Getting rid of SuperDrive

munge · 16 Jan 2016 at 00:34

Have a 2011 MBP that I have already replaced the HDD with a SDD and it's made a massive difference. I've already maximised the RAM.

However I keep running out of space with GoPro video etc so was thinking about replacing the SuperDrive with another 1TB+ SSD, but obviously many options available.

I'm looking at it as a data storage drive and was planning on getting another SSD. But I see all these hybrid SSDs around and I'm curious as to whether these are just as good.

The speed's a factor, the battery life is a factor, price is not really a factor (within reason!).

Any thoughts on the best drive and type of drive?

munge · 16 Jan 2016 at 19:20

Mods- is this better off in the Storage forum?

Thought more appropriate in Apple Hardware initially...

Alpherah · 16 Jan 2016 at 19:56

Hybrid drives are a less efficient form of Apples fusion drive. Data that gets accessed a lot is moved to a small portion of flash storage making access very quick. This amount of flash is quite small however. For your needs I'm assuming this additional drive is going to be being used to store mostly video files, which are more numerous then a simple app or two, and accessed pretty randomly which would render the benefits of a hybrid drive pretty much null and void.

allosunshine · 17 Jan 2016 at 08:12

I've run a dual HDD setup for years now in my 2012 MBP using a 2.5" 5400rpm HDD as the secondary drive with no problems and no real hit to battery. Its mainly used for movies and files that aren't accessed all too often and don't really need the speed of an SSD.

I would have a think of what you'll be putting on the 2nd drive and decide whether you really need the hybrid drive.

armafan · 22 Jan 2016 at 23:25

munge said:
I'm looking at it as a data storage drive

SSD or spindle depending on size requirement.

bloodiedathame · 23 Jan 2016 at 06:48

I do the same thing and always have done, SSD boot drive and just a normal drive for data.

munge · 23 Jan 2016 at 10:00

Was toying with just sticking my old HDD in the SuoerDrive bay purely for data, but was under the impression my MBP would take a battery hit compared to using a SSD. Am I actually wrong about this?

bloodiedathame · 23 Jan 2016 at 10:16

In theory yes, it would take a hit. It's never bothered me or made too much of an impact though.

You will need a caddy to hold the drive, it's not quite a straight swap.

munge · 23 Jan 2016 at 11:23

Already have the caddy, just trying to work out the best options.

My, at the time, top of the range MBP, is now struggling a little with processor heavy stuff and I'm just trying to delay the inevitable. Battery can disappear in less than an hour, so anything I can do to get even and extra 10% would help. I need more storage anyway, so if I can combine that with prolonging the usefulness of my Mac, then all the better!

bloodiedathame · 23 Jan 2016 at 11:29

Mines a mid 2010 MBP, so I know the feeling. Couldn't give you figures for the difference in power consumption for the SSD and HDD but I'm sure the data is out there. For me the cost of a 1TB SSD would be out of the question and better spent put towards another laptop.

munge · 23 Jan 2016 at 13:08

You're basically looking at £200 plus for a 1TB SSD compared to about £2000 for the same MBP..... So if it gives me another year or 2, then personally, I think it's not an unreasonable deal.

I put a SSD as my boot drive and that was a massive improvement. I'm just curious before I do the same with replacing the SuperDrive whether it will make any noticeable difference for a drive that will only be storing photos and videos.

silvagti · 23 Jan 2016 at 20:19

Any other option for USB/Firewire storage? I take it you dont have an SD card slot?

bloodiedathame · 27 Jan 2016 at 11:05

munge said:
You're basically looking at £200 plus for a 1TB SSD compared to about £2000 for the same MBP..... So if it gives me another year or 2, then personally, I think it's not an unreasonable deal.

I put a SSD as my boot drive and that was a massive improvement. I'm just curious before I do the same with replacing the SuperDrive whether it will make any noticeable difference for a drive that will only be storing photos and videos.

In a word, no. Just get a normal drive.

Eddie182 · 27 Jan 2016 at 11:31

Just get a normal drive and manually configure the two as a fusion drive. Easy to do if you're happy using terminal. It will requires reformat and an OSX reinstall though, if you don't want to do that running two separate sieves works fine of course.