Optimal Performance SSD Option for Early 2011 15in MBP

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Badsektor Author

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Optimal Performance SSD Option for Early 2011 15in MBP

Hello,

I have an early 2011 MBP (15 Inch) which already sunds on an SSD, but it's too small.

I'm considering an upgrade.

I was told by a tech that Mac have issues with all but Sandforce Controllers (I/O inconsistency otherwise).

He recommended the OWC Electra pro 480 GB. It seems like an old drive ( i see references to it from 2011)

Before that conversation, i was considering the latest Samsung 840 Pro and the Plextor M5 Pro Extreme, both in the 512 MB flavor (or possibly 256)

I'm looking for top performance and don't mind paying a little extra, if it's worth it.

I'm using photoshop and other pro apps with a lot of heavy files.

What you thoughts?

Thanks

Peter

MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2011), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4)

Posted on Apr 2, 2014 10:28 AM

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Answer 1

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clintonfrombirmingham

Level 7

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Apr 2, 2014 10:33 AM in response to Badsektor

Sandforce controllers are the worst for use on a Mac - Samsung's proprietary controller or a Marvell controller is what you want. The 840 Pro is an excellent SSD - I just buy Crucial mid-of-the-road when it comes to raw speed) because I can get a higher capacity, reliable drive at a reasonable price.

Clinton

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Answer 2

Melophage

Level 5

7,213 points

Apr 2, 2014 10:33 AM in response to Badsektor

Peter,

I have a Samsung 840 PRO SSD in my MacBook Pro, and so far I’ve had no trouble whatsoever with it. Other folks here have good things to say about their Crucial SSDs.

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Answer 3

Badsektor Author

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Apr 2, 2014 4:05 PM in response to Melophage

Thanks folks. So I'll go with a Samsung 840 EVO or PRO.

The choice is a bit confusing though.

Right now the Pro is almost 50% more expensive than the EVO.

I wonder if the price different can be justified.

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Answer 4

Apr 2, 2014 4:10 PM in response to Badsektor

There were some problems, when the EVO series was first released, with it playing well with Macs. That's in the past now, though, and I think it a particularly good drive for the money. The 840 Pro is certainly a faster drive but I've no doubt that you would not even notice the speed increase of the 840 Pro over the EVO.

You do get a 5-year warranty on the 840 Pro vs a 3-year warranty on the EVO, but I wouldn't let that be too much of a concern.

Save your money for other things and go with the EVO - I don't think that you'll regret it.

Clinton

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Answer 5

Badsektor Author

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Apr 2, 2014 4:54 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

Jehoshaphat! I meant to mark your answer, Clinton, as the one that solved my issue. I guess no undo option.

Anyways, thanks for the clarification. I have just ordered the EVO 500 GB :-)

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Answer 6

Apr 2, 2014 5:16 PM in response to Badsektor

I'm certain that you'll be quite pleased with it - particularly if this is your first SSD?

Let us know if you need any help once you have it in.

Clinton

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Answer 7

Badsektor Author

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Apr 2, 2014 5:20 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

At first, I put a 120 GB Adata 511 to give a second life into a 2008 MBP I had.

Then when I upgraded to a reburbished Early 2011, I transfered the same SSD as primary and moved the 750 HDD into the optical slot.

The 120 GB SSD became too small. I moved everything I could to the secondary drive, but i would still get space issues with swap files.

The move was prompted by the lack of space, but I am curious what kind of performance difference i'll notice.

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Answer 8

Apr 2, 2014 5:23 PM in response to Badsektor

Larger capacity drives - such as the EVO 500 - will be over twice as fast as a 120GB. So you'll notice the difference.

I don't know if you've given thought as to how to transfer your data but since you're going from a smaller capacity drive to a larger capacity, you may want to purchase an inexpensive USB enclosure so that you can clone your old drive to your new (I use Carbon Copy Cloner).

Clinton

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Answer 9

Badsektor Author

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Apr 2, 2014 5:36 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

Everything is already on the secondary internal HDD.

Only the OS is on the 120, so it should be ok.

I have time machine, I wonder if that'll work to get the OS config back

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Answer 10

Apr 2, 2014 5:41 PM in response to Badsektor

I wouldn't bother with Time Machine - just get the data from the 120GB to the 500GB and then go about rearranging your setup.

Clinton

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