Is it bad to install a SATA 3 SSD if my Mac only allows SATA 2?

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alekazamy


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Just to start off, I have a 15 inch macbook pro i5, 2.4GHz with the latest version of snow leopard. I have the first ever macbook to be installed with the i5 processor, mid-late 2010 I think?

I have been keeping my eye on the Crucial M4 256-512GB SSD and after reading many reviews, I think it is the right one and fits my budget. The problem is, my computer doesnt allow for 6Gbps speed and allows only 3Gbps...I think. So what I am wondering is, if I get the M4 SSD which is SATA 3, will it be bad for my computer as since it only allows SATA 2? WIll it strain the computer or damage it in any way?

Thanks!
 
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ycl1688


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alekazamy said:
Just to start off, I have a 15 inch macbook pro i5, 2.4GHz with the latest version of snow leopard. I have the first ever macbook to be installed with the i5 processor, mid-late 2010 I think?

I have been keeping my eye on the Crucial M4 256-512GB SSD and after reading many reviews, I think it is the right one and fits my budget. The problem is, my computer doesnt allow for 6Gbps speed and allows only 3Gbps...I think. So what I am wondering is, if I get the M4 SSD which is SATA 3, will it be bad for my computer as since it only allows SATA 2? WIll it strain the computer or damage it in any way?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
sata 3 will fit your mbp without damage. i have samsung 830 series sata 3 on mid 2010 mbp no problem.
 
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alekazamy


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So now I am stuck between the Crucial 256GB and the Samsung 830 256GB? Recommendations?
 
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alekazamy


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ycl1688 said:
It is your call, samsung supplies to apple macbook pro, price wise is pretty competitive to crucial. I have Intel ssd also, seems to be a bit slow to samsung.
samsung is on sale link here
Quick-Draw Deals: $189.99 SAMSUNG 256GB SSD, 20% OFF Select NZXT Cases & Power Supplies...
Click to expand...

Yeah I was on Newegg and I saw that deal, went for it immediately because what people are saying is Intel > Samsung > Crucial, and I believe I paid $203 with tax for the samsung drive, its a super good deal.
 
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alekazamy


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Yeah I am overly excited! UPS tracking says it is supposed to come tomorrow so I am stoked! Thanks for all your help guys!
 
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alekazamy


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I've been hearing a lot about TRIM support and that its good for SSD's. What exactly is it and how do I do it?
 
robduckyworth

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TRIM is in layman's terms a "garbage disposal" scheme. It removes invalid data from the flash "blocks" to increase the longevity of the SSD and to reduce performance degradation in the long run.

It should be enabled by default in Lion. If it isn't, try this:

http://osxdaily.com/2012/01/03/enable-trim-all-ssd-mac-os-x-lion/
 
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alekazamy


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Thanks!

But what if I dont want to upgrade to Lion because I like Snow Leopard better...
 
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Download the free "TRIM Enabler 2.0" from here. It works with Snow Leopard and Lion.
 

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