Just bought a new 15" 2.5 A/G and want to install a Vertex 3 SSD to replace the HDD. Despite reading & watching the "how to's", I'm not exactly clear if I simply insert the included restore disc after I do the upgrade or do I need a data transfer kit?
I plan to migrate data from my old MBP w/SL(10.6.8), after the upgrade?
You should put your new SSD in an external enclosure, connect to your new computer, then use Disk Utility to format your new drive & then clone your existing drive to your new drive. Then boot from your new drive, make sure all is working properly, then swap drives, then migrate your data.
Does this "external enclosure=data transfer kit?
I'm also considering the Intel 520 SSD but, don't see a data transfer kit option
Ask this guy: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3960598
JG,
Not sure HOW to ask this guy and the link doesn't provide details, only that he did it.😕
Sure, just post a reply to that thread asking for details. The original poster will get an email (unless he chose not to), saying that a response has been posted.
You probably just got one for this response. 🙂
stage4survivor wrote:
Does this "external enclosure=data transfer kit?
I'm also considering the Intel 520 SSD but, don't see a data transfer kit option
Buy an external drive enclosure, like these here, you will need a 2.5" sata case with a USB or FW interface (or both preferably) put your new drive in it. Connect to your Mac and using Disk Utility or Carbon Copy Cloner make a clone of your internal to your external drive. When completed reboot to the clone and test it. Assuming it is good remove the internal and fit the external to your Mac.
Cs1,
Thanks, I'll look in to that!
Any opinions about SSD brand? It seems even the top ones have had issues, OWC Mercury, Vertex 3 and Intel 520s.
Also RAM brands, I considering the Crucial or Patriot 16 since Newegg has them on sale,
As is apparent by my tech ignorance, I want trouble free upgrades since Applecare won't help with that.
Much appreciated
One opinion, take OWC's recommendations.
As wjosten notes, the easiest way to perform a drive upgrade is to clone the contents of the original drive to the new one prior to installing the new drive. I bought a drive dock several years ago which makes the job very easy since the drive just slides in and out. I'm leary of installing and removing drives from external kits because so many of them are cheap and easily damaged. Once cloned, reboot from the clone to make sure it works and then install it. The installation itself is really quite simple.
I looked at several drives before deciding on a Samsung which is now just a couple months short of a year old. I've been very happy with it. My office made decided to go with the OWC drive and has been similarly happy.
Many thanks.
Still debating the Crucial m4 or vertex 3, it seems all have had reliability issues. The Intel 520 & Samsung 830 look good but, about $75-$100 more for 240-256gb
OK, got an enclosure but, still debating Intel 520 @180gb vs Samsung 830 @256gb same price although I'm leaning to the Samsung.
All my research seems to indicate these are the most reliable and "in the mix" with performance of the OCZ & Crucial.
Can someone explain why I can't simply install the SSD and load the restore disc?
Can someone explain why I can't simply install the SSD and load the restore disc?
Sure you can but what if the drive is bad? Then you have to open the computer again and remove it. Using a ddrive dock or enclosure first means you find out if you've got a good drive before you install it. It is simply a more convenient way to work.
dwb,
I understand you're point but, is a new SSD that likely to be bad? I'm also installing 16gb's of RAM. I guess I should stagger the installs so not to confuse things if something goes awry?
Let's say that 1 out ot a thousand is dead on arrival. How certain are you that you'll be in the 999 and not the 1?
dwb,
Trust me on this, I've already beaten much greater odds and I'm still here to tell the tale😉
SSD install?
