Best SSD for macbook pro?

Hello, I am purchasing a macbook tomorrow (13 or 15... haven't really decided which). (from store, not online). And i am looking to put an SSD in it. A friend suggested i buy an OCZ vertex 2 (120gb). However, i do know there are several other drives that are cheaper (and same or more storage space).

I was just wondering what drive is suggested for a macbook pro (knowning trim isn't avaible).

 

What are you using it for? Depending on the use you might not need the speed of a vertex 2, but the reliability of the sandforce controller is nice

 

OS - 2 games (wow and SC2) - and other Student based applcations.

 

I would not recommend a SandForce based drive for a non TRIM enabled O/S like OS/X.

I'm also not sure what 'student based applications' are either (are you studying to be a doctor or a physicist)?

I'm not sure I could recommend any SSD for your MB (considering you are so price sensitive), but I could certainly recommend the Seagate Momentus XT.

Just as fast as any current SSD (for your commonly used programs) and the storage space will allow you to keep all your files with you. The price certainly can't be beat.

I know you're looking for SSD recommendations - but 'Best' and 'Cheaper' do not mix.

Good luck.

 

Ha, guess i shouldn't say best and cheaper together. (my price range for this SSD is about 500) - which is 160 gb +.

the Hybrid is nice, and i may jump on it.. If not for space but for reliability.


I guess i'm wondering what SSD's have a good file dump to keep the cache and performance up over the lifetime of the drive (without having trim.. os x fail)

Engineering student (yes i know a windows os will suit be better, but i prefer OS X) and i'll simply boot camp or parallel when i hit those applications in a few years.

Wanted to post this...

http://www.amazon.com/OCZ-Technolog...2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1281772581&sr=1-2

This tech specs on this stat that the MAC os isn't supported? Am i not reading it right?

 

I'd recommend a Sandforce based drive like the Corsair Force, Vertex 2 or Agility 2. Sandforce drives keep their performance quite well without TRIM.

Corsair Force is also available in 160GB now.

The Seagate Momentus XT is a great drive but in the Macbook Pro it makes slightly more noise than the stock drive. The vibration is also noticeable.

It will work on OS X too.

 

Thanks! I was considering vertex 2 over the agility 2. (would you suggest differently?)

 

In all reality, no one will probably notice the difference between an Agility 2 or Vertex 2. It all depends on the price, if the Agility is a lot cheaper I'd get the Agility.

 

Alright, thanks for the info (the difference is IOPS), which i honestly don't know anything about.... I'm assuming higher = slightly faster, but does lower = longer life?

 

No difference for battery life.

SandForce showdown: Corsair's Force F100 and OCZ's Agility 2 and Vertex 2 SSDs - The Tech Report - Page 10

 

Greetings Phil

I appreciate your comments on the OCZ Vertex and Agility. I was reading reviews, and I seemed to find a lot of people talking about those drives failing with complete data loss. I have a 13inch MacBook (aluminum unibody) and am looking to change the HDD to a SSD. I was wondering if you have any thoughts about current SSDs that you would recommend.

Many thanks

 

Welcome to the forum, Dave. There are lots of threads with the exact same question in this forum, which can be searched via the link on the bar below your name and mailbox.

To determine the "best" SSD for you, it depends on what your usage pattern is like (what programs you run, etc.), what your priorities are (lowest power consumption/highest battery life, IO performance, ruggedness, etc.), and where you live/your budget.

Unless you have a specific usage, most of the current generation SSDs (based on controllers: Samsung, Intel, Marvell, Sandforce, Toshiba) are good enough for the casual user and will not be different except in price.