SSD for Macbook Pro

Peerzy · 18 Sep 2013 at 10:44

I know this has probably been asked a million times - a friend is after a SSD for his Macbook Pro (2009 model). He ideally wants around 500GB of storage and does plenty of video and photo editing.

What's the best model to go for - he mentions he's heard some SSD's have driver issues with MBP's?

Budget is under £300. Looking for best bang for his money.

Macbook spec is 15", 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo, 4GB DDR Ram, OSX 10.8.4

Looking at just figures the Samsung 500GB 840 Series SSD looks decent for around £260;
- SATA-III
- Sequential Read Speed: Up to 540MB/s
- Sequential Write Speed: Up to 330MB/s
- 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty

Advice appreciated!

EDIT: Also if it can come in under the £300 budget and it's worth it (and it's even possible) should he double his RAM to 8GB? If so what kit should he get or is it any RAM with a certain spec?

EDIT2: Think we are set on the Samsung SSD (does he need a 2.5" to 3.5" adapter?) so just after RAM now? Looking at this stuff;

Crucial 8GB DDR3 1333MT/s Laptop Memory for Mac
- PC3-10600
- CL9
- 1.35V/1.5V
- Limited Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty
Manufacturer ID: CT8G3S1339MCEU

Peerzy · 2 Oct 2013 at 18:15

Okay the SSD is fine but with the new RAM (Crucial 8GB DDR3 1333MT/s Laptop Memory for Mac) installed the Mac refuses the boot, anybody have any ideas?

slinxy · 3 Oct 2013 at 21:21

needs to be 1066 for that model... I had the same issue when i tried 1333 in my imac, but mine was down to voltage issues.

Peerzy · 3 Oct 2013 at 21:27

slinxy said:
needs to be 1066 for that model... I had the same issue when i tried 1333 in my imac, but mine was down to voltage issues.

Whoops, that explains it.

Guess I'll have to try and sell this RAM I've bought and then buy some 1066MHz stuff.

slinxy · 3 Oct 2013 at 21:35

just to confirm it.. if you go to apple > about this mac > more info and then the memory tab... it will tell you what the memory speed is.

You may want to just try resetting the PRAM to see if that helps.

my issue was well odd... I could get 1333 to run on the back row or the front row but not both rows at the same time. So I have 1333 in the back row and 1066 in the front row. hence why I'm putting it down to a voltage issue.

Peerzy · 4 Oct 2013 at 19:41

slinxy said:
just to confirm it.. if you go to apple > about this mac > more info and then the memory tab... it will tell you what the memory speed is.

You may want to just try resetting the PRAM to see if that helps.

my issue was well odd... I could get 1333 to run on the back row or the front row but not both rows at the same time. So I have 1333 in the back row and 1066 in the front row. hence why I'm putting it down to a voltage issue.

Will check if he tried in both slots and to reset the PRAM.

Otherwise it's back to his 2x 2GB for a while at least.

86JR · 5 Oct 2013 at 04:07

Do MBP use specific ram? As I am pretty sure I have some spare 1066 lying around somewhere, but I can't remember if it is laptop or desktop ram. I wouldn't want anything for it.

slinxy · 5 Oct 2013 at 07:31

All macs expect mac pros use so dimms (laptop memory). It's not specific to macs but they can be mardy about what will and won't work, very much less so now since the move over to intel.

Peerzy · 5 Oct 2013 at 14:52

The RAM I bought was 'Mac RAM' but I think you can use most brands providing it's the right spec. Silly me just purchased 1066MHz assuming the Macbook Pro would take it, guess it's too old.