iMac 27" SSD Upgrade - Important Tip!

[andyOSX]

In that case, one doesn't need to necessarily shell out for the Intel brand name. How much space does one actually NEED for a system drive with /Users on a separate HDD?

Well people aren't paying for the Intel name, they are paying for the fastest random 4K and 256K reads and writes on the market, and substantially so. For Mac users, the greatly reduced susceptibility to the performance degradation issue is extremely valuable as well.

If you do get a non-intel one, at least make sure you get one with an Indilinx controller, like the OCZ Vertex. Don't even get me started on the garbage Samsung SSDs Apple uses for its CTO computers. Such a shame... Would love to see Mac Pros and Macbook Pros with Intel SSD options CTO.

 

[bajee]

Anand did an earlier article on the same Intel X25 M G2 where he said without trim the drop from new to used was 36.1 MB/s to 35.8MB/s. Now that TRIM is out he's saying it drops from 40 to 14... so the tests are not very consistent

http://www.anandtech.com/storage/showdoc.aspx?i=3631&p=22

hey Andy, glad you're here, as I reckon you're one of the expert in SSDs is here in Macrumors.

That previous benchmark Anand did, was actually the pre TRIM firmware that G2 is used. The TRIM firmware will basically disable the voodoo that Intel does to battle the performance degration.

That's why when Anand tested the G2 with TRIM firmware, the degradation was so big, because it assumes the TRIM will do its job to battle the degradation.

So for OSX users, it is advisable not to install the TRIM firmware, because it disables what the Intel's voodoo for degradation issues.

Like Cockroach said, OSX doesn't support trim yet, so its obvious you don't need to install the TRIM firmware in an OS that doesn't support TRIM.

====================

Btw, you guys can read more about TRIM in osx to this post:

http://www.ocztechnologyforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=409366&postcount=5

I reckon the forum poster is a previous Apple engineer, he's basically saying the underlying technologies is there, its just a matter of Apple enabling it to support TRIM in OSX


===================

The actual benefits of installing the TRIM firmware in Intel X25-M G2s can only be seen in 160gb variants, were the right speed will increase 25 percent (from 80MB/sec to 100MB/sec)

I plan to raid two 160gb too, since TRIM isn't supported in raid configuration, you have to use a manual trim like the wiper.sh or Intel's SSD Toolbox. I do hope they release a version for OSX.

 

[jonwd7]

That previous benchmark Anand did, was actually the pre TRIM firmware that G2 is used. The TRIM firmware will basically disable the voodoo that Intel does to battle the performance degration.

That's why when Anand tested the G2 with TRIM firmware, the degradation was so big, because it assumes the TRIM will do its job to battle the degradation.

So for OSX users, it is advisable not to install the TRIM firmware, because it disables what the Intel's voodoo for degradation issues.

Like Cockroach said, OSX doesn't support trim yet, so its obvious you don't need to install the TRIM firmware in an OS that doesn't support TRIM.

====================

Btw, you guys can read more about TRIM in osx to this post:

http://www.ocztechnologyforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=409366&postcount=5

I reckon the forum poster is a previous Apple engineer, he's basically saying the underlying technologies is there, its just a matter of Apple enabling it to support TRIM in OSX

Interesting link. What concerns me then is all the users who will eventually buy an Intel SSD with the TRIM firmware already installed... They would have to somehow flash the previous version onto their drive, and I don't know if this is available or possible, and it sounds to me like something that could possibly void a warranty. (I would imagine some companies would not let you forcibly install an older firmware, since it is likely there are many bugs, some which permanently brick your drive, especially in Intel's case with the two bricking bugs they've had already)

If it's true that the TRIM versions disable all the other "voodoo" as you put it, then that does indeed explain the inconsistencies. I'm not happy about that though. Because what it means is that I am either stuck waiting for TRIM support in OS X (I dual boot Windows 7), or attempt to flash an older firmware and in doing so lose out on all the other benefits of newer firmware, like increased speeds and bugfixes.

But that link has me hopeful that TRIM support is not too far away. The only thing is that I don't think Apple ships many (or any) computers with hard drives that are considered user serviceable (instructions for doing so in the manual) other than the Mac Pros, and so they may feel that TRIM support is useless until they start including their own stock or BTO SSDs which support TRIM. And I have a feeling they won't be including Intel or Indilinx drives any time soon... But of course I hope I'm wrong. They could probably secure large quantities of Intel X-25M 160GB G2s for ~$400 a pop and then upsell them as a BTO for $600... heh.

 

[Cockroach]

I guess if you want an Intel SSD, you need to buy it NOW to ensure you get the old firmware. I bought my two G2s a month apart (mid Oct, mid Nov) and they both came with 02G9 firmware. The first was retail (SSDSA2MH080G2R5), and the second was OEM (SSDSA2MH080G2C1).

 

[knewsom]

I guess if you want an Intel SSD, you need to buy it NOW to ensure you get the old firmware. I bought my two G2s a month apart (mid Oct, mid Nov) and they both came with 02G9 firmware. The first was retail (SSDSA2MH080G2R5), and the second was OEM (SSDSA2MH080G2C1).

Trouble with that is, I JUST shelled out for the computer. It's gonna be tough convincing SWMBO that I need an SSD upgrade right away.

 

[i7QuadCoreMania]

Trouble with that is, I JUST shelled out for the computer. It's gonna be tough convincing SWMBO that I need an SSD upgrade right away.

So did I, I installed an 80gb 2g X25 in my Dell mini less than 1 week after purchase, and I have my 160gb 2g X25 waiting for me to install it in my i7 Old saying goes, if you want to play to gotta pay.

 

[knewsom]

YEaaah, I know, but really, as an Editor, the only real speed bump I'm gonna see apart from overall OS speed and snappiness, is in FCP's load time, unless I keep my media on an SSD, which is SO not gonna happen - that's what DROBO and FW800 is for. Tough to justify another couple hundred bux for it.

 

[wideblick]

Thank you for the infos, but I have one question.

I´m a new german apple user, I bought an i5 and sold my win pc, but not my vertex 120gb ssd.

Now I want to change the optical superdrive with the vertex, but i don´t know how to edit the boot partition on a mac.

how do i change it, that the ssd is the boot partition and the hdd is only a storage device?

thank you for help.

 

[mariuscmorar]

does anyone know where I could take the iMac to have the optical drive replaced with the ssd? I haven't done anything close to this before and I'm scared to do it.

 

[knewsom]

Thank you for the infos, but I have one question.

I´m a new german apple user, I bought an i5 and sold my win pc, but not my vertex 120gb ssd.

Now I want to change the optical superdrive with the vertex, but i don´t know how to edit the boot partition on a mac.

how do i change it, that the ssd is the boot partition and the hdd is only a storage device?

thank you for help.

If you have an external optical drive, skip to option B.

Option A:
1. check to make sure you don't have TRIM firmware installed on the SSD.

2. use a USB or FW enclosure to reformat your SSD.

2. install SL on the SSD.

3. Install the SSD in your optical bay.

4. Boot up your computer holding the option key on the keyboard.

5. Select the SSD install and boot.

6. Wipe the HDD clean with Disk Utility, and use it for whatever you want!

Option B:
1. check to make sure you don't have TRIM firmware installed on the SSD.

2. install the SSD.

3. boot from the SL DVD via your external optical drive, and install onto the SSD. Wipe the HD clean and do whatcha gotta do to put the /Users folder on it, if you like.

4. Enjoy.


Welcome to Macintosh!

 

[wideblick]

thank you for the answers, i have to use option B

Which Firmware shall I use of the vertex, 1.40 or 1.41?

If there´s the correct fw on the ssd, i want to install it in the imac, the optical drive should boot the mac os install in usb mode (usb 2 sata).

please specify point "3" ("Wipe the HD clean and do whatcha gotta do to put the /Users folder on it, if you like.")

during the install process i have to clean and format the ssd, what do i have to do after install the os ?

doesn´t need the imac a manual alignment as windows? does the imac know the boot hdd after install on ssd as a win pc?

 

[knewsom]

I'm not sure which version of the firmware is the correct one, as long as it's not TRIM, which I know OSX doesn't support.

You don't need to manually select a boot partition in OSX, as long as there's a viable OS installed on it, it'll see it and allow you to boot from it. The point of step 3 was to remove the system installed on the Hard Drive so your computer won't accidentally boot from it, and will ONLY boot from the SSD. You don't need to set some MBR or any of that junk with a Mac. Just install the OS and enjoy.

There are many options as to how you store your data, one popular one is to JUST keep the SSD for your system and applications, keeping your /Users folder on another drive. I'm not sure how to do this, but I'm certain that with a little help from Captain Google, it'll be easy as pie. I know people who have done so.

Have fun, and do report back with your results! I'm keen to know specifically how you MOUNT your drive in the optical bay. Pics are always good too.

 

[andyOSX]

That previous benchmark Anand did, was actually the pre TRIM firmware that G2 is used. The TRIM firmware will basically disable the voodoo that Intel does to battle the performance degration.

That's why when Anand tested the G2 with TRIM firmware, the degradation was so big, because it assumes the TRIM will do its job to battle the degradation.

Hmmm, very interesting! I guess I should go out and buy my X25-M very soon even though I won't be ordering my i7 iMac for a few weeks.

Does anyone know if it's possible to check which firmware an X25 has, either on the packaging or through software once the drive has been purchased?

 

[andyOSX]

There are many options as to how you store your data, one popular one is to JUST keep the SSD for your system and applications, keeping your /Users folder on another drive. I'm not sure how to do this, but I'm certain that with a little help from Captain Google, it'll be easy as pie. I know people who have done so.

I wouldn't recommend doing it this way. OS X doesn't like it if you try to move the Users folder out of the root level of the boot drive, especially when installing OS updates etc. Plus, you want to keep your library in your users folder on the SSD, as many of the small random reads and writes that SSDs are so good at will be to preference files, caches etc that are stored in this folder.

Just keep the Users folder as is, and leave all the folders empty. Then on your secondary HD, just create a documents, music, movies, photos etc folder. Just keep your iTunes folder, iPhoto/Aperture library etc. on there then.

If you have multiple users who use your system and you don't want them to be able to access those folders when they are logged in, you can always manually set the permissions.

 

[bajee]

nice tip you got there (moving out photos etc, and setting permissions)

guys, anyone seen this news? They claim they're the fastest SSD in the market (video is their SSD versus Intel) , and the first SSD that takes advantage of SATA 6 Gbps. The one on the video is actually Intel, but they branded the SSD, as "leading competitor"

 

[wideblick]

I'm not sure which version of the firmware is the correct one, as long as it's not TRIM, which I know OSX doesn't support.

You don't need to manually select a boot partition in OSX, as long as there's a viable OS installed on it, it'll see it and allow you to boot from it. The point of step 3 was to remove the system installed on the Hard Drive so your computer won't accidentally boot from it, and will ONLY boot from the SSD. You don't need to set some MBR or any of that junk with a Mac. Just install the OS and enjoy.

There are many options as to how you store your data, one popular one is to JUST keep the SSD for your system and applications, keeping your /Users folder on another drive. I'm not sure how to do this, but I'm certain that with a little help from Captain Google, it'll be easy as pie. I know people who have done so.

Have fun, and do report back with your results! I'm keen to know specifically how you MOUNT your drive in the optical bay. Pics are always good too.

Thanks a lot.

I will post my results next time

 

[darrellishere]

Did anyone get a solution to the drive sensor on the on the mother board running the Fan at full speed.

Well if it hasn't been mentioned already, a rather simple solution would be to use SMC Fan Control.

I've been using it for years with a white imac to keep the mother board from chrashing!

Ramping up all three fans to full speed!

You should just be able to dial down the HDD Fan to normal level without shorting it!

SMC Fan control 2.2.2

http://www.eidac.de/?p=134

 

[andyOSX]

nice tip you got there (moving out photos etc, and setting permissions)

guys, anyone seen this news? They claim they're the fastest SSD in the market (video is their SSD versus Intel) , and the first SSD that takes advantage of SATA 6 Gbps. The one on the video is actually Intel, but they branded the SSD, as "leading competitor"

Hmmm, that should be very interesting. However there are many different measures of speed and different drives perform better or worse in these various categories. While sequential/random sustained read and write are cool, for those of us using SSDs as our boot volume it's all about small random 4K and 256K reads/writes. Speeding up these operations is arguably the most notable change to the user. This is where the Intel drives REALLY smoke the competition.

Also, as Mac users, the G2s' (pre-TRIM firmware) strong resistance to the performance degradation issue means that that they will keep close to top speed while other drives slow to only a fraction of what they once were capable of after moderate use.

It will be interesting to see how these new drives fair in that arena. I wish they had given us some more concrete numbers in addition to the video.

 

[ssdar]

Is it possible to install/roll back to the 'old' firmware for a Intel 160Gb G2 ?

 

[morfeas-dsl-]

can i ask a question?
If at lets say, 6 months from now, ssd option becomes available for imacs, will i be able to officially upgrade my 27" imac?
If the answer is yes, then i might wait, if the answer is no then i shall take the risk and install one myself

Thnx a lot in advance

 

[macchiato2009]

nobody knows what kind of options there will be in 6 months...

 

[morfeas-dsl-]

nobody knows what kind of options there will be in 6 months...

i know that.. I assume that it will be an ssd option and i wanted to know IF i will be able to upgrade my imac officially if my assumption is correct

 

[sascha h-k]

thank you for the answers, i have to use option B

Which Firmware shall I use of the vertex, 1.40 or 1.41?

If there´s the correct fw on the ssd, i want to install it in the imac, the optical drive should boot the mac os install in usb mode (usb 2 sata).

please specify point "3" ("Wipe the HD clean and do whatcha gotta do to put the /Users folder on it, if you like.")

during the install process i have to clean and format the ssd, what do i have to do after install the os ?

doesn´t need the imac a manual alignment as windows? does the imac know the boot hdd after install on ssd as a win pc?

you need 1.4 (without trim)

please see here: http://www.ocztechnologyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=63499

 

[rtrt]

i know that.. I assume that it will be an ssd option and i wanted to know IF i will be able to upgrade my imac officially if my assumption is correct

if i understand - you have an imac now and want to know if apple launch a new model in 6 months which has an ssd as std or as an option - then can you take your 6 month old imac and get them to instal an ssd?

thats a good q - don't know the answer

but am assuming that also means you also want to buy the the ssd from apple - i'd say forget it at that point - past history suggests it'll cost you a lot more for the drive from apple than buying it elsewhere.

 

[wideblick]

I did it.

Sorry, I wanted to upload my tutorial here, but it wasn´t possible because of limits (filesize)

You can download a German tutorial with an easy step-by-step and many pics inside here:

http://www.dooster.de/forum/showthread.php?p=31013#post31013

If a mod is not surprised about the link, please delete it.



Here are some pictures and tests of my SSD (OCZ Vertex FW 1.41):

File Size 128MB: Write 212,5 MB/s – Read 200,1 MB/s

File Size 1GB: Write 211,7 MB/s – Read 219,3 MB/s

File Size 4GB: Write 210,5 MB/s – Read 221,4 MB/s

I don´t understand, why Apple uses normal harddisks!?​