Upgrading from Serial ATA to SSD

Seemingly, upgrading laptop components through Apple is very expensive. RAM and hard drives to name a few. For instance, Apple quoted me on an upgrade from 1GB of DDR2 SDRAM to 2GB at $400. I just went and bought/installed 2 new sticks myself for $25.
I had the same idea for upgrading from a Serial ATA drive to a Solid State Drive. I was wondering how compatible is the existing slot inside the Macbook Pro?
When I upgraded my RAM, all I had to do was find the right specifications and voila, just remove the old sticks and insert the new ones. Is the process the same for converting from Serial ATA to SSD?
Thanks, Alex

Serial ATA is the interface used to connect the hard drive to your computer. SSDs use serial ATA connection, so there's no problem.

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UPGRADE FROM REV C 120G SSD TO 13" REV D WORTH IT?

I currently have the rev c 120 G SSD 2.13Ghz. A family member of mine is interested in a Mac Air, so I was wondering is it worth upgrading to the 13" rev D for myself and selling the rev c?
What exactly is the difference from the rev c ssd compared to the rev d "flash" memory other than the way it is configured in the new air?
Thanks

I assume you're talking about the latest model (3.1) when you refer to "rev D"?
I upgraded my late-2008 1.86 GHz/128 SSD MBA to the late-2010 maxed out 2.13/256/4 version.
The performance difference is noticeable and substantial, both in lab tests and real world use.
My impression, confirmed by e.g. the "Windows Experience" test results, is that the new flash disk is much faster than the SSD in the old units (which are already pretty quick).
As I understand it, the new "flash disk" is nothing more than an SSD without an enclosure so the speed is achieved by simply using a faster controller. Since some SSDs are faster than others, it makes sense that just using faster parts (in the flash disk) would achieve the same result; no rocket science.
In any event, the new units ARE noticeably faster even though the processors are identical.

Migration assistant Serial-ATA to SSD

I'm about to use the migration assistant and in the past its been a simple transfer, works really well.
How do I ensure the aplications end up on the new machines SSD and not just on its Serial-ATA?
Is it possible to specify where things go with migration assistant when the recieving machine has two drives?

Serial ATA is the interface used to connect the hard drive to your computer. SSDs use serial ATA connection, so there's no problem.

875P Neo/Boot from Serial ATA Raptor?

Hi all,
I am building a new system with a 875P Neo-LSR motherboard and Serial ATA Raptor drive that I want to install Windows XP on/boot from. I have it so Window's sees my Raptor drive but it won't let me format the drive. Any ideas???
The manual tells me to refer to "Serial ATA/Serial ATA Raid Manual"...well I haven't been able to find that...
I setup via a message I saw from JC74:
- operate mode should be Native
- ATA configuration S-ATA only
- keep P-ATA enabled Yes
- P-ATA channel select both
- S-ATA ports definition (first option)
- Configute S-ATA as RAID no (JC74 recommended Yes but I'm not setting up RAID)
This setup lets Windows XP see the drive but not format it.
I also downloaded the Intel ICH5R drivers on this website and as I booted up XP I attempted to load those drivers and got:
"File iastor.sys caused unexpected error(512) at line 2108 in d:\xpclient\base\..."
I'm stuck at this point ?(
Hopefully someone can help...thanks,
Ken

I read a post by wonkanoby that said that for WD drives make them jumperless so I removed the jumper that was in the right most side (its OEM so no manual...).
He also said to set boot order to cdrom, raid so I did that as well.
I also disconnected my WD 200GD.
After making all these changes I am now able to format the drive. I'm not sure what fixed the problem.
Knock on wood...hopefully I can get everything else working

Upgrade from old MBP questions; SSD Startup Drive w/HDD Storage Drive?

Hi! I currently have a 2.4 GHz Core Duo 13" Macbook (old) with 160 Gb HDD and 2 GB of memory/RAM (4 years old in February). I love the OS and how everything (computer, iPhone, camera, internet, etc) all sync up together and how easy everything is to use; I don't think I could buy another computer that wasnt an Apple.
My laptop is sadly slowly showing signs of sluggishness and the battery life is not doing so well... also, I am starting to get sick of looking at such a small screen. I am considering upgrading to a new 15" Macbook Pro but am concerned as to whether or not to upgrade to a SSD (mainly for the lightning fast boot time). With an already steep price tag, I am very reluctant to shell out an extra $550 for a smaller 256 GB (albiet SSD) hard drive.
I have a few questions before I decide to upgrade and am seeking some assistance from a knowledgable community to assist in my decision making...
1) In regards to comparing the 13" Dual Core to the 15" Quad Core - is the processor making THAT big of a difference as far as how quick the OS and programs are running? I had a friend bring this up and although I stated I would like to upgrade to a larger screen, the $$ makes a lot of difference...
2) Regarding the SSD's...
     a) Are they truely worth it?
     b) Is there a "third-party" vendor where I can purchase a similar sized SSD and upgrade/install myself for less than the $550 Apple is asking for? (256 GB or larger)
     c) Does either notebook (13" or 15") have the internal capacity to house a second hard drive to hold the OS and boot programs (SSD Boot/Start-Up Disc)?My thoughts here are to have a large capacity HDD for storage (music files, documents, mail, programs/apps, etc) and much smaller SSD used simply to get a lightning fast boot-up time.
     d) Is the technology expected to take a turn in the near future (6 months to a year) to either become the standard or greatly reduce cost? Should I wait?
3) What to do with my old Macbook... is there a place to sell it to get cash to cover the cost of the new notebook? What is the most efficient way of migrating data from the old hard drive into the new?
Your thoughts/speculation/opinion are greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance for your responses to help me through this dilemma.
Thank You,
Shaun_Levins

shaun_levins wrote:
2) Regarding the SSD's...
     a) Are they truely worth it?
     b) Is there a "third-party" vendor where I can purchase a similar sized SSD and upgrade/install myself for less than the $550 Apple is asking for? (256 GB or larger)
     c) Does either notebook (13" or 15") have the internal capacity to house a second hard drive to hold the OS and boot programs (SSD Boot/Start-Up Disc)?My thoughts here are to have a large capacity HDD for storage (music files, documents, mail, programs/apps, etc) and much smaller SSD used simply to get a lightning fast boot-up time.
     d) Is the technology expected to take a turn in the near future (6 months to a year) to either become the standard or greatly reduce cost? Should I wait?
3) What to do with my old Macbook... is there a place to sell it to get cash to cover the cost of the new notebook? What is the most efficient way of migrating data from the old hard drive into the new?
Your thoughts/speculation/opinion are greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance for your responses to help me through this dilemma.
Thank You,
Shaun_Levins
2.
a) yes, I had an HDD and switched to a 3rd party SSD. So I am speaking from firsthand experience.
b) yes, check here: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/hard-drives/2.5-Notebook/ as an example.
c) yes. you need to remove the optical drive and use something like this: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other+World+Computing/DDAMBS0GB/
d) who knows? if you need something now get it, if not wait
3. try craigslist or eBay. To get old data from old hdd to new hdd use a cloning program such as CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper! you will need an external enclosure for the new hdd..with the new hdd in the external enclosure plug it into usb port on the new mac, clone the old drive to the new one. make sure to format the new hdd a mac os extended (journaled). swap drives.

Can I install a serial ata solid state drive in my macbook pro

Hi there,
I some help. Have been using macbooks for a while now and usually would install a bigger hard drive myself just to get a little more room. I just ordered a 13.3 i5 macbook pro but it's coming with a 320 hd. I just saw that bestbuy has a serial ata 500gb ssd for $139 and I thinking about installing one of these in my mac when it arrives. I have not used an SSD before but from what I've read about it, it seems it'll be fun. What I need to know though is, will it work on this macbook and is it as easy to install as other hard drives?

1) it will work
2) it is "not" an SSD, it is a hybrid drive. Only 4GB is actually SSD, the rest is standard rotational hard drive.
You might get slightly better performance, but nothing close to an actual SSD.
Looking at the price and capacity you mentioned, I'm guessing your talking about Seagate's Momentus XT.

Is it possible to upgrade from 500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm to ssd on the new 13" 2012 macbook pro?

is it possible to upgrade from 500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm to ssd on the new 13" 2012 macbook pro?

New non-retina 15" MBP, I just replaced the 500 gb HD with a Samsung 830 256 gb SSD from Amazon, $255 for the kit (includes a USB cable). Wow. What a difference. Yes, there was a learning curve for some of it, but was so worth it. Let me know if I can help. I'm using the 500 gb in 2 partitions - one for a clone of the SSD, and one for Time Machine.

Can you upgrade a MacBookPro hard drive from a "750GB Serial ATA Drive @ 7200 rpm" to a Solid State Drive easily? The info seems to say that it's as easy as plugging the new drive into a drive slot?

I am about to buy a new MacBook Pro, but want to try out the Serial Drive 7200rpm before taking the plunge to use the SSD....Can you upgrade a MacBookPro hard drive from a "750GB Serial ATA Drive @ 7200 rpm" to a Solid State Drive easily? The info seems to say that it's as easy as plugging the new drive into a drive slot?

shldr2thewheel wrote:
Fmaharg wrote:
I am about to buy a new MacBook Pro, but want to try out the Serial Drive 7200rpm before taking the plunge to use the SSD....Can you upgrade a MacBookPro hard drive from a "750GB Serial ATA Drive @ 7200 rpm" to a Solid State Drive easily?
Yes
Fmaharg wrote:
The info seems to say that it's as easy as plugging the new drive into a drive slot?
It's easy, but not that easy. You need to copy all the info from the drive currently in the mac to the new one before you install the new SSD. You can do this by downloading cloning software (I use CarbonCopyCloner because it's free)
Not to be picky but CCC is donationware, if you use it because of its quality you should send a little bit of money in appreciation, and as a bonus you get to turn the banner off.

750gb serial ATA drive vs. 128gb SSD

Hey I'm looking to buy a 13 in. macbook pro and I don't know the difference between the 750gb serial ATA drive and the SSD. I know the SSD will make the computer operate faster, but that's pretty much it. Any information on these two would be greatly appreciated.

I was in the same position a month ago. Its basically a pro and con list.
SDD is much more expensive, to upgrade from a 500gb HDD to a 512GB SSD is $1000 dollars!!!
SDD is more energy efficient, so you will get about an extra half hour of battery life(on average). It is faster to load from, and it has no moving parts so is supposed to be have longer life.
I however went with a 750GB 7200rpm HDD as I didn't want to worry about running out of space. I use a lot of photos and videos and I didn't want to have to worry about bringing external hard drives around with me.
Right now I don't think the SSD is necessary for your average person. My 15" is flying with my HDD and I am very happy with my choice!
Hope this helps

Is it possible to install a ssd in my 2013 imac 27 inch that currently has a serial ATA drive?

Is it possible to install a SSD in my 2013 imac 27 inch that currently has a serial ATA drive?

Not only possible, but well documented as well:
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/imac-aluminum-tapered-edge-faq/how-to -upgrade-imac-hard-drive-aluminum-2012-2013.html

My IMac 21.5 mid 2010's HD is going bad on it, after upgrading to mavericks it slowed way down and after it shut off and now won't come back on, would Seagate Barracuda ST2000DM001 2TB Serial ATA Hard Drive - 7200RPM, 64MB, SATA 6Gb/s worked?

My IMac 21.5 mid 2010's HD is going bad on it, after upgrading to mavericks it slowed way down and after it shut off and now won't come back on, I call apple support and they told me to bring it in but the nearest store is about two hours away. They said I need it to erase my hard drive but I have too many family pics on it.
would Seagate Barracuda ST2000DM001 2TB Serial ATA Hard Drive - 7200RPM, 64MB, SATA 6Gb/s worked on it? I could replace the internal and get an enclosure for the original until I get the pics out of it?
Please advise, it's like five years of family pics I don't wanna loose them and I am worried.
Thanks
Al Florez

A Brody,
I really apprecate your very quick respond, Its too late to back up as of now, my hard drive wont load at all so I cannot follow your instruction to back it up. Learn a hard lesson but I will from now on following your link.
Also my hard drive it is not available to do the free exchange program.
I read the OWC instruction on how to replace the drive I was just wondering if the 2TB would work on it instead of the 1 TB they offer, I specifically asked for the Seage Barracuda because I had great experiences with it on PCs.
Again, Thank you

Serial ATA / SSD combo situation

I have the 2011 iMac 2TB Serial ATA and ~275 GB Solid State Drive Combo. The SSD hard drive is getting full. How do I move larger files, like iphoto library to the serial ATA. Will iphoto still "know" to get the photos from there? Will it know to import to the 2T serial ATA as opposed to the SSD? I am assuming the process is more involved that simply copying the folder from the SSD and pasting it to the serial ATA.
Thanks in advance.
PS. I have very limited computer knowledge, so simple is best.

Apple explains how to do this in :
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH2506

128gb SSD vs. 320gb serial ATA drive at 5400 rpm

I don't know much about hard drive space. I plan on purchasing a new MacBook for college, but I don't know what kind of hard drive space is better. Can someone explain what SSD is and what the serial ATA drive is. Any kind of help will be greatly appreciated.

SSD is a sold-state drive, i.e., the memory is of the kind you might find in a thumb drive or in the iPhone. The advantage is that it is not prone to the kind of failure that normal, spinning hard drives are. They are not eternal, however, and will die eventually anyway.
Traditional spinning HDs are more vulnerable to damage due to mishandling the computer, for example, and bearings occasionally wear out. But more space is much cheaper on a traditional drive.
For my money, I would buy the cheaper traditional drive, a backup drive, and the extended AppleCare. I think you'd still spend less than upgrading to the solid-state memory.

I have a hdd from late 2009 that I upgraded from leopard to snow leopard to lion to mountain lion. I want to upgrade the hdd to ssd. Do I need to buy a new copy of mountain lion to install on the ssd? If not, then what is the procedure to transfer?

I have a hdd from a late 2009 mbp. I upgraded from leopard to snow leopard to lion to mountain lion. Now I want to upgrade to a ssd. Do I need to purchase a new copy of mountain lion to go on my new ssd? If I don't, then what is the procedure to transfer mountain lion with my 4 user accounts onto the new ssd from the hdd?
I'm confused on if I can use the recovery hd on a thumb drive to install mountain lion on my ssd. Will it be pheasible with so many OS X upgrades? And then how do I get my user accounts onto the ssd from the hdd. Do I use migration assistant? Do I need to make a time machine backup first? Should I use something called Carbon Clone or something like that?
Thanks for reading

If you have a cable that connects and external HDD to the MBP, it will do. If it is something like this, an enclosure will not be needed for the swap:
An enclosure allows you to use your old HDD for storage or backup purposes. The cable will not.
Here are instructions as to how the swap can be performed using DISK UTITY. Substitute You cable for the enclosure in same:
INSTALLING A NEW HDD IN A MBP
1. Make certain that you have backed up all of your important data.
2. You will need a HDD enclosure. One with a USB connection will do. A 9 pin Firewire is better.
3. Install your new drive in the enclosure and connect it to your MBP.
4. Open DISK UTILITY>ERASE. From the left hand column drag the new drive into the 'Name' field. Make sure that the format is 'Mac OS Extended (Journaled)'. Click on the 'Erase' button.
5. Click on the 'Restore' button (on top). Drag the old drive into the 'Source' field and the new drive into the 'Destination' field. Click on the 'Restore' button on the bottom right hand corner.
Depending upon the amount of data you are transferring, this may take a couple hours or more. A Firewire will speed up the transfer. This will result in both drives having identical information on them.
6. After the data transfer has completed, you may swap the drives. Start the MBP and you have finished the installation. The initial boot may take a bit longer than you are accustomed to, but that is normal.
7. When you are satisfied that the new hard drive if functioning properly, you can erase the old drive and use it for any needs that you may have.
If there is any confusion on your part, post back.
Ciao.

I have been using a Lightroom 5 including recent upgrades on my Mac Pro laptop for the past 1 year. This was purchased as an upgrade from Lightroom 4 for which I have a serial number. Today I purchased a new Macbook pro and loaded my Lightroom 5 however i

I have been using a Lightroom 5 including recent upgrades on my Mac Pro laptop for the past 1 year. This was purchased as an upgrade from Lightroom 4 for which I have a serial number. Today I purchased a new Macbook pro and loaded my Lightroom 5 however it is asking for my serial number which I have misplaced. I am unable to trace my serial number anywhere. I have even checked my adobe membership to locate my serial number but it does not seem to have any record which is strange as I have been using this software for over a year now and the previous versions since 2009. Could someone help me in my predicament.

Contavct Adobe support thru chat:
Serial number and activation chat support (non-CC)
http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/service1.html ( http://adobe.ly/1aYjbSC )

Upgrading from Serial ATA to SSD

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