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 Markus,

Unfortunately, I'm not at liberty to disclose details about Apple issues unrelated to our SSDs (they're discreet like that). Sorry! Again, please contact Apple if you're experiencing this issue. As its been pointed out, this is not specific to our drive, but other storage devices as well.

-Scott, Intel Corporation

[idata]

Hi Scott,

thanks for your response. I (and others) did contact Apple. Since the problem only appears with third party hardware (like the Intel 510 SSD) Apple won't do a thing about it. While I can understand your position, I also understand Apples position of not supporting problems with third party hardware.

But it leaves your customers back very unsatisfied. We bought expensive products from Apple and Intel (which form a close hardware partnership), both built to standards which should make them interact hassle-free and end up with a 600 EUR paperweight.

Neither Intel nor Apple feel responsible for bringing up a solution to their customers. Intel could help it's customers, if they really cared (even without any help from apple).

Suggestions:

- Give us some modified firmware which forces the drive into SATA II mode

- Offer some exchange programs to affected customers (exchanging 510 for 320 for a small fee)

That's what I would call customer care.

regards,

Markus

[idata]

I'm hoping Apple is working with Intel to resolve the issues. Is there anything some of us developers can do? I've got access to the Apple Bug Reporter database. Not sure if I can help since I'm on the sidelines waiting for this issue to be resolved before I buy a 2011 MBP and Intel SSD 510.

[idata]

Scott --

You have just taken a HUGE hit in customer service of INTEL!

People are buying intel 510 drives because they had excellent luck with the X-25M drives, or believe in Intel as an industry leader...and got pile-driven when they found out a. it doesn't work with our macbook pros and b. no one cares! As far as I know VERY few of the other Sata3 SSD drives out there are having issues with the early 2011 macbook pros. My X-25M on SATA2 works great on my early 2011 macbook pro...which leads one to wonder -- is it the DRIVE?! and if it is, why doesn't Intel care?!

or...is it the controller? ALSO created by intel??

With that said, I'd suggest you all return your intel 510 drives and wait to see how the new OCZ vertex 3 drive performs on the new 2011 Macbook Pro. This is absolutely ridiculous! I am FLOORED by Intel's response to this issue.

Matt

matt at motogfx dot com

[idata]

Scott,

I am hoping Intel can help resolve this issue. I have a new 17" MacBook Pro and wanted to purchase your new 510 SSD. Isn't there something your company can do? Looks like I'll have to order the new Vertex 3.