SSD's are they worth the money?

[Victor S]

Depends. I wouldn't have anthing else for my system drive. Just bought my first, a 64gb M4. They go for about $80. It's all the size I want for my system drive.
Well worth it.
I also have 3 500 gb WD Cav Blacks for data storage, for a total of 1.5tb there.
Those cost about $80 each, or $240 total when I bought them a couple years ago.
Do I want to spend at least $1200 to replace those spinners with SSD?
Don't think so. Better said, no effing way!

 

[BomberAF]

I think the Op's buddy's under sold exactly how much faster EVERYTHING is when using an SSD, not just start up times but everything else as well.

The theory that because an expensive i7 system is already fast so you don't need an SSD really doesn't pan out.

Using a regular hard drive on a fast new machine is like building a race engine that has a governor on it restricting the amount of power that you can have. Using a regular harddrive bogs the entire system down which is like throwing your money out the window. Why pay for the fastest 8 core CPU, Ultimate motherboard and 16GB of fast memory if your going to bog it all down using a regular HDD?

In my opinion building a fast modern system should always include using a SSD and yes I consider it to be an "absolutely imperative purchase". Spinners are for storage these days.

Installing Windows 8 RP in 7 minutes flat,...priceless.

So an SSD remove the bottle neck that a standard HDD would create with top cpu's such as i7's.

What size would you recommend the SSD to be, I am going to be buying a new laptop in about 12 months or so. I was going to buy a Dell with an i7, that will boost to 3.3Ghz and then I was going to put a 500GB SSD in myself. The guy from Dell said that Dell technical support will help me put the OS on the SSD that I will be buying from Crucial. Would 256GB suffice or shall I go for the 500GB?

 

[linnemeyerhere]

BomberAF,
Having purchased three Crucials after starting with a 64gb unit and feeling that I was running quickly out of space I purchased a 128gb then another. I use a full Office Suite, Photoshop and then place only a few games on the SSD and the 64 would have eventually run out with the updates but just know if you have a minimal amount of software then the 64gb is dirt cheap. If it was me I don't recommend less than a 120-128gb unit. Then place all none essential games, software and all data on the spinner. Believe me when I tell you this is "THE MOST" transformational upgrade going at the moment.......do it and don't look back! The first time you install one and you see how fast it installs W7, then when you add other software......then your first boot, and your first time you call up something heavy like Outlook, Photoshop, ACT........you are an instant convert !

 

[BomberAF]

BomberAF,
Having purchased three Crucials after starting with a 64gb unit and feeling that I was running quickly out of space I purchased a 128gb then another. I use a full Office Suite, Photoshop and then place only a few games on the SSD and the 64 would have eventually run out with the updates but just know if you have a minimal amount of software then the 64gb is dirt cheap. If it was me I don't recommend less than a 120-128gb unit. Then place all none essential games, software and all data on the spinner. Believe me when I tell you this is "THE MOST" transformational upgrade going at the moment.......do it and don't look back! The first time you install one and you see how fast it installs W7, then when you add other software......then your first boot, and your first time you call up something heavy like Outlook, Photoshop, ACT........you are an instant convert !

I think I will buy the 500GB drive, as you make a valid point. By time you start adding programs, and you keep adding programs then before you know it you will start to run out of space. You could find that with programs added, then 256GB isn't very big, and you may find you haven't got any space for adding files until you can put them onto an external HDD. The cost difference between 256 and 500 isn't to great anyway.

Do you actually get the full amount that is stated or are they like spinners were you get less because of the way the numbers are worked out?

 

[whs]

A 500GB SSD is a plain waste of money. I run 7 systems with SSDs of which 4 are laptops. My biggest SSD is 90GB.

That does not mean that you should run with 90GB because your requirements may be different. But 256GB seems very large for me.

I put the recovered HDD from the laptop into an enclosure and keep most of my data on that or on large USB sticks that are easier to haul around.

Moving the OS to the SSD is pretty simple - either the geeky way or by using the Paragon Migration Tool that does it in 3 clicks. Both ways are explained in my tutorial. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/149969-ssd-install-transfer-operating-system.html

PS: I would never, never go back to spinners for the OS. It is like night and day.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

What size would you recommend the SSD to be

60 or 80 GB is likely enough for the OS and applications UNLESS you have large games to install or have some peculiar requirement. I have 50 applications and Windows 7 occupying 28 GB on an 80 GB SSD. Games can easily go on a spinning drive.

Make your own judgement based on your personal situation. Of course, if you have to put data on the SSD, that's another story.

 

[BomberAF]

I will be taking my laptop with me and it wont have a HDD in it, so I was thinking that size incase I needed to store a file until I got home. But I think you may be correct and a smaller size will suffice.

 

[pparks1]

One caveat however. They have a life span, generally considered to be 2-3 years.

Says who? I think the Intel drives are rated at at least 5 years if you write something like 100GB a day, 365 days a year.

And 1 thing to consider, is that an SSD's near the end of their life, won't be able to save files. But the files that are already there, will remain intact. So, it's less of a catastrophe when you think about it in those terms.

Some spinners never die! Between myself and my half dozen customers, we have about 5 still going after 14-15 years. And another 10 or 11 that are 12 years old.

Sure, you can use really old drives like that. But new drives are much faster, quieter and more energy efficient. I don't think it's normal for most people to use a hard drive that long. I think an SSD that lasts 4-8 years is perfectly fine.

 

[essenbe]

As far as the size, that depends on you and how much data and programs you will put on it. A desktop is easy, a laptop is a little more difficult. But, you can use an external drive for data or get a laptop with 2 hard drive bays. Paragon Migrate ($19.95) will transfer the OS for you and align the SSD. That's much cheaper than the Dell tech's will charge you.

 

[BomberAF]

A 500GB SSD is a plain waste of money. I run 7 systems with SSDs of which 4 are laptops. My biggest SSD is 90GB.

That does not mean that you should run with 90GB because your requirements may be different. But 256GB seems very large for me.

I put the recovered HDD from the laptop into an enclosure and keep most of my data on that or on large USB sticks that are easier to haul around.

Moving the OS to the SSD is pretty simple - either the geeky way or by using the Paragon Migration Tool that does it in 3 clicks. Both ways are explained in my tutorial. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/149969-ssd-install-transfer-operating-system.html

PS: I would never, never go back to spinners for the OS. It is like night and day.

Thanks for the link to the tutorial, I think I will buy a SSD for my current laptop and put one in that before I buy a new laptop. I have just had a look at how much space I am currently using on my laptop and it's about 128GB all in. This laptop can be used for Bit-torrent etc, so size isn't important.

I have had a quick look at the tutorial, but not looked fully through it, but can you please let us know whether or not you need the activation key for the OS as I no longer have that. I don't think you do but can you let us know, I will have a proper look through the guide a bit later.

 

[BomberAF]

I have read that tutorial and it doesn't mention that the activation code was required for the OS or if it did mention I never noticed. Before I embark on buying an SSD can someone who has done this confirm that the activation key isn't required.

Can someone who has also done this please let me know whether the procedure allows for making mistakes and having to back track without damaging the os installation on the hdd on the laptop. So if necessary you can continue to use your laptop if you fail to transfer the OS.

Also how long does it take?

Sent using Tapatalk

 

[whs]

I have had a quick look at the tutorial, but not looked fully through it, but can you please let us know whether or not you need the activation key for the OS as I no longer have that. I don't think you do but can you let us know, I will have a proper look through the guide a bit later.

When you transfer the OS, you need not reactivate it. But in any case, you can always activate it with the key on the COA sticker that is on the bottom of your laptop.

The OS transfer takes about 20 to 30 minutes +/- depending on how much is on your HDD.

 

[BomberAF]

I have had a quick look at the tutorial, but not looked fully through it, but can you please let us know whether or not you need the activation key for the OS as I no longer have that. I don't think you do but can you let us know, I will have a proper look through the guide a bit later.

When you transfer the OS, you need not reactivate it. But in any case, you can always activate it with the key on the COA sticker that is on the bottom of your laptop.

The OS transfer takes about 20 to 30 minutes +/- depending on how much is on your HDD.

Thanks for that, I have just looked underneath my laptop and i have a copy of my product key, so it wouldn't have been an issue.

I am just about to buy this docking station Play.com - Buy online at Play.com and read reviews. Free delivery to UK and Europe!

it is compatible with both 2.5 and 3.5 drives, this will also be alright for the SSD wont it?

(I will also have to get shut of that tapatalk message from when I use my mobile)

 

[whs]

The docking station is fine for the SSD. But there is a 1TB HDD limit - don't know whether you noticed that.

I have 2 similar stations. One is USB2 and USB3 and the other one is USB2 and eSata. Since you plan to buy a new laptop in the future, I would look for a dock that also has USB3. The price difference is small and chances are your next laptop has a USB3 port. That is a LOT faster than USB2. eSata on laptops is rare.

If you have a PCI Express slot on your current PC, you may even add USB3 or eSata capability by using a PCI Express card. They are cheap. Example: Newegg.com - SYBA SD-EXP20070 USB 3.0 Type-II Slim Flush Mount ExpressCard/34mm for Laptop PC

 

[BomberAF]

The docking station is fine for the SSD. But there is a 1TB HDD limit - don't know whether you noticed that.

I have 2 similar stations. One is USB2 and USB3 and the other one is USB2 and eSata. Since you plan to buy a new laptop in the future, I would look for a dock that also has USB3. The price difference is small and chances are your next laptop has a USB3 port. That is a LOT faster than USB2. eSata on laptops is rare.

If you have a PCI Express slot on your current PC, you may even add USB3 or eSata capability by using a PCI Express card. They are cheap. Example: Newegg.com - SYBA SD-EXP20070 USB 3.0 Type-II Slim Flush Mount ExpressCard/34mm for Laptop PC

My laptop doesn't have a PCI Express card, but I will look around for a station that has USB 3 capability.

Can you also confirm that if I don't get it right the first time I wont damage the installation on my laptop hard drive that has the OS on while I am transferring the OS. So if I make a mistake I wont leave myself without the use of a laptop.

 

[BomberAF]

What do you think about this one CiT USB 3.0 HDD Dock For 2.5 inch + 3.5 inch SATA HDD Black - Hard Drives Computing at Play.com (UK)

Would this be compatible with USB 2?

 

[smarteyeball]

Watch how easily I answer this question guys.


Yes.

Was that so hard?

heh heh

What do you think about this one CiT USB 3.0 HDD Dock For 2.5 inch + 3.5 inch SATA HDD Black - Hard Drives Computing at Play.com (UK)

Would this be compatible with USB 2?

Can't comment on the dock - I know nothing of it - but USB 3.0 is backwards compatible with USB 2.0, so yes it will work with USB 2.0

 

[whs]

Can you also confirm that if I don't get it right the first time I wont damage the installation on my laptop hard drive that has the OS on while I am transferring the OS. So if I make a mistake I wont leave myself without the use of a laptop.

Well, that is a tough call. There are always ways to muck everything up. But by making images or transferring the OS with the Paragon tool, nothing should normally happen.

This new dock you posted seems to be USB3 only. That is no good. Look for one that has USB2 and USB3.

 

[smarteyeball]

This new dock you posted seems to be USB3 only. That is no good. Look for one that has USB2 and USB3.

Unless there is a new breed I don't know about, it should be backwards compatible.

 

[jimbo45]

The docking station is fine for the SSD. But there is a 1TB HDD limit - don't know whether you noticed that.

I have 2 similar stations. One is USB2 and USB3 and the other one is USB2 and eSata. Since you plan to buy a new laptop in the future, I would look for a dock that also has USB3. The price difference is small and chances are your next laptop has a USB3 port. That is a LOT faster than USB2. eSata on laptops is rare.

If you have a PCI Express slot on your current PC, you may even add USB3 or eSata capability by using a PCI Express card. They are cheap. Example: Newegg.com - SYBA SD-EXP20070 USB 3.0 Type-II Slim Flush Mount ExpressCard/34mm for Laptop PC

Hi there

Laptops with USB3 ports are still as rare as "Hens Teeth" -- and non existent on netbooks -- and a netbook is definitely where I DO use an SSD .

I certainly won't travel with a fully fledged laptop --but I'll always take a decent Netbook.

I have a decent laptop but if I'm on an assignment it gets taken ONCE to my hotel / apartment or whatever until the end of contract --but I certainly regularly travel with a netbook.

I'll wait a bit to see how the laptop market develops -- hopefully more power in a netbook size device -- the HDMI out can always be plugged into a HUGE monotor / TV these days --any self respecting modern TV has VGA / HDMI input as well as all the other usual stuff.

One thing's for sure -- I'm NOT buying a "bog standard" tablet.
However in answer to the question --Are SSD's worth the money

YES .... End of.

Cheers

jimbo