MPB internal HDD options

[james21789]

Hi Folks,

I'm looking at getting a 15" MBP for mobile sessions/basic mixing on the go. Obviously, I am planning on using an external FW HDD for the sessions, but I am unsure what specifications the internal HDD should be. I know PT likes 7200RPM drives, but is this for both read AND write, or only the write (sessions) drive?

I know many similar threads discuss this point, but I haven't been able to find a solid answer. Some say 7200RPM internal drives produce too much heat, others say it is a must. Obviously, I would prefer to go with the standard 5400RPM drive if it functions properly, but as a recording engineer, I can't afford to crash during a session.

Additionally, are there any other configurations I should request before purchasing the computer? I plan on upgrading more RAM at some point, but don't want to pay $200 for it when I could do it for cheaper.

Thanks,

James

[jbasil]

I put a Hitachi 7200 500G in my MBP. It runs cooler than the crappy, smaller 5400 stock drive it replaced, and quieter as well. The heat issue is mostly just theoretical. New efficient and high quality 7200 drives will probably have less in every negative category than stock 5400 drives, which aren't the best 5400 models.

The most important thing to do for audio is to max out the RAM with 3rd party chips from a decent vendor (datamem, owc). Don't just add more, find out what your model maxes out at.

[james21789]

Thanks for the info. Did you put in the HDD yourself?

I am still wondering if PT wants 7200RPM for both system and session drives or only the session drive.

[Craig F]

session drive is what counts the most

[james21789]

Hey Craig,

thanks for the reply. I'm not positive, but judging from your handle I think we work together on wednesday's at SC.

Small world,

-j

[jbasil]

Session drive and more ram matter most, but with a 2.5" 500G 7200 going for under $70 it's a no brainer to upgrade the internal. It's a DIY. Simple but depending on the model you need to spend a careful 20 minutes. There are excellent videos at Other World Computing that step you through it.

Then you can pop the stock drive in a $15 USB enclosure for backups.

[propower]

Check OWC's website......... http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memor..._1333MHz_SDRAM

The hot setup for the MBP is replacing the Optical drive with a second hard drive. For mine I first replaced the system drive with an Intel 320 160G SSD...... then you could either move the original system drive over to the optical bay or even put a second SSD in. The performance boost for the SSD over a spinning drive for the system drive is enormous...... as well as being nice and quiet!!

I don't know which MBP yo have but 8G ram is like $60 from OWC, total no brainer........
And you can even do 16G -- pricey but will hold your sessions in ram darned nice...........

-Lee

[The Dougfather]

I recently upgraded my stock 5400 fujitsu with a 7200 travelstar and i have to be honest the difference isn't as noticeable as I'd hoped, in fact the improvement is nigh on negligible. Don't expect your MBP to all of a sudden come to life......

Despite the tutorials on the net being good there is a risk of damage when replacing the drive, knowing what i know now, i would have left it well alone, for the risk i just don't feel the minimal performance boost has been worth it.

As always, YMMV.