Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
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Hey,
In July 2007 I got a MacBook Pro (15 in, 2.4 GHz C2D) which has remained my computer for the past three years. It's still running well, though it's gotten a bit slower with age (and yes, I have reformatted several times) and the internal hard drive I ordered for it (160GB 7200rpm) is getting to be too small for me. I've recently upgraded the RAM to 4GB and gotten Apple to replace the battery with a new one (the day before my AppleCare warranty expired, too! haha). I'm wondering if you guys have recommendations for replacement drives. Space is always good, so I was thinking of maybe getting a 320 or 500GB drive to slap in there. 5400rpm or 7200rpm? I haven't used a 5400rpm laptop for intensive applications like I've used my Macbook, so I don't know how much of a difference it makes. However, my battery life has always seemed to be somewhat short with my computer, which could be the fault of the drive. A third option I guess is SSD, which is still perty expensive... should I wait a bit on that? Is the difference really that mind-blowing? Edit: here I go again embarrassing myself. Can a mod please move this? |
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M AH - ch ain saw
Join Date: May 2004
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Yes, the difference will be noticeable with an SSD. Here is a nice comparison video with a Crucial C300 (one of the fastest SSDs, if not the fastest, on the market) vs. a stock 250 GB platter.
It's important to note that I wouldn't recommend getting a C300 for a MBP due to the performance degradation. OS X doesn't support the TRIM command, which could lead to significant slow down over time. If you really want to jump into an SSD now I'd recommend going with a OCZ Vertex 2 or one of OWC's SSDs - both are designed around a controller that does a little better book keeping and will keep you out of trouble as time goes on. (At least until OS X implements a TRIM command.) You can read up on SSDs at Anandtech.com if you're more interested, or wanna get into the more technical aspects. User formally known as Sh0eWax |
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M AH - ch ain saw
Join Date: May 2004
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Also I forgot to mention that this fall we should be seeing the next generation of SSDs hit the market, some of the advantages should include a better cost per GB, so I'm holding off until fall at least.
User formally known as Sh0eWax |
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Veteran Member
Join Date: May 2004
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I can't wait for the SSD price/performance ratio to improve. I'd definitely recommend an SSD for any laptop, if you can afford it.
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Lord of the Rant.
Formerly turtle2472 Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Upstate South Carolina
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I out a 160GB Intel SSD in my old MB and it's awesome! I mean really awesome. Well worth the price for the boost in performance. One click and almost one bounce and CS3 apps open which is huge.
Louis L'Amour, “To make democracy work, we must be a nation of participants, not simply observers. One who does not vote has no right to complain.” Visit our archived Minecraft world! | Maybe someday I'll proof read, until then deal with it. |
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ಠ_ರೃ
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Minnesota
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Going to a higher capacity may slightly improve performance because the data will be at a higher density. Denser data = more data read per revolution = less time needed to read an equal amount of data. Going to a 500 GB, 7200 RPM drive may help some.
However, an SSD will definitely give you a major performance improvement. If you can afford one, do it. |
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Fishhead Family Reunited
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Slightly Off Center
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This article
http://hothardware.com/cs/blogs/dive...ard-drive.aspx gives some good insight on the question. Personally, I'd go with a the 500 GB/7200 RPM. |
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M AH - ch ain saw
Join Date: May 2004
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Dummy me!
I completely forgot to mention the Momentus XT. A wonderful step between just platters and full SSD this hybrid shows improved performance for your most common tasks and includes the 7200RPM platter you wanted. It's pretty much the best of both worlds right now, if you can't afford to jump to just SSD, or if you need that higher capacity. User formally known as Sh0eWax |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
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Stupid question, do they do HD upgrades at the Genius Bar?
I have the original Mac Book Pro, the original hard drive is slow and not nearly large enough for my music and pics. I will admit I have no idea how to upgrade my hard drive. Or I am better off just getting rid of it and getting a new unit? Is it worth updating now that its 4+ years old. Last edited by faust : 2010-08-04 at 10:59. |
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Fishhead Family Reunited
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Slightly Off Center
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No.
They only replace with the exact same specs... in other words, if your 120 GB drive dies (either in or out of warranty), they will only replace it with another 120 GB drive. Quote:
http://www.iresq.com/macbook-repair/macbook-pro.html |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
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Thanks for the link and info.
Probably better to spend $250 or so for the upgrade than to blow 5+ times that on a new unit |
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Fishhead Family Reunited
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Slightly Off Center
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: "Chambana", IL
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Hey timmmee did you end up upgrading your macbook pros hard drive? I just did it today, with a 500 GB Hitachi. It really is not all too hard, I just followed ifixit's guide. The hardest step is taking out all those screws. Definitely worth it.
The drive that I am using is different from other 2.5 500 GBs on the market. It is quieter, no vibration, no added heat and definitely fast. Check it out at newegg Link |
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Veteran Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Paris, France
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The Western Digital WD5000BEKT is probably even slightly faster overall than the 7K500, but it wasn't available when I opted for the Hitachi. Low noise means a lot to me, so I would probably still choose the 7K500. |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: "Chambana", IL
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EDIT: Of course lack of TRIM support in OS X also discouraged me from SSD. |
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M AH - ch ain saw
Join Date: May 2004
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Lack of trim isn't as big of a deal if you get one of the SF-1200 based drives, like the Vertex 2.
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: "Chambana", IL
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With this hitachi drive I have not felt any increase in heat, or felt any vibrations. |
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