[Mac 101] Ask your questions here!

[tintien]

I 'm having a 2010 MBP, snow leopard 10.6.8. As I'm starting to do bit of photo editing, which requires later version of the OS. I saw in the local Apple store that is selling the upgrading software of the lion 10.7 at about $25, but also offering free upgrade of OSX Yosemite.

Should I buy the lower upgrade of the Lion, due to my slower hard disk or incompatibility of my current installed software ? Or download the free Yosemite ?

 

[asriznet]

I 'm having a 2010 MBP, snow leopard 10.6.8. As I'm starting to do bit of photo editing, which requires later version of the OS. I saw in the local Apple store that is selling the upgrading software of the lion 10.7 at about $25, but also offering free upgrade of OSX Yosemite.

Should I buy the lower upgrade of the Lion, due to my slower hard disk or incompatibility of my current installed software ? Or download the free Yosemite ?

Why not install OS X Yosemite on an external HDD, install the applications you need on it and test the performance from there first?

This will not affect your existing system as all the data are stored on the external HDD.

If it runs good, no point buying OS X Lion, might as well just get OS X Yosemite to enjoy more features.

In my opinion 2010 MBP are good enough to run OS X Yosemite but it differs per user with the apps you're running etc...

 

[Skyline34_]

hi all - just ordered a refurbished 2012 Mac mini from the Apple store earlier today.

Originally released October 2012
2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
4GB memory

500GB hard drive
 5400rpm

For the memory - after reviewing the various DIY guides online, seem like a fairly straightforward process which I think my slippery fingers can still handle. Question now is looking up the price list from the SLS vendors,

a) am i right to be looking at Notebook memory DDR3 1600mhz ?
b) if so, i see specific label "for Mac" such as the strontium one on the Fuwell price list "Strontium DDR3 1600 For Mac" ; is there rly a difference because the mac variants seem to cost a few bucks more
c) Given that there is only 2 slots, contemplating buying 1 x 8GB first, leaving the second slot for future upgrade if required; will there be a significant performance difference vs. running 2 x 4GB ?

For the HDD , now this is the tricky bit. Have reviewed several online guide/videos , my conclusion is i don't trust my slippery fingers enough so likely will engage a professional like simplymac (positive experience from my previous imac HDD upgrade) - however, still undecided on the below options

a) Swap out the default 500GB HDD and replace it with a 1TB SSD
b) Retain the existing 500GB HDD, install a second 250GB SSD and turn it into a fusion drive

(a) is the costliest and not sure if it's the best bang for bucks given that i don't really need the speed for items like my music, videos.
(b) is attractive as it seems pretty cost-effective. However, question for (b) would be:

i) I intend to connect an ext. HDD for time machine, will time machine work with such DIY fusion drive?
ii) I have a 2009 iMac with a 1TB drive, nearly 90% filled-up. If I were to use the time machine-ed image of this and try to boot up the new fusion drive, it's gonna run into issues right as my 250GB SSD + 500GB HDD will have insufficient capacity ?

Apologies for the lengthy note - hope to get the gurus expert advice

Thanks in advance, cheers

 

[asriznet]

a) am i right to be looking at Notebook memory DDR3 1600mhz ?
b) if so, i see specific label "for Mac" such as the strontium one on the Fuwell price list "Strontium DDR3 1600 For Mac" ; is there rly a difference because the mac variants seem to cost a few bucks more
c) Given that there is only 2 slots, contemplating buying 1 x 8GB first, leaving the second slot for future upgrade if required; will there be a significant performance difference vs. running 2 x 4GB ?

You don't have to get the mac specific ones, any 2 x 204-pin PC3-12800 (1600 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM modules will do. Yes getting 1 x 8GB is instead of 2 x 4GB is better idea for future upgrades.

For the HDD , now this is the tricky bit. Have reviewed several online guide/videos , my conclusion is i don't trust my slippery fingers enough so likely will engage a professional like simplymac (positive experience from my previous imac HDD upgrade) - however, still undecided on the below options

a) Swap out the default 500GB HDD and replace it with a 1TB SSD
b) Retain the existing 500GB HDD, install a second 250GB SSD and turn it into a fusion drive

(a) is the costliest and not sure if it's the best bang for bucks given that i don't really need the speed for items like my music, videos.
(b) is attractive as it seems pretty cost-effective. However, question for (b) would be:

i) I intend to connect an ext. HDD for time machine, will time machine work with such DIY fusion drive?
ii) I have a 2009 iMac with a 1TB drive, nearly 90% filled-up. If I were to use the time machine-ed image of this and try to boot up the new fusion drive, it's gonna run into issues right as my 250GB SSD + 500GB HDD will have insufficient capacity ?

Apologies for the lengthy note - hope to get the gurus expert advice

Thanks in advance, cheers

The DIY Fusion Drive is more economical and much better performance compared to the single 5400rpm HDD. Of course is not the same compared to a full SSD but it's definitely performance boost noticeable. I would rather use the extra bucks to upgrade to 16GB RAM instead.

Time Machine works normal for DIY Fusion drives, it will be detected as a single volume in Time Machine.

Yes of course you cannot restore a 900GB Time Machine backup to a 750GB DIY Fusion Drive - I don't see why one would do this unless you're getting rid of the iMac totally.

What you need to do is some cleaning up to get rid of unnecessary files on the iMac, I don't recommend using up more than 90% of the available storage, will start to slow down the system.

 

[Skyline34_]

big thanks for the advice, appreciate it.

Was doing some further research online for SSD options - didn't realize that there is currently a TRIM support issue for Yosemite with 3rd Party SSDs

Several online comments suggested that a SSD brand like the Samsung 840EVOs should be able to mitigate the impact with its default garbage collection ability

What would be the recommended options now ?

a) Still pair the HDD with a 3rd party Samsung EVO SSD, but disable TRIM
b) same as (a) but use OS X Mavericks instead, until Apple (hopefully) reverse its decision
c) same as (a), continue with Yosemite and use TRIM enabler
d) Use a SSD brand like the Angelbird, articles suggest they have native OS X trim support although tbh, i've not seen this brand in SG before plus what's to stop Apple from intentionally stopping support for this brand with the next update?

On a side note - I adore Apple for its integrated/seamless user experience but blocking this TRIM support for 3rd party SSD just reeks of anti-competitiveness, unless perhaps i'm missing a crucial point here.

 

[leinad]

big thanks for the advice, appreciate it.

Was doing some further research online for SSD options - didn't realize that there is currently a TRIM support issue for Yosemite with 3rd Party SSDs

Several online comments suggested that a SSD brand like the Samsung 840EVOs should be able to mitigate the impact with its default garbage collection ability

What would be the recommended options now ?

a) Still pair the HDD with a 3rd party Samsung EVO SSD, but disable TRIM
b) same as (a) but use OS X Mavericks instead, until Apple (hopefully) reverse its decision
c) same as (a), continue with Yosemite and use TRIM enabler
d) Use a SSD brand like the Angelbird, articles suggest they have native OS X trim support although tbh, i've not seen this brand in SG before plus what's to stop Apple from intentionally stopping support for this brand with the next update?

On a side note - I adore Apple for its integrated/seamless user experience but blocking this TRIM support for 3rd party SSD just reeks of anti-competitiveness, unless perhaps i'm missing a crucial point here.

It's not so much anti-competitiveness. I see it more as keeping it lean. If you have to load every single driver out there and support every single combination of hardware, you are stuck with having to support legacy frameworks and this makes the OS very bulky and potentially unstable.

This is one key reason why I like OSX. Even as it's been starting to show signs of bloat of late, it's still inherently more stable than Windows which is saddled with needing legacy support.

If I were in your shoes, I'd consider the Samsung 840 EVO Pro series. The performance hit for the "loss" of TRIM isn't too bad, and it's very usable imho. The built in garbage collection routines are more than adequate.

/Dan

 

[Skyline34_]

hi Leinad, thanks for the advice, appreciate it. Don't disagree on the keeping it Lean part, that's why I still insist on using a Mac for my daily chores and having a PC purely for gaming.. but my humble opinion is that Apple is trying to subtlely push regular consumers like myself to purchase the fusion or SSD option direct on the store if we desire better perfomance without the hassle.

With regards to your recommendation for the 840 EVO PRO, will there be a discernible different between the PRO and the regular EVOs ? Reason being - trying to keep my overall refurbished mac mini to under 1k (got it for $588 on apple store so that leaves me with about $400 for upgrades, including the professional service as i don't trust my butter fingers)

Thanks again

 

[asriznet]

big thanks for the advice, appreciate it.

Was doing some further research online for SSD options - didn't realize that there is currently a TRIM support issue for Yosemite with 3rd Party SSDs

Several online comments suggested that a SSD brand like the Samsung 840EVOs should be able to mitigate the impact with its default garbage collection ability

What would be the recommended options now ?

a) Still pair the HDD with a 3rd party Samsung EVO SSD, but disable TRIM
b) same as (a) but use OS X Mavericks instead, until Apple (hopefully) reverse its decision
c) same as (a), continue with Yosemite and use TRIM enabler
d) Use a SSD brand like the Angelbird, articles suggest they have native OS X trim support although tbh, i've not seen this brand in SG before plus what's to stop Apple from intentionally stopping support for this brand with the next update?

On a side note - I adore Apple for its integrated/seamless user experience but blocking this TRIM support for 3rd party SSD just reeks of anti-competitiveness, unless perhaps i'm missing a crucial point here.

Depends if you need the additional features of OS X Yosemite. My Mac Mini at home is my Media server and I have OS X Mavericks on it as I don't require the additional features on OS X Yosemite. OS X Mavericks seems to be a lighter OS compared to OS X Yosemite.

I have 250GB Samsung 840 Evo Pro SSD fusion with 750GB 5400rpm HDD on my MBP running OS X Yosemite, see below for the benchmark with and without TRIM.

Seems to have significantly better write speed without TRIM support

Honestly though I can't really feel the difference in terms of performance.

NO TRIM Support

With TRIM Support

 

[Skyline34_]

thanks again asriznet - think i'll stay on mavericks, works for me anyways on my current iMac.
Now to find the EVO 840 Pros.... (SLS pricelist seem to only list the newer 850s)

cheers!

 

[asriznet]

thanks again asriznet - think i'll stay on mavericks, works for me anyways on my current iMac.
Now to find the EVO 840 Pros.... (SLS pricelist seem to only list the newer 850s)

cheers!

Got mine from Lazada, price was quite cheap then - shipping was fast too...

 

[dfstan]

hi, may someone help me please. lately I don't know why when I open a webpage from my bookmarks, it cannot stay long before redirect to advertisements. Its very irritating and I cannot even read the webpage which I wanted to go. any kind soul to help me please. thanks

 

[asriznet]

hi, may someone help me please. lately I don't know why when I open a webpage from my bookmarks, it cannot stay long before redirect to advertisements. Its very irritating and I cannot even read the webpage which I wanted to go. any kind soul to help me please. thanks

Sounds like you have adwares infecting your Mac.

Download AdwareMedic and see if it's able to get rid of them.

 

[dfstan]

Sounds like you have adwares infecting your Mac.

Download AdwareMedic and see if it's able to get rid of them.

works like a charm. thank you very much!

 

[szeli]

thanks again asriznet - think i'll stay on mavericks, works for me anyways on my current iMac.
Now to find the EVO 840 Pros.... (SLS pricelist seem to only list the newer 850s)

cheers!

get e pro if u can. pro is using MLC. better endurance.

 

[davidktw]

For those discussing about enabling Trim for 3rd party SSD in Yosemite ? Have you read this Trim Enabler and Yosemite | Cindori ?

Just disable your kext signing if you insist want to use a 3rd party SSD. Why seems so frustrated over it ?

 

[asriznet]

For those discussing about enabling Trim for 3rd party SSD in Yosemite ? Have you read this Trim Enabler and Yosemite | Cindori ?

Just disable your kext signing if you insist want to use a 3rd party SSD. Why seems so frustrated over it ?

Who's frustrated?

 

[davidktw]

Who's frustrated?

Statements like these ?

....

Was doing some further research online for SSD options - didn't realize that there is currently a TRIM support issue for Yosemite with 3rd Party SSDs

Several online comments suggested that a SSD brand like the Samsung 840EVOs should be able to mitigate the impact with its default garbage collection ability

...

The interesting part is TRIM being disabled on 3rd party SSD was there even before Yosemite isn't it ? Just that now Yosemite has by default kext signing to further lock down drivers which is like a different problem altogether ?

 

[seachange]

Guys possible to upgrade late 2012 retina mbp 128gb ssd to 256gb? Can point to a reputable shop?

Possible to change to pcie ones?

 

[asriznet]

Guys possible to upgrade late 2012 retina mbp 128gb ssd to 256gb? Can point to a reputable shop?

Possible to change to pcie ones?

OWC sells aftermarket SSDs if you wish to upgrade them - OWC SSD (Flash) Drives for Apple MacBook Pro Retina Models 2012 & early 2013

If you prefer the expensive, original ones: go to an Apple Authorised Service Provider instead.

 

[Skyline34_]

Statements like these ?



The interesting part is TRIM being disabled on 3rd party SSD was there even before Yosemite isn't it ? Just that now Yosemite has by default kext signing to further lock down drivers which is like a different problem altogether ?

haha, not frustrated man, just been too detached from tech stuff for the last 4-5 years, not familiar with how SSD works as opposed to the trad. HDD

the refurb mini just arrived yesterday PM, waiting for SLS shops to re-open to get my Rams and 850Pro

happy long weekend all , cheers