500GB 5400-rpm hard drive or 128GB flash storage?

What's the difference between the two, practically? I tend to use Photoshop a lot, so I want something that will load quickly, but I also want large storage. Also, can the 128GB be upgraded, and how much does it usually cost?

you want to use CS5/6 then you want 24GB or more of RAM
And you would want fast scratch disk arrays, fast boot drive.
That means SSD or 10K or at the least standard 7.2k drives.
Not slow noteboot or green type drives.
If you meant SSD by flash that could be boot drive or scratch but never use the boot drive itself for CS primary scratch location - always use other drives or arrays.
http://www.macperformanceguide.com has a lot of tips and articles.

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CTO Seagate 500 GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive Issues (beeps, clicks, freeze, hang)

The other threads on this issue have gotten completely out of hand with most new posters not bothering to read the older posts. So we still get "It's the optical drive" and "It's a problem with all 7200 RPM drives" or "It's all MacBooks that have the problem." Those posts aren't helping any of us with the specific issue noted in this subject fix our problem and gather helpful information. This thread is only for those experiencing issues with the CTO Seagate Seagate Momentus 7200.4 ST9500420ASG 500GB 7200 RPM hard drive. If you don't have that drive and are having problems with your new MacBook Pro, please start a new topic or look for an existing one that matches your issue.
_CTO Seagate Momentus 7200.4 ST9500420ASG 500GB 7200 RPM Problems_:
1. *The drive beeps intermittently*. Unusual sound and not typical of any other hard drive I've ever used in a MacBook Pro or PowerBook.
2. *The drive clicks/clacks quite loudly*. This is much louder than typical drive behavior.
3. Most importantly, *the drive freezes or hangs* in conjunction with the other sounds. It causes games to freeze for a second. It causes HD video to hang momentarily. It brings whatever task you're doing to a complete stop for a second or so, several times per hour.
4. These issues all occur while the MacBook Pro is sitting on a desk, untouched and unmoving. It's not related to any specific user input or action.
Troubleshooting
1. SMS: The built in SMS may conflict with the G-Force technology in the Seagate drive. While it's odd that Apple chose to use the drives with G-Force, disabling SMS has not fixed the issue.
2. *OS X*: It's been suggested this is a problem with OS X and its power management. However, users have reported the problems continue when booted into Boot Camp. This would seem to eliminate OS X as a factor.
3. *Normal Behavior*: Several users have said this is normal behavior for 7200 RPM drives. Apple themselves have reportedly told this to users calling for a fix. I can only say I've used 7200 RPM drives in my MacBooks exclusively since they were available and I've never had this issue with any of them. This is not normal behavior, especially the freeze/hang associated with the beeps and clicks.
4. *Change Energy Saver Settings*: Set Energy Saver so the drives won't sleep. This has not fixed the issue for me. I always set the drives not to sleep as a matter of practice (necessary for HD video & Aperture work) and the issue remains.
5. *Problem with all MacBooks regardless of drive*: This is total b.s. We've got several MBPs here at my company and none of them have the issue.
_One Solution_
In May, I purchased a Seagate Momentus 7200.4 ST9500420AS 500GB 7200 RPM from NewEgg.com. Note that this is a non G-Force model of the same CTO drive. I had been using it in an external FW enclosure. I decided to swap the drives. *With the NewEgg 500/7200 drive in my 2009 MBP (3.06GHz), all of the issues are gone. The drive doesn't beep, doesn't click, and never, ever hangs or freezes.* It's whisper quite and very, very fast. I literally can't hear it unless I put my ear on the case.
The CTO drive, now housed in a FW800 external enclosure, continues to have the same problems. It no longer beeps, but clicks and clacks loudly, and still hangs and freezes. This would seem to entirely isolate the drive as the problem and remove the MacBook Pro from the equation.
Some posters in the other thread claim that Apple engineering has reviewed the problem, witnessed the beeps, clicks, and freezes, and had labeled them "normal behavior." If true, this is unacceptable. It is impossible to do any professional work, or even play a game for that matter, with a drive that constantly hangs or freezes. We have to stay diligent in pursuing a fix. Be polite, be friendly, but be persistent.
Message was edited by: KBeat Fixed typo, added one more troubleshooting step.

My revision is 0006APM2 also. I would like to know this info as well especially since some posters are not having this problem.
That said - I think there is a business strategy behind all this. Apple is saying there is no problem so that they don't have to recall ALL drives in whatever spec, revision, etc., since that is an extremely expensive resolution. Instead, I think they will quietly fix it in an update and all of a sudden you will notice your drive isn't clicking and hesitating. Perhaps if there are drives out there that can't be corrected in this manner, they will issue a recall/replacement. Being in the software business, I tend to think it will play out this way. The few hotheads that actually return their machine will pale in comparison to the cost of a recall - especially if the affected batch of drives was large in scope.
I think if everyone sits tight it will get fixed. If not, the drive is only a $100-$150 component of this expensive computer and it can be user replaced. I do however strongly encourage anyone with this problem to report it to Apple regardless of the outcome.

Blocking downloads to hard drive, but not flash drives

Blocking downloads to hard drive, but not flash drives
A nonprofit has asked me to configure new Windows 7 computers so that all content is BLOCKED from the hard drive, but any downloads may be downloaded to the individual's flash drive.
The nonprofit allows individuals to play games, check e-mails, but we have a problem with them trying to upgrade Firefox, Google, etc.
They want all configuration to the DEFAULT STATUS after a person log off the computer....no upgrades to any programs!
I will occasionally upgrade programs once a month or so, as the volunteer administrator.
They have changed the controls from Windows ME and XP, when I was a computer programmer and installer (I also worked during Windows 3.11, 95 and 98/98 SE versions as well)...
Anyone help me, please?

1. You can change security with cacls function. However if you do it in wrong way, you can cut the branch you are sitting on:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb490872.aspx
2. If you are working in Active Directory, consider Group Policy
3. Consider third pty software for granular access control (DeviceLock,...)
4. There is nearly nothing that you can transfer from previous technologies. (Even nice
steady state in Windows XP has no continuation. Consider
kiosk mode in Windows 8.1)
M.

T400 Dead After Installing 7,200 RPM Hard Drive - Twice! (2764-CTO)

Does T400 have issues/restrictions with non-oem hard drives? My T400 came with a Seagate 5,400 RPM 160GB, after I swapped it with a Hitachi 7,200 RPM 100GB drive, it doesn't boot any more -- only the power indicator is on, and the hard dirve spins, and that's it, no display, no POST, no error beeps, no nothing. I called the service and had my motherboard replaced; at first I used the 5,400 RPM 160GB drive, everything's fine; until I put the 7,200 RPM 100GB drive in -- it died again! The 7,200 RPM drive is totally working as an external hard drive, and also working fine as a system drive in T60p. I called the tech support and they suggested me to send the unit in so they can really figure out the problems, I declined because I have had bad experiences sending my machines out to service facility. At this point I'm seriously thinking to get my T400 replaced; but if this is a common issue that I wouldn't be able to use any 7,200 RPM hard drives other than the ones from Lenovo, then there's no point getting this one at all. Anyway, anyone got any ideas would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

You're having a different issue - your T400 boots as long as you swap the original HD back. In my case my T400 doesn't even POST after I put the original HD back in. I got the technician replaced the motherboard twice, and it finally worked out the second time. However we found another problem: surprisingly, my T400 was actually shipped without the BIOS backup battery (THANKS LENOVO), I had to call the service center again to request it; I got it the 2nd day, and my T400 is working so far so good, with the 100GB 7,200 rpm HD.
So far I haven't heard the non-oem HD compatibility issue on T400. In your case, it looks like your Seagate HD was just not recognized. Try changing the SATA AHCI setting in BIOS to compatible and see if it works that way.
Message Edited by rayray on 10-21-2008 04:16 PM

G-Tech G-DRIVE Q 500GB Quad Interface Hard Drive or LaCie d2 Quadra 500GB?

Hi,
Okay I was all set to get the Lacie d2 Quadra 500 GB drive for $296.00 Canadian as I'd heard from people on this site and others it was a good one to buy.
Then I was on apple.ca yesterday and saw the G-Tech G-DRIVE Q 500GB Quad Interface Hard Drive for $319.00 Canadian and I get Macworld and that is always on the Top Product list. Should I get the G-Tech one instead for only $23.00 more?
Thoughts? Does one have more features then the other? I see the Lacie has a one button backup option but not sure about G-Tech.
S.
Message was edited by: spiralgirl
Message was edited by: spiralgirl

spiralgirl wrote:
Thanks for the tips. I don't really know what I'm doing as far as cases are concerned.
Yep, I understand, hardware geekdom can be very confusing.
Amazon.com has a good prices on LaCie -- 500 GB D2 HD Quadra @ USD $183
that's price-competitive with any of my home-grown specials.
http://www.amazon.com/500GB-Lacie-Quadra-7200RPM-16MB/dp/B000MEX7CC/ref=sr11?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1196222936&sr=8-1
...favorable customer reviews, too,
Looby

4GB memory on new MacBook Pro Retina 13 with 2.4GHz dual core i5 processor &128GB flash storage

Hello,
I'm completely new to the mac world but I'm fed up with pc's and all the insanity with processor problems, viruses, etc. I'm seriously looking at replacing my HP laptop with the new MacBook Pro Retina 13 with 2.4GHz dual core i5 processor, 4GB memory (RAM) & 128GB flash storage, OS X Mavericks (not sure which version). My concern is whether this will be reliably & consistantly fast & smooth both in desktop apps & internet use. I don't need it to do somersaults or anything too advanced. I would mostly be using Pages & spreadsheet apps & internet. It would double as my daughter's computer for cyber school so it's crucial that it runs quickly & efficiently. If she can't complete everything on time or log in to her online sessions because of a computer issue we'll be up a creek without a paddle since this particular cyber school's tech department is still working off of pc's running Windows XP. My father, thus far a pc user, thought I should consider moving up to 8GB memory but I was hoping that with flash storage being faster, I would be able to avoid the extra $100 for the upgrade to 8GB. My biggest fear is finding myself as frustrated & angry as I am now with all of my pc's, ready to take a sledge hammer to them because they take forever to boot, launch apps, internet or do just about anything (that is if they're even fuctioning at all- not joking). Does anyone have any advice or input? Thanks!!
P.s. On Apple's site I found a refurbished late 2013 model of the MacBook Pro Retina 13 with all of the same specs as listed above (4GB, not 8GB), running OS X (doesn't say which one) but for a bit less than a brand new one. Is this the same model as what they're currently selling new in their store or did they just upgrade everything to match what is being offered in the current "new" model? I realize this may be a dumb question but I can't seem to find anything online indicated that Apple has released a model newer than what was released late last year (October 2013, I believe), except that the model released then came with SSD storage instead of flash.

No computer is fault free but Apple MBPs have a good track record. In those cases where problems do arise, Apple has the best support in the industry.
A MBP with 4 GB RAM with the SSD storage should be adequate for your needs.
lsmoondancer01 wrote:
P.s. On Apple's site I found a refurbished late 2013 model of the MacBook Pro Retina 13 with all of the same specs as listed above (4GB, not 8GB), running OS X (doesn't say which one) but for a bit less than a brand new one. Is this the same model as what they're currently selling new in their store or did they just upgrade everything to match what is being offered in the current "new" model?
The latest MBP models came out in October 2013, so it will be the same, with the same warranty and telephone support. The difference will be that the price will be less and it will be delivered in a plain white box.
I have purchased three MBPs from the refurbished section. I have never been able to detect any cosmetic differences and will go that route again.
Ciao.

Can I use a portable hard drive for ipad data storage?

Can I use a portable hard drive for ipad data storage? I want an iPad mini, but don't want to get a large one (memorywise) along with cellular capability. I remember that the old iPads coiuld not communicate via their iPhone connector to transfer data. So can I do that iwth the newest iPad mini via the lightning connector somehow? Thanks, Tom

No. But you can with Seagate's wireless GoDrive.

How to use an external hard drive for your music storage

How do I use my external hard drive as my storage for music? I have already saved my music on my external and I have my iTunes program on the computer just wondering what is the next step is? Also I want to make sure I do not use my computer's hard drive for any sizable storage.

sorry to butt in, but this appears to be the best thread to pose my question/problem.
i have successfully migrated my iTunes Library to my external hard drive. the last part of the instructions tell me to delete the iTunes music folder from my hard drive to free up space.
however, i've not done this because i would like to keep a reduced number of music files on my MacBook so that i can listen to music when i'm away from my external hard drive.
i've managed to delete the files i don't want stored on my hard drive, and when i open iTunes without the external hard drive, it defaults to the original location. i'm sure this is not good practise, because whilst i can now play music, the information in iTunes is not right.
what is the best way of storing and playing some of my iTunes library on my hard drive, whilst using the external drive as a 'master'? can it be done?
MacBook Mac OS X (10.4.7) 2GB RAM, 120GB HD, 2GHZ

Which 500GB to 1TB hard drive for hdd upgrade?

My hard drive is failing on my Macbook Pro so I was going to buy a new drive, I thought I could just get any 2.5" SATA disk again but from reading through the the forum, it looks like there issues with certain drives, motion detection issues, etc. I'm confused now.
I was interested in the Seagate Momentus XT 500GB 4GB SSD Hybrid drive but I'm reading reports about that drive causing problems with Macbooks on this forum and Amazon reviews. Then there's drives where you need to actually downgrade the EFI firmware to get the system stable? Yikes, this doesn't look as simple as I thought.
BTW here's my current system now:
MacBook Pro 5,5 (Core 2 Duo 2.53 GHz) Circa 2008/2009
Boot Rom: MBP55.00AC.B03
OSX 10.6.8
This is my main work computer so I want the safest and fastest drive I can get. I rather not have to do anything funky like downgrade firmware if I don't have to. If there are specific model numbers I should avoid, please let me know and I'll them to the list below with a warning. My external backup drives are composed of 750GB USB drives so max drive I probably won't go with the 1TB drive but I'll add it in case anyone researches this in the future.
I'm probably learning toward the Seagate Momentus 750GB right now.
Brand/Model
Capacity
RPM
Buffer
Notes
Western Digital Scorpio Blue
1TB
7200
8MB
Reports it works fine: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2376976
Western Digital Scorpio Blue
750GB
5400
8MB
Seagate Momentus ST907503N1A1AS
750GB
7200
16MB
Samsung HM640JJJ
640GB
7200
16MB
Samsung Spinpoint HM500JJ
500GB
7200
16MB
Hitachi TravelStar
500GB
7200
16MB
Seagate Momentus XT STAN500100
500GB w/ 4GB SSD Hybrid
7200
32MB
Varying reports on compatbility with Macbooks.
Western Digital Scorpio Blue
500GB
5400
8MB
Seagate ST905003N3A1AS
500GB
7200
16MB
5 year warranty!
Seagate ST905003N1A1AS
500GB
5400
8MB

Get the Samsung. The WD Scorpio Blues are more often troublesome than most other drive lines, and I've had several lousy experiences with Toshiba drives in years past. I haven't seen any negative reports about the Samsung.

7200 or 5400 portable hard drive for scratch drive?

I am trying to decide whether to buy a f7200rpm or 5400rpm portable hard drive to store some of my video footage on but seem to have conflicting answers on the topic. Basically, I need to offload some of my unedited footage from my MBP as it is taking up lots of room but I need also to have this with me when travelling so that I can continue working on it, therefore the need for a small portable hard drive. I have pretty much decided to get one of the G-tech mini drives, but should I get a faster 7200rpm for video, or will this make no difference, in which case a 5400rpm will have more capacity for the same price. I emailed G-Tech and their reply was a bit vague, basically saying that with firewire 800 there "might be a slight increase in performance", but I am still not sure what this means in real terms when working with video.
I thought the best place to ask was here, so if anyone can advise I would be grateful, thanks.

I have a single G-Tech mini fw400 case with a 5400 rpm drive that is perfectly useful for capturing and editing simple DV. But, I purchased it for simply capturing video while I was out of the studio. I would not use it for serious multi layer editing. If pressed, I would guess the limits have more to do with it being fw400 than the rotational speed.
What a faster rotational speed often does is give you faster seek times.
Still, if I were in the market today, I'd go with something like a two drive miniRAID system (eg Caldigit VRmini) that can connect via FW400, 800 or eSATA.
x

External Hard Drives (and some flash drives) Not Recognized by Server2003

I recently purchased a new computer (Dell T100 server) and old Server2003 disk (OEM disk on eBay). Installed Server2003 and added File Server role only. My data is located on a Western Digital Passport that is recognized no problem on any other computer in the office (all XP). When I connect it to the server (front or rear, same result), it does not give it a drive letter, and says there are 0 bytes used 0 bytes free. Under Computer Management->Storage->Disk Management it shows: Volume: blank, Layout: Partition, Type: Basic, File System: blank, Status: Healthy. It's as if it does not know how to read the file system.
What do I need to do to Server2003 to get this drive with my data on it to be read by my new server?

Hi,
Following is the System Requirements from Western digital’s website.
Windows
Available USB port
Windows 2000/XP/Vista®
My Passport Essential 320GB USB 2.0 Hard Drives(WDMEB3200)
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.asp?driveid=426
Yes, generally speaking, if an external drive or flash drive can be recognized by Windows XP, it should work in Windows Server 2003. However, there is no guarantee.
If possible, I recommend that you plug the “unrecognized” drive to some other Windows Server 2003 computers to test whether it works. If the issue continues, I suggest that you contact the vendor or the drive for more details.
By the way, what’s the version of Windows Server 2003 you used? Please update it to the latest service pack to check whether they works.
Best Regards,
Vincent Hu

I want to use my second external hard drive as a "flash drive"

Forgive my ignorance, but I would appreciate any input before I purchase and set up a second external hard drive....
I have a MyBook that I use with Time Machine and it has been great. However, it's approaching more full than I want it to get and I need to dump all my pictures and music that I would like to keep forever onto a second external hard drive that I can access easily, take with me to friends houses to share music/photos, etc.
My question is: do I want to set up Time Machine on the second "flash drive" external hard drive, or should I only use Time Machine on MyBook and use the manufacturer software on the second drive?
I envision connecting both very frequently -- as I load new pictures, loading them quickly onto the second drive, but then back up on MyBook and Time Machine as I do know, every few days or so.
How do other people navigate this?

Well, you can certainly keep using one for Time Machine and use the other one to back up just your photos, files, videos, etc.
If that is what you want to do, you don't need any included software at all. In fact, Disk Utility (Applications - Utilities) does a great job. Once you get the hard drive, plug it in (firewire is preferred - faster than USB), open Disk Utility. highlight the external hard drive and click on Partition tab. From there you can choose to keep it as is (one partition), or make more than one. Choose the format: Mac OS Extended (Journaled), and, under options, GUID partition table. Click Apply and let it do its thing.
Once finished, your external is ready. You can simply drag and drop whatever files from your internal onto the external. You can also delete them from the external at a later time, copy new ones, etc, etc.

Is it possible to put a larger 7200 rpm hard drive in my Mini?

Howdy folks.
Just a quick question...is it possible to put a off-the-shelf notebook 200 or 300gig 7200rpm hard drive into my Mac Intel Dual core Mini? Are there heat issues with this speed drive and if not, can I get one at any Comp USA or C. City or Best Buy? (Right now my new Mini has an 5400 80gig drive in it.)
Also, if I can do this can someone guide me to a site or an article on how to do this. Finally, will any type of notebook drive suffice or is there something I should look for as a specific type drive for the Mini?
Many thanks in advance for the assistance.
Randy

Thank you...I looked at the videos and they are indeed very helpful. (Though getting the Mini open doesn't look like much fun!)
Wondering still however....any heat issues from a 7200 drive over a 5400, or is it a pretty much moot point?
Thank you in advance for the help.
Randy

Using a 7200 RPM hard drive- too hot?

A question about hard drives and heat. I've read using a 7200 RPM HD in a fanless slot load iMac may be too hot. What has been people's experiences with this? Does anyone have suggestions of cooler running drives? I have a 60 GB 7200 RPM IBM Deskstar that was original equipment in the Digital Audio I had that I'd like to try in my iMac to replace the original 4400 RPM 20 GB drive.
Also, has anyone added any fans to the inside case of their slot loader?

Hey Steve,
Here's a discussion from:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=6805878&#6805878
">Other forums say that "modern" 7200rpm drives do not get dangerously hot. How modern is 2002?
Well if it were me and wanting to save everything I could I would go ahead. When this came up before I suggested putting a wrapped copper heat sink around the drive. I would at least put a thermal pad between the drive and the mass store cage to maximize heat transfer. (this is what's done in the eMac) If you did that you'd probably want to do the same thing between the cage and the divider panel.
I would then monitor the drive temp and if I felt it was too high I would go to a wrapped heat sink.
still too high - mini fan scab power off the 12 V supply to the drive.
When this was brought up before I read a study that said that there was no correlation in drive temps and failure rates."
Also, has anyone added any fans to the inside case of their slot loader?
I did this. Mounted a 12V squirrel cage fan in my son's iMac 500. It was just below the upper vents. I scabbed power off the 12V from the hard drive.
It worked in there for about two years but I noticed it was kind of noisy even tho' that's the quietest type of fan.
Later I thought you could mount a more conventional type directly over the back of the HD mounting cage.
However in all these iMacs the most common point of failure is in the upper part of the iMac. ( The PAV board ) Most often this is due to heat buildup and involves the high voltage capacitors and flyback transformer. That was actually why I mounted that fan in the upper section.
Richard
Message was edited by: spudnuty

Click on any Hard Drive - Icon Starts Flashing/Blinking - No Question Mark

After starting my MAC, any hard drive I click on (internal/external) - it starts blinking/flashing continously and cannot access the drive. Cannot access Disk Utilities, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

What happens when your boor from your install DVD and run your Disk Utility?
-Bmer
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500GB 5400-rpm hard drive or 128GB flash storage?

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