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krx · Aug 5, 2009, 12:04 PM

I see that I can upgrade on a 2.66 MHz 15" MBP to a 7200 rpm HDD for $45. Wondering how much difference I'm likely to see? Seems like a cheap upgrade if it makes a difference in speed.

turtle777 · Aug 5, 2009, 12:41 PM

I would go for it.

If you work with larger files, you'll notice the difference. Even booting up or doing backups should improve.

-t

krx · Aug 5, 2009, 12:46 PM

Thanks. Just found this link which also answers the question.

Seems cheap for a real performance upgrade.

Simon · Aug 5, 2009, 01:12 PM

It's a cheap upgrade that offers a bit of a boost. Obviously an SSD will be a much bigger improvement, but it's also a good deal more expensive.

Also, contrary to what you sometimes read on the internet, a 7200 rpm disk is not always louder/hotter or more power-hungry than a 5400 rpm disk. It depends on the exact models you're comparing.

krx · Aug 5, 2009, 01:31 PM

I know the SSD is quiter and more reliable but, assuming equal capacity, is there also a performance improvement?

I'm looking at the pros/cons of the Apple upgrade for a new MBP as per the louder/hotter/hungrier issue...

turtle777 · Aug 5, 2009, 01:41 PM

SSD on MacBook Pro doesn't seem worth the money:

AnandTech: Apple's MacBook Pro with 128GB SSD: Performance and Battery Life Investigated

-t

Simon · Aug 5, 2009, 03:37 PM

The SSD will cut app launch time in half, at least. IOW your system will feel snappier.

Boot time is also about half.

mdc · Aug 5, 2009, 03:55 PM

I just ordered a 15" MacBook Pro today and went with the 7200rpm drive. Everyone I've spoken to says that it's great value for money.

Simon · Aug 6, 2009, 02:11 AM

Indeed, it is.

tears2040 · Aug 6, 2009, 03:43 AM

I use Pro Tools & here's the truth.

I always recorded to my system drive which was a 120gb 5400 rpm I upgraded to a 7200 rpm 320 Gb & honestly I can barely tell the difference....

All I know is that I can hear and feel the 7200 rpm vibrating where the 5400 rpm was smooth & quiet. If anything I would upgrade to a larger 500Gb 5400 rpm drive as in real world test the 7200 rpm has not provided any benefits in all applications I run.

This is from Logic Pro to Pro Tools. Now maybe if you were working with video than maybe you would see the difference but for Professional audio even though 7200 rpm drives are recommended in my real world test it does nothing.

SierraDragon · Aug 6, 2009, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by mdc

I just ordered a 15" MacBook Pro today and went with the 7200rpm drive. Everyone I've spoken to says that it's great value for money.

Yes but with EC/34, many more pixels and screen real estate the 17" is even better. Also matte display if that matters like it does to me. For real laptop performance get a 7200 rpm drive and an SSD in the EC/34 slot...

Lack of EC/34 slot is a huge value loss in the 15" size.

-Allen Wicks

mdc · Aug 6, 2009, 05:26 PM

I used to have a 17" PowerBook after owning a 15" PowerBook and while I love the screen I just found it too big to carry around everyday.

I currently have a 13" MacBook and feel that the 15" is a happy medium between screen size and portability. I carry my MacBook to work everyday so the 17" would just be too much.

krx · Aug 6, 2009, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by SierraDragon

For real laptop performance get a 7200 rpm drive and an SSD in the EC/34 slot...

Could you explain this just a bit - for what purpose would you run an SSD thru the EC/34 slot on top of an internal 7200 HDD?

Originally Posted by SierraDragon

Lack of EC/34 slot is a huge value loss in the 15" size.

Since I have yet to pull the trigger on mine, what makes the EC/34 so valuable? As mdc points out the 17" seems like a lot to lug around (I'm actually thinking of getting the 13" MBP and buying a coupla LCD displays for my work stations) ... but maybe it's worth it ??