What upgrade?

So I'm trying to fight off the urge to unnecessarily replace my MacBook Pro. I've had the computer for nearly 2 years now and haven't had a single problem. However, I want to get the most out of this computer. I currently have 8GB PC3-10600 installed and the original 750GB 5400RPM Toshiba hard drive. I want to know, should I go for a 16GB RAM upgrade or an SSD. If I go SSD, would a 500GB Samsung 840 EVO be advisable? I'm also thinking of making the jump to Blu-ray. I also dual-boot OS X Mavericks and Windows 7 Professional, so at least 500GB is preferable.

 

Having seen the effects of both 16GB RAM 1600MHz upgrade AND an SSD on a MBP - I say you not only need to do both of these (yesterday), but also do them together.

Good luck.

 

Was that an attempt at sarcasm? Either way, doing the upgrade won't be hard at all because I don't have a Retina MacBook Pro.

 

You ask a question, I give an answer (do both) and you think it's sarcasm?


... Okay...

 

I agree with Till - you should do both. If you're planning to choose one over the other because of money, I'd suggest opting for the 250GB Samsung 840 EVO and then spending the difference on some decent memory. As you already have an HDD, I'd say it's safe to assume you don't mind using them for storage. Have you considered using an external HDD for storage? SSD & RAM are going to make all the difference. I'd get both upgraded, if possible.

If I had to absolutely choose one or the other: I'd take the SSD, hands down. The benefits of the SSD over a traditional HDD will be unbelievable, and your PC will feel like new again, assuming you do a clean install and do not transfer viruses and whatnot with files. Memory is great and will expand what your system is capable of, but isn't as substantial.

 

Forgive me, I'm just too used to the unnecessary Apple hatred that seems to run rampant in some parts of this forum.

 

I did, at one point, have a 128GB Samsung 830 installed in my laptop, but the space limitation and build of a new desktop made me remove it. For a while, I've actually been using a 240GB HP v300a (Rebadged PNY SSD), but that unit seemed to crush my battery life and is now resting happily in my Latitude E6400. Given that a 500GB Samsung 840 EVO would run me about $340, I think I might get that first and then get the RAM since 8GB is still fairly good.

 

SSD, hands down. 8 GB compared to 16 GB of memory versus a 5400rpm HDD compared to any SSD is a no-brainer. how often do you currently run out of memory?

obviously both upgrades simultaneously is even better (as has been suggested), but that wasn't the question.

 

No problem (forgiven).

But I have to stress that 'both' upgrades are 'needed' asap; if you want to be more than just satisfied with your upgrades.

The MBP I saw updated was with the RAM first - the notebook booted much faster, the programs were at least 3x faster (loading) and many small lags were removed in the navigating of the O/S. When the SSD was introduced - the most noticeable difference was boot time (almost exclusively) - since OS/x manages the RAM very, very effectively. A clean install was done (along with using a Time Machine backup to get the data files back onto the machine).


I understand that $$$ are a concern - but if you're satisfied with the performance for the past two years - you can wait/save a few weeks to do this upgrade properly (it should be the last hardware upgrade you need to do to this machine and will probably last you close to 2020... if your workflow/demands don't change too much by then).

Just hope you can still buy a battery for it then!


Good luck.

 

My battery has less than 100 cycles on it after two years. I should be good for a while.

 

Battery lifetime is a function of use (cycles) and time (whichever comes first).

 

An SSD will provide the instant gratification that you seek: Immediate wow! speeds, zero noise, zero vibration, less heat.

EDIT: A Samsung EVO should be fine.

 

Short answer: Get SSD.

The Samsung 840 EVO 500GB is a fantastic drive to get. Fast, high-capacity, and great value for the storage capacity.

You already have 8GB of RAM, which is going to be enough. RAM is a nice upgrade if you have the money, but it's a secondary priority. You are going to see a much higher jump in performance by going from 5400rpm mechanical HDD --> SSD.

Check out some of the links in my signature if you want comparison videos. They were made in 2010, using a computer manufactured in 2007, showing performance difference from 7200rpm HDD --> SSD. Even today, a 6-year old laptop with an SSD will outperform a modern machine with a mechanical HDD when it comes to boot times, application load times, and multitasking disk performance.