SSD 510 compatibility problems with Macbook Pro

[idata]

Hello,

it seems there is a compatibility problem between the Intel 510 Solid State Disks and the new (early 2011) Macbook Pro. A lot of people (including me) are experiencing problems with this SSD in their new Macbook Pros. See for example

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=12192122# post12192122 http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=12192122# post12192122

http://www.macuser.de/forum/f10/welche-ssd-fuer-425659/index107.html http://www.macuser.de/forum/f10/welche-ssd-fuer-425659/index107.html (German)

To be fair, there seem to be similar problems with Crucials C300

http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?s=0c6a8e832764fd8a9497e34b57df7b68&showtopic=9921&pid=17870&st=0&... entry17870

The problem may be related to the SATA 3 mode utilized between the mentioned SSDs and the Intel Sandy Bridge SATA-Controller. I don't know and can't tell if Apple or Intel are responsible for these problems, but I think it is in the uttermost interest of Intel to resolve them (or make Apple resolve them). Otherwise Intel will have a hard time selling new SSDs to Apple owners...

The http://www.intel.com/support/ssdc/hpssd/sb/CS-029623.htm# 4 Intel SSD FAQ states:

All Intel Mainstream Solid-State Drives are tested and validated on the latest Intel-based notebook and desktop platforms.

I bought Intel for getting a reliable SSD for use in my Intel based notebook. Now it isn't working properly at all. I'm very disappointed.

regards,

Markus

[idata]

Hi Guys, I am having a MBP 13in i5 2011 and installed a brand new Intel SSD 510 120GB and it has trouble installing Snow Leopard. Is it the same problem?

I didn't know there is this problem until I saw this thread?

Any solutions?

Lip Sin

[idata]

No, there is no solution.

Apple will nore you because it's not an Apple SSD, intel will make you send receipt so they can ignore you by just stop replying later on your e-mail later on. Try to sell it and buy another one.

[idata]

I found that if the Negotiate Link Speed is 3gbps, the MBP is still usable. May not be as fast but no more beachballs.

Is there a way to make the 3gbps stick? Everytime I reboot, it will switch to 6gbps and slows down.

Please help, can the drive or MacOS do it?

[idata]

Mac OS 10.6.8 10K537 Beta not helping

[idata]

The problem is that the cable is unshielded and not capable of running 6Gb. If it's working for you, it's because you are very lucky with the cable and ambient noise, or the negotiated data rate is 3Gb.

Since the data rate is negotiated by the PHY, you have to tell the PHY to not negotiate the highest possible rate. This is a PITA, but it's possible by writing a 2h value to Offset 2Ch: PxSCTL – Port x Serial ATA Control (SCR2: SControl) register at 07:04. This is possible, but requires writing a KEXT which does a method override on the IOAHCIBlockStorage.kext, and has a better matching priority than that KEXT.

This will basically lock you at 3Gb, but then your system won't be crashing all the time.