SSD "which controller?" list

[elstado]

Hi guys.. not really sure if this is appropriate, but here goes:

I'm looking for a SSD to replace a 5400RPM HDD that is in a Samsung R580 notebook PC my GF is looking at getting for TAFE (Win7 x64, i5 2.4GHz, 4GB DDR3, 1GB Nvidia GT 330M etc).

Budget is around $200-250 (planning on selling the replaced 500GB HDD and the free Samsung gifts that we get as promo which make up our budget).

No real need for large capacity, prefer speed and reliability. We have a few desktop computers plus external HDDs for any main storage needs. All we need is around 30-40GB to install Windows 7 x64, Office 2007, Adobe CS4, AutoCAD and a few other design programs that should easily fit with a couple GB to spare for temp storage of data files. Not storing any media or games, this will purely be a work machine being used 25-30 hours a week during TAFE and at home.

Can anyone please suggest a decent option, or at least point me in the right direction? Do you think the budget is way to low, or should I be able to score something decent for that amount?

[NewKleer]

the best bet at this stage for speed and reliability would be the intel 80gb x25-m but its ~$350.

theoretically the a-ram pro 64gb at low $230 ish would fit the bill, but no one has really reviewed it etc. it uses similar controller etc to the ocz vertex ($300/60gb), the indilinx one. in general all the indilinx drives are generally reliable, but slightly less so than intel ones. depends how much of a catastrophe it would be if one died.

[Skobb]

What are the A-RAM 64GB Alphas that go for $180? Doesn't list a controller on their site..

[NewKleer]

someone here said to avoid the alpha. maybe its jmicron or something, not sure (could be the new toshiba/jmicron, which isnt as bad as the old jmicron crappers).

[h2oxide]

The Corsair Extreme Series SSD's perform pretty good

[elstado]

Originally Posted by NewKleer

the best bet at this stage for speed and reliability would be the intel 80gb x25-m but its ~$350.

Yeah too expensive for us still. Don't need that sort of capacity either, 40GB would suffice. What about the Kingston 40GB boot drive? I've heard they are pretty good. Can't seem to find any being sold in Aus though (searching via Static Ice).

Another one I have seen mentioned in the SSD owners thread is the Intel X25-V 40GB SSD, which comes with a retail box. Costs about $150 including postage and insurance fees. Not listed in the OP of this thread though. Seems like a good price and the capacity is enough (sure 64GB would be nice to have the extra space, but not really a high priority for the extra cost).

theoretically the a-ram pro 64gb at low $230 ish would fit the bill, but no one has really reviewed it etc. it uses similar controller etc to the ocz vertex ($300/60gb), the indilinx one. in general all the indilinx drives are generally reliable, but slightly less so than intel ones.

Sounds good. I'll have a look.

depends how much of a catastrophe it would be if one died.

Not much. All critical data will be backed up onto external storage. The SSD will purely be a boot drive in a notebook to run TAFE software during the day.

[h2oxide]

http://staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/sear...eme+X32&spos=1

Good price and quality

[elstado]

Originally Posted by h20xide

http://staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/sear...eme+X32&spos=1

Good price and quality

$194 in WA. Not listed in the OP of this thread, what's the controller like?

What's it like compared to the Intel X25-V I listed before?

[h2oxide]

Originally Posted by elstado

$194 in WA. Not listed in the OP of this thread, what's the controller like?

What's it like compared to the Intel X25-V I listed before?

The Corsair Extreme Series SSDs use the Indilinx Barefoot controller, and uses MLC NAND flash memory. As for how they compare, not sure try google

Why not ship from Eastern states?

*edit*
Intel X25-V: Read up to 170MB/s, Write up to 35MB/s
Corsair X32: Read: 210MB/s, Write: 100MB/s


Glad Ive got the Corsair one

[elstado]

Originally Posted by h20xide

Why not ship from Eastern states?

It's only about $18 cheaper, add shipping at around $10-15 and having to wait a week and it isn't worth it. If I am going to order it online I'll buy something online from HK.

[h2oxide]

Originally Posted by elstado

It's only about $18 cheaper, add shipping at around $10-15 and having to wait a week and it isn't worth it. If I am going to order it online I'll buy something online from HK.

So whats the verdict? What SSD you going with?

[GDavid]

How about the What to buy/ where to buy thread?
in answer to your post (below) elstado, It is a sticky. Why couldn't you link to the WTB/WTB thread you make for yourself instead of hijacking something set up for everyone?

[elstado]

Originally Posted by h20xide

So whats the verdict? What SSD you going with?

She said that 30-40GB would probably be too small (even though I think it would be more than enough). So it looks like we're looking at a 64GB, probably something like a G.Skill Falcon II which is around $249 at Austin.

Her Pop is paying for it, and he said that if it was worth it he was happy to pay the extra for it.

However after seeing this thread it has put me off a little.

Also considering the A-RAM Pro ARSSD64GBP - 64GB SSD, which is $237 in Aus, supports TRIM and uses the Indilinx Barefoot controller. Heard mixed opinions on it though.

Originally Posted by GDavid

How about the What to buy/ where to buy thread?

I considered that, as I know it's annoying to have purchasing discussion in a thread not really designed for it. But the thing is that at least in these threads the people participating in the discussion are current or prospective SSD owners and will know a hell of a lot more than the few people that occasional trawl through the what to buy forums. You see where I'm coming from?

I'm not trying to thread de-rail, I am simply going to the source of info.

[downforce]

I wouldn't be put off by 1 bad experience.

I have a 64GB Falcon and I know 3 other ppl with 128GB version (1 guy has 2) and none of us have had any issues.

[elstado]

Originally Posted by NewKleer

someone here said to avoid the alpha. maybe its jmicron or something, not sure (could be the new toshiba/jmicron, which isnt as bad as the old jmicron crappers).

..."avoid A-Ram Alpha - they're fast initially and cheap but don't support the TRIM function which keeps these drives from slowing over time."

The Pros are pretty well received though, Indilix barefoot controller and supports TRIM. Quite tempting since they are $20-30 cheaper than the G.Skill Falcon II, only they don't sound as cool and aren't as well known, so there's less e-peen points if you get a A-Ram over a G.Skill.