Apparent incompatability or problem with new SSD

Not clear what you did.

The M500 is one of the best and certainly can handle the one step down to sata 3GBs.

What spec is the Ram that you added/replaced: it should be 204-pin PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM.

Did you have issues with 10.9 before the switch? (never upgrade hardware when you have issues).

"INstalled drive. Updated firmware. Booted externally. formatted (HFS+ Journaled). Checked good.":

explain that please, you did update the firmware of the SSD? That only works from a Windows machine, afaik, and why did you?

Stop "testing" now. Solutions are necessary.

I'm going to hazard a guess here -> I'm betting that your problem is a faulty SATA cable. In fact, I'm 95% sure that's your problem. 2009 models, in particular, are known for their faulty cables - good enough for a HD but not for a SSD.

Take a trip to eBay and buy one of the cheap SATA cables - they tend to work better than even an 'official' Apple cable.

Good luck,

Clinton

Just be sure and specify mid-2009 15" MacBook Pro 2.53 GHz on eBay. And you can find instructions on ifixit -> http://www.ifixit.com/Store/Mac/MacBook-Pro-15-Inch-Unibody-Mid-2009-Hard-Drive- Cable/IF161-039 is the part # and here are the instructions -> http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+15-Inch+Unibody+2.53+GHz+Mid+2009+Hard+D rive-IR+Sensor+Cable+Replacement/1520.

You'll find the cable cheaper on eBay, though. ifixit says "moderate" for difficulty of installation.

I advise enabling TRIM. Use Chameleon or Trim Enabler.

I'm certain that's the problem.

Good luck,

Clinton

Problem is cable - not TRIM.

Just a second... no, I can't find it on eBay, either! Just in stock at ifixit! I did find a lot with "Apple macbook pro 15" sata cable" - let's see... OK, I searched by the part number - http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=Apple+macbook+pro+15%22+sata+cable&_osacat= 0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.X922-9034&_nkw=922-9034&_sacat= 0. Quite a few.

You've nothing (or little) to lose!

Clinton

Good idea Clinton, the cable, I think you are right, I have seen it several times also.

But in Mavericks the Trim command is not a good idea I think. I am (was) a promoter to install the trim command, and I have a lot of experience there. But I am hesitant now in Mavericks.

The reason is twofold: Mavericks handles everything rather different and is more complicated in the core than older OS. And the (Marvell) controller of the Crucial M500 is the best in the world and handles Garbage Collection very efficient.

The controller argument is not there when the SSD has a Sandforce controller, because that one is crude and inflexible, but even then I think the trim command (which initiates the cleaning from the OS) is not neccesary and does not bring much advantage. Much more important is keeping a large piece of the SSD free (15-20GB at least).

After all it is a hack deep inside an important kext.

FYI the Chameleon is much better programmed than the TrimEnabler, so that choice is not difficult.

Have a nice Xmas,

I am a happy user of Mavericks on macs with SSD's.

And I don't like FusionDrives AT ALL.

Lex

Lex,

I finally bit the bullet and order a 960GB M500 at 2:07 a.m. this morning. Unfortunately, I didn't have the whole amount in my bank account so I had to put it on a CC (I had promised myself that I wouldn't!).

I agree about the Marvell controller and I'm not certain that I will enable trim on the new drive or not - probably not for if I understand the way the controller works, it's just not needed.

I'm with you on fusion drives!

Clinton

I think as long as they're 'tested' you're safe - the very expensive ifixit cable is tested and guaranteed for 6 months, but I don't know that I would pay $60 for it.

Usually the folks at Crucial are very good - but I don't think that this is a trim issue. I've a m4 series 512GB right now and just ordered the 960GB M500 this morning - should be here between 12/30-01/03. Pretty excited about it.

This one looks good and the seller has 99% positive feedback. Less than $19.

If you ever have problems with Crucial's service, give me a call (if you click on my user name, you'll find my email address). I have a few 'friends' there.

Clinton

Clinton,

I remember the other thread where you were drooling over the M500 960 😁

And I have tested it already. So much space!

I simply knew you could not resist the temptation in the end 😉.

Congratulations, and be wise (says the old man) 😎

Lex

I know, I know. I'm going to make a $400 payment when I get my bill next month - I just couldn't help myself!

Clinton

Clinton. You will survive, I am sure;

and, if not, you will die laughing 😁😁