I highly recommend the Runcore 128 GB SSD for the MBA – 3X speed and performance!

[kenmarered]

I bit the bullet and decided to upgrade to a refurbed 2.13ghz Rev C macbook air (from a Rev A). I ordered the runcore ssd too. Both the macbook air and the ssd drive were shipped within 24 hours of ordering, though I won't be able to get my hands on them for 2 weeks due to travelling.

Hopefully the rev C MBA will live up to expectations and I'll be able to offload the rev c's original ssd, the Rev A macbook air and my macbook pro.

 

[Runcore]

Thanks for all the great feedback guys we are going to have to make another batch of these I think . FYI, I twittered a link over to this post today.

Also some good news for MBA Rev A owners we just tested a new FW in our Rev A SSD and it has fixed the problems with Sleep and Hibernate. We are sending one out to a user to test before telling everyone to upgrade not to mention Indilinx is not even releasing the FW for another 1-2 weeks.

I will keep you guys posted.

Matt

 

[Scottsdale]

I don't think you can make a fair comparison. The x25-m is in a 17" 3.06, so overall the machine is going to be much faster. But as far as opening applications and running virtual machines, they seem about the same. The xbench disk score is only about 50 points higher on the x25-m, so in day to day use you really can't tell the difference.

Congratulations. I am glad to hear several people have made the switch and everyone has agreed with my assessment that it's a great upgrade and completely changes the speed & performance of the MBA.

 

[Scottsdale]

I bit the bullet and decided to upgrade to a refurbed 2.13ghz Rev C macbook air (from a Rev A). I ordered the runcore ssd too. Both the macbook air and the ssd drive were shipped within 24 hours of ordering, though I won't be able to get my hands on them for 2 weeks due to travelling.

Hopefully the rev C MBA will live up to expectations and I'll be able to offload the rev c's original ssd, the Rev A macbook air and my macbook pro.

I think you will enjoy both the Runcore and the rev C MBA! That's great news... congratulations. Keep us posted on your observations and report your xBench marks. Cheers!

 

[Abyssgh0st]

@Scottsdale-

I've never had a real SSD machine before (had a netbook with one, but that doesn't count), but I know SSD will greatly enhance my 1.6 HDD (Rev B) Air's performance overall, but I had a quick question. I know apps will open much faster, faster bootup, faster retrieving of documents, etc. But will I notice any other speed differences? And how much do you think it would increase my battery life? (I know it'll be minimal, just was curious). Also, does it run cooler at all?

 

[Scottsdale]

@Scottsdale-

I've never had a real SSD machine before (had a netbook with one, but that doesn't count), but I know SSD will greatly enhance my 1.6 HDD (Rev B) Air's performance overall, but I had a quick question. I know apps will open much faster, faster bootup, faster retrieving of documents, etc. But will I notice any other speed differences? And how much do you think it would increase my battery life? (I know it'll be minimal, just was curious). Also, does it run cooler at all?

Everything will feel faster not just opening apps. It will affect everything from the OS itself, to boosting swap files from RAM limitations, to apps, to large files, to multiple file transfers, to eliminating spinning beachballs, to faster boots and instant shutdown. It's really noticeable with every aspect of the system.

I am not noticing any difference in battery life. Snow Leopard has affected that but not the Runcore SSD. I think it's running at about the exact same temps. Just being honest there. Maybe others could report findings with that.

I feel like my MBA is a brand new MBA again. It's fun and exciting with very noticeable changes in how the entire system performs and is much faster. I often describe the stock SSD as it makes the MBA feel like a MBP with 7200 rpm HDD, 4 GB RAM, and a 2.4 GHz CPU. With the Runcore SSD, it feels much faster than that...

 

[Abyssgh0st]

That's great to hear, I'm excited to get mine eventually. Hm.. Keep my Dr. Dre Beats Solo or get the RunCore 64GB?

I ended up figuring out the cashback thing, but the cashback wasn't showing for the 64GB RunCore on eBay. It even had the dollar sign by that auction, but it didn't seem to lower the price. Does it lower the price later after you hit buy it now?

 

[MajorTCS]

Bugout, I sent you a pm concerning install.

 

[bugout]

That's great to hear, I'm excited to get mine eventually. Hm.. Keep my Dr. Dre Beats Solo or get the RunCore 64GB?

I ended up figuring out the cashback thing, but the cashback wasn't showing for the 64GB RunCore on eBay. It even had the dollar sign by that auction, but it didn't seem to lower the price. Does it lower the price later after you hit buy it now?

The price doesn't drop. You get the % cash back after 60 days into your paypal account.

 

[mac&cheesey]

Temps

I read on another forum (http://www.mydellmini.com) that the inclusion of the RunCore SSD increased temps for some people. And for some of those it was considerable. I know we're talking about a completely different machine here, and also a different model of SSD I believe, but can anyone who has payed attention to their before and after temps please comment? Did it, in fact, raise your temperatures? And if so, by how much? Any increase in fans because of this?

Thanks,
m&c

Edit: I should note that I have a 64GB RunCore SSD in my Hackintoshed Dell Mini9 and have not noticed a temperature increase personally. I just wanted to gauge the experiences of others before I make any decisions on this.

 

[checkitout]

Works for MBA rev A, too, but...

Also some good news for MBA Rev A owners we just tested a new FW in our Rev A SSD and it has fixed the problems with Sleep and Hibernate.
Matt

That is good news.

For those MBA rev A owners who are considering the RunCore offering:

Yes, the PATA ZIF version required for the MBA rev A is a new lease of life for your aging MBA. You will be as excited about your new MBA as Scottsdale is about his, even though PATA does not allow the benchmark numbers to be as wonderful as with SATA -- the real world performance is still breathtaking though.

Just be sure you know about the caveats. It will be even better when they are solved by new firmware, but Indilinx has had a spotty record here recently, so prepare to live with 1571 and its sleep problems (and the quite livable workaround) for a while.

 

[MajorTCS]

Trouble installing Runcore

I am so dissapointed! I found the entire process very difficult. (Maybe my age and/or eyesite is a factor) There were no instructions or CCC in the package. I was unable to get my MBA to recognize the Runcore. So I skipped this part, and proceeded with the SSD installation. I followed along with iFixit. I was unable to dislodge the audio cable and proceeded to strip a screw on the drive bracket. At that point I had enough. I quit. It is not for me. Wish I could pay someone to do it. Returning all to Runcore for refund. Glad others are more proficient with this kind of installation. I am jealous.

 

[kenmarered]

There were no instructions or CCC in the package.

Ouch. Can anyone recommend some good online instructions?

I found this at iFixIt

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/Installing-MacBook-Air-Hard-Drive-Replacement/860/1

According to the ssd details it ships with a "screwdriver". Is this going to be the only tool required to do the install? (I ordered from mydigitaldiscount)

Thanks

 

[Runcore]

mac&cheesey The Dell 64GB Pro SSD gets up to 85 degrees Celsius while the 32GB and 16GB are much cooler.

The Pro IV SSD is a completely different animal and only gets up to 45 degrees Celsius no matter what the GB size.

Another thing you guys should notice is your fans will not turn on nearly as much if any at all. Forgive me if I am wrong but that should save some battery power and cancel out any noise the machine makes.

Matt
http://www.twitter.com/runcore

 

[bugout]

Matt,

Any chance we'll see a 256GB version?

 

[Runcore]

Matt,

Any chance we'll see a 256GB version?

I will ask the design team about it again but when we started the project they told me 256GB of chips simply will not fit in the small area that the MBA drive requires.

Matt

 

[Scottsdale]

I am so dissapointed! I found the entire process very difficult. (Maybe my age and/or eyesite is a factor) There were no instructions or CCC in the package. I was unable to get my MBA to recognize the Runcore. So I skipped this part, and proceeded with the SSD installation. I followed along with iFixit. I was unable to dislodge the audio cable and proceeded to strip a screw on the drive bracket. At that point I had enough. I quit. It is not for me. Wish I could pay someone to do it. Returning all to Runcore for refund. Glad others are more proficient with this kind of installation. I am jealous.

MajorTCS. I am sorry to hear that. I found it all very simple. However, I did use my own screwdrivers. Those included with my Runcore were obviously the wrong size, but I assumed those were wrong only in my package. To anyone installing a Runcore SSD, make sure you use high quality screwdrivers the proper size.

As far as the ribbon cables. They pop off straight up. Both should be removed one after the other. The port ribbon cable is right above the LIF ribbon cable. Both can be easily (simply) removed by putting finger nail under edge and popping straight up. I believe the port ribbon cable (top one) has a tab to pull straight up on it. I recommend using the new LIF cable on the Runcore SSD and leave the original cable on the stock drive.

ANYONE/EVERYONE: What I do when working on ANY MAC is draw out the screw placements on a piece of paper. I set each screw as I remove it on the exact spot on the paper. This allows me to put each original screw back in its original placement. Draw exactly how drive and cables attach and specifically how the rubber "sleeve" fits on the drive. That is the key to making sure everything goes back exactly as intended without stripping or ruining anything. This makes the whole job goes smooth and ensures NO HEADACHES.

It's really simple if you have the right screwdrivers and document where each screw goes and how everything fits. Pretty obvious for working on a computer. The MBA is really a tight fit on the inside, it requires precision.

Finally, installing the Runcore SSD is really simple as long as you make sure you put everything back exactly where it goes... good luck and cheers.

 

[Runcore]

I have informed the packaging team to put the correct size screw drivers in the package.

MajorTCS, I am sure that any local computer shop could do the install for you. It only takes a few minutes so it should not be costly.

To get the CCC software you have to have the drive hooked up via USB since it is on the drive. You can also DL it for free from their site. The drive can be used without actually putting it into the USB 2.0 case. Take the PCB board out and use the Runcore Lif cable. Attach it to the board so that it extends out and almost goes over the USB connection point on the PCB. Then attach the drive to the Lif cable and plug the USB cable in if it is not recognized then the drive may be plugged in upside down. If so then flip it over and try again. Once you get that screw out of the way you should be all set.

Matt

 

[Cheffy Dave]

Thanks Scottsdale! Understood. My results are very similar to what you posted before the Runcore.

Wicked fast!. I put a Runcore SSD into my 2.2 BMB running 6 Gb of RAM from OWC. I haven't seen a beach ball since install. I have since put one in my wife's 2.4 BMB, as well as my Daughters 2.4 Aluminum MBP
THIS is the way all computers should run. I can only imagine what this will do for a MBA, if I ever get another lappie, this is the FIRST upgrade I do
Awesome product!

 

[rrmac1912]

MajorTCS. I am sorry to hear that. I found it all very simple. However, I did use my own screwdrivers. Those included with my Runcore were obviously the wrong size, but I assumed those were wrong only in my package. To anyone installing a Runcore SSD, make sure you use high quality screwdrivers the proper size.

As far as the ribbon cables. They pop off straight up. Both should be removed one after the other. The port ribbon cable is right above the LIF ribbon cable. Both can be easily (simply) removed by putting finger nail under edge and popping straight up. I believe the port ribbon cable (top one) has a tab to pull straight up on it. I recommend using the new LIF cable on the Runcore SSD and leave the original cable on the stock drive.

ANYONE/EVERYONE: What I do when working on ANY MAC is draw out the screw placements on a piece of paper. I set each screw as I remove it on the exact spot on the paper. This allows me to put each original screw back in its original placement. Draw exactly how drive and cables attach and specifically how the rubber "sleeve" fits on the drive. That is the key to making sure everything goes back exactly as intended without stripping or ruining anything. This makes the whole job goes smooth and ensures NO HEADACHES.

It's really simple if you have the right screwdrivers and document where each screw goes and how everything fits. Pretty obvious for working on a computer. The MBA is really a tight fit on the inside, it requires precision.

Finally, installing the Runcore SSD is really simple as long as you make sure you put everything back exactly where it goes... good luck and cheers.

I just installed the Runcore 128 SSD in my MacBook AIR Rev B. So far only problem is that I can't get my original drive to work in the included Runcore enclosure. Drive will not mount in it, it worked with the SSD to do the clone, but doesn't appear to work with the Apple drive.

 

[Runcore]

I just installed the Runcore 128 SSD in my MacBook AIR Rev B. So far only problem is that I can't get my original drive to work in the included Runcore enclosure. Drive will not mount in it, it worked with the SSD to do the clone, but doesn't appear to work with the Apple drive.

Did you try flipping the HDD over and plugging it?

Sometimes the HDD pin orientation is off just a little bit as well so you may want to re-check the connection when you plug it in.

Matt

 

[Scottsdale]

I just installed the Runcore 128 SSD in my MacBook AIR Rev B. So far only problem is that I can't get my original drive to work in the included Runcore enclosure. Drive will not mount in it, it worked with the SSD to do the clone, but doesn't appear to work with the Apple drive.

I haven't actually checked mine come to think of it. Which is something I wondered if I had plugged the stock SSD in properly to the USB enclosure as the cable sorta had to be bent weird to get it in. I will check mine tonight when I get to my hotel room. I am traveling but I did bring it with me... will post my results back here. Did you try it without the enclosure just plugged in with the USB cable? I wonder if bending that LIF cable is bad?

 

[rrmac1912]

Did you try flipping the HDD over and plugging it?

Sometimes the HDD pin orientation is off just a little bit as well so you may want to re-check the connection when you plug it in.

Matt

I've tried the cable both ways in the HDD, and without it in the actual enclusure, just using the USB cable, no luck.

 

[mac&cheesey]

thanks

mac&cheesey The Dell 64GB Pro SSD gets up to 85 degrees Celsius while the 32GB and 16GB are much cooler.

The Pro IV SSD is a completely different animal and only gets up to 45 degrees Celsius no matter what the GB size.

Another thing you guys should notice is your fans will not turn on nearly as much if any at all. Forgive me if I am wrong but that should save some battery power and cancel out any noise the machine makes.

Matt
http://www.twitter.com/runcore

Thanks for that Matt. It's nice to see that you monitor the forums in relation to your products. Your quick response to questions and concerns goes a long way, with me at least. I'm glad I bought my first Runcore. If (when) I buy by MBA the Runcore will almost certainly be my first upgrade.

Thanks again,
m&c

 

[w00tini]

Ouch. Can anyone recommend some good online instructions?

AirFanatics.com - Upgrading Your MacBook Air Hard Drive To A Speedy Runcore SSD

i'm sooooo close to pulling the trigger on another MBA and modding it with the Runcore. it just looks amazing!