Investing a SSD, but which?!

FredeGail · 28 Jan 2013

Hello guys and garls.

It's always nice to return here for the everlasting knowledge this community contains. At this time being, I believe it's about time for me to invest in a Solid State Drives. By the looks of it, they're a lot cheaper than they were 5-8 years ago - and that's basically what's driving my temptations right now as far as I'm concerned.

At the moment, I run

Games
Windows 7, Windows 8
Pictures
Videos
.. ohwell, every saboozy thing

on my HDD.

I'm tired of defragging the computer over and over again, and I'm tired of things opening slow. My primary purpose for a SSD, is running Windows on it. I don't really care about my games, but I want a quicker boot on Windows. You can have a look at my specs - they're quite high end. But the HDD isn't allowing me the fulfillment of the actual performance. Obviously I don't need that much space for running a Windows 7 64-bit system on it, but not Windows 8.

I've had a look at a few:
- Newegg.com - SAMSUNG 840 Series MZ-7TD120BW 2.5" 120GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) (Preferred at Newegg)
- Newegg.com - OCZ Agility 3 AGT3-25SAT3-120G 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
- Newegg.com - Corsair Force Series GT CSSD-F60GBGT-BK 2.5" 60GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

So, I'm asking for a SSD I can install my OS on. Here's a few questions that I have in mind:

Should it be SATA III/II? Why, why not?
Any prefered brand? (Personally I've great experience with Corsair and OCZ)

I'm willing to throw $100-200 or something around those lines. Whatever you dig!

Thanks a shizzle kaboozly guys!
- Fred.

Lady Fitzgerald · 28 Jan 2013

I would replace the Samsung 840 in your list with the 840 Pro. The 840 uses a new TLC storage which, while yet unproven, could have a shorter lifespan. The 840 Pro still uses MLC which is reliable. The Pro also has better performance figures than 840; in fact, it one of the top performing SSDs, if not the best. NewEgg has the 128 GB model on sale right now for $119 with promo code EMCXWVR22 (probably today only).

I would drop the Corsair from the list simply because of the size. 60 GB just doesn't give you much wiggle room.

SATA III prices aren't much higher than SATA II. Even if your presnt board doesn't have a SATA II port, at least you would be future proofed for if you upgrade the board. SATA III is faster than SATA II.

Garls?

FredeGail · 28 Jan 2013

Thanks a bunch, Fitzgerald!

I suppose you mean this one?
- Newegg.com - SAMSUNG 840 Pro Series MZ-7PD128BW 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) (128 gigs)
- Newegg.com - SAMSUNG 840 Pro Series MZ-7PD064BW 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) (64 gigs)

kbrady1979 · 28 Jan 2013

Since your board is SATA III capable, you will get maximum speeds from your SSD. I wouldn't bother with the 64gb models, as they have slower performance and usually are more expensive per GB than the 128/256gb models. The Samsung 840 Pro 128/256gb is probably the fastest SSD on the market right now, and the previous generation 830's are THE gold standard for reliability, so the 840 Pro is likely just as reliable. You could look at the OCZ Vertex SSD as well as it is very fast and about the same price as the Samsung. Corsair has the Neutron GTX that is right up there with Samsung and OCZ in terms of performance, and is also in the same price range.

If I had to buy one today, I would go with Samsung just because of their reputation in reliability. They make every single part inside the SSD, and they use their own controller, and it shows. They are built like a tank and they should last you several years.

LittleJay · 28 Jan 2013

+ 1 for the 128 Gb Samsung 840 Pro. I also have a 128 Gb OCZ Vertex III, but the Samsung is a better all around performer, when I have run benchmark tests on both.

Lady Fitzgerald · 28 Jan 2013

FredeGail said:

Thanks a bunch, Fitzgerald!

I suppose you mean this one?
- Newegg.com - SAMSUNG 840 Pro Series MZ-7PD128BW 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) (128 gigs)
- Newegg.com - SAMSUNG 840 Pro Series MZ-7PD064BW 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) (64 gigs)

It's the 128 GB that's on sale. $20 off what they have been charging which is $10 off list.

FredeGail · 29 Jan 2013

You guys are amazing! Buying it immediately. Thanks a lot guys, you've been extremely fast on the keys, and very helpful as well. You're all repped of course.

Best Regards,
Frederik.