RunCore 128GB SSD upgrade in Macbook Air Rev. B

[Steven in VA]

In VA, waiting for NC

So, NCMacGuy, can you include a simple assessment for a non-tech person who just enjoys Macs because they look so cool and work so well? I've converted a dozen people, I'm sure--but I don't know jack about what goes on inside a Mac.
Or a PC, for that matter. Nor do I care what goes on inside a PC.
Thanks,

 

[Abyssgh0st]

Questions regarding RunCores:

1. Would I notice any difference in a Rev B regarding how well it handles flash? I know it's GPU dependent, but I've been having a lot of system bog downs lately (even though Activity Manager only says like ~30% CPU usage).

2. To Matt- When will the 64GB SSD's that are MBA Rev B. compatible ship with the new items in the package? (Diagram, correct screwdrivers, etc).

 

[Hey Jude]

I'd wait for NC MacGuy's assessment before I'd go with the other guy as NC MacGuy tends to be much more technical.

I have decided to wait for his review as well. My decision is whether to upgrade my Rev A SSD, hope for a new revision or just throw in the towel and get another MacBook.

So, NC MacGuy, when can we expect your review?

Jude

 

[LinMac]

Questions regarding RunCores:

1. Would I notice any difference in a Rev B regarding how well it handles flash? I know it's GPU dependent, but I've been having a lot of system bog downs lately (even though Activity Manager only says like ~30% CPU usage).

Not really.

Flash is a hog, but it is not hogging the GPU. The software is just CPU heavy and badly needs an update.

 

[Manix]

Ordered the Runcore 128GB SSD! Should arrive before the weekend.

Here is a current benchmark:

Results 79.82
System Info
Xbench Version 1.3
System Version 10.6.2 (10C540)
Physical RAM 2048 MB
Model MacBookAir2,1
Drive Type APPLE SSD SM128
Disk Test 79.82
Sequential 64.42
Uncached Write 51.65 31.71 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Write 63.05 35.67 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Uncached Read 46.72 13.67 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Read 183.09 92.02 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Random 104.88
Uncached Write 52.35 5.54 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Write 61.70 19.75 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Uncached Read 1449.36 10.27 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Read 467.91 86.82 MB/sec [256K blocks]


When I manage to do the update I'll post the benchmark 2-3 times faster would be amazing like I already say here.

 

[Runcore]

Ordered the Runcore 128GB SSD! Should arrive before the weekend.

Here is a current benchmark:

Results 79.82
System Info
Xbench Version 1.3
System Version 10.6.2 (10C540)
Physical RAM 2048 MB
Model MacBookAir2,1
Drive Type APPLE SSD SM128
Disk Test 79.82
Sequential 64.42
Uncached Write 51.65 31.71 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Write 63.05 35.67 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Uncached Read 46.72 13.67 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Read 183.09 92.02 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Random 104.88
Uncached Write 52.35 5.54 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Write 61.70 19.75 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Uncached Read 1449.36 10.27 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Read 467.91 86.82 MB/sec [256K blocks]


When I manage to do the update I'll post the benchmark 2-3 times faster would be amazing like I already say here.

Looks like you have a Rev B or C with the faster Samsung SSD. I suggest also taking a look at the post on the Rev C upgrade it will give you that warm and fuzzy feeling you are looking for. The Rev C/B Runcore drive is hitting the 190's or better in xbench. I would say from my usage of my Rev C the computer feels a solid 2 times fast than with the stock SSD.

Also for those who have Rev B/C with an HDD the computer will be over 6 times faster and that is not an exaggeration.

Matt Dawson
Runcore

 

[Gadgetman99]

Looks like you have a Rev B or C with the faster Samsung SSD. I suggest also taking a look at the post on the Rev C upgrade it will give you that warm and fuzzy feeling you are looking for. The Rev C/B Runcore drive is hitting the 190's or better in xbench. I would say from my usage of my Rev C the computer feels a solid 2 times fast than with the stock SSD.

Also for those who have Rev B/C with an HDD the computer will be over 6 times faster and that is not an exaggeration.

Matt Dawson
Runcore

If you need a poster child (other then the others that already have one), send me one of your SSD's for Rev B MBA. I will be a friend for life Even a 64gb would be sufficient...

 

[Manix]

Looks like you have a Rev B or C with the faster Samsung SSD. I suggest also taking a look at the post on the Rev C upgrade it will give you that warm and fuzzy feeling you are looking for. The Rev C/B Runcore drive is hitting the 190's or better in xbench. I would say from my usage of my Rev C the computer feels a solid 2 times fast than with the stock SSD.

Also for those who have Rev B/C with an HDD the computer will be over 6 times faster and that is not an exaggeration.

Matt Dawson
Runcore

You are right it's the Rev B with the Apple SSD. In another forum someone mentioned the fact which one should keep in mind that the ssd's loose there ability to perform well when they hold a lot of data and within a specific time will get slower.... it was tested by a professionell computer magazine here in Germany the exception were SSD from Intel (unfortunately I don't have the arcticle at hand but i'll do a research on this).

So I was wondering if you have any comments facts on this from Runcore??

 

[Runcore]

Manix, we have seen this happen to select drives from customers. We suggest using the wiper.exe to to clean the drive up. People that use it are very satified.

I have been running my Pro IV drive since May and have not needed to run the wiper.exe.

Under Windows 7 this is not a problem as it has better support for SSD.

For Mac users if it does slow down over time I would suggest a complete format of the drive and reinstall.

Anyone notice this with the stock Samsung drive?

Matt Dawson
Runcore

 

[LinMac]

Hi Matt,

Yes, you can see the results here.

Is there any word on garbage collection or additional information if it will help with filesystems besides NTFS? A complete reinstallation doesn't seem very practical and wiper.exe is Windows only.

 

[pwfletcher]

I just ordered one for my Rev C with a HDD ... I am expecting significant speed gains

 

[Manix]

Just got my runcore sdd for my late 2008 MBA Rev. B !
Just wondering what to do at first can i plug the runcore ssd via usb to clone the apple ssd?

I'm just a little bit confused through several descriptions and I don't want to make anything wrong.

Thanks !

 

[pwfletcher]

Mine just showed up and I am installing now ... instructions suck, one little yellow piece of paper with four pictures and that is it. Cheesey ... let's hope the drive rocks to make up for the crappy instructions.

 

[Manix]

Mine just showed up and I am installing now ... instructions suck, one little yellow piece of paper with four pictures and that is it. Cheesey ... let's hope the drive rocks to make up for the crappy instructions.

Which dmg to use cclonder or SuperDuper!?

 

[pwfletcher]

SuperDuper ... I already had a copy of it and had paid for the registration. Great program!

 

[pwfletcher]

Installation was easy thanks to the iFixit link. However, RunCore guys ... HIRE A TECHNICAL WRITER AND INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS WITH YOUR PRODUCT!!! Also, USB case is worthless ... can't come close to getting it closed.

Drive is smoking fast (I am upgrading from the stock HDD)!

Xbench results:

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 193.25
Sequential 165.10
Uncached Write 211.65 129.95 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Write 198.92 112.55 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Uncached Read 85.58 25.04 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Read 358.32 180.09 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Random 232.98
Uncached Write 79.66 8.43 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Write 361.98 115.88 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Uncached Read 2088.88 14.80 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Read 727.90 135.07 MB/sec [256K blocks]

 

[Manix]

Installation was easy thanks to the iFixit link. However, RunCore guys ... HIRE A TECHNICAL WRITER AND INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS WITH YOUR PRODUCT!!! Also, USB case is worthless ... can't come close to getting it closed.

Drive is smoking fast (I am upgrading from the stock HDD)!

Xbench results:

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 193.25
Sequential 165.10
Uncached Write 211.65 129.95 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Write 198.92 112.55 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Uncached Read 85.58 25.04 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Read 358.32 180.09 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Random 232.98
Uncached Write 79.66 8.43 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Write 361.98 115.88 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Uncached Read 2088.88 14.80 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Read 727.90 135.07 MB/sec [256K blocks]

Strange ... the runcore wouldn'T show up after i plugged it in but is recognized when plugged through usb port... anyone could help?

 

[pwfletcher]

Did you create a GUID Partition so that it is bootable?

 

[Manix]

Did you create a GUID Partition so that it is bootable?

I just deleted and created a new partition when i plugged with the usb cable yes but didn't cloned it afterwards

 

[Manix]

Got it !

Here is the RunCore benchmark compared to the apple ssd:

Results 79.82 / 195.78
System Info
Xbench Version 1.3
System Version 10.6.2 (10C540)
Physical RAM 2048 MB
Model MacBookAir2,1
Drive Type APPLE SSD SM128 / RunCore 128G-C SSD
Disk Test 79.82 / 195.78
Sequential 64.42 / 159.68

Random 104.88 / 252.97

 

[Manix]

Got it !

Here is the RunCore benchmark compared to the apple ssd:

Results 79.82 / 195.78
System Info
Xbench Version 1.3
System Version 10.6.2 (10C540)
Physical RAM 2048 MB
Model MacBookAir2,1
Drive Type APPLE SSD SM128 / RunCore 128G-C SSD
Disk Test 79.82 / 195.78
Sequential 64.42 / 159.68

Random 104.88 / 252.97

Even more with clean install:

Disk Test 205.09
Sequential 172.10
Uncached Write 216.97 133.21 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Write 232.32 131.45 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Uncached Read 86.22 25.23 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Read 366.16 184.03 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Random 253.72
Uncached Write 87.98 9.31 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Write 382.50 122.45 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Uncached Read 2107.20 14.93 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Read 763.11 141.60 MB/sec [256K blocks]

 

[Runcore]

Guys I would love for somone to do a Mac Guide on this. I could do it myself if the moderators would not mind.

Could a Mod give me a thumbs up please.

Matt Dawson
Runcore

 

[ListedFirst.com]

Guys I would love for someone to do a Mac Guide on this. I could do it myself if the moderators would not mind.

Could a Mod give me a thumbs up please.

Matt Dawson
Runcore

I just purchased a MacBook air, complete with the 128GB SSD, however after reading this thread, I'm considering an alternative. As far as a Mac Guide on this, are you referring to a complete a-z pictorial walk through for upgrading the MacBook air to a Runcore SSD? I believe I might be a good candidate for such endeavor, especially as my update would allow a direct apples to apples comparison of the Samsung 128GB SSD to the Runcore. This would definitely allow others to consider a Runcore instead of an upgrade from Apple.

I'm quite familiar with the insides of the MacBook air, (especially the Rev A. See: http://listedfirst.com/Business_Resources.html when I put a Verizon Aircard in).

Anyhow, Matt, if you'd like me to do the job (if it hasn't been done already), contact me directly (My contact info is on my website) and let me know how we could get started.

 

[Young Turk]

I just purchased a MacBook air, complete with the 128GB SSD, however after reading this thread, I'm considering an alternative. As far as a Mac Guide on this, are you referring to a complete a-z pictorial walk through for upgrading the MacBook air to a Runcore SSD? I believe I might be a good candidate for such endeavor, especially as my update would allow a direct apples to apples comparison of the Samsung 128GB SSD to the Runcore. This would definitely allow others to consider a Runcore instead of an upgrade from Apple.

As a very pleased Rev. B SSD owner, what are your impressions of the differences with the Runcore SSD? Is it worth the $$?

Young Turk

 

[happyslayer]

Young Turk,

I just upgraded my RevB 1.86 GHz with the SSD to the RunCore Pro IV 128 about 6 hours ago. Other than some install issues that I have already discussed in Scottsdale's thread, I am VERY satisfied with the drive.

It probably doesn't hurt that I have done a complete fresh install of SN 10.6 with my apps and updates, but it definitely is faster. My Xbench scores are almost 2.5 times faster... 199 (RC) vs 83 (stock)

It definitely feels snappier. My apps open very fast and my boot and shut-down times are good.

Go slow with the install and follow Scottsdale's advice if you do it yourself.

Hope that helps.

Let me know if there is anything else you need to know about it.

Oh... I got mine from MyDigitalDiscount.com for $450.00 plus $20.00 shipping - Next Day Air.

Good Luck

Edit: I just did a test and shutdown took 8 seconds (I manually closed all apps before shutting down) and startup (after chime) took 15 seconds. Although I did not measure this on the stock SSD, it is definitely faster. I would say at least twice. However, this may also be an effect of the fresh install.