered a cheap caddy from eBay and it didn't seem to fit right and the holes for the screws were slightly too small. I decided to go with the OWC since it came with the tools and they had detailed videos posted online. I am very pleased with it. The unit itself is made of very durable plastic. The quality is excellent.