My MacBook Pro SSD Upgrade!....

[Ifti]

Hi all

I upgraded my stock HDD to the 240GB Vertex 2 SSD, which uses the SandForce controller.
Ive yet to update the SSD to the latest firmware - as it can only be done through Windows!!

Nevertheless, pretty happy with how much quicker the applications start up.....

Speed test times (in seconds):
Boot Up - HDD - 28.5
Boot Up - SSD - 21.7
Opening PhotoShop CS4 - HDD - 11.1
Opening PhotoShop CS4 - SSD - 3.4
Opening Word 2008 - HDD - 9.1
Opening Word 2008 - SSD - 2.4

Heres a video I made showing the unboxing, install process, and basic testing.....

YouTube - MacBook Pro 240GB Vertex 2 SSD Unbox, Upgrade & Testing

Not sure if updating the firmware would increase the performance much more, but Im hoping Apple bring an update along with better support for SSDs.


UPDATE!!!

After a couple of reboots, my SSD performance has INCREASED!!

Ive shaved another almost 5 secs off of my boot time. Im not sure how this has happened? Maybe the drive needed to settle in??

My new boot time is now 16.9 secs!!!
Ive created a new update video here.....

YouTube - MacBook Pro 240GB Vertex 2 SSD - Part 2 - Performance Increase!

Very happy with the performance now. I also read someone else had a sudden speed increase after a little usage. Not sure why this happens, but Im happy!!

[JPC]

HOLY MOLY thats over £500s worth of hard drive right?

[Ifti]

I have another of these SSD drives on the way. Should be delivered to me later on this week.
This is the one......

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-049-OC

I initially purchased 2 since I was going to stick the second in an optibay, and have a RAID setup on my MacBook Pro - but Im happy with the performance of the one now, and have decided to keep my DVD drive instead!

If anyone is interested in buying the second drive off of me, feel free to give me a shout. I'll get some pics up when it arrives, but it will be brand new and still sealed etc.

[Ifti]

HOLY MOLY thats over £500s worth of hard drive right?

Yeh - see the OverClockers link above for price. About £590 I think.

Yes yes I know - Im crazy huh! lol

[JPC]

well, not crazy! i spend money on waxes which can be considered in the same way. its just out different interests.

thanks for presenting the differences with SSD's so well! ;)

[Ifti]

It certainly feels rapid!
Upon boot, when the Apple logo shows up, the cog thing which turns to indicate its loading - well it turns twice and thats it - fully loaded!!
with the HDD it turned 7-8 times I think!

[NB07]

i prefer to leave my macbook on all the time! in the three or four years i think ive had it ive never shut it down! only done resarts for sortware updates and had to reboot after holidays. shut downs are for wimps 

[bacillus]

Just don't start defragging that ssd...   

[DanoGTI]

Well done - I don't think I could cope with the space issue.....

I used SHED loads for audio recording.....

Dan

[Ifti]

Just don't start defragging that ssd...   

lol, dont worry i wont!!

[Ifti]

Well done - I don't think I could cope with the space issue.....

I used SHED loads for audio recording.....

Dan

To be honest, Ive only used 20GB on the drive with the OS and my apps!
I wanted the extra space for the odd bit of movie editing etc I do with home movies of the kids.

I have an external 4TB drive set up in RAID that I use for all my storage.

I also have a smaller 500GB drive that I carry around with me with some home and work files on, but I may sell it as Ive ordered myself a small My Passport Studio 640GB drive since it has firewire800 as well as USB.

Im a computer speed and space freak!! lol

[VC]

i prefer to leave my macbook on all the time! in the three or four years i think ive had it ive never shut it down! only done resarts for sortware updates and had to reboot after holidays. shut downs are for wimps 

x2 

[Ifti]

I tend to shut down at the end of each day. Im just used to it I guess since thats what Ive done with my past systems. I do need to start getting into the habit of leaving it on and just using sleep though - it is much more convenient!

[bacillus]

Leaving the system idling allows TRIM to do its job provided the OS supports it.   

[NotNormal]

Hmmm......i've snap ya hand off if i had a spare £600 ..... just bought another car though, so feelin propper skint :(

Nice video's though, interesting performance increases - just makes pretty much perfect that bit closer to perfect ;) :D


I run the same as you, 13" MBP 2.66 ect..... ; been thinking about upgrading to 8gb ram and an SSD......in afew months, when i'm alittle more flush again
Good combo ?? Recommendations ?