Windows 7 - ssd for win7 htpc

I'm building an htpc running Windows 7 and I want to use a ssd as my boot drive, it will only have the os, 32bit, and probably vlc media player on it so I am only looking at the 32 or 40gb versions. I like the ssd because it is quite, cool, and not power hungry which is just what i need. Any suggestions on which one to use? Also unrelated but what is the difference between the oem and retail versions of Windows 7?

I can't make a recommendation on the SSD, as I have yet to try one, but as far as the difference between OEM and retail, OEM is tied to the first machine you install it on (IOW, you can't move it to a different machine). With Retail, you can install it on any subsequent machine, as long as it is on one machine at a time.

James

well thats good to know. What if for some reason I need to wipe the computer clean, say a virus. Would I be able to reinstall the os from the oem version? Or is it just the one time use?

jonass21:

I've been using an Intel 25-V 40GB SSD as a system drive for several months now with no complaints.

By today's standards this drive is a bit out-dated now but it works like a champ.
I liked it so much I got another Intel SSD- an 80GB SSD (see my specs).

I only use 'spinners' for data now and wouldn't go back. Really fast! Zero noise! Low power consumption! Fragmentation becomes a non-issue. And prices seem to be coming down, too.

I'm not sure, but it seems that OEM products at online sites don't seem to come with cables, brackets, etc, whereas the retail products do. I could be way off base in this observation, though.

Yes, as long as it's on the same machine.

Take your pick here ( Newegg.com - 40gb ssd ). I personally like OCZ (have 3 of them) but I also have 2 Intel 80GB which are OK. Read the user reviews. For a few bucks more, you may go to 60GB. Gives you a bit more breathing space. The OS grows all the time and you should not have to "manage" the space all the time.

Great I'll narrow my search down to between the ocz and intel. I had heard that intel was really good but ocz seems a bit more affordable and since it is just an htpc it doesn't have to have crazy performance or anything. Thanks guys