Macbook Pro: SSD Upgrade

[s32]

Hi folks...

I've had my MBP (2.53Ghz + 4Gb ram) for the last 2 years and was thinking of upgrading the standard HDD with one of these.

Anyone upgraded from a HDD to a SSD? I understand boot times are quicker, however would there be a notable difference in peformance using Lightroom / Photoshop?

 

[olelovold]

I definitely recommend you do upgrade to an SSD. Not just boot times are quicker, but the entire computer experience becomes a lot smoother with programs opening a lot faster. LR and PS gets faster as well. I upgraded to an SSD and the difference is enormous.

 

[gr4nchio]

I second that. Upgrading to SSD will make a big difference. I have done that on my two last MBPs and would never go back.

 

[jimbo_wa]

Yep - it's simple and the effects are immediate.

Used an OCZ Vertex 2 (120 & 240GB versions) without issue

 

[treeman]

Ive been thinking about this too. How hard is it to actually do it yourself, or does it have to be taken to Apple?

 

[redddraggon]

Hard drives and memory are user replaceable on MacBook Pros.

 

[jimbo_wa]

Depending on how new your MBP is you may need a special screwdriver to open up the back cover - older units prior to the Mid-2010 refresh just use a small crosshead.

Don't know if this is your MBP but the basics are the same for all the current unibody models:

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/MacBook_13inch_Hard_Drive_DIY.pdf

 

[Deano_uk]

I've done my 2010 Macbook pro with the OCZ Vertex 2 and performance is blisteringly fast.
Its very easy to do, took me about 20 mins total, loads of videos on Youtube show you how to do it.

I also replaced the Superdrive with A HDD caddy and put a 500GB drive in it so I can also store large amounts of data without clogging up my smaller SSD drive.

 

[ikeaaxel]

just did this myself last week

128gb kingston V+100 i picked up for 120quid (something got it as replacement so was unboxed but new)
superdrive caddy was about 25 quid
and i got 8gb of ram from amazon for 33 quid

boot times are exceptionally quick, photoshop is ready to use in 3 secs for example.
havent had it long enough to give it a proper review but my initial thoughts are good.

think im going to partition the ssd with a seperate space to dedicate as a scratch disk for editing as i have read this would give an even greater boost in performance on editing programs.

 

[Deano_uk]

Where did you get your superdrive caddy if you don't mind me asking. I got mine from a chinese ebay seller but I'm not that impressed with the quality and wasn't a great fit.

 

[ikeaaxel]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280707023...NX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649#ht_855wt_1085

this is what i am using. quality is pretty poor and i even had to cut of a piece with my dremel to get it to fit.

i think the mce optibay is the one to go for but for 4 times the price, unless the one i got is slowing down the performance then im not going to change.

 

[jimbo_wa]

This is from the seller I used - fast shipping from Hong Kong:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-2nd-HDD-hard-drive-caddy-Apple-MacBook-pro-unibody-fenvi-/170704330622?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27bec55f7e

He also has an external caddy for the removed superdrive

 

[Deano_uk]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280707023...NX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649#ht_855wt_1085

this is what i am using. quality is pretty poor and i even had to cut of a piece with my dremel to get it to fit.

i think the mce optibay is the one to go for but for 4 times the price, unless the one i got is slowing down the performance then im not going to change.

Yeah thats the same of mine, once its in obviously you never notice its a back fit

 

[s32]

Just a quick update - I have upgraded my Macbook Pro with the SSD originally mentioned. Boot times are <20 seconds and the overall feel is much snappier...

I haven't yet used for editing, but was keen to find out if there are any specific optimisations that can be made to further improve performance in LR / Photoshop?