Q: New SSD will not boot internally, only from USB.
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Dec 13, 2013 9:13 AMby Leoboe,I have the same problem with my MacBook Pro late 2012, although my OS was still running (with a lot of beachballs).
I found a different discussion where someone brought his MacBook to the AppleStore and got it repaired with a simple new SATA-Connector:
This may or may not help. I will either try this or replace the SuperDrive and install the SSD via that connection and hope it will fix the problem.
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Dec 13, 2013 10:11 AMby Grinchpaws,The ssd works fine via usb. I can browse through, boot from it, etc. I just can't boot from it when I install it internally. I've read a few posts on Crucial's site stating that user's problems continued after receiving a replacement drive. At the same time, it has been proven that the Crucial m500 is compatible with Mac/OSX from user experience and Crucial themselves.
If I can't find a solution that works, I'll return the drive.
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Dec 14, 2013 6:40 AMby Grinchpaws,I started from scratch last night, erasing the SSD and then performing a fresh install of mavericks onto it via USB. I booted from the SSD via USB multiple times with no problem. I then replaced the internal HD with the SSD and it won't boot. I'm still getting a flashing question mark like there is no drive connected.
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Dec 14, 2013 7:01 AMby keg55,I don't know if you've tried this before, but maybe worth a shot before you try a different brand SSD.
Try installing the SSD internally and then boot from a USB installer of Mavericks. If you don't have one you can use DiskMaker X 3.0.3 which will use the Install OS X Mavericks.app file within the /Applications folder. After creating a USB installer, boot from it and use Disk Utility to format Mac OS Internal (Journaled) and GUID partition table. Install Mavericks to the SSD. I don't know if your SSD is ever seen once it's installed internally.
If the above doesn't work, then I would send it back for a refund to Crucial. I have used Samsung 840 Pro/EVO Series SSDs and Intel 520 Series SSDs without any issues. I think Intel has the 530 Series now.
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Dec 14, 2013 7:27 AMby Leoboe,Let's just recap, what you know so far:
You know the Macbook-Logicboard can't be broken because your system, works fine via USB.
You know the SSD can't be broken, because it runs via USB.
The SSD doesn't work as soon as you put it in the MacBook.
So either it's something on the SATA-Controller (which as some computer-technicians told me is very unlikely) or there is something wrong with the drive connector (quite a common problem with the MacBook Pro series).
I would recommend you to visit an Apple-store and suggest replacing the connector (they would most likely do that anyway) or buy one and replace it yourself (mine is already on the way).
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by clintonfrombirmingham,Dec 14, 2013 7:34 AM
clintonfrombirmingham
Dec 14, 2013 7:34 AM
in response to Grinchpaws
Level 7
(30,009 points)
Mac OS XI'm almsot 99% certain that your problem lies with a faulty SATA cable. They're widely available (just search for your model and "SATA cable" on eBay or buy from ifixit.com) and very easy to replace.
SSDs are just much more sensitive to a faulty cable than hard drives. So many folks have the same problems that you present and a quick replacement of the cable solves the problem.
Good luck,
Clinton
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Dec 14, 2013 1:43 PMby Grinchpaws,I would love to order a new sata cable and that would fix the problem, but I'm reluctant. I've tried putting the SSD into an optibay enclosure and installed it in place of the super drive with the same result. Do you think the problem with the sata cable is that they are both damaged, or that it is just a matter of older specs not working with a newer technology? AND if this were the solution, I feel like Apple and/or Crucial would come right out and say there might be an issue with certain sata cables.
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Feb 21, 2014 5:26 AMby BobRz,Just chiming in. I have to agree with Clinton. I've helped several people on here with this same issue when upgrading to an SSD, and the SATA cable has been the culprit. I've been running a Crucial flawlessly for 2 years on a 2010 model. As for the optical bay, a Superdrive is MUCH slower with data transfer, so it may not show the problem.
