Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Level 7

26,486 points

SSD Question

Late 2009 27" imac 2.66 i5. I want to replace my optical drive with an SSD. OWC states: While a 6G SSD does function, it will only do so at SATA Revision 1.0 (1.5Gb/s, 150MB/s) speeds rather that the SATA Revision 2.0 (3.0Gb/s 300MB/s) speed the computer can deliver.

OWC recommends using their 3g model SSD which is more expensive than most 6gb units, in fact its about $45 more than the Samsung M500's that they've got on sale right now.

I also have an early 2009 macbook in which I've installed a Samsung 840 SSD. When I check System Profiler the negotiated link speed of the SSD is reported as 3gb. I don't understand why the Macbook would deliver 3gb but the iMac won't?

Has anyone here replaced the optical in their late 2009 imac with an SSD and what does system profiler report as the negotiated link speed with the 6gb ssd?

Thanks

iMac (27-inch Late 2009), OS X Yosemite (10.10.1)

Posted on Dec 24, 2014 4:10 PM

24 replies

SeaPapp Author

Level 7

26,486 points

Oct 23, 2015 3:38 AM in response to pgleesonuk

pgleesonuk wrote:

Main reason is the OWC 3G SSD's are about twice the price of other SSDs capable of twice the speed.

Capable of twice the speed in a different computer, not the late 2009 iMac. Regardless of how fast the SSD is capable of being it will only run at SATA II 3GB/s when connected to our model iMac. The Intel 5 series is a 3GB controller. A SATA III drive will never run at it's full capacity when connected to a SATA II controller.

Oct 23, 2015 4:43 AM in response to SeaPapp

These are the emails I got from OWC

I asked about the intel series 5 controller, if that has a problem with running at only 1.5 with a 6.0 SSD

"Yes it happens with both models, both controllers. This issue exists in many 2009 mac models not just the imac line so it is not limited to a specific controller.

It does not matter which OS version you use. The connections in that model are only 3G speed to begin with and have a known hardware (not software) conflict with all 6G (sataiii) drive"

I understand the limit in the 2009 iMac will always be 3.0 gb/s. But a 960GB OWC SSD is twice the price of a 1TG Samsung Evo 850.

So if I know it would work, I could get an SSD running at 3.0Gb/s at half the price OWC charge.

Maybe I just take the risk, and order an 6.0Gb/s SSD. If it defaults to 1.5 Gb/s, I will still see a good improvement is normal operations, since I does use big files like Photo / Video very often.

What model year is your Macbook

Thanks, Paul

SeaPapp Author

Level 7

26,486 points

Oct 23, 2015 4:57 AM in response to pgleesonuk

As I said, the issue exists with SSDs that use Sandforce, Samsung does not use Sandforce. Again I have a 6Gb Samsung 840 in my early 2009 Macbook equipped with an Nvidia MCP79 controller and the negotited link speed is 3.0Gb/s

OWC sells drives that use Sandforce therefore the conflict exists in their drives. Of course they're going to steer us to their line with warnings about conflicts, only when pressed will they admit that drives without Sandforce work fine.

SeaPapp Author

Level 7

26,486 points

Oct 23, 2015 5:03 AM in response to pgleesonuk

Muufungman is correct in everything he said.

Oct 23, 2015 5:10 AM in response to SeaPapp

I think I'll take a punt on a Samsung EVO, but I will get the cable and installation kit they sell.

Thanks for all your help.

Paul

Oct 29, 2015 10:34 AM in response to pgleesonuk

Upgrade done!

Swapped out the DVD drive for a 1TB Samsung 850 EVO, link speed 3.0 and enabled TRIM

Boy what a difference. Boot time 1:58 to 0:18, opening Word from 1:45 to 0:03

Thanks for all your help

Paul

JDW1

Level 1

66 points

Nov 8, 2015 6:15 PM in response to Muufungman

Muufungman wrote:

As far as my research has gone the iMacs of late '09 (11,1 which is yours) has an i5/i7 processor and an intel 5 series chipset which should have no problem running a Sandforce 6Gbps SSD in the optical slot.

But will an iMac 11,1 (late 2009, which are SATA II, 3Gb/s) be compatible (i.e., allow full 3Gb/s speeds) with SATA III (6Gb/s) SSDs "in the hard drive slot"? (You only mention the "optical slot," in your previous post, which is why I ask.)

Thank you.

SeaPapp Author

Level 7

26,486 points

Nov 8, 2015 6:24 PM in response to JDW1

Yes, you will get full 3GB speed in either location.

JDW1

Level 1

66 points

Nov 8, 2015 6:53 PM in response to SeaPapp

Thank you for the quick and helpful reply, Mike.

If you have time, I would love to hear your thoughts on my separate but related post here.

SSD Question