Apricorn Velocity x2 (solo/duo) questions

[s-hatland]

Okay, i've been convinced i need to reach the maximum speeds my ssds can offer. I've heard many good things about the solo and duo and think it is the card for me. I do have a few concerns about it though and am hoping that others with these cards can quell them.

Firstly, get this out of the way:
Mac Pro 4,1->5,1
OWC 3G 120GB SSD
OWC 6G 240GB SSD
All PCI slots available (minus the 16x slot of course)

Now the Q's:
1. I've read quite a few reviews regarding a "boot delay" with the SOLO. Is this specific to certain MP models/slots/configs? Does the DUO also have this affliction?

2. If i get the SOLO, can i put both SSDs on it? How does one get power to the second drive? Would they be RAIDable since one is SATAII and one is SATAIII? Would the SATAII drive even benefit from being connected to the SOLO/DUO (other than gaining a sled spot back) and or RAIDing the two (if applicable)?

3. What would be the best configuration for me and what i've got?

Also, I'm well aware of the latest rage being PCIe SSDs with the Sintech adapter, but those just aren't in my budget at the moment.

Any help, info, input and shared experiences will be very much appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[mdelrossi]

I put the duo in my 3.1 2008 8 core.

I put two SSD's on it, I used some 3m double sided tape the extra thick gel type stuff I found in homedepot. For power I used a long sata power cable and connected it to the optical drive bay. For a while I used a splitter as I had both optical drive bays occupied.
I'll try to post a photo later If you need one.

 

[Baunkjaer]

Well, the boot delay surely exist in my 5,1, and I hate it

 

[s-hatland]

I put the duo in my 3.1 2008 8 core.

I put two SSD's on it, I used some 3m double sided tape the extra thick gel type stuff I found in homedepot. For power I used a long sata power cable and connected it to the optical drive bay. For a while I used a splitter as I had both optical drive bays occupied.
I'll try to post a photo later If you need one.

thank you - great info! do you perchance have those raided? or just two drives? also, this is a bit nitpicky, but can the cable be routed somehow through the back of the machine to hide it a little?

Well, the boot delay surely exist in my 5,1, and I hate it

i've read from some people that they don't experience it and others do. that's why i was curious if it has to do with the model or certain configs that, say, draw to much power from having too many drives etc. your setup seems fairly similar to mine so makes me a bit hesitant. thanks for chiming in!

can anyone with the DUO report on boot delays?

 

[m4v3r1ck]

Dual boot CONFIRMED for new Apricorn Velocity DUO X2!!!

Okay, i've been convinced i need to reach the maximum speeds my ssds can offer. I've heard many good things about the solo and duo and think it is the card for me. I do have a few concerns about it though and am hoping that others with these cards can quell them.

Firstly, get this out of the way:
Mac Pro 4,1->5,1
OWC 3G 120GB SSD
OWC 6G 240GB SSD
All PCI slots available (minus the 16x slot of course)

Now the Q's:
1. I've read quite a few reviews regarding a "boot delay" with the SOLO. Is this specific to certain MP models/slots/configs? Does the DUO also have this affliction?

2. If i get the SOLO, can i put both SSDs on it? How does one get power to the second drive? Would they be RAIDable since one is SATAII and one is SATAIII? Would the SATAII drive even benefit from being connected to the SOLO/DUO (other than gaining a sled spot back) and or RAIDing the two (if applicable)?

3. What would be the best configuration for me and what i've got?

Also, I'm well aware of the latest rage being PCIe SSDs with the Sintech adapter, but those just aren't in my budget at the moment.

Any help, info, input and shared experiences will be very much appreciated!
Thanks!

Hi, good to read you're considering a SOLO/DUOx2. Here's our (test-drive) thread about the DUOx2. I think all info's are available.

Dual boot CONFIRMED for new Apricorn Velocity DUO X2!!!

My advice for now (if your budget lets you) consider the DUOx2: no spaghetty (sata-power cables) inside your MP an runs perfect with software RAID0 or dual boot OS X and Bootcamp.

Any questions, please ask in the thread! Cheers....

----------

I put the duo in my 3.1 2008 8 core.

I put two SSD's on it, I used some 3m double sided tape the extra thick gel type stuff I found in homedepot. For power I used a long sata power cable and connected it to the optical drive bay. For a while I used a splitter as I had both optical drive bays occupied.
I'll try to post a photo later If you need one.

You mean a SOLOx2? And duck-tape does NOT belong inside a MP (heat can melt the gel and start leaking????) imho...

----------

Well, the boot delay surely exist in my 5,1, and I hate it

What model and how bad are your boot delays?

 

[s-hatland]

Hi, good to read you're considering a SOLO/DUOx2. Here's our (test-drive) thread about the DUOx2. I think all info's are available.

Dual boot CONFIRMED for new Apricorn Velocity DUO X2!!!

i had read through that thread, which is what initially piqued my interest, and upon re-reading, it seems i won't be able to RAID my two current drives as they aren't matched. Not too much word about any boot delays occurring. There was one post about boot time being 45 seconds which is nearly what i get just using a SATAII bay currently. Also, was just curious if i attached the 3G (SATAII) would i see any improvements, but likely, it will be locked to SATAII speeds.

However, it seems the DUO is a better solution for now, boot delays or no, and newegg has them in stock for $140 and a $40 rebate. Might have to pull that trigger. Would feel much better if others with the DUO could confirm/deny boot lags.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[mdelrossi]

thank you - great info! do you perchance have those raided? or just two drives?

They were not raided.

also, this is a bit nitpicky, but can the cable be routed somehow through the back of the machine to hide it a little?

You could, but you're going to close up the case any way so…

You mean a SOLOx2? And duck-tape does NOT belong inside a MP (heat can melt the gel and start leaking????) imho...

Yes the x2.
Never said Duck tape. 3M 4910 VHB Double-Sided Tape

 

[m4v3r1ck]

i had read through that thread, which is what initially piqued my interest, and upon re-reading, it seems i won't be able to RAID my two current drives as they aren't matched.

I never raided with unmatched HHD/SSD 3G/6G so perhaps others can verify/deny on that matter. Of course you can install them as in-depended drives. What are you running on them?

Not too much word about any boot delays occurring. There was one post about boot time being 45 seconds which is nearly what i get just using a SATAII bay currently. Also, was just curious if i attached the 3G (SATAII) would i see any improvements, but likely, it will be locked to SATAII speeds.

Boottimes are depending on your whole configuration of hardware in your MP (as it seems I'm having serious boot lags with an USB 3.0 PCIe so I'm removing it) Just give the DUO a shot and, once booted, see how your MP flies!

However, it seems the DUO is a better solution for now, boot delays or no, and newegg has them in stock for $140 and a $40 rebate. Might have to pull that trigger. Would feel much better if others with the DUO could confirm/deny boot lags.

As said it depends on your config and I hope others with the DUOx2 can chime in to answer this question for you.

Thanks for all the help!

Most welcome and please report back once you installed it.

Cheers...

----------

Yes the x2.
Never said Duck tape. 3M 4910 VHB Double-Sided Tape

Sorry, my bad!

3m double sided tape the extra thick gel type stuff I found in homedepot

But this tape still contains gel...

Cheers...

 

[mdelrossi]

But this tape still contains gel...

Cheers...

3M™ VHB™ Tape 4910 Clear is ideal for transparent materials or where ever a clear bond is needed, effectively replacing screws, rivets, and studs when bonding materials; resulting in a permanent hold and clean appearance. Our 40.0 mil tape provides short-term temperature resistance up to 3000F/1490C and long-term resistance of up to 2000F/930C.
Clear material is ideal for joining transparent material
3M VHB Tape adhesive formula bonds and seals on contact with no drying time
Virtually invisible fastening helps keep surfaces smooth, with no unsightly rivet heads or weld marks
Spreads stress load across length of the joint
High dynamic stress absorption reduces vibration and impact stress

I think it's safe

 

[m4v3r1ck]

3M™ VHB™ Tape 4910 Clear is ideal for transparent materials or where ever a clear bond is needed, effectively replacing screws, rivets, and studs when bonding materials; resulting in a permanent hold and clean appearance. Our 40.0 mil tape provides short-term temperature resistance up to 3000F/1490C and long-term resistance of up to 2000F/930C.
Clear material is ideal for joining transparent material
3M VHB Tape adhesive formula bonds and seals on contact with no drying time
Virtually invisible fastening helps keep surfaces smooth, with no unsightly rivet heads or weld marks
Spreads stress load across length of the joint
High dynamic stress absorption reduces vibration and impact stress

I think it's safe

If it is ok for you, it's ok for your MP!

 

[crjackson2134]

I put the duo in my 3.1 2008 8 core.

I put two SSD's on it, I used some 3m double sided tape the extra thick gel type stuff I found in homedepot. For power I used a long sata power cable and connected it to the optical drive bay. For a while I used a splitter as I had both optical drive bays occupied.
I'll try to post a photo later If you need one.

What you are describing is the Velocity Solo X2 with 2 drives attached, not the Velocity DUO. The DUO requires no cabling or power splitting & no Jury Rigged mounting for the 2nd drive. The DUO provides an all-in-one solution for mounting/powering 2 drives on a single card.

EDIT: Never mind, I see this was already pointed out. My apologies for not reading the full thread before posting.

 

[m4v3r1ck]

What you are describing is the Velocity Solo X2 with 2 drives attached, not the Velocity DUO. The DUO requires no cabling or power splitting & no Jury Rigged mounting for the 2nd drive. The DUO provides an all-in-one solution for mounting/powering 2 drives on a single card.

EDIT: Never mind, I see this was already pointed out. My apologies for not reading the full thread before posting.

No problem! Better twice a reply, than none... Cheers

 

[gugy]

No problem! Better twice a reply, than none... Cheers

Hi Berend,
Just received my Velocity and two 250gb EVO's. I will install it tomorrow on my MP 5,1.
Any tips? Can I achieve RAID 0 setting it up using disk utility. I have never done that. I hope it is a breeze.

I am only using Mac OS, no Windows.

 

[m4v3r1ck]

Hi Berend,
Just received my Velocity and two 250gb EVO's. I will install it tomorrow on my MP 5,1.
Any tips? Can I achieve RAID 0 setting it up using disk utility. I have never done that. I hope it is a breeze.

I am only using Mac OS, no Windows.

Answer in the following, just to keep all posts a bit together.

Velocity DUOx2 thread here!

PS if other members have questions about the DUOx2 (or SOLO of course) please use the link to the thread.

Thnx!

 

[gugy]

Answer in the following, just to keep all posts a bit together.

Velocity DUOx2 thread here!

PS if other members have questions about the DUOx2 (or SOLO of course) please use the link to the thread.

Thnx!

Thanks!

 

[Gav Mack]

3M™ VHB™ Tape 4910 Clear is ideal for transparent materials or where ever a clear bond is needed, effectively replacing screws, rivets, and studs when bonding materials; resulting in a permanent hold and clean appearance. Our 40.0 mil tape provides short-term temperature resistance up to 3000F/1490C and long-term resistance of up to 2000F/930C.
Clear material is ideal for joining transparent material
3M VHB Tape adhesive formula bonds and seals on contact with no drying time
Virtually invisible fastening helps keep surfaces smooth, with no unsightly rivet heads or weld marks
Spreads stress load across length of the joint
High dynamic stress absorption reduces vibration and impact stress

I think it's safe

My second evo is piggybacked onto the other in the solo x2 is stuck with thermal sticky pads with odd power. Soon to be both retired with the Sintech card with 1tb nMP blade. After fitting that combo into a clients 5,1 replacing an OWC sata 3 card and seeing how awesomely quick it is with a fast boot too - the x2 and Evo's are going to pastures (and computers) new.

 

[Baunkjaer]

Hi, good to read you're considering a SOLO/DUOx2. Here's our (test-drive) thread about the DUOx2. I think all info's are available.

Dual boot CONFIRMED for new Apricorn Velocity DUO X2!!!

My advice for now (if your budget lets you) consider the DUOx2: no spaghetty (sata-power cables) inside your MP an runs perfect with software RAID0 or dual boot OS X and Bootcamp.

Any questions, please ask in the thread! Cheers....

----------



You mean a SOLOx2? And duck-tape does NOT belong inside a MP (heat can melt the gel and start leaking????) imho...

----------



What model and how bad are your boot delays?

Solo X2 with 250GB Samsung EVO. We´re talking about 40s from start to desktop. First I thought something was wrong with my 240GB OWC, so I purchased the EVO, which didn´t improve boottime.
The machine boots faster when the SSD is mounted in the backplane.

Except for the boottime, the Solo performs as expected.

 

[m4v3r1ck]

Thanks for your feedback

Solo X2 with 250GB Samsung EVO. We´re talking about 40s from start to desktop. First I thought something was wrong with my 240GB OWC, so I purchased the EVO, which didn´t improve boottime.
The machine boots faster when the SSD is mounted in the backplane.

Except for the boottime, the Solo performs as expected.

Thanks for your feedback and to see your speed numbers!

I do too experience longer boot times, but once the MP has booted it flies! Except when you shut down / reboot your MP every day, it's no problem (for me) to wait a few seconds more.

Cheers...

 

[Powermange]

Does the duo extend to neighbour PCIe slot? I.e. Eat up two slots or just the one? If it does take two, is there any downside to running two solo's? That would still work in RAID0 right? Maybe two solos more expensive than one duo?!

 

[flowrider]

^^^^The Apricorn Velocity Duo x2 takes up one PCIe slot.

Lou

 

[Powermange]

Ok thanks. Then that does it thats the one to buy

 

[flowrider]

My Apricorn Velocity Solo x2 is still running strong:

https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=20521190#post20521190

Lou

 

[Baunkjaer]

Does the duo extend to neighbour PCIe slot? I.e. Eat up two slots or just the one? If it does take two, is there any downside to running two solo's? That would still work in RAID0 right? Maybe two solos more expensive than one duo?!

Pictures says more than words - sometimes

 

[Sharky II]

are the duo and solos exactly the same performance?

 

[flowrider]

^^^^Yes, Transfer rates are the same. Both are PCIe 2.0, 2 lane devices.

Lou