Mac OS X 10.6.8 update supports SSD optimization
The latest version of Apple's Mac OS X operating system supports the TRIM command, which allows built-to-order systems with solid-state drives (SSDs) to perform more optimally.
According to Mac Rumors, the Mac OS X 10.6.8 update announced last week allows TRIM commands to perform a function known as garbage collection, which erases old data marked for deletion.
The command then consolidates existing data on an SSD so that it can be read sequentially and not randomly, which improves read performance.
Users can check for TRIM support using the Apple System Profiler tool.
Microsoft Windows 7 also supports the TRIM command, which prompted SSD manufacturers like Intel to add firmware upgrades to their products to take advantage of the command.
Apple also is one of the only companies to make laptops that support the serial ATA 3.0 specification, which allows twice the throughput of SATA 2.0 drive interfaces.
For example, Apple's MacBook Pro, which was released in February, added support for SSDs manufactured with SATA 3.0 interfaces. Most SSDs manufactured today support the SATA 3.0 spec.
According to Mac Rumors, the Mac OS X 10.6.8 update announced last week allows TRIM commands to perform a function known as garbage collection, which erases old data marked for deletion.
The command then consolidates existing data on an SSD so that it can be read sequentially and not randomly, which improves read performance.
Users can check for TRIM support using the Apple System Profiler tool.
Microsoft Windows 7 also supports the TRIM command, which prompted SSD manufacturers like Intel to add firmware upgrades to their products to take advantage of the command.
Apple also is one of the only companies to make laptops that support the serial ATA 3.0 specification, which allows twice the throughput of SATA 2.0 drive interfaces.
For example, Apple's MacBook Pro, which was released in February, added support for SSDs manufactured with SATA 3.0 interfaces. Most SSDs manufactured today support the SATA 3.0 spec.
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