Putting a SSD in the optical drive bay of a late 2011 MacBook Pro.

I want to put a large Solid State Drive in the optical drive bay of my late 2011 (Model ID 8,2, 2.4 GHZ quad i7, 8 Gigs RAM, SSD boot drive) using the carrier and drive from Other World Computing.  The "About This Mac" box shows that the optical drive is 6G so I'm thinking that it should be OK putting a 6G drive in that bay, but OWC says that MacBook Pros have only a 3G optical drive capability.  I know this was true on earlier models, but my bay says 6G.   The 6 G SSD's are faster and have a longer warranty.  I do pro audio work and want to record to the new drive with speed and reliability.  Is there any way to prove that my MBPro will handle 6G?  I was told by someone at OWC who looked up my my serial number that it would work, but another tech guy at OWC said they didn't recommend it.  I'm thinking that they just issue a blanket "no" answer to cover themselves against people ordering a 6G drive for a machine that wouldn't handle it.  Before I order a 6G drive is there a way I can know for sure if it will work?
Many thanks,
Robert

If the computer is correctly identified as 15-inch Late 2011 MacBook Pro, and not an Early 2011 build series,
according to MacTracker database (http://mactracker.ca download application) optical drive interface supports
the same spec as the hard disk drive...
Hard Drive Interface    6.0 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA)
Optical Drive Interface    6.0 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA)
So should there be an error in identification, that would make a difference. Some Early 2011 models may
have the 3.0 Gbps or 6.0Gbps data rate in the optical drive. All Late 2011 models should be 6.0 Gbps.
Good luck & happy computing!

Similar Messages

  • SSD drive for late 2011 Macbook Pro

    Hi there
    Has anyone any experience with late 2011 macbook pros and upgrading to ssd ?
    Looking at the Samsung 840 ssd but whats the biggest difference between the Samsung 840, 840 pro and evo.
    And what is there performance in like in a mac ?
    Regards
    Paraic

    Bear008,
    A dock like this "docking station":
    ...where you just plug your hard drive in instead of putting it in an enclosure.
    Clinton

  • 13" late 2011 MacBook Pro has frozen after Yosemite installation. I can, however, boot from a clone of my MacBook Air that is on an external drive. Despite the fact that I can boot from the external, could it be the RAM that's the prob

    My daughter's 13" late 2011 MacBook Pro has frozen (null sign displays) after Yosemite installation. I can, however, boot from a clone of my MacBook Air that is on an external drive. I reinstalled Yosemite on the MBP HD, but it still hangs in mid install. Despite the fact that I can boot from the external, could it be the RAM that's the problem? I'd happily put 8 GB in if it seems probable that would solve the problem. I've tried all the suggested procedures that I've seen posted here. Disk Utility, and my older version of DiskWarrior indicate the HD is OK. I have DiskWarrior 5 on order.

    Boot the MBP with the OPTION key down.  If successful, you should see two HDD icons,  Select the recovery partition (on the right).
    From the 4 option menu select Disk Utility.
    Run Disk Utility>First Aid, Verify and Repair.
    If the disk cannot be repaired, it will have to be replaced.
    Ciao.

  • Is there a compatibility guide for SSDs in the late 2011 macbook pro model?

    Is there a compatibility guide for SSDs in the late 2011 macbook pro model? I'm looking to purchase a 15.4" Late 2011 Macbook pro and was looking a SATA3 SSD that was supported (outside of the ones provided by Apple). Does anyone have any success stories they wish to share? I assume the problem with secondary bay and SATA3 has still not been resolved.

    Have you looked at the OWC web site?  They specialize in Mac peripherals and they have a good line of SSDs and secondary bays as well.  My experience with them has been good but I am not ready for SSDs.  For my needs the cost/benefits are not there.
    Ciao.

  • Is the Kingston SSD 240GB Sata3 2.5" SSDNow V 200 compatible with a LATE 2011 Macbook Pro 13?

    I need to know if it is 100% compatible and not give me problems in the future.
    I hope some help, thanks!!!

    Kingston Hyper X is compatible with your Macbook.
    Another SSD to look at is the Samsung 830 Series and Sandisk Extreme.
    There are a few of us here using the Crucial M4.  I have the 256GB and 512GB Crucial M4 drives.
    As for the RAM.  You can use Crucial, Mushkin, Corsair and Patriot.
    I use Crucial on my Late 2011 Macbook Pro 15 Inch and Patriot Signature Series on my Late 2011 13 Inch Pro.
    Both are 16GB with no issues.  Patriot Signature Series is currently on sale for $100 (16GB)....Not sure which part of the world you live in so can't give you any stores that sells them.
    In any event, good luck with your transplant.

  • What external drives work well with a late 2011 MacBook Pro?  I ask because I just found out the hard way that a Samsung EVO 840 does not.  Also should I avail myself of something that works with Thunderbolt or Firewire?

    What external drives work well with a late 2011 MacBook Pro (I7, Lion OS) apart from my Kingston flash and USB drive, and the SD drives that I use in my cameras and recording devices?  I ask because I just found out the hard way that a Samsung EVO 840 does not.  Also, should I avail myself of something that works with the Thunderbolt or Firewire connections?  I'm looking to back up music and video files created and/or processed in Logic Pro and the Adobe Production Premium software suite (Premier Pro, After Effects, Audition, etc).

    Hmm, not sure what problems you had installing this drive. The review here gives it good marks for Mac:
    http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Electronics-EVO-Series-2-5-Inch-MZ-7TE1T0BW/produc t-reviews/B00E3W16OU
    There does seem to be a lot of prep to make it work:
    "1. Preparation to install your new shiny SSD
    1.a You will need a migration tool (I used the Sabrent kit USB 3.0 to Sata that was suggested in these review) see link http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DQJME7Y/ref=oh_details_o03_s01_i01?ie=UTF8&p sc=1
    1.b You will need to download a trim enabler (mid 2012 macbooks only support native trim with apple brand ssd's) I recommend going to cindori.org and downloading trim enabler version 3.xx. You can do this step before or after the OS migration
    1.c You cannot use the Samsung SSD migration software *don't worry Mac has its own imaging/migration utility*"
    Also in those reviews:
    " Only down side when using this product in a Mac Mini is you will be required to download and install Trim Enabler so that your drive performs optimally on your Mac device. This is an Apple issue, not Samsung, but it is an extra step you will have to take after you install the hard drive, and any time you perform an OS upgrade." He rant's on.
    Personally I only deal with OWC:
    http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/SSD/OWC/
    They are very knowledgable and if there's a problem they will gladly take back the item. (Never happened to me yet - 8 years and counting).
    Just upgraded my 13" MBP 2011 to 120 GB for $79. Adobe CS 6 opens in 3 seconds! Awesome!
    When I was in Chicago I had a pro photographer for a client. She wound up with 4 internal drives in her Pro, 4 external drives and an dual array locked in a steel vault in the basement. All from OWC. OK she was a bit paranoid. Great client though.
    As far as value for price:
    http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MES3FH7500G/
    500 GB for $130.
    However as far as reliability is concerned:
    http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/01/30/are-ssds-reliable/
    http://www.extremetech.com/computing/173887-ssd-stress-testing-finds-intel-might -be-the-only-reliable-drive-manufacturer
    So sudden power loss is an issue with SSDs.
    Personally I'd go with a moderate sized SSD internally and a conventional external for backup. An array would be the most reliable.

  • Can i connect thunderbolt duo hard drive to the mini display port of a late 2008 macbook pro which do not have thunderbolt port, but have mini display port.

    hi, i have a late 2008 15 inch macbook pro, which have a mini display port.
    I noticed that thunderbolt and mini display port looks a like. So, my question is :
    can i connect thunderbolt duo hard drive to the mini display port of a late 2008 macbook pro which do not have thunderbolt port, but have mini display port.
    thank you

    ken94538,
    no, you’d need a Thunderbolt-to-FireWire adapter or Thunderbolt-to-USB adapter to be able to access your Thunderbolt hard drive from your 2008 MacBook Pro.

  • I purchased the Logitech F310 game controller for my 2011 MacBook Pro. How do I get the driver installed for it. The Disk that came with the controller is a mini disk and will not insert into my laptop.

    I purchased the Logitech F310 game controller for my 2011 MacBook Pro. How do I get the driver installed for it. The Disk that came with the controller is a mini disk and will not insert into my laptop.

    May not make a difference anyway. The Logitech support site does not show drivers for Mac OS for the F310:
    http://www.logitech.com/en-us/support/gamepad-f310?crid=411
    I'd contact their support to find out if there is a Mac driver available, and if they can either give you a web link to get it, e-mail you the software, or snail-mail you a standard-size disk with the drivers.

  • Crucial memory co says that you can put 16 g ram memory in the later 2011 macbook pro 17" 2.4 i7 quad core, True?

    crucial memory co says that you can put 16 g ram memory in the later 2011 macbook pro 17" 2.4 i7 quad core, True?
    DDR3 PC3-10600 • CL=9 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1333 • 1.35V • 1024Meg x 64 •   •  Part #: CT3327381

    nope - no difference than running with 4GB......Apps however, open much faster with 16GB....
    you'll also have 0 page outs and 0 swap used...
    see image...

  • Why won't the Thunderbolt port (Mini Display) on a 2011 MacBook Pro drive a DVI Display?

    I'm trying to use a MonoPrice 5106 Mini Display to DVI adapter and a DVI cable to drive an Acer H233H 23" HD display.  I'm driving it from the Thunderbolt Port (Mini Display) on a 2011 MacBook Pro.  It doesn't work.  I use a similar MonoPrice adapter (5311) to drive the HDMI input on this monitor from the Thunderbolt port and it works fine.
    I can drive the DVI input on the Acer display from an older iMac using a MonoPrice 4851 Mini-DVI to DVI adapter and this same DVI cable and it works just fine.
    So, why won't it work from the MacBook Pro?  Do I need the much more expensive Monoprice 6904 dual link DVI adapter ($69)?  Why isn't this mentioned in the MacBook Pro manual or on the MacBook Pro support page?  MonoPrice says this 5106 adapter should work and if not to try the more expensive 6904 adapter.  Need a better reason to buy the more expensive adapter.
    Help please.
    Thanks,
    Vee

    Just saw your question.  Just like it's Apple counterpart, the 5106 is not capable of higher resolutions.  You should, in theory, be able to drive your Acer display at lower resolutions with the 5106.  And the 5106 may be sufficient for a 23" monitor . . . you'd need to check the maximum resolution for each.
    But you definitely do need the 6904 for higher resolutions.  That's what 30" monitors and other high-res displays require.

  • I installed the 829mb Apple software update on my 2011 Macbook Pro. Upon restart, it crashed.  Error message: Panic CPU  0 caller 0xffffff800064ba7b Unable to find driver for this platform \"acpi"\\n"@/sourcecache/xnu/xnu-1699.26.8/iokit/kernel/10platfor

    I installed the 829mb Apple software update on my 2011 Macbook Pro. Upon restart, it crashed.  It instructed me to hold power button to shut off and then press again to restart.  Same error message keeps coming up and computer won't boot to home screen.
    Error message:
    Panic CPU  0 caller 0xffffff800064ba7b Unable to find driver for this platform \"acpi"\\n"@/sourcecache/xnu/xnu-1699.26.8/iokit/kernel/10platform
    \"acpi"\\n"@/sourcecache/xnu/xnu-1699.26.8/iokit/kernel/10platformexpert.cpl:150 4
    Debugger called panic
    Kernal uuid a8ed611fb0f-3729-8392-e7a32c5e7d74
    THANKS FOR ANY HELP.
    ROBB

    Boot into Recovery by holding down the key combination command-R at the startup chime. Release the keys when you see a gray screen with a spinning dial.
    Note: You need an always-on Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection to the Internet to use Recovery. It won’t work with USB or PPPoE modems, or with networks that require any kind of authentication other than a WPA or WPA2 Personal password.
    When the Mac OS X Utilities screen appears, follow the prompts to reinstall the Mac OS. You don't need to erase the boot volume, and you won't need your backup unless something goes wrong. If your Mac didn’t ship with Lion, you’ll need the Apple ID and password you used to upgrade, so make a note of those before you begin.
    Don't install the Thunderbolt update -- it's defective.

  • Late 2011 Macbook Pro with SSD Freezing

    Hello,
    I have a late 2011 macbook pro and about six or so months ago I have it a new lease on live with a Samsung 840 SSD (non pro).
    I haven't really had any problems with that until recently - the machine started locking up on wakeup. This meant that the beachball of doom would start and each program would gradually in turn become unresponsive. Shutdown command wouldn't work and would time out, force quit wouldn't open, and although I could move the mouse around and sometimes switch between programs, they didn't work and the only cure was to hold the power button until it switched off.
    This has also started happening just when the computer has been on for a certain amount of time *without sleeping*. For example, if I watch an episode of a tv show, by the end of it the video is still running but all of the other programs are locked up - clicking out of VLC causes the beachball of doom. This also happens in other programs - it's even happened as I've been writing this, and the only remedy seems to be a hard restart.
    The problem doesn't seem to occur in windows. In OSX I have 'put hard drives to sleep' turned off, and TRIM enabled. I also disables the sudden movement sensor. I have also reset the SMC.
    Does anyone know of a remedy short of a full reinstall of Mountain Lion?
    Oh and I used samsung magician in windows to update the firmware of the drive. It reports that the drive should be fine.
    Thanks very much for any help anyone can give me with this!

    anything is possible - corrupt files - corrupt drivers - it could be anything.
    try doing a nvram/pram reset and see if that sorts it out.
    i have ssd installed in all my Macbook/Macbook Pro and have never had any issues.
    Then again, I don't have windows installed in any of them.
    hopefully the nvram/pram reset sorts it out for you.
    once you've done that reset - go back to system preferences - startup disk and select your ssd as the startup drive again - then restart it again.

  • Intel SSD 530 240gb - 17" late 2011 Macbook Pro

    I was given a new in the bag Intel SSD 530 240gb
    I have a 17" late 2011 Macbook Pro..
    I can afford to buy another brand and sell this one online/ebay...
    Am I asking for problems installing and using this?  My laptop is the core of my business so I need stability.
    I have not only a timecapsul backup but also a daily copy clone to a internal hard drive in my MB too..
    If I choose not to use it is the general consensus Samsung the most Mac compatible.
    I'm in Bali and so warrantee follow up is a nightmare..
    Thanks in advance..

    I do not have experience with the Intel SSD's but I also heard of some problems (that you can solve with a firmware update, which is not easy to do).
    I would go for the lowest risk and buy Crucial SSD.
    Samsung is NOT the most compatible for Mac, it is as compatible as most other brands. The disadvantage in the Samsung SSD's is that it does not have the best diskcontroller. Crucial has the Marvell controller which is by far better.
    I have experience with Samsung, Crucial, Micron (same as Crucial), Mercure. They all work well, with the best experience with Crucial. About 10 MacbookPros upgraded to SSD.
    Lex

  • I have a late 2011 macbook pro i want to reinstall os lion 10.7 so when i reboot hold down options key click on recovery hd then in the os x utilities screen it says reinstall mac os x is there any way i can save this download so i can burn to dvd

    i have a late 2011 macbook pro i want to reinstall os lion 10.7 so when i reboot hold down options key click on recovery hd then in the os x utilities screen it says reinstall mac os x is there any way i can save this download so i can burn to dvd

    steve359 wrote:
    Sorry ... I read but was unfortunately distracted from your original post.  You have a system that came with Lion.  The Lion that is on your system is only for your computer and cannot be downloaded from the app store again because you never purchased it officially through the App Store.
    Try this for making an external USB/DVD copy of Recovery on an external disk.  internet is still required for reinstall, though, I believe: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4848.  But at least you have a separate Recovery Partition if you ever need a fully new and empty internal disk.
    Your assumption is incorrect. Although he may not be able to download it from the App store he can download it directly for the Apple servers using the recovery partition on his original drive.
    All you have to do is start the install routine and then point the install to an external hard drive. Once the download is finished the computer will reboot to start the install. At that reboot disconnect the external drive so the install can not start. Boot the computer back into the OS on the internal hard drive, which is what will happen automatically once the external drive is disconnected. Then connect the external and copy the files from it that were downloaded. Right click on that downloaded package file and select Show contents. In the contents of that package is a file called InstallESD.DMG. Copy that file out of the package and burn it down to a DVD or USB thumb drive and you now have the Full Lion Installer. I have several of them laying around on different hard drives and 2 USB thumb drives which I have used to reinstall Lion on my 15" MBP.
    Sorry OP I should of just typed this out in my first post.

  • Upgrade to SSD or HDD? Late 2011 MacBook Pro

    Hi,
    I have a late 2011 MacBook Pro, running Yosemite with 500GB hard drive & 4 GB of RAM.
    I'm going to upgrade the RAM to 16GB regardless to speed things up a little.
    I'm a very basic level user. Mainly use it for web surfing, watching movies, downloading music etc.
    I don't think I want to lose the SuperDrive as I burn cd's to play in my car.
    Reckon an upgrade to an internal HDD should do the trick. Looking to get 2TB at least. Can anyone recommend anything to me please & explain to me how I go about transferring data from current HDD to the new 1?
    Thanks!

    Vendors to check are OWC, DataMem, and Best Buy. I would recommend Seagate, HSGT, and Toshiba. The latter now makes a 2 TB notebook sized drive you can use in that model. I believe this is the largest capacity for a notebook drive.
    Adding RAM only makes it possible to run more programs concurrently.  It doesn't speed up the computer nor make games run faster.  What it can do is prevent the system from having to use disk-based VM when it runs out of RAM because you are trying to run too many applications concurrently or using applications that are extremely RAM dependent.  It will improve the performance of applications that run mostly in RAM or when loading programs.

Maybe you are looking for