FAST! Mac Compatible Flash Disks For Apple Computers
Solid-State NAND Flash memory hard drives for the Macintosh aren't the future of disk storage: It's here today! The performance benefits of running your Mac on an SSD are dramatic and real. Starting up your computer, launching apps, installing programs and updates on an SSD happens in typically a fourth the time. Until you experience the delicious speed of solid-state storage, you just don't know how swift and smooth your Mac experience could be.Best SATA SSD's For Mac
| #1 Choice: 80GB Intel | NEW: Vertex 2 SSD | Sweet-Spot Size + Speed |
|---|---|---|
2nd Gen Intel X-25M![]() Lower Price ~$220 |
Rip Snortin' Vertex 2![]() Faster Than Ever |
Super Talent UltraDrive![]() ME Indilinx Series |
DIY Apple Solid-State Disk Upgrades
You can upgrade an existing Mac to a solid-state drive - or configure new Macintosh computers with Build-To-Order SSD MacBook/Pro/Air options at the Apple Online Store.As solid-state performance rapidly evolves, flash disks now outpace even the highest performing mechanical spinning platter drives. In 2010 in particular, SSD cost per gigabyte is falling rapidly - the last bock to mass consumer adoption. And soon even the 300mb/sec transfer rates of the current SATA II interface spec will become a bottle-neck. SSDs are getting THAT fast!
MacBook, iMac, SSD For Mac Mini
For Macs 2-3 years old - options include the Patriot Warp v.2 Series 128GB: Advertised read performance of 175 mb/sec and a 100 mb/sec write speed which can be more affordable and well matched to the many Macs with a slower SATA I speed interface. For recent or Pro models with SATA II interfaces, the OCZ Vertex & Summit 120 GB drives - offer extremely high performing drives with a new Indilinx controller and a large on-disk 64MB-128MB cache to tackle slower small file write issues.Bargain SSD Deals
| OCZ Agility Reduced Price |
128GB Drive Value Performance |
Sweet-Spot Size + Speed |
|---|---|---|
Agility Solid State Drive![]() New Low Price |
Patriot Signature Series![]() Around $2 per GB |
Corsair Value Series![]() Fast Indilinx Controller |
Macintosh OSX Compatible Flash Hard Drives
OSX runs quite well on current SSDs. Its file system's block size matches well with solid-state technology and doesn't present many of the problems Windows XP users experience having to tweak drive and system configurations. As OSX advances - and flash memory SSD drives become standard equipment and not just a luxury SSD build-to-order option - further refinements to optimize OSX for flash memory storage will be present in OS X 10.6 and beyond. Apple (unfortunately) does NOT support TRIM for maintaining disk performance over it's lifespan.Formatting A Solid State Disk For Apple
Prepare a drive for Apple computers by partitioning and formatting the new drive first. On an Intel Mac, use Disk Utility to insure you're PARTITIONING the unit with a GUID Partition Map so that the Solid-State drive is bootable! When upgrading an SSD in G5 and lesser Macs, you want the default HFS Partition type and Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Either way you've GOT TO REFORMAT THE SSD for OS X from it's original out-of-the-box PC disk format to the one that's appropriate to your Mac's processor type.Easy DIY Flash Drive Upgradable Macs
Many Mac models present fairly simple flash drive installation. Step-by-Step take-apart instructions and the right tools can help: www.ifixit.com as well as these Other World Computing Videos have a wealth of tips for proper disassembly of your Mac, installing a solid-state drive replaccement and re-assembly. For SSD upgrades to models with 3.5" drive bays like a Mac Pro tower or G5-Intel iMac, the ICY DOCK 2.5" to 3.5" SSD & SATA Hard Drive Converter-AdapterConvert your 2.5" SATA SSD to standard 3.5" mounts w/an ICY DOCK








