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Geebz

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Apr 14, 2010
23
0
Which SSD should I get for my 2010 15 inch MBP? My biggest concern is stability and reliability. Even though my mbp can only support sata 2, I am open to sata 3 ssds as I may upgrade to a 2012 mbp in the future. Based on the OWC website, it seems that the price difference between sata 2 and 3 ssds of the same size are around 100 USD making sata 3 more attractive as I will be able to utilise the extra speed should/when I upgrade, for what seems like a minimal price up front. So what do you guys think? Which SSD should I get?
 
If you can afford the $100 different then why NOT get SATA III? I doubt SATA IV or whatever the next specification will be is going to be adopted and inexpensive in the next year or so.
 
Been very happy with the two Vertex 2s I own, haven't had a single problem with either of them (Have one in my MBP, and one in my gaming PC).
 
Anything faster than 375Mbps will be useless. SATA II is 3Gbit speeds (3000mb/8=375mb). The Intel 320 or 510 seem to be the best options.
 
On reliability alone I would go with the Intel 320 (it seems like a lot of users are having issues with 6GB neg. speed with the 510). I ran my x25 G2 since release without any issues in my MBP, and I just purchased a 320 as a boot/app drive for my MP. If you're worried about GC/TRIM, run the TRIM enabler in the Mac Pro section of MR though personally I wouldn't worry too much about it unless you're constantly writing/re-writing files to your drive.
 
On reliability alone I would go with the Intel 320 (it seems like a lot of users are having issues with 6GB neg. speed with the 510).

The 510 won't matter much, 6GB is only needed when going past the 375mbs mark, which is the maximum a 2010 macbook will handle anyway. The 510 120gb has a top speed of 400mb/s and the 250gb is 500mb/s. Either way, he's going to saturate SATA II.
 
Hi guys thanks to everyone for responding. Does anyone have any experience with the OWC Mercury Extreme Pro 6G? Can anyone recommend this drive to me? Anyone had any problems with these drives? Im thinking of getting the 240 gig version. For those wondering why Im looking at a Sata 3 drive, its because as I mentioned in my OP I may be upgrading to 2012 mbp at which point i will be able to utilise the extra speed. With the price difference between sata 2 and 3 being only a 100 USD, it seems worthwhile to future proof.
 
OWC 120GB Mercury EXTREME™ Pro 6G SSD

OWC
120GB Mercury EXTREME™ Pro 6G SSD
 2.5" Serial-ATA 9.5mm Solid State Drive
This drive is the fastest and most reliable Solid State Drive on the market today.

RoyalFlush,
 
OWC
120GB Mercury EXTREME™ Pro 6G SSD
 2.5" Serial-ATA 9.5mm Solid State Drive
This drive is the fastest and most reliable Solid State Drive on the market today.

RoyalFlush,

What data do you base the "most reliable" statement on? I have never seen any reliability data on this drive.
 
Hi guys thanks to everyone for responding. Does anyone have any experience with the OWC Mercury Extreme Pro 6G? Can anyone recommend this drive to me? Anyone had any problems with these drives? Im thinking of getting the 240 gig version. For those wondering why Im looking at a Sata 3 drive, its because as I mentioned in my OP I may be upgrading to 2012 mbp at which point i will be able to utilise the extra speed. With the price difference between sata 2 and 3 being only a 100 USD, it seems worthwhile to future proof.

If you are looking for speed, the OCZ Vertex 3 is the way to go, but if you are looking for reliability, it's the Intel 320 series.
 
I too am on the intel 320 bandwagon... I chose it because of intel's low failure rates, and the fact that its based on the x-25, making it somewhat "proven".

SSD Failure Rates:
- Intel 0.59%
- Corsair 2.17%
- Crucial 2.25%
- Kingston 2.39%
- OCZ 2.93%
 
I just fitted an Intel 320 in my MBP (mid 2010) and I'm only sad I didn't make the switch sooner!
Switching out the stock HDD was a breeze, and the SSD is sooo much faster.
I decided to make a clean install of SL rather than use a time machine back up and the machine boots in around 17 seconds - SWEET!!
I decided on the Intel based on reviews and perceived reliability in comparison to other drives... time will tell but for now I'm very happy.


Cheers, Jay.
Sent from my iPad 2
 
Samsung 470 is a very good drive. Has the least negative reviews and speeds is right at the top of all the categories. Their garbage controller is very good. No need to TRIM the drive. Just install and your good to go. Also look at the Kingston. These two drives are very similar to what the stock Apple SSD is.
 
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