Emergency replacement of startup drive, which OS?

[frankf]

FYIW, Im a fan of OWC SSDs. I'm still using a MP 3,1 but have installed both 3G and 6G Extremes internally and via eSata in docks for OSX startup, DP project, and streaming samples and video. Spinners here are now only for archiving, cloning and Time Machine

[HCMarkus]

Killahurtz, if you have a blank PCIe expansion slot cover, just remove it or drill it to allow two eSATA cable to run from your PCIe blade external ports back into your Mac's optical bay, where you can sit a couple of SSDs on top of your optical drive (optical drive moved to lower bay) and power them from the second optical power port using a SATA power splitter. Just sayin'.

[mikehalloran]

FYIW, Im a fan of OWC SSDs.

No reason not to like them.

The recent pricing and longer warranty of the 850 EVO makes it a more attractive buy nowadays.

[Killahurts]

Killahurtz, if you have a blank PCIe expansion slot cover, just remove it or drill it to allow two eSATA cable to run from your PCIe blade external ports back into your Mac's optical bay, where you can sit a couple of SSDs on top of your optical drive (optical drive moved to lower bay) and power them from the second optical power port using a SATA power splitter. Just sayin'.

Good idea! I already have one 128 GB SSD (years old) sitting in there on top of the optical drive. I think I attached it with velcro, lol! It will only run at SATA 1 speed because thats what the 2 optical ports are limited to. But it's perfect for putting video reference files that need to be synced to DP. I didn't have to split the power because it's set up for two optical drives.. but I did have to get a SATA cable way back into the board, which was really cramped and difficult.

But I see your point, it's definitely a way to get 2-6G drives inside the machine!

[HCMarkus]

I've got four SSDs sitting on top of the (unused) optical drive!

PS: I'm pretty sure all SATA ports in 4,1 and 5,1 MPs are SATA2, including optical bay ports.

[Killahurts]

I've got four SSDs sitting on top of the (unused) optical drive!

PS: I'm pretty sure all SATA ports in 4,1 and 5,1 MPs are SATA2, including optical bay ports.

You're right.. The SSD I have in there is old- I think it might be a Crucial drive. It tests out as somewhat slower than it should be, but still beyond 1.5G, I think the optical drive itself may have that limitation.