The Runcore rep says that 256 GB SSD is not yet possible. I am guessing it will happen sometime during 2010. Right now, I would rather have a 128 GB Runcore than a 256 GB Samsung.
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I highly recommend the Runcore 128 GB SSD for the MBA 3X speed and performance!
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The Runcore rep says that 256 GB SSD is not yet possible. I am guessing it will happen sometime during 2010. Right now, I would rather have a 128 GB Runcore than a 256 GB Samsung.
I recently picked up a Rev. C 1.86 ghz MacBook Air and decided to grab a 64gb RunCore SSD for it. I just received the SSD today and cloned my HDD to the SSD and then installed the SSD. Not to my surprise my 120gb HDD does not work in the included enclosure. I purchased the drive from My Digital Discount and was curious how i go about getting one the newer functional PCB board's. Thanks for all your help Matt.
Matt- I'm in the same boat as brdnboy. I ordered in mid december from runcorestore.com.
Please contact me! Thanks!
Please contact me! Thanks!
Hi Matt,
I reported the same problem to you and have contact MDD. They have issued an RMA but required me to disconnect the drive and send the whole thing back to them. This is very inconvenient. And we see that more people are having this same problem. How do we know we won't get back another unit which has the pcb bridge not working again?
Could you kindly let us know which serial number onwards has the pcb fixed?
Many thanks!
Hi there,
I just received and changed my plater HD to a 64gb runcore SSD. IT rocks
Install is easy using ifixit link and carbon copy software to clone the drive. it took me about 1h, maybe less (Get a good screwdriver, a new one if possible, it worth it)
(Superduper was password protected on the SSD, i don't know why)
I wasn't please with the result, so I did a fresh install w/ Snow Leopard, no updates yet.
Here's the results:
Result are quite not the same as the ones i've seen on the forum, but it's satisfying enough for me. It's fast
I just received and changed my plater HD to a 64gb runcore SSD. IT rocks
Install is easy using ifixit link and carbon copy software to clone the drive. it took me about 1h, maybe less (Get a good screwdriver, a new one if possible, it worth it)
(Superduper was password protected on the SSD, i don't know why)
I wasn't please with the result, so I did a fresh install w/ Snow Leopard, no updates yet.
Here's the results:
Result are quite not the same as the ones i've seen on the forum, but it's satisfying enough for me. It's fast
Bit the bullet... 128 runcore should be here tomorrow...
Hey all,
After reading all these posts, I finally bit the bullet and ordered one of the 128 RunCores for my Rev B, 1.86 Air from MyDigitalDiscount. Just got the shipping notice and it should be here tomorrow! WooHoo.
Admittedly, I already have the stock SSD and I feel just a bit crazy to want to replace it... but I am a speed freak when it comes to my machines so I am hoping for even snappier response. Based on the numbers I have seen posted and the specs on RunCore's site, it should be as cool as everybody says.
I am not going to bother with cloning it. I was considering a fresh install anyway, so this will be the perfect time to do it!
I'll report back with my results.
Thanks
Hey all,
After reading all these posts, I finally bit the bullet and ordered one of the 128 RunCores for my Rev B, 1.86 Air from MyDigitalDiscount. Just got the shipping notice and it should be here tomorrow! WooHoo.
Admittedly, I already have the stock SSD and I feel just a bit crazy to want to replace it... but I am a speed freak when it comes to my machines so I am hoping for even snappier response. Based on the numbers I have seen posted and the specs on RunCore's site, it should be as cool as everybody says.
I am not going to bother with cloning it. I was considering a fresh install anyway, so this will be the perfect time to do it!
I'll report back with my results.
Thanks
Congrats. Feel free to ask questions. There are no instructions, so read the original post as it's really simple if you're comfortable opening the MBA's bottom cover with 10 screws. Four screws on the drive enclosure... pop two LIFs and you're done! Reverse install and done.
Congrats again!
Added Instruction!!!
[NOTICE]
I am editing the original instruction I placed here which was to use the original LIF cable with tape in the MBA and attach to Runcore SSD. I improperly noted that, as what I did was take the tape off of the original and used it in place on the new Runcore LIF cable and Runcore SSD.
When you open your MBA, you will notice Apple has taped the LIF cable to the stock SSD. When you attach your new Runcore LIF cable to the Runcore SSD, I recommend using that tape... unless your Runcore SSD has a locking mechanism that secures the LIF cable in place. Mine is either missing this mechanism or it's a different model but doesn't have it as is different version/model, so Apple's method of taping seems to work perfectly in this case.
[NOTICE]
I am editing the original instruction I placed here which was to use the original LIF cable with tape in the MBA and attach to Runcore SSD. I improperly noted that, as what I did was take the tape off of the original and used it in place on the new Runcore LIF cable and Runcore SSD.
When you open your MBA, you will notice Apple has taped the LIF cable to the stock SSD. When you attach your new Runcore LIF cable to the Runcore SSD, I recommend using that tape... unless your Runcore SSD has a locking mechanism that secures the LIF cable in place. Mine is either missing this mechanism or it's a different model but doesn't have it as is different version/model, so Apple's method of taping seems to work perfectly in this case.
Dear Scottsdale:Thanks you from Taiwan
Dear Scottsdale:
It is my first time to post here with only one purpose to say thanks to you. I follow your recommendation to upgrade my MBA version A HDD to RunCore 128GB SSD.
It cost me US$17 for Apple Dealers to swap discs for me in Taiwan.
And It turned out to be a great leap of performance. I've got a great working computer now with your advice whenever I am on the way.
Happy new year. Edward from Taiwan
Dear Scottsdale:
It is my first time to post here with only one purpose to say thanks to you. I follow your recommendation to upgrade my MBA version A HDD to RunCore 128GB SSD.
It cost me US$17 for Apple Dealers to swap discs for me in Taiwan.
And It turned out to be a great leap of performance. I've got a great working computer now with your advice whenever I am on the way.
Happy new year. Edward from Taiwan
Hey all,
OK... after a lot of work... more than I thought actually, I was able to get the RunCore 128 installed. A lot more difficult than I thought and I am a computer consultant that fixes and repairs PC's, laptops (both Mac & Windows) frequently.
Two things. There really are NO instructions with the drive. Very bad.
First, I tried to use the existing cable as Scottsdale suggested and had two problems. During removal of the existing cable from the existing Apple SSD, a piece of the white connector on the existing SSD broke off ??!!. I am very sad and concerned that I destroyed the drive... more on this in a moment.
Second. the existing cable would NOT fit on the new Runcore. It is wider than the RunCore connector. I tried a few things and gave up. I ended up just carefully bending the new cable and got it to fit in my Air without any real issues. I got it closed back up and everything reinstalled (Fresh 10.6, Office2008, iWork, iLife and all updates ... writing on the system as I speak... And it feels... Real Nice!
Here are my results... sorry didn't back up my original X-Bench results... ran it after my final Time Machine backup... Doh! But it was like 83.5 or so.
Results 199.70 (Nice!)
System Info
Xbench Version 1.3
System Version 10.6.2 (10C540)
Physical RAM 2048 MB
Model MacBookAir2,1
Drive Type RunCore 128G-C SSD
Disk Test 199.70
Sequential 167.12
Uncached Write 212.00 130.16 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Write 224.18 126.84 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Uncached Read 82.58 24.17 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Read 377.49 189.72 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Random 248.06
Uncached Write 85.15 9.01 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Write 390.90 125.14 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Uncached Read 2129.57 15.09 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Read 739.00 137.13 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Anyway, about the existing SSD. I worked to get the original cable put back on the drive, even with the cracked white plastic piece. It seems to me that it is connected correctly and making connection as it should, but it does not work. If I plug it into the RunCore USB board, it makes a barely audible high-pitched squealing noise but does not light the LED or show up on the Air. Is it possible I still have the old board that RunCore was replacing? I purchased it from MyDigitalDiscount just a few days ago. Is there a model number on the board I can check it against?
Overall, I'm very happy with the drive... snappier than existing... but terribly sad that I may have damaged my existing SSD during the install. They really really need to throw in some instructions about removing the existing drive from the Air (it is made specifically for the Air so that should not be a problem) as well as better instructions about mounting the old SSD in the included cage.
Well... off to use my speedier Air.
Later all...
OK... after a lot of work... more than I thought actually, I was able to get the RunCore 128 installed. A lot more difficult than I thought and I am a computer consultant that fixes and repairs PC's, laptops (both Mac & Windows) frequently.
Two things. There really are NO instructions with the drive. Very bad.
First, I tried to use the existing cable as Scottsdale suggested and had two problems. During removal of the existing cable from the existing Apple SSD, a piece of the white connector on the existing SSD broke off ??!!. I am very sad and concerned that I destroyed the drive... more on this in a moment.
Second. the existing cable would NOT fit on the new Runcore. It is wider than the RunCore connector. I tried a few things and gave up. I ended up just carefully bending the new cable and got it to fit in my Air without any real issues. I got it closed back up and everything reinstalled (Fresh 10.6, Office2008, iWork, iLife and all updates ... writing on the system as I speak... And it feels... Real Nice!
Here are my results... sorry didn't back up my original X-Bench results... ran it after my final Time Machine backup... Doh! But it was like 83.5 or so.
Results 199.70 (Nice!)
System Info
Xbench Version 1.3
System Version 10.6.2 (10C540)
Physical RAM 2048 MB
Model MacBookAir2,1
Drive Type RunCore 128G-C SSD
Disk Test 199.70
Sequential 167.12
Uncached Write 212.00 130.16 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Write 224.18 126.84 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Uncached Read 82.58 24.17 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Read 377.49 189.72 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Random 248.06
Uncached Write 85.15 9.01 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Write 390.90 125.14 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Uncached Read 2129.57 15.09 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Read 739.00 137.13 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Anyway, about the existing SSD. I worked to get the original cable put back on the drive, even with the cracked white plastic piece. It seems to me that it is connected correctly and making connection as it should, but it does not work. If I plug it into the RunCore USB board, it makes a barely audible high-pitched squealing noise but does not light the LED or show up on the Air. Is it possible I still have the old board that RunCore was replacing? I purchased it from MyDigitalDiscount just a few days ago. Is there a model number on the board I can check it against?
Overall, I'm very happy with the drive... snappier than existing... but terribly sad that I may have damaged my existing SSD during the install. They really really need to throw in some instructions about removing the existing drive from the Air (it is made specifically for the Air so that should not be a problem) as well as better instructions about mounting the old SSD in the included cage.
Well... off to use my speedier Air.
Later all...
I don't know how to say this without sounding like a jerk, but how could a computer guy think that was difficult unless you have never inserted an LIF/ZIF cable? The whole point of LIF is LOW INSERTION FORCE. It takes almost no effort to unplug or plug. If you use ANY FORCE, you will damage the cable. It's taped onto the drive from Apple because it requires almost no force to jar the cable loose. If you pretend it's a standard SATA larger ribbon connector, it's not going to be pretty. Maybe you just needed a clear instruction set, and maybe I didn't give a good enough set of instructions with my original post?
I think a video is in order, and I hope to heck you didn't damage your drive. My original cable works fine with my MBA, so I don't know what's possibly going on there??? Please define better or send me a PM with a photo attached so I can check it out.
Everyone, please understand that the LIF cable is extremely fragile, but not difficult. It makes it easy. If you're finding it difficult, you're pushing to hard and possibly damaging the cable. It's sliding into the drive with almost no force or "low insertion force." If you're wondering if it's in yet, IT'S IN! Don't cram it from there.
Going back to the instructions...
[First thing to do once bottom case is off the MBA] Unplug both LIF ribbon cables (the one to the ports and the one to the drive), they both "pop" straight up with almost no force. Then the other side of the LIF cable to drive is actually taped on to the SSD; pull the tape up and then gently pull the LIF cable straight out. Install LIF cable into new drive while it's in your hands. Tape it in place! Put it in the bracket and attach to the mainboard by gently pushing the cable straight down where it ever so slightly locks into place.
I have recorded video of the complete process, but I haven't edited or narrated it nor written technical instructions yet. Give me some time, and I will try to help everyone do this drive swap simply in five minutes or less (minus the data transfer process from original to Runcore drive). If you're getting ready to do the upgrade, shoot me a PM and I will try to help if I can with a quick link to whatever is ready for viewing.
It's not a difficult process at all, but it does require patience and gentle insertion of the "low insertion force" cable. I will probably have to reshoot the video to overemphasize exactly how the cable is inserted and held into place with a simple piece of tape. Please do give me some time as I am also dealing with some health issues slowing me down, greatly at times.
I am not trying to be condescending or an ass, as I truly want to help people and I believe the Runcore is a great upgrade that every MBA owner would benefit from. I am not trying to say anyone should be upset if they couldn't do it, as it is possibly difficult to envision if you haven't had any experience with computers and you don't have a video or instruction sheet. But I also want everyone to know that it's easy if everyone just had a video and instructions to look at there would be NO PROBLEMS like those a very few have experienced.
I have now counted 37 people who have stated they upgraded to the Runcore via PM, email, or this thread. The vast majority are amazed by the performance differences. And the few that have had small problems probably just needed a video or instruction sheet to ensure confidence and success with their upgrades.
I do apologize for taking so long trying to finalize a video and instruction sheet as I have mentioned in the past.
Thanks for the response, and I appreciate what you are saying.
I do understand the ZIF concept and have dealt with many variations of ZIF connections. For example, HP laptops.. especially the big 17's are full of them
However when I was working with my Air, pulling the tape off of the existing connector is what did the damage. It pulled up the little hinge piece... twisted a bit and cracked the incredibly thin and fragile white connector that the cable slides into.
Also, the existing SSD cable that came with my RevB is WIDER than the one that came with the RunCore. It would NOT fit in the RunCore drive ZIF socket.
So I am using the EXISTING revB cable with the Existing SSD (carefully inserted back into the cracked socket and taped into place) and it does not work in the RunCore cage. As I stated, I just get a barely audible high-pitched whine when I connect it to the PCB and plug it into the USB port.
Does this mean (if anybody knows) that I have destroyed my drive, or is it possible that I have an older PCB?
Thanks in advance.
P.S.
There still should be some instructions. Not everybody that buys this drive is going to be a computer guy, and having to puzzle through an install of something that cost $450.00 is a bit lame to me. Since it is specifically designed for the MacBook Air RevB&C, they are in the uniquely nice position of being able to create a specific set of instructions that could contain pictures, steps and warnings about the fragile nature of the components. It is awesome that Scottsdale is willing to make a video, but that should not be required. It should be done by RunCore since they designed it for the Air. - And yes they could cover the instructions in warnings that they take no responsibility for damage and if there are questions, seek the help of a professional computer person (all though apparently not me
I do understand the ZIF concept and have dealt with many variations of ZIF connections. For example, HP laptops.. especially the big 17's are full of them
However when I was working with my Air, pulling the tape off of the existing connector is what did the damage. It pulled up the little hinge piece... twisted a bit and cracked the incredibly thin and fragile white connector that the cable slides into.
Also, the existing SSD cable that came with my RevB is WIDER than the one that came with the RunCore. It would NOT fit in the RunCore drive ZIF socket.
So I am using the EXISTING revB cable with the Existing SSD (carefully inserted back into the cracked socket and taped into place) and it does not work in the RunCore cage. As I stated, I just get a barely audible high-pitched whine when I connect it to the PCB and plug it into the USB port.
Does this mean (if anybody knows) that I have destroyed my drive, or is it possible that I have an older PCB?
Thanks in advance.
P.S.
There still should be some instructions. Not everybody that buys this drive is going to be a computer guy, and having to puzzle through an install of something that cost $450.00 is a bit lame to me. Since it is specifically designed for the MacBook Air RevB&C, they are in the uniquely nice position of being able to create a specific set of instructions that could contain pictures, steps and warnings about the fragile nature of the components. It is awesome that Scottsdale is willing to make a video, but that should not be required. It should be done by RunCore since they designed it for the Air. - And yes they could cover the instructions in warnings that they take no responsibility for damage and if there are questions, seek the help of a professional computer person (all though apparently not me
Thanks for the response, and I appreciate what you are saying.
I do understand the ZIF concept and have dealt with many variations of ZIF connections. For example, HP laptops.. especially the big 17's are full of them
However when I was working with my Air, pulling the tape off of the existing connector is what did the damage. It pulled up the little hinge piece... twisted a bit and cracked the incredibly thin and fragile white connector that the cable slides into.
Also, the existing SSD cable that came with my RevB is WIDER than the one that came with the RunCore. It would NOT fit in the RunCore drive ZIF socket.
So I am using the EXISTING revB cable with the Existing SSD (carefully inserted back into the cracked socket and taped into place) and it does not work in the RunCore cage. As I stated, I just get a barely audible high-pitched whine when I connect it to the PCB and plug it into the USB port.
Does this mean (if anybody knows) that I have destroyed my drive, or is it possible that I have an older PCB?
Thanks in advance.
P.S.
There still should be some instructions. Not everybody that buys this drive is going to be a computer guy, and having to puzzle through an install of something that cost $450.00 is a bit lame to me. Since it is specifically designed for the MacBook Air RevB&C, they are in the uniquely nice position of being able to create a specific set of instructions that could contain pictures, steps and warnings about the fragile nature of the components. It is awesome that Scottsdale is willing to make a video, but that should not be required. It should be done by RunCore since they designed it for the Air. - And yes they could cover the instructions in warnings that they take no responsibility for damage and if there are questions, seek the help of a professional computer person (all though apparently not me
I just don't understand. Yours is a v 2,1 right, so it's a LIF cable not a ZIF. The ZIF cable was used on the original MBA. If you could email me a photo of your cables, I can look to see if they're different than mine?
Are you maybe talking about a rev 1,1 MBA? And I am misunderstanding as you're saying "b."
I guess I need to say to people, be careful when removing the tape? So, it must be fragile on some LIF cables?
I am sorry you're having problems... send me a photo and I will try to see what's the deal. Maybe you have an incorrect part?
Send me a PM if you want to talk privately and send photo privately.
I received my SSD about 10 days ago and i assume that i have the old board and that you do too. I didn't have any issues like you, yet i have the same symptoms from the external enclosure. A squealing noise with no LED lit, and no visibility to the computer via USB. I also found that the existing OEM cable in the MBA does not fit into the RunCore SSD so i used the included RunCore cable in the MBA without any issues. Internally its working great, externally no functionality yet. Still waiting to hear back on getting the PCB replaced.
Brdnboy,
Did you contact RunCore or MyDigitalDiscount? If so, did you call or email? I will do the same on Monday and maybe we can get an answer. I am happy to hear that somebody else is having the same symptoms. (Not happy about the problem but glad that I am not alone.) That gives me hope that I did not irrevocably damage my stock SSD - I had plans for the drive.
Thanks
Did you contact RunCore or MyDigitalDiscount? If so, did you call or email? I will do the same on Monday and maybe we can get an answer. I am happy to hear that somebody else is having the same symptoms. (Not happy about the problem but glad that I am not alone.) That gives me hope that I did not irrevocably damage my stock SSD - I had plans for the drive.
Thanks
For how long has the Rev.A SSD (64GB model) been back-ordered ? Or does anyone know when it'll become available ?
I decided to switch to Runcore SSD but found out that MyDigitalDiscount has them back-ordered
Thank you in advance
I decided to switch to Runcore SSD but found out that MyDigitalDiscount has them back-ordered
Thank you in advance
I only have posted my concerns in this thread thus far. I will try and contact runcore this upcoming week.
@breakfast: What would you like to see photos of? I can pull the bottom case off if needed.
Hi Scotts,
It seems not necessary to replace Runcore's LIF with the Apple's LIF. You can plug the Runcore drive with its own cable straight-in from the box. And it works perfectly. Took me only 5mins to unscrew the bottom lid and change out the original drive. Very straight forward.
Cheers!
It may be a difference between the HDD and SSD and the cable Apple uses, but my factory Rev. C 120 HDD cable does not work on the RunCore SSD, its too wide. I had to use the RunCore provided cable with the RunCore SSD, but there were no issues doing this.
Actually, none of those photos show what I want to see. I want a comparison of the two cables next to each other, on top of each other (both ways), and comparisons of the drive ports.
Something isn't adding up here. My cable has worked, if someone else's doesn't work, what's the difference? I want to determine what's different from mine...
I used my original cable on my Runcore SSD, but according to you that's not possible? I want to see and compare both of your cables and your Runcore and stock SSDs to determine what's different.
Also, perhaps the Runcore LIF cable will work fine in the MBA IF it's taped to the drive. I didn't tape the Runcore LIF cable to my Runcore drive. However, Apple had taped the LIF cable to the stock drive.
I must conclude that the issue a few have experienced, INCLUDING ME, is related to not fully securing the LIF cable properly with TAPE... HENCE, INSTRUCTIONS WOULD BE NICE!!!
I will have to reshoot my videos once again to include this new evidence... providing once I retry my Runcore LIF cable after fastening it securely with tape... GOD, aren't we past this in technology that we need TAPE to secure a cable? Why in the HELL does Apple do this to us? Why cannot we just have a simple SATA-II connector? Or even Micro-Sata. Why LIF? Probably to ensure a barrier to entry from competitors trying to sell SSDs to MacBook Air buyers???
Thanks for the information everyone. I still want to see the difference between the cables. I will report back here within 48 hours with the results of taping the Runcore LIF cable to the Runcore SSD.
This process will have lead us down the right path to making a better instruction set and video for future buyers... thanks!
Something isn't adding up here. My cable has worked, if someone else's doesn't work, what's the difference? I want to determine what's different from mine...
I used my original cable on my Runcore SSD, but according to you that's not possible? I want to see and compare both of your cables and your Runcore and stock SSDs to determine what's different.
Also, perhaps the Runcore LIF cable will work fine in the MBA IF it's taped to the drive. I didn't tape the Runcore LIF cable to my Runcore drive. However, Apple had taped the LIF cable to the stock drive.
I must conclude that the issue a few have experienced, INCLUDING ME, is related to not fully securing the LIF cable properly with TAPE... HENCE, INSTRUCTIONS WOULD BE NICE!!!
I will have to reshoot my videos once again to include this new evidence... providing once I retry my Runcore LIF cable after fastening it securely with tape... GOD, aren't we past this in technology that we need TAPE to secure a cable? Why in the HELL does Apple do this to us? Why cannot we just have a simple SATA-II connector? Or even Micro-Sata. Why LIF? Probably to ensure a barrier to entry from competitors trying to sell SSDs to MacBook Air buyers???
Thanks for the information everyone. I still want to see the difference between the cables. I will report back here within 48 hours with the results of taping the Runcore LIF cable to the Runcore SSD.
This process will have lead us down the right path to making a better instruction set and video for future buyers... thanks!
Hi Scotty,
The Runcore LIF connector does not have a tape on its cable. I have tried taken it off, there's a black lid as shown in the photos above that clips the cable down. Lift the black lid up, and the cable comes off easily (Low Insertion Force). Push it back down, it fastens the cable. If you need a tape to secure the cable down, perhaps the black lid has broken?