Swap optical drive with SSD for 4k video editing?

I've already swapped the original HD with an SSD 500gb and replaced the optical drive with the original HD as a secondary drive. That has worked nicely for a couple years. But now that I'm doing intense 4k video editing, I want to replace the HD in the optical bay with a 1tb SSD.
My question to you: Will the SSD perform at the same speed in the optical bay as it would in the main bay as a secondary drive? Or is there a speed limitation on the optical bay periphery and as such it's not worth putting a fast drive in there?
What alternative options would you suggest for video editing? My late 2011 Macbook Pro 2.5ghz core i7 with 16gb ram stalls when editing 4k footage off a firewire g-raid. I figured an internal SSD would perform faster and as a double benefit make my files portable without need for an external drive.

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Replacing optical drive with SSD and HD with new HD

Hi folks, recently my macbook pro unibody's (2011) hard drive started encountering some fatal errors. I've gone through all possible fixes, and it looks like the only option left is to replace the HDD. As much as this initially bummed me out, I'm a little excited about the prospect now. I think I would like to go ahead and replace the optical drive with a SSD while I have the computer open to replace the HDD. This will breathe some serious new life into my macbook pro.
My question is, which SSD's and HDD's are compatible with the macbook and which brands do you guys (the community) recommend? Should I upgrade my ram while I'm in there? How difficult of a job is this? I am mechanically inclined but I have much more experience working on tractors than electronics. Thanks for any advice or input you can offer!

Go to OWC to get the Data Doubler bracket for your model. You can also find HDDs and SSDs there. Be sure to put the SSD where the HDD is located and put the HDD in the optical drive bay. Upgrading RAM is always a good idea. I've done all these in my 2011 MBP. OWC also provides tools needed and online video tutorials.
For optimum use of this combo only install OS X on the SSD. Install everything else on the HDD. Then follow these instructions for setting it up to have the computer boot from the SSD but use your Home folder that is on the HDD:
How to use an SSD with your HDD
If you are going to use an SSD as a boot drive together with your existing HDD as the "data" drive, here's what you can do.
After installing the SSD you will need to partition and format the SSD using Disk Utility. Then, install OS X on the SSD. After OS X has been installed boot from the SSD. Use Startup Disk preferences to set the SSD as the startup volume.
Open Users & Groups preferences. Click on the lock icon and authenticate. CTRL- or RIGHT-click on your user account listing in the sidebar and select Advanced Options from the context menu. You will see a field labeled "Home dir:" At the right end you will see a Change button. Click on it. In the file dialog locate the Home folder now located on the HDD (HDD/Users/account_name/.) Select the folder, click on Open button. Restart the computer as directed.
When the computer boots up it will now be using the Home folder located on the HDD.
Another more technical method involving the Terminal and aliases is discussed in depth here: Using OS X with an SSD plus HDD setup - Matt Gemmell. This is my preferred approach because I can select which of the Home's folders I want on the HDD and which I don't want. For example, I like to keep the Documents and Library folders on the SSD because I access their content frequently.
Be sure you retain the fully bootable system on your HDD in case you ever need it.
Be sure to use Trim Enabler 3.3 to activate TRIM on the SSD.

Replaced my iMac optical drive with ssd - now I can't create a bootcamp partition

I have a late 2009 imac 27". Recently my imac hard drive crashed so I used this opportunity to replace the broken hard drive and also replacethe iMac optical drive with a SSD drive. The idea was to use the ssd drive as my bootcamp partition and boost things up. WRONG IDEA!
I wasted already 5 hours trying to get bootcamp to install windows 7 onto the ssd using an external optical drive, a USB drive, an internal partition of my new hard drive. I used rEFIt to try and boot from these fine devices - nothing! Once the OS restarts to install Windows 7 it gets stuck either in blank screen or with a message that it requires a bootable device.
This is one of the most puzzling situation I've seen. Any help will be highly appreciated.
Thanks,
Amir

This is the same problem people have with their MacBook Pro. Some people have had success using rEFIT, but many didn't. The only solution that I found was just installing my opitcal drive back in and installing windows on what ever hardrive you need. Then taking the optical drive back out. I know that sounds like a lot of work, but once your done you will be relieved.

Using SSD for FCP Video Editing on Macbook Pro

Hi,
I am looking to get a Macbook Pro 15" which i will be using for some video editing related work (definitely HD, might include some 3K footage at times). I was earlier considering getting a 512GB solid state drive for some fast performance, but I have been hearing that they are not great for video editing and that video editing will suck through the lifetime of the SSD, I could use some clarity or confirmation on the subject. Ideally, I would love to have a solid state drive in my laptop for just the overall performance boost and I love the idea of a less heating and power consuming drive, however I do know, that I will be doing video editing related work with large files frequently and would like my drive to last for at least 3 years. Should I expect that from a SSD?
Will it be wise to get a SSD in my case? I'll appreciate your suggestions. The more you can explain your reasoning, the better.

I also read somewhere that the old SSDs might have been a bit problematic but the new ones have 'load balancing' which makes sure you don't use the same bits of electronics all the time and spreads the memory around. Does this mean that video editing playback will be good? Or any improvements of SSD lifespan?

Replacing MacBook Pro 4,1's optical drive with SSD

Has anyone swapped out their optical drive and added a SSD in its place? Or alternatively removed their optical drive, put the HDD in its place, and installed a SSD in the HDD's original location? On a pre-unibody MacBook Pro 4,1. I've read many posts of people doing so with the unibody models, but am curious to hear the results of anyone who has done it with this older model.
Thanks!

I have just recently purchased an "OPTIBAY" from here:http://store.mcetech.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=OBSXGB- MB15&Category_Code=STORHDOPTIBAY
And I bought this SSD:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820721107 (which was $65 on sale the other day) to hold the OS and apps. Hope this helps.

Recently replaced optical drive with SSD and stripped the screw of the hinge on the optical drive. Now speaker is muffled

I still have the hinge but its not on the enclosure for the ssd. Now my speaker on the right side is muffled. Do I need a replacement bracket or is my problem unrelated?

It would be helpful if you indicated the EXACT model/year MBP that you have.
What 'hinge ' are you referring to? I am unaware of any hinges on an optical drive.
Look at the iFixit.com website for pictorial instructions that may assist you with your problem.
Ciao.

Early 2008 MBP, replaced optical drive with SSD, now computer won't sleep.

So pretty much you know everything already, installed the operating system on the SSD everything works fine except the computer wont sleep.
Any help wouldbe great
thanks

I am about to do the same upgrade on MBP 13". Reading around the topic I think this problem is caused when the OS is running from the drive in the optical bay.
See extract from following link:
http://lifehacker.com/5541774/how-to-install-a-solid+state-drive-in-your-macbook
Update: It seems that connecting the SSD to the optical drive slot will give you problems waking from sleep, since the MacBook doesn't look to that SATA port for your main drive. I did not notice this before, as I don't sleep my computer. So, instead of installing your SSD in the Optibay, you'll want to disconnect your regular hard drive, install the SSD in that slot, and then install your old drive in the Optibay and continue as written.

Replacing MacBook Pro's optical drive with SSD. What is the best way to migrate data?

I have a time machine backup on external drive.
I would like to:
1. clean install Lion on the new SSD (120 GB)
2. restore apps from my backup on the SSD
3. keep only data on the existing HDD
My questions:
What is the best way to make it?
Can I just keep the existing system on my non-SSD HDD, and after having Lion on SSD keep just data and delete the system libraries? Or is it better to format the whole disk and restore data from time machine backup (so it is not fragmented...).
Thanks for any tips in advance!
Antonin

OK, thanks a lot.
And after reformatting the old HDD can I - can I tell Time Machine where to recover my folders (apps --> SSD, data --> old HDD)?
I mean when Time Machine starts recovering my 450 GB of files onto 120 GB SSD will it ask me to decide what put where?

Swapping OPtical Drive for SSD

I am going to swap my optical drive for an SSD to make everything far more faster. My computer is out of warranty so it won't be affected. I was just wondering what will happen to my existing hard drive when I clone the old hard drive and copy it on to the SSD? Obviously I will make it so my computer boots my SSD, does my old hard drive act in the same way an external hard drive does? Will I be able to save things on there just as easily as before?
Thanks

Go talk to Bmer over here
http://macosg.com/
What he did was move the hard drive to the optical bay and then replaced the boot drive with a SSD with a kit, he can walk you though it all as he's good with SSD's and all it's headaches. The kit also makes the Superdrive a external optical drive.
SSD's make good boot and program drives, but not a good file drive, use the hard drive for that instead.
One of the drawbacks is you can't boot from the OS X install disks or Windows disk or even perhaps not even Linux disks on a external optical drive.
So you'll have to learn all about Carbon Copy Cloner and option bootable clones too.
Download the free MacTracker and find out your SATA, as that can limit your SSD speed and could save you money as you buy the slower older SATA SSD's to match your hardware instead of the higher more expensive ones you can't use anyway.
Good Luck.

(2011 13" Macbook Pro Model 8,1) I want to replace my 320GB HDD and replace it with a 6gb/s 120GB SSD. I also want to replace the optical drive with a 7200RPM HDD 750GB.

I want to use:
The SSD and enclosure to replace the optical drive with the new HDD
So basically, I want to use the SSD in the link above. I want to set this up as either preferrably a fusion drive. If not the smoothest most stable configuration. I have a Macbook Pro Early 2011 13" with 8 GB of ram, 2.3 GHz Intel Core i5, 320GB HDD.
I want to install the SSD directly to the SATA port where the 320 GB HDD is currently. I then want to install the new HDD, preferrably a name brand 750 GB 7200RPM hard drive where the optical drive is now. I want the storage to work in a way in which the OS, and my most used programs and files get stored on the SSD, and everything else gets stored on the larger hard drive. My most preferred method would be Fusion drive, or a SPAN drive.
I would like to use a Seagate Momentus XT, but I learned that there might be issues with compatability with this. I dont mind using the 3 gb/s 500GB option, but would like to know if it would even be smart to do it. I also have no problem settling for a regular 7200 RPM hard drive.
I have read a bunch of stuff online but I still am not sure if this is even possible. I want my machine to run as fluid as possible so any info would be appreciated.

bump

I have a Mac book pro with regular drive, I want to replace the drive with SSD, so can I do t for Mac book pro purchased in 2012 and which SSD is recommended. I am looking for 500 to 700GB SSD.

I have a Mac book pro(13 inch non-retina, i7) with regular drive, I want to replace the drive with SSD, so can I do it for Mac book pro purchased in 2012 and which SSD is recommended.
I am looking for 500 to 700GB SSD.
Thanks

Upgrading your MacBook Pro with a Solid State Drive...
...call back with any questions.
Clinton

I currently have a mbp with two internal hard drives ( took super drive out) which for a video editor like myself is a dream I can edit video anywhere, my question can I order a new mbp with 2 internal flash drives?

I currently have a mbp 2.3 gighuz intel core 7 16 gig of ram with two internal hard drives ( took super drive out) which for a video editor like myself is a dream I can edit video anywhere, my question can I order a new mbp with 2 internal flash drives?

I wouldn't think so because the newer ones with Retina displays don't have an internal SuperDrive that can be replaced. Therefore the newer logic boards wouldn't have the two SATA/SATA Express connections on the logic board.
At least that was the case as of 2012. I've seen newer ones and they also don't have a SuperDrive.

Possibility to share PS3 optical drive with Macbook Air (2012)

Hello guys,
Can anyone with solid experience on connecting PS3 and MBA tell me if it is possible to use PS3 optical drive with MacBook Air (2012)?
Thanks in advance for the help,

if you mean can the appletv connect to an optical drive remotely then the answer is no.

Do you also buy optical drive with any new Mac?

I have a 2011 MBP, which came with a DVD drive. I also have a new Mac Mini, which has no optical drive. New Macbooks don't have optical drives either. For those buying a new Mac that doesn't have any optical drive, do you also buy a USB enabled optical drive?
I still need to install software from CDs/DVDs (Adobe related, Office Mac, tutorials shipped via CD) since there is still software only available in a box. My next Macbook won't have a DVD drive. I'm trying to decide if I'll have to buy an optical drive or not. I'd like to know what others in this situation are doing.

In reality, they are not that expensive.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD564ZM/A/apple-usb-superdrive

How can I purchase an extra optical drive retaining bracket for my IdeaCentre K330?

How can I purchase an extra optical drive retaining bracket for my IdeaCentre K330? There was one retaining bracket that came with the DVD optical drive, but I bought a Blu-Ray burner as my second optical drive, and I would like to install it using the tool-less retaining bracket that came with the first drive. I couldn't find a part number for it online.

hey johnnyc,
i suggest getting in contact with our sales team about this
http://www.lenovo.com/contact/us/en/
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Swap optical drive with SSD for 4k video editing?

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