Cant decided on a SSD

Hey guys

Im trying to decided on a SSD to get for my mbp 2011 but not sure what to go for. Im looking for a drive with 512 GB capacity and SATA 3 of course. Recommendation?

 

That's quite the investment!

Crucial or Intel is probably your best bet. Definitely go for reliability over sheer raw speed. $800+ is not something to go off gambling on.

Have you looked into FAR cheaper SDD + HDD alternatives? You get like 90% of the performance for 30% the price.

 

I just got the Crucial M4 256GB SSD yesterday and I must say it is very nice fast. No problems what so ever and its fast great speeds and performance is on par with the "faster" Sandforce SSDs without the trouble. Also TRIM Hack works with the Crucial M4 without any troubles and does not affect the speeds.

 

M4 512 running here. great drive

 

Are the Hybrid drives really around 90% of the performance? I need at least the 512 GB. Im using my mbp for music production, and have a LOT of programs and stuff. A 256 GB would not do.

 

No, not hybrid drives - dual drives. You get SSD performance where it counts.

 

oh, I tried using 2 SSD's (each 256GB) in my mbp but it didnt work. My laptop became unresponsive. I would be able to log in and boot in to OS X but I couldnt do anything other than move the mouse. Or else I would use 2 drives.

 

Not two SSDs... an HDD and an SSD, albeit there's no reason why 2 SSDs wouldn't work.

You wouldn't happen to have to 17 MBP would you?

 

No I have the 15 MBP. Reason why I brought up the 2 SSDs is cuz if 2 SSDs didnt work why would a SSD and a HDD? Im stil not sure what was going on with it.

 

There's no reason for it not to work in the first place. What drives do you have?

 

Samsung SSDs.

 

Can you verify that both drives work in the main bay?

 

Yeah they do both work in the main bay

 

Samsung SSD is a Sata II drive those don't have any problems. Its when you us e the newer Sata III SSDs will you run into problem depending on which slot you install it.

 

So what on earth is wrong with it :S? Should I take my mbp back to apple? something defective? Because I would really prefer to be able to use 2 drives if possible.

 

I would take it in. although I as well had issues putting dual Intel SSD's into my MBP 17" and gave up trying duall SSD and tossed a 750GB spinner in the optical bay.

 

Yeah, but 17s have a known issue with SATA connectors in the superdrive slot though, which is why I asked him if he had a 17.

 

If I take it in what do I tell them? would they even take it in if the problem is the drive replacing the superdrive?

 

Want cheaper alternative. 500GB Momentus XT Hybrid SSD. Though definitley not 90% fast as an SSD lol (not even close--a lot slower than SATAIII SSD), but still faster than 7200rpm drives. It just need to use the application a few times for the 4GB NAND to "learn".

don't get Samsung SSD...they are okay...but if you're going for all out speed Sata 3 SSDs are where it's at--though make sure you have a seocnd gen i7 to use their full potential. Intel has the best reliability in SSDs but not fastest. If you're willing to risk it all for speed Vertex 3 and Patriot Wildfire are among the fastest consumer SSDs in the world atm. If you want amazing speed and relaiabilty than Intel 510 and Crucial M4 are where it's at. Keep in mind though Sata 3 SSDs in the 400GB+ level are going to cost you A LOT of money. Most people just get a 120-240GB SSD drive for OS and Program files, THEN documents such as pictures, movies, etc. on a normal 7200rpm HDD.

 

^But the problem is, you get nowhere NEAR the experience of a real SSD. You get the same hiccups from HDD; sure, you might have some apps boot faster, but that's not where the SSD advantage comes from. It's generally from a snappier system on a whole, which hybrid drives won't give you. The random read/writes are still based on the spinning disk.

I recommend sticking to a 5400 RPM drive if you're going SSD + HDD set up.