Both AppleInsider and CNET are reporting that Apple is working on software to fix an issue with MacBook Pros that use a 7200 RPM drive.
Ever since Apple released a SATA fix, some MacBook Pro users have been reporting a problem with their hard drives stalling. Some say the hard drive makes a beeping sound, spins down, and then spins back up. Once the drive spins back up, the Mac works as it should, at least until the next time the drive stalls.
The problem may be any 500 GB hard drive that operates at 7200 RPM, or it may be a specific model, the Seagate Momentus 7200.4. The Seagate drive has an internal G-Force accelerometer to help protect the hard drive from sudden shock. Apple’s MacBooks have their own anti-shock hardware to protect a hard drive. The speculation is that there’s an incompatibility between the two anti-shock technologies.
If Apple does release a software-based fix, it’s likely to be in the form of a utility that will check to see if the installed hard drive has its own anti-shock system. If it does, the utility will disable one of the systems so they don’t compete against each other. It’s hard to say which system will be modified, since turning off the hard drive’s built-in anti-shock system may void the warranty, or at least make getting quick replacements a bit more of a hassle. On the other hand, turning off Apple’s anti-shock system could lead to problems with other components, such as the CD/DVD writer.
Seagate makes two versions of the 500GB Momentus 7200.4: one with G-Force and one without. Why would Apple use the G-Force version, especially since it is more expensive?
Hi Brent,
The 500GB Seagate Momentus is one of the most popular 7200 rpm laptop hard drives available. Many DIYers have been adding this drive to their MacBook Pros themselves. I think the Momentus 7200 rpm laptop drives all include the G-Force technology, and it is only the slower 5400 rpm laptop drives that have the G-Force technology as an option.
Tom
Seagate Momentus 7200.4 SATA 3Gb/s 500-GB Hard Drive Model ST9500420AS without G-Force Protection feature: http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?locale=en-US&name=st9500420as-momentus-7200.4-sata-500-gb-hd&vgnextoid=70f4bfafecadd110VgnVCM100000f5ee0a0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=819a2c74f15dd110VgnVCM100000f5ee0a0aRCRD&reqPage=Model
Seagate Momentus 7200.4 SATA 3Gb/s 500-GB Hard Drive Model ST9500420ASG with G-Force Protection feature: http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?locale=en-US&name=st9500420asg-momentus-7200.4-sata-gf-500-gb-hd&vgnextoid=3a07bfafecadd110VgnVCM100000f5ee0a0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=819a2c74f15dd110VgnVCM100000f5ee0a0aRCRD&reqPage=Model
Please note the additional G at the end of the model number of the version with G-Force.