Intel 520 SSD 240GB issues

[mrrippey]

Has anyone had any success using the Intel 520 series in their mini's? Just installed a 520 240GB SSD and it has been formatting for the last two hours stuck at 50%. I can't seem to find a firmware upgrade for OSX.

I am afraid this one may not work and I'll have to return it for something else (and I will have to stop this format which may make this drive inoperable). Not like it's working now.

Any ideas gang?

-Rippey

 

[praetorian909]

Has anyone had any success using the Intel 520 series in their mini's? Just installed a 520 240GB SSD and it has been formatting for the last two hours stuck at 50%. I can't seem to find a firmware upgrade for OSX.

Hi Rippey, actually I just got the same drive (180GB version). I was going to put it in my Mac mini soon, hopefully this weekend.

So what's your drive's firmware version number? I realize it may be too late now, but it's useful to take a photo of the Intel sticker before you put it in the Mac mini. Not exactly easy pop-in install like in a laptop.

Here's the info from mine:
Date of mfg: 11 Jan 2012
Batch #: CNCV21B00C
Version #: G40541-300

I'll find out version soon and check for firmware updates. Did you do the Lion OS re-install via internet recovery? I think I'm gonna try to make myself a bootable USB beforehand.

 

[shortcut3d]

It may be related to the SATA connection. I suggest checking all connections after installing an SSD. IME, the SATA connector to the drive rightfully needs the tape Apple places on it. In addition, the SATA logic board connection can become disconnected very easily if the drives are not properly seated / aligned or if you have the foam spacers on a factory second drive in properly positioned.

If you have an external enclosure or Seagate GoFlex adapter you can try using the SSD there to eliminate a hardware issue.

 

[insimbi]

I just returned an Intel 520 180GB SSD because it was causing major problems in my MBP. I replaced it with a Crucial M4 and it's been great ever since. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Pheo]

It may be related to the SATA connection. I suggest checking all connections after installing an SSD. IME, the SATA connector to the drive rightfully needs the tape Apple places on it. In addition, the SATA logic board connection can become disconnected very easily if the drives are not properly seated / aligned or if you have the foam spacers on a factory second drive in properly positioned.

If you have an external enclosure or Seagate GoFlex adapter you can try using the SSD there to eliminate a hardware issue.

Agree with this. My 120GB intel 520 is working fine if it helps

 

[Quash]

Don't know if it helps but, i have no issues with the exact same 240gb 520 SSD with my mac pro. So it's not incompatible with OSX. Can be a chipset-SSD problem, a cable problem, or just a faulty SSD.

 

[nimits]

Don't know if it helps but, i have no issues with the exact same 240gb 520 SSD with my mac pro. So it's not incompatible with OSX. Can be a chipset-SSD problem, a cable problem, or just a faulty SSD.

My friend i just have put the same ssd 2 days ago.Till know no particular problem.I 've done an internet recovery (if this is helpful for you).Yesterday i have started to use the migration assistant .I will post again any particular problem.
The only thing i forget to mention is that i have a problem with the bluetooth keyboard(sometimes i lose its signal) but i am not sure if this is a disk issue

 

[Edge]

Can be a chipset-SSD problem, a cable problem, or just a faulty SSD.

Is this a Sandforce-related issue?

Anecdotally, I don't believe there are any reliable Sandforce based SSD models (for use in Macs. I have had issues with OCZ and OWC models.) The Intel firmware was meant to offer reliability.

Don't forget power issues as a possibility. The Thunderbolt SSD thread points to problems with models with a high peak power draw.