Good SSD Brands to buy?

cytherian · 13 Sep 2012

The Sandforce problem was with the 2281 version. Apparently there was some AES-256 encryption routine that didn't function properly and it was impossible to update it with replacement firmware. I think most consumer users use 128 bit encryption features in browsers, so it probably won't affect people outside of enterprise systems. Unfortunately for Sandforce, a lot of vendors used this version so it became a stain on their reputation. I don't know much beyond this, but in my opinion it's not an advantage to avoid Sandforce controller SSD's for the consumer market.

Layback Bear · 13 Sep 2012

What ever brand you pick, I would compare warranties. The only SSD I have ever had is a Intel 510. Works great with 5 year warranty.

pparks1 · 13 Sep 2012

I avoid Sandforce controllers and it's done me well.

I buy Intel or Samsung and they have been solid.

kbrady1979 · 13 Sep 2012

I started out with an Intel X25-M 120gb for my first SSD. Flawless performance and reliability. Fast Forward: New build, and in need of a SATA III SSD. Read hardware reviews saying Intel has worked on new Sandforce controller for their 520 series of drives and has ironed out the bugs...in other words, they've "Intel'd" it. Ordered computer components from Newegg which included the Intel 520 120gb SSD. Installed components, and SSD worked great for a day. Next day, blue screens all day long. Did research and some of the blue screens are the same as the "Sandforce" blue screen. RMA'd drive and got another Intel. Installed and ran for about a day then more of the same.....blue screens. Called Newegg up, told them what was going on, got my money back on the Intel and purchased the Samsung 830. Installed the new SSD.........no problems since. Now I'm not saying all of the issues was with the Sandforce controller on the new Intel 520 drives, but my old X25-M is still working and the biggest difference in the two are the controllers.

On a side note, benchmarks of the Intel 520 on incompressible data was just downright crap. ATTO benchmarks were some of the highest I had ever seen, but throw AS SSD on it and the Seq. WRITE numbers were only about 20MB/s faster than my Intel X25-M SATA II drive. I know Sandforce delivers great numbers with compressible data, but I thought the numbers I were getting were extremely low. The Samsung drive produces the same numbers no matter what kind of data it is testing.....and more importantly, has not thrown any blue screens up. I really wish the Intel 520 would have used an updated Intel controller like the X25-M, that would have been nice.

Jemjem787 · 13 Sep 2012

So would this ssd be good?
Amazon.com: SAMSUNG 830 Series 2.5-Inch 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) MZ-7PC128B/WW: Computers & Accessories

kbrady1979 · 13 Sep 2012

Yes, that is the SSD we are talking about, the Samsung 830. Newegg has it for about the same price, 99.99 I think, but that is for the OEM model. It only comes with the drive, and software. If you need a desktop upgrade kit, it is about $20 higher.

UnknownReverent · 13 Sep 2012

I'm surprised I haven't heard anyone say anything about Mushkin. I got an SSD from them and it has been great so far.

Jemjem787 · 13 Sep 2012

kbrady1979 said:

If you need a desktop upgrade kit, it is about $20 higher.

What is that?

UnknownReverent · 13 Sep 2012

It's for if you don't have 2.5 inch drive mounting. Some cases only have mounting for 3.5 drives.

kbrady1979 · 13 Sep 2012

The desktop kit comes with a 2.5"-->3.5" adapter to mount it in the same space as a normal HDD. There is also a Notebook Upgrade kit that comes with an eSATA cable, but the OEM version will work just fine for a laptop, it is a 7mm thick SSD.