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SSD Upgrade in Macbook Air

PC-NOOB
By PC-NOOB
in Storage Devices
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Posted

I have a old 2009 Macbook Air Model # A1304 that I currently do not use.

I need a laptop for word processing and web browsing and I was wondering if changing out the drive in the Macbook for a SSD is a viable option.

I just need it to load programs pretty fast and have an overall snappy experience.

 

What options do I have at different price ranges?

1. $60

2. $80

3. $100

 

Which drives are compatible with my Macbook?

Also when I install the drive is there anything additional that needs to be done other than re install windows? (on desktop you have to change the bios to AHCI or RAID i think)

 

Thanks,

PC-NOOB

Gaming Rig: i5-3570k+H100i (4.3 ghz) | P8Z77-i Deluxe | MSI Twin Frozr 7950 Boost | HX650 | 1TB HGST | 840 Evo 250 GB

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What kind of dollars are you using?

Pretty much any sata ssd will do.

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

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You will need to have a copy of the OS X installer on hand as you will need it to boot up and format the drive, then install OS X on before you can go on to install Windows.

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Samsung 840 EVO 120GB. 115 AUD and very reliable and fast, I wouldn't go with anything less than 120GB so you'll be hard pressed finding a good $60 120GB SSD.

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Make sure you quote or mention the person you're replying to in your comment. Also remember to follow your thread when creating it to get a notification every time someone replies. 

Be nice and have fun. Cheers!

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I don't follow the Apple ecosystem that closely. Is that make of the MBA even user-serviceable? And if so, what form factor of SSD does it accept?

Workstation: 3930k @ 4.3GHz under an H100 - 4x8GB ram - infiniband HCA  - xonar essence stx - gtx 680 - sabretooth x79 - corsair C70 Server: i7 3770k (don't ask) - lsi-9260-4i used as an HBA - 6x3TB WD red (raidz2) - crucia m4's (60gb (ZIL, L2ARC), 120gb (OS)) - 4X8GB ram - infiniband HCA - define mini  Goodies: Røde podcaster w/ boom & shock mount - 3x1080p ips panels (NEC monitors for life) - k90 - g9x - sp2500's - HD598's - kvm switch

ZFS tutorial

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I don't follow the Apple ecosystem that closely. Is that make of the MBA even user-serviceable? And if so, what form factor of SSD does it accept?

this, im pretty sure that the SSD on the MBA is sodered onto the PCB so you are shit out of luck.

Desktop -  i5 4670k, GTX 770, Maximums VI Hero, 2X Kingston Hyper X 3k in raid zero.

Laptop - Lenovo X230 Intel 535 480GB, 16GB Gskill memory, Classic Keyboard Mod, Triple USB 3.0 Express Card.

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Not on an '09 MacBook Pro. It has only begun to be soldered onto motherboards in the past 2-3 years.

Edit: Sorry just realised it said MacBook Air, not Pro. However it should not make much difference. Think about it, if @PC-NOOB wants to replace a spinning HDD, that means it would not be soldered in as you cannot solder in a spinning disk HDD.

@PC-NOOB, go ahead, just make sure you have done your research first! They are really fiddly machines. Perhaps look at some iFixit guides, they are fantastic.

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this, im pretty sure that the SSD on the MBA is sodered onto the PCB so you are shit out of luck.

 

Not on an '09 MacBook Pro. It has only begun to be soldered onto motherboards in the past 2-3 years.

 

 

No Mac has a soldered SSD, NONE!

 

The Macbook Air from 2008/2009 uses 1.8" drives ;)

 

like this from OWC http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/SSD/OWC/Air-Retina/Apple-MacBook-Air-2009-Drive-Internal

Mini-Desktop: NCASE M1 Build Log
Mini-Server: M350 Build Log

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Posted

  

 

No Mac has a soldered SSD, NONE!

 

The Macbook Air from 2008/2009 uses 1.8" drives ;)

 

like this from OWC http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/SSD/OWC/Air-Retina/Apple-MacBook-Air-2009-Drive-Interal

well then it looks like there is a drive for it, only issue is that all of them are out of the OPs price range

Desktop -  i5 4670k, GTX 770, Maximums VI Hero, 2X Kingston Hyper X 3k in raid zero.

Laptop - Lenovo X230 Intel 535 480GB, 16GB Gskill memory, Classic Keyboard Mod, Triple USB 3.0 Express Card.

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well then it looks like there is a drive for it, only issue is that all of them are out of the OPs price range

some other 1.8" SSDs with ZIF connector might works as well ;)

Mini-Desktop: NCASE M1 Build Log
Mini-Server: M350 Build Log

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No Mac has a soldered SSD, NONE!

 

That is true. My head was thinking RAM at the time, which is soldered in.

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