SSD recommendation for MBP running OSX 10.5.8

I'm trying to sell one of my friend's on getting an SSD for her 15" MBP running OSX 10.5.8

Ideally, I'd love Intel, but I'm seeing that the pre Lion versions of OSX don't support TRIM and the Intel SSD Toolbox doesn't work with Mac. So, I'd need an SSD that runs garbage collection, would I not? Do Intel's do this? Or do I need to search out another brand?

 

All SSD's have garbage collection (to some degree or another), but for non-TRIM aware O/S's like hers, the Kingston V+ 100's are the way to go (very agressive GC which results in no slow downs at all from 'factory fresh').

Good luck!

 

I'm iffy about the Kingstons. Some good reviews, but some really bad ones as well. It's a work computer that she leaves on overnight after she switches from her user account. So, moderate GC could also work. I've got more reading up to do on suggestions, since her tech person has to approve the hardware change anyway.

Thanks for the info!

 

The Intels do have garbage collection and don't need the toolbox to use it. Crucial M4 is also a great option, there are many happy MAC users with an M4 post-firmware 0002 (which fixed the beachballing issues). A number on here in fact.

 

If your friend needs to be 'sold on SSDs' maybe the Momentus XT is a good option. I've got one in my MBP 13" and couldn't be happier. Expecially now firmware SD28 made it even faster.

If he does want an SSD I'd go with Crucial M4. Just don't fill it above 90% and you will have no problems with garbage collection.

 

Thanks!

She really doesn't need to be "sold" on it. It's a very small business. Their computer guy is out of state. I'm just good friends with the business and they follow my recommendations. I've just got to talk it over with him and make sure he's ok with what I want to do. He and I have worked together before on some issues, so there should be enough trust. After all, I've already ripped the thing open and blew out the dust. Such a small amount of dust, but shaved 10c+ off the temps.

Anyway, can get the XT for $65 on amazon right now. Have been wary about it with all of the neg reviews when it comes to macs. Nice to know that SD28 does the trick.

It's kinda difficult, cuz none of them are really tech enough to understand the difference between the XT and SSD's. She only has her current HDD filled to 59GB, so a 96 or 120GB SSD will be perfect.

 

I'd recommend an M4 too... It's been great...

 

Make sure if you get the SSD that they never defragment it...but I'm sure you know that.

 

Looks like we might be going for Momentus XT and an upgrade to 4GB of RAM from 2. I checked her usage and there's a lot of swap activity. We'll see what they want to spend money on.

Thanks for the advices!

 

That seems very cheap for an XT. They usually start at ~ $90.

 

Dropped in price again:
Amazon.com: Seagate Momentus 7200 500GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s 16MB Cache 2.5 Inch Internal NB Hard Drive ST9500420AS-Bare Drive: Electronics

 

That's what I suspected: that's not the XT. Instead it's a (rather crappy) normal hard drive.

Here's the XT: http://www.google.com/products/cata...B0TpSEM42eOpvuiKcM&ved=0CCYQ8wIwAA#scoring=tp

If your friend really only needs a 96GB SSD the Kingston V+ 100 is a good option. Sometimes around ~$100.

 

OMG, you're right. That totally slipped by me. I forgot that amazon doesn't provide the best search results. Momentus, Momentus XT... grrrr...

 

Does anyone know which SSD they're using in the MacBook Pro line right now?

 

Apple usually uses a Toshiba OEM product that resembles the Kingston V+ 100.

Performance is fine and it supports TRIM.