Muldvarp007

Q: Samsung 850 EVO in Early Macbook Pro

Hi,

 

I had replaced my old hardrive in my Macbook Pro Early 2011 with a samsung 840 EVO, everything worked beautifully until it didnt. In the end i couldent even repair or remformat my drive. So i returned it and got a Samsung 850 EVO instead. In the mean time i put my old HDD back in and everything worked as it should.

 

 

Yeasterday i put the replacement SSD Straigt out of the box into the Mac.,I have been trying for 24 hours now, and im not even able to Format the drive using diskutil not from Recovery Mode or from my OSX Install drive. the Drive shows up in Diskutility and is verified as okay. I finanlly got it formated using the terminal, then the OSX installation failed, tried to repair the disk with diskutillity in recovery Mode, and got a message that the GUID Partitiontable was not working, repaired disk and got the message the disk could not be mounted.

 

 

Is this simply a hardware error with my mac? could it be I need to replace the SATA Cable?

OS X Yosemite (10.10.1)

Posted on Jan 17, 2015 12:36 AM

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Q: Samsung 850 EVO in Early Macbook Pro

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  • by mdnt_rmblr,

    mdnt_rmblr mdnt_rmblr Feb 7, 2016 9:24 AM in response to Muldvarp007
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 7, 2016 9:24 AM in response to Muldvarp007

    SUCCESSFUL ALTERNATIVE STRATEGY STORY:

     

    So my spinning hard drive crashed in my 2011 Macbook Pro 8,1 (originally Lion) and I purchased the 1TB Samsung 850 EVO, which I was jazzed about installing thanks to the near-religious experience friends described after installing an SSD in their computers - "It's like a new computer!"  Here's the long story with a happy ending, and no, the drive was not bad:

     

    PROBLEM:

     

    I physically installed the 850 in my Macbook and tried the internet recovery mode (boot and hold command + R) since Apple no longer gives a bootable disk and you cannot simply download Lion from the App store and then make a bootable disk using the terminal.  The disk SEEMED to format OK, so I continued on with the 2+ hour download of Lion.  Towards the end of the Lion install, the screen would go black and the computer would restart without installing Lion.  I tried internet recovery again while opening the log window to view this 2+ hour process (my weekend was now being threatened).

     

    ***NOTE (especially the folks at APPLE!):  The log file can be saved as you proceed with the install, but what you save is essentially a snapshot.  I would sit there and save the log every few minutes to try and capture the progress for later review.  The problem is as soon as the last "chunk" of the file downloaded, it would crash the computer.  Right as the computer crashed, there would be a huge output to the log file but the crash prevented you from saving it and then the computer would restart.  PLEASE APPLE, create a log that continuously writes for the entire process so we're not trying to "beat the crash" and try to quickly save the log file before a crash. 

     

    So, the log file couldn't reveal anything since I was not fast enough to save it before the crash (believe it or not, I tried this another time thinking I might be able to be fast enough to save the log, so 2+ hours lost again).  I tried running disk utility on the Samsung from the internet recovery mode (yes I waited a fourth time for internet recovery) and found it had problems.  I thought perhaps it was a bad disk or cable since every other post on this thread seemed to suggest that they had bad drives or bad cables.  Before throwing in the towel, I thought I would try something else. 

     

    First, I tried making a boot disk of El Capitan I downloaded from another Mac (actually, I made a USB and SD boot disk through the terminal - search the internet for the commands).  With a boot disk, I could simply go into the recovery mode without waiting for internet recovery to download 7 minutes worth of data before coming to the recovery environment.  Ultimately, trying to install El Capitan did not work, which I believe failed due to the reason that El Capitan was not natively installed on my Macbook (it is a 2011 with Lion) and when the installer tried to verify my hardware, the folks at Apple wouldn't let it happen.  I decided to try something else.


    SECOND AND FINALLY, I thought perhaps the Lion installer was not set up to handle SSDs correctly from recovery mode if they were the disk having OSX installed on them (might be some sort of firmware or driver issue).  I took an old spinning hard drive I had and was not using (may have been the original disk from the computer, not sure as I had replaced the original drive with a larger spinning drive, namely the one that failed), put it inside my Macbook and then did the internet recovery on it (yes, another 2+ hours - my weekend was shot). 


    Lion installed fine and I was able to boot without incident.  I may have run updates at this point, but I don't recall.  I put the 850 in a USB external housing, connected it, and then restarted and booted into recovery mode.  Using the restore feature in the disk utility (restore tab), I was able to copy the contents of the spinning hard drive inside my Macbook onto the externally housed Samsung.  I took the spinning drive out of my Macbook and put the Samsung inside instead.  Voila!  My computer booted up!  The drive was indeed good. 


    At this point, I upgraded to El Capitan, and afterwards I migrated my data from my Time Machine backup (6+ hours - in memoriam of my weekend).  There have been no issues so far, and yes, it is like I have a new computer.  I even virtualize other operating systems within my computer and they fly as well.  You can really tell what programs lagged due to the drive speed. 


    NOTE:  When I made that successful install of Lion onto that old spinning hard drive, I thought about upgrading to El Capitan at that point but decided against it considering if that failed due to the Samsung not liking it, I would have to start over with another Lion download (another 2+ hours) and then try the "restore" I did.  If the install of Lion would not transfer to the Samsung, I would have then simply upgraded the spinning drive to El Capitan and then tried the transfer.


    IN THE END:  I would give this a shot if you are having the same problem I had initially, as it seems something about the way recovery mode handles the Samsung is no good (drivers? firmware?).  BUT, this also shows Apple that not having a boot disk is a real pain if you encounter problems like mine when using a new drive.  The lesson is to make a bootable disk with your native operating system version just in case.  Yes, I still like internet recovery, which would probably work most of the time and is SUPER handy (it even gives you a copy of Safari to connect to the internet and order parts or make appointments at the Genius Bar for help), but if it isn't working out, you will waste your time tremendously.  Yes, you can buy a copy of Lion for $20 from the app store, but why can't I download it for free just like El Capitan?  Why can't El Capitan just be loaded on the old computers this way as well? 


    Yes, this is like a new computer now! 


    Also, when troubleshooting, think of different angles to take on the issue - outsmart the computer! 

  • by olePigeon,

    olePigeon olePigeon Feb 10, 2016 10:47 AM in response to mdnt_rmblr
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 10, 2016 10:47 AM in response to mdnt_rmblr

    Keep in mind you want to use an 850 EVO, not the 840 or the Pro.  As I understand it, the Pro has TRIM issues, doubly so if used on 10.11 with TRIM enabled.  The EVO doesn't have the same issue.  The 840 also can not be installed & set up via internal SATA, and can only be erased and set up over an external BUS (such as USB or Firewire.)  I don't know why, it just doesn't work.

     

    So my recommendation is to make sure it's an 850 EVO, not an 840 or an 850 Pro.

  • by daman7676,

    daman7676 daman7676 Feb 17, 2016 3:24 PM in response to Muldvarp007
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 17, 2016 3:24 PM in response to Muldvarp007

    2011 Macbook Pro 13" - Yosemite

    I just wanted to add my experience with the 850 EVO 500GB SSD in a dual drive setup utilizing a data doubler.  For those that are unaware of what that is, it's a mount that you can install a second drive onto and put in place of your superdrive/optical drive.  NOTE: that means you will no longer have a built in superdrive/optical drive.  You can find an external enclosure to put your superdrive in but that's beyond the scope of this post.

     

    Installation:

    - New SSD in primary drive slot

    - Old HD in superdrive/optical drive slot via data doubler (OWC)

     

    Setup:

    When you first boot your Macbook in this configuration, OSX will boot from the original HD even thought it's sitting in the secondary optical drive spot.  Once booted, I ran disk utility to create a new partition and format the new SSD as GUID.  I chose not to create multiple partitions on the SSD as I have no current plans to run bootcamp/Windows natively (currently using Parallels for any Windows 7 needs which is rare).

     

    After the drive was successfully partitioned, I utilized Carbon Copy Cloner (Trial version) to make a bit-by-bit clone of the original HD onto the SSD - this creates a bootable SSD image which is exactly like the original HD.  This takes time - about 2-3 hours.  You can follow CCC's instructions on how to do this via their website.  It's quite easy although one thing I had to do was to disable "SafetyNet."  I believe it was due to the fact that I only had about 18GBs of space left on my original HD.

     

    Once the clone is completed, I rebooted using the option key and selected the new SSD.  It came up fast!  I looked around and eventually set the new SSD as my startup disk via settings.

     

    Findings:

    For those that are on the fence about upgrading an aging Macbook Pro with and SSD, I'd say "go for it!"  This is a worthwhile upgrade especially if you're not in the mood to drop full price for a newer Macbook Pro.  What used to take about 2 minutes to boot takes about 15-20 seconds.  Additionally, as all my apps are located on the SSD they load in seconds.  I can launch Lightroom, Outlook, Excel, Chrome and Parallels without waiting minutes for the beachball to stop spinning.  It really does feel like a new machine.

     

    One thing I wasn't sure of was what to do about TRIM.  I haven't adjusted any settings and so far everything seems to be running fine - granted it's only been about 5 days.  I have yet to format my original drive.  For now, it's sitting quietly inside my Macbook until I feel comfortable that the SSD is as problem free as it can be.  Once I'm ready (and have completed a few backups and allowed time machine to make a few images) I'll format and begin to use it as my data/storage drive for photos/videos.

  • by cincyredsfan,

    cincyredsfan cincyredsfan Mar 14, 2016 9:29 PM in response to daman7676
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 14, 2016 9:29 PM in response to daman7676

    2012 MacBook Pro running El Capitan beta.  Samsung 850 1tb

     

    I could not do a fresh restore when I installed the SSD.  I could erase and partition no problems. Here is how I solved it.

    • Installed Mountain Lion from the Internet recovery. 
    • Logged in, then upgraded to El Capitan. 
    • Booted into local recovery, then started the restore from Time Machine. 
    • 3 Hours later all good

     

    I think part of the issue is that your model number is tied to a OS.  So when you download the internet disk recovery it downloads an older version than what you have backed up on Time Machine.  Which makes sense, it should be on the same version.  Back in the day u had to purchase OS upgrades and this is probably tied to when the machine would register what OS it came with.  You would think at this stage you wouldn't need that.  It would be nice if u could choose the OS or it just downloads the latest release.  On the flip side they prob do it for hardware ccompatiblity and drivers. 

  • by cmgenovese,

    cmgenovese cmgenovese Mar 22, 2016 8:24 PM in response to dwb
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 22, 2016 8:24 PM in response to dwb

    Thank you!  Was having the same problems unmounting with the 850 evo when trying to install the OS X.  Installed it from another machine, tried running and it wouldn't boot.   Hooked it up to my mini as an external drive, and it booted fine.  Read your comment about the cable, ordered one for $13, installed the drive internally tonight with the new cable and booted right up.  I'd still be banging my head if you wouldn't have mentioned this.

  • by currygoat11,

    currygoat11 currygoat11 Mar 23, 2016 4:30 PM in response to cmgenovese
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 23, 2016 4:30 PM in response to cmgenovese

    please tell where you purchased the $13 SATA cable? Also is installing the new cable a difficult task? Thanks so much

  • by cmgenovese,

    cmgenovese cmgenovese Mar 23, 2016 7:09 PM in response to currygoat11
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 23, 2016 7:09 PM in response to currygoat11

    Hi currygoat11  -  I bought it off eBay, here is the seller.  It actually came in early for me.   You will see they charge $3 for shipping, but the price was still right.

     

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/251701253918?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STR K%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

     

    I would say it is a intermediate level task.  Just takes some patience. The hardest part for me was getting the hard drive screws (used for support) to fit in the holes inside the case, once I turned the mini on its side it was much easier.

     

    There are several videos out there that will take you step by step.   Good luck and go far it.

  • by currygoat11,

    currygoat11 currygoat11 Mar 23, 2016 7:26 PM in response to cmgenovese
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 23, 2016 7:26 PM in response to cmgenovese

    Thank you for the reply. But oops, I have the Macbook A1278, sorry I glossed over your reference to 'mini'.  Do I need to purchase a SATA table for the Macbook A1278?

     

    Just to be clear, I have the SSD and have yet to install it. I just want to know if I need to proactively go out and get a SATA cable? I don't understand why the stock SATA cable wouldn't function with a Samsung SSD.

  • by cmgenovese,

    cmgenovese cmgenovese Mar 23, 2016 7:26 PM in response to currygoat11
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 23, 2016 7:26 PM in response to currygoat11

    No, you should be good.  Just be careful when removing the cable and adding it to the new HD.  I managed to ruin mine during the installation.

  • by keycake,

    keycake keycake Apr 6, 2016 1:55 PM in response to thedunadan
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 6, 2016 1:55 PM in response to thedunadan

    Is the speed improvement over SATA II still worthwhile?

  • by EpicMacbook,

    EpicMacbook EpicMacbook Apr 10, 2016 11:43 PM in response to Muldvarp007
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 10, 2016 11:43 PM in response to Muldvarp007

    Macbook 2011 A1278 MD313LL/A had major trouble with the Samsung Evo 250 240gb SSD when formatting and then installing El Capitan and BootCamp.  Macbook only liked to install BootCamp from the internal optical drive and not USB or network.  Long story short eventually got El Capitan and Windows 10 installed with no sound with 10, and then later tried Windows 7 BootCamp but fan kept kicking on and Windows was real laggy/choppy.  I read much about this Macbook model having trouble with Bootcamp install overall and Windows 10 sound.  Months later I got an OWC Electra 6G SSD 120gb that I wanted to install and in order to pull the Evo to go with a newer Windows PC laptop.   There was no real format issue except a minor selection of choosing the correct setting BootCamp wanted for formatting on the Windows side during install (cannot remember specifics but it was just a simple fix).  Tried Windows 7 because I had that available on disc and it installed very easily.  Previously, there were many hang ups and formatting issues when using the Evo 850.  SATA cable was fine.  Windows 7 runs super fast with the Electra SDD and there were no real formatting issues.  I am unsure if I should have tried Windows 10 and if there would have been the sound issue present with this drive.  Although I read that this Macbook model has issues with BootCamp/Windows 10 and the sound, I cannot say for sure if this was only a problem due to using the Evo.  Just my experience above to add to the conversation.

  • by Mister Murse,

    Mister Murse Mister Murse May 24, 2016 4:15 PM in response to Muldvarp007
    Level 1 (4 points)
    May 24, 2016 4:15 PM in response to Muldvarp007

    Just wanted to share my experience installing a Samsung 850 EVO 1TB SSD on my Early 2011 15" MacBook Pro

     

    • First, I made a bootable drive of OS X El Capitan using DiskMaker X. I used a spare hard drive that I placed in an external USB case.
    • Next, I physically installed the Samsung 850 EVO 1TB SSD into the main drive bay.
    • Then, I tried to power up the Mac while holding down the 'option' key with the bootable external drive already plugged in, but that only lead me to two options: Install OS X El Capitan, or Select Wi-Fi...I clicked Install OS X El Capitan (knowing I had NOT yet formatted the newly installed SSD) and of course, it didn't work. Some funky lines of code ran quickly down the screen and then just a blank white screen appeared. I then shut off the Mac.
    • Now to what worked for me: With the Mac still off, I unplugged the bootable external drive, and then I turned it on and held down the 'option' key. This lead me to a gray screen with only one option, 'Select Wi-Fi.' I selected my Wi-Fi and it began Internet Recovery. After about 5 minutes or so, it brought me to the screen I had been hoping for, the OS X Utilities screen. Here I selected Disk Utility and proceeded to format the SSD appropriately. When the formatting of the SSD completed, I shut off the Mac. Then I plugged back in the bootable external drive and powered it on again, holding down the 'option' key. From here I selected 'Install OS X El Capitan' and proceeded as normal.

     

    Again, just wanted to share my experience and what I did to get my 850 EVO SSD up and running on my 2011 MacBook Pro in hopes it might be able to help someone. 

  • by kukisdepus,

    kukisdepus kukisdepus Jun 4, 2016 7:29 PM in response to interactive.design
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 4, 2016 7:29 PM in response to interactive.design

    Im trying to install the os on 850 eve as i read ur mention that ur using the method of installing via externally using usb port on to the 850 evo ssd..i've try this method but i cannot trimforce so after i restart the os can't boot,  found that after ur install the os then u said ur using migration tool then can use the sad right? can you please guid me on step by step how to do so about migration tools ur saying

  • by alex7375,

    alex7375 alex7375 Jun 4, 2016 7:40 PM in response to Muldvarp007
    Level 2 (230 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 4, 2016 7:40 PM in response to Muldvarp007

    Samsung Evo 850 SSD work great for me in my Macbook Pro Mid-2012 !......

     

    See my Video:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qDvPJV11Yk

  • by kukisdepus,

    kukisdepus kukisdepus Jun 4, 2016 8:13 PM in response to alex7375
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 4, 2016 8:13 PM in response to alex7375

    omy still cloneing the hdd to ssd later i give feedback

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