SSD Buying Guide [part 2]

[MRxROBOT]

Here's some feedback for those interested in the budget SSD market.

The X400 is a fast SSD, more so than the benchmarks may lead you to believe. The 1TB model has 40GB of pseudo SLC cache (nCache 2) and short of moving around 40+ GBs to and from the SSD, it actually feels like a much higher priced drive. It did slow down a bit initially when moving a few hundred GBs to it but after the initial setup it really surprised me with it's speed and cleared the cache very quickly. So yes the 850 EVO is consistently a lot faster but this drive is $100 less and at ~$230 for 1TB, it's a steal.

 

[martybird]

I have a Mac mini (Late 2014) that had the 1TB hard drive and was really suffering from the slowdown. I purchased a Crucial MX200 500GB SATA 2.5 Inch SSD CT500MX200SSD1 from Amazon for $139, installed it myself and I'm off to the races. Much, much happier now. Fresh install of El Capitan, then pulled in my files from a time machine backup from an external backup drive.

 

[GZR]

Out of frustration waiting for Apple to release new models I purchased a 750GB Crucial MX300 (via the UK Amazon Prime Day offers) and installed it in my 2012 Macbook Pro 13 today, this thing flies and performs better than new.

Apple taking so long to release new models cost them a sale this year and most likely next as I can see myself getting 2 more years out of this machine now

 

[ArmCortexA8]

Best SSD's - Samsung Pro 2.5" in various capacities with 3D-NAND - vertical modules. There is nothing in comparison on the market.

 

[kopies]

I had installed SSD Sandisk Ultra ii on MBP mid 2012 (MD101), using OS Yosemite 10.10.5. I put my SSD on HDD slot, and my HDD put on HDD Caddy. On the begining it performed well, then the SSD is undetectable after 5 month.

I claimed the guarantee and put the SSD back. One month latter , the flexible HDD got broken & SSD performed slowly. I never sleep my MBP again, always shutdown. But on the last few day, my MBP worked hard and reach 80 celcius & fan on maximum speed

My answer:
1. Does my MBP not support the SSD Sandisk Ultra II?
2. Does it require to disable kext signing & activate TRIM?
3. Or the problem came from the static electricity? charger/ batery?

I need helps.. tq

 

[Weaselboy]

I had installed SSD Sandisk Ultra ii on MBP mid 2012 (MD101), using OS Yosemite 10.10.5. I put my SSD on HDD slot, and my HDD put on HDD Caddy. On the begining it performed well, then the SSD is undetectable after 5 month.

I claimed the guarantee and put the SSD back. One month latter , the flexible HDD got broken & SSD performed slowly. I never sleep my MBP again, always shutdown. But on the last few day, my MBP worked hard and reach 80 celcius & fan on maximum speed

My answer:
1. Does my MBP not support the SSD Sandisk Ultra II?
2. Does it require to disable kext signing & activate TRIM?
3. Or the problem came from the static electricity? charger/ batery?

I need helps.. tq

I sounds like you may have a bad internal drive cable. Just as a test, try putting the SSD in the external enclosure and run it from there for a day and see how it works. If it works fine (albeit slower) in the enclosure, then that points to the internal cable.

==
1. Does my MBP not support the SSD Sandisk Ultra II? Yes
2. Does it require to disable kext signing & activate TRIM? You should activate TRIM with the Terminal command "sudo trimforce enable"... but not doing so would not cause the issues you are seeing.
3. Or the problem came from the static electricity? charger/ batery? Not likely.

 

[kopies]

I sounds like you may have a bad internal drive cable. Just as a test, try putting the SSD in the external enclosure and run it from there for a day and see how it works. If it works fine (albeit slower) in the enclosure, then that points to the internal cable.

==
1. Does my MBP not support the SSD Sandisk Ultra II? Yes
2. Does it require to disable kext signing & activate TRIM? You should activate TRIM with the Terminal command "sudo trimforce enable"... but not doing so would not cause the issues you are seeing.
3. Or the problem came from the static electricity? charger/ batery? Not likely.

If its not support, so what does SSD recommendation for MD101?

 

[Weaselboy]

If its not support, so what does SSD recommendation for MD101?

That SSD should work fine for you. Have you tried using it from the external enclosure as a test just to eliminate the internal cable as the issue.

 

[kopies]

That SSD should work fine for you. Have you tried using it from the external enclosure as a test just to eliminate the internal cable as the issue.

Yes, it performs well when i tried to boot from external enclosure (ya, albeit slower) . Well, there are some issues about MD101 hdd cable. This is my 2nd times changing my hdd cable.

How about the voltage? Does my SSD voltage make my HDD flexible broken?

 

[Weaselboy]

Yes, it performs well when i tried to boot from external enclosure (ya, albeit slower) . Well, there are some issues about MD101 hdd cable. This is my 2nd times changing my hdd cable.

How about the voltage? Does my SSD voltage make my HDD flexible broken?

If it works okay in the external enclosure, and not internally... that is pretty much proof positive it is the internal cable. I have seen many cases where the internal cable works okay with a HDD and not a SSD. I think this is because the SSD moves much more data that the HDD, so it stresses a failing cable more.

 

[definitive]

Best SSD's - Samsung Pro 2.5" in various capacities with 3D-NAND - vertical modules. There is nothing in comparison on the market.

While I do agree, I would also recommend SanDisk Extreme Pro and Zotac Premium series drives as well.

 

[Boost3devo]

Hi, new MBP owner here looking for help. I have a 5k imac with enough power for my needs, for a few months I was looking to grab a MBP 13ret. for portability and waiting to apple to release a new model. I wanted at least 256gb. I have to decided between continue waiting until fall and spend $1.5k on the new model or grab an early 2015 for less than $700 but 128gb. I grabbed the 128gb early 2015.

So i'm looking to upgrade storage, a 128gb jetdrive would be the easiest/cheapest way, but performance wise is not the best and I want to install WIN 10 on bootcamp, so replacing the SSD for at least 256gb seems better option. I search and found macsales 480gb kit, what other options I have? What is the 256GB apple SSD model number in case I found a used one?

 

[JTToft]

So i'm looking to upgrade storage, a 128gb jetdrive would be the easiest/cheapest way, but performance wise is not the best and I want to install WIN 10 on bootcamp, so replacing the SSD for at least 256gb seems better option. I search and found macsales 480gb kit, what other options I have? What is the 256GB apple SSD model number in case I found a used one?

- The Transcend JetDrive is not compatible with your machine, so disregard that.
The only options are the OWC drive you also mentioned or an original Apple SSD. The OWC drive cuts a lot of corners in terms of performance, compatibility, and other features. So much so I'd advise against it. Get the original Apple if you can (they're on Ebay).

 

[Boost3devo]

- The Transcend JetDrive is not compatible with your machine, so disregard that.
The only options are the OWC drive you also mentioned or an original Apple SSD. The OWC drive cuts a lot of corners in terms of performance, compatibility, and other features. So much so I'd advise against it. Get the original Apple if you can (they're on Ebay).

Thanks for you quick answer, now I need to find the the exact model number of the original Apple 256GB and 512GB, so I can buy with confidence that it would work.

 

[JTToft]

Thanks for you quick answer, now I need to find the the exact model number of the original Apple 256GB and 512GB, so I can buy with confidence that it would work.

- Part numbers should be what's listed here. iFixit even has one 256 GB drive in stock.

https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Mac/Ma...tina-13-Inch-and-15-Inch-2015-SSD/IF188-108-2

 

[MaxMike]

FYI, if anyone needs a 2.5" SSD, Micro Center has the Intel 535 on sale (must be selling out inventory since now it's no longer listed at my local store). A little older model, but 240GB MLC flash instead of TLC for $65. Picked one up for a 3.1 enclosure so I have a "rugged" external when the new rMBP comes out.

 

[adry.69]

i'm going to upgrade my 2014 rMBP with a Samsung SM951 512GB and an adapter, I just bought them
the only issue is that the Samsung SSD is rated @3.3V-2.7A, meanwhile the Apple SSD is rated @3.3V-2.5
hope that it gonna work lol

 

[OceanView]

i'm going to upgrade my 2014 rMBP with a Samsung SM951 512GB and an adapter, I just bought them
the only issue is that the Samsung SSD is rated @3.3V-2.7A, meanwhile the Apple SSD is rated @3.3V-2.5
hope that it gonna work lol

Please let us know if this works.
I too have a 2014 rMBP 13" and want to upgrade the SSD but have no idea where to start or what drive to buy.

I found a DIY link

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Retina+Display+Mid+2014+SSD+Replacement/27849

I just need some SSD recommendations now.

Will this work?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16820147425

And do I need an adaptor or any kit to install this?

 

[nebsta]

- Part numbers should be what's listed here. iFixit even has one 256 GB drive in stock.

https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Mac/Ma...tina-13-Inch-and-15-Inch-2015-SSD/IF188-108-2

Does anyone know what the Apple part number is for the a 512GB SSD for the rMPB 2015? iFixit doesnt seem to list the part number of the 512GB (only 128GB and 256GB).

I want to upgrade my 13" Late 2013 rMBP as I have ran out of space and decided against buying a new MBP after seeing the prices yesterday! I figure I may as well upgrade to a 2015 SSD whilst I am at it to double the speed

 

[nebsta]

Does anyone know what the Apple part number is for the a 512GB SSD for the rMPB 2015? iFixit doesnt seem to list the part number of the 512GB (only 128GB and 256GB).

I want to upgrade my 13" Late 2013 rMBP as I have ran out of space and decided against buying a new MBP after seeing the prices yesterday! I figure I may as well upgrade to a 2015 SSD whilst I am at it to double the speed

Answered my own question - in case anyone else is wondering its 655-1859

 

[JaySoul]

Best SSD's - Samsung Pro 2.5" in various capacities with 3D-NAND - vertical modules. There is nothing in comparison on the market.

Just ordered mine last night for my 2011 MBP 15". Got it for a pretty good price. Decided to take this option because Apple dropped the ball with new MBP range.

It arrives within 48 hours - can't WAIT! Will update on how it all goes.

 

[SoyCapitanSoyCapitan]

i'm going to upgrade my 2014 rMBP with a Samsung SM951 512GB and an adapter, I just bought them
the only issue is that the Samsung SSD is rated @3.3V-2.7A, meanwhile the Apple SSD is rated @3.3V-2.5
hope that it gonna work lol

Apple used the same chip in their 2015 SSDs. Search for any Apple SSD based on SSUBX controller.

 

[Cobra2001]

I was all ready to order a new MacBook Pro last week, but I'm not 100% certain any more so I was thinking about seeing if I can get any more life out of my Mid 2010 MacBook Pro. The specs are:

MacBookPro6,2 15.4 in HR Anti-Glare running OS X 10.9.5
2.4 GHz Intel Core i5 (Arrandale)
4GB 1067 MHz DDR3 SDRAM PC3-8500
320GBSerial ATA @ 5400 3.0 Gb/s (2.0)

Planning on upping the RAM to 8GB and then also putting in an SSD at a capacity of 512GB.

My question is though, will I see the full benefits of an SSD with the slower internal SATA speeds that my computer can manage? I'm sure it will be better than what I have now, but is it a good use of money? Would you guys throw $300-$400 at this computer or not? The thing is, our main computer is a Mid 2007 iMac that is still chugging along barely but my plan was to replace both with one "all powerful" new MacBook Pro. I'm just not sure throwing 8GB of RAM and an SSD will accomplish that and last me for the next few years. I was prepared to spend $2,500 or so on a new powerful MacBook Pro but I just want to weigh all my options.

Thanks for any suggestions guys. I'm going to the apple store later today just to see the new models for myself to make my own impressions.

 

[Weaselboy]

My question is though, will I see the full benefits of an SSD with the slower internal SATA speeds that my computer can manage?

You won't see the "full" benefits since the SATA II connection you have does not support the faster SATA III transfer speeds on newer SSDs. But you will still notice a big difference because an SSD has very very fast seek times, so that alone will speed things up. I put an SSD in a family member's old white 2008 MacBook and you could really tell the difference. If that Mac is otherwise working okay, I'd say it is totally worth the updates you mentioned.

 

[JTToft]

My question is though, will I see the full benefits of an SSD with the slower internal SATA speeds that my computer can manage?

- Your machine can do roughly half the speed a modern SSD can. It will still be very fast, though.

But it might not be worth it to get the absolute best of the best. A Crucial MX300 would be a good option.
That in 525 GB and 8 GB RAM shouldn't run you more than $170. Totally worth it.