Windows 7: A couple SSD questions for my fresh install...

Hello! I love this forum. Everyone has been very helpful. I am hoping someone can answer some questions for me.

I just bought a 60GB OCZ Agility 2 SSD. (Woot!) I plan to install a new copy of Windows 7 Pro x64 on it.

I will turn off Defrag and Indexing.

1.) How much space does Windows 7, with all the current "patches/updates" take up? Is 60GB enough? I have an external HDD for file storage.

2.) Is this drive going to be noticable faster than my current 7200rpm hdd? Here are the specs: Newegg.com - OCZ Agility 2 OCZSSD2-2AGTE60G 2.5" 60GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

Is there a better choice in SSD's? All I really care about is reducing the heat, and I figured most of these will accomplish that.

Hello Hondajt,

If you only use it as a Windows 7 drive and do not install much on it, it should be fine.

For $20 cheaper (w/MIR), you can get the OCZ Vertex2 SSD that's a bit faster than the Agility model. It's the one I have, and it's great. You will not see any heat difference between the two models.

Newegg.com - OCZ Vertex 2 OCZSSD2-2VTXE60G 2.5" 60GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)


I have about 20GB left on the one above after all the updates and what I installed, but if you think that 60GB may not be enough, then OCZ has a 90GB model for a bit more.

Newegg.com - OCZ Vertex 2 OCZSSD2-2VTXE90G 2.5" 90GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)


There's also a firmware update for these that help improve performace. It doesn't format the SSD to update the firmware either.

http://www.ocztechnology.com/ssd_too...LE,_Agility_2/

Hope this helps,
Shawn

darn, my microcenter doesn't stock the Vertex 2. How much difference does it make?

I just found this. It looks like the only difference is the 4k randomw write/read.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/151?vs=152

My x64 installation only uses about 20-22GB.

But that all user folders on spinning drives, Temp Folder on secondary Drive,
Hiberfile Disabled &
PF set at 500MB on the SSD (But there is a proper PF on a Spinning Drive)

The Vertex2 has a faster random write time 50,000 (V2) vs 10,000 (Agility2) IOPS, but both are good and fast. That's the most important factor for a OS drive since Windows 7 will mostly doing small random reads and writes to the SSD as it's C: drive. If you are able to, it would be cheaper to order through Newegg.

Here's a more detailed comparison:
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

Agility 2 product details:
http://www.ocztechnology.com/product...-2-5--ssd.html

Vertext 2 product details:
http://www.ocztechnology.com/product...-2-5--ssd.html

1. 60GBs is plenty. I have never exceeded 20GBs for Windows 7 and I have a lot of programs - but no games.
2. You will see a big difference as compared to a spinning disk - especially in access time which is on average 150 times faster (0.1ms versus 15ms).
3. I also prefer the Vertex, but you will be OK with the Agility. Only the purists think they can make out a difference.
4. The heat reduction really works. I replaced the HDD with a SSD (80GB Intel) in a HP laptop that was always running very hot. But now it runs at normal temps and I could put away with the coolpad.

The answers to questions 1 and 2: Yes, Yes
Enjoy the performance improvement from using a SSD.

thank you thank you! However I returned it. I am going to be making a car payment instead. But thanks for all the info y'all.

You're most welcome.

Huh.....was that a bit of an impulse buy? It's too bad you had to return it, but it's better than losing your car.