Resolved Why Power Nap only works on a few models

[moonman239]

I think I now understand why. The reason is that those models that officially get Power Nap do not use solid-state storage.

Why does the storage type matter? Because solid-state drives need electricity to run, and other flash drives do not.

Edit: meme1255 posted a different answer, and I want to quote it here.

I believe that it has something to do with power modes supported by CPU - That's the reason why only newer Macs support it. And why not HDD? Because it makes noise and it consumes more power - And might be a bit of marketing too, because Apple could ask*additional $*for optional SSD which was required by Power Nap.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

solid-state drives need electricity to run, and flash drives do not.

SSDs are flash drives

 

[moonman239]

SSDs are flash drives

Thank you for pointing that out.

 

[DeltaMac]

Looks like you added the word "other", but that does not make your conclusion any more correct.
All SSDs, (and any flash drives, too) need power to function.

Power Nap is not affected by the storage type in use (SSD, PCIe flash, spinning HD).
It's use is limited to specific Macs, and will have some differences when Mac is plugged into AC power, or just using battery.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5394

 

[meme1255]

I believe that it has something to do with power modes supported by CPU - That's the reason why only newer Macs support it. And why not HDD? Because it makes noise and it consumes more power - And might be a bit of marketing too, because Apple could ask*additional $*for optional SSD which was required by Power Nap.