Selecting 64gb SSD ?

Auld Bint · 11 Jun 2010

Hi,

I am about to purchase my 1st SSD and on checking the file sizes I can get all of my O/S, programs and regularly accessed data files onto a 50gb drive.

From my limited knowledge of SSD's it seems that something around 64gb with TRIM and an Idilink or SandForce controller might be OK. As I am not up to speed on SSD technology and performance I would be grateful for any recommendations on SSD's that would be suitable.

The interface for the drive will be SATA and I hope to use it in AHCI mode.

Thx
Auld Bint

Brink · 11 Jun 2010

Hello Auld Bint,

I've recently shopped for a SSD, and found that the OCZ Vertex 2 SSD's are about the fastest you can get right now for the size and price. Here's a 50GB and 60GB model that may work for you. If you can afford it, there are larger sizes available in the Vertex 2 series.

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

Newegg.com - OCZ Vertex 2 OCZSSD2-2VTX50G 2.5" 50GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Auld Bint · 11 Jun 2010

Shawn,

Thx for the reply with the info. The Vertex2 with 60gb looks to be OK but the LE with 50gb would not have enough storage.

With the Vertex2 quoting 60gb space, do you know how much of that would actually be available for storage after partitioning and formatting etc. I definitely need at least 52gb so the Vertex2 is OK as I would have 8gb spare capacity unless a lot of that is lost when partitioning and formatting.

Rgds
Auld Bint

karlsnooks · 11 Jun 2010

ol' Brint,
SSD
Storage - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News
OCZ Technologyy
Intel® Solid State Drives
Intel® Solid State Drive Toolbox
Enabling Trim Support in Windows 7
How do I know that Trim is working?
Hardware Analysis & News-See SSD and Bench sections
ATTO Disk Benchmark

Incidentally, in my Toshiba laptop I've:
125.03GB Corsair CSSD-V128GB2 ATA Device (IDE)

Brink · 12 Jun 2010

Auld Bint,

A 60GB SSD/HDD would actually be about 55.7GB after formatting.

Since you need at least 52GB, this most likely still not be enough due to Windows 7 needing some of the 55.7GB to be allocated for the page file (equal to RAM amount) and hibernate file (unless disabled). You would have no or very little free space left.

Auld Bint · 12 Jun 2010

Hmmm, It seems as though I need a minimum of a 64gb drive, possibly a bit more. That would take it up to the 80gb level, what are my best options if I raise the storage capacity to around 80gb?

Rgds
Auld Bint

Brink · 12 Jun 2010

The OCZ Vertex 2 series are the fast currently. It really depends on your budget. You can compare them and see what may work for you. The latest Intel G2 SSD drives are cheaper in price for a larger size, but are also a bit slower.

whs · 12 Jun 2010

In your case I would go with the 80GB Intel. I think you will hardly notice any difference in performance. I have both, one 60GB OCZ Vertex and two Intel 80GB. I cannot really tell the difference - except for the capacity.
Another option is to move your user data to the HDD thus reducing your footprint for C. I think that would be a viable alternative with little impact on system performance.

Auld Bint · 12 Jun 2010

Thx for all of your advice so far.

I have the option to buy a 2nd user Intel G2 80gb at reasonable value from a friend who has updated his PC which will give me a gentle and cheapish introduction to SSD's.

How would I go about wiping the drive clean and clearing/restoring partitions and formatting etc. My limited understanding is that special wiping tools have to be used and not the method of writing 0's and 1's for a wipe.

Also, do I need to do any formatting etc, I think I read that windows 7 has to be allowed to "align" the drive as part of the install. In reality, I suppose I need a bit of help with restoring the drive to empty then configuring an install.

This is a whole new world, where has "FDISK" and "FORMAT" gone..... Oh for the good old days of MS-DOS.....

I am getting old......

Any help with the wiping and installing most appreciated.

Rgds
Auld Bint

Brink · 12 Jun 2010

Auld Bint,

You can right click on the SSD in the "Computer" window, and just "format" it like any other HDD.

Since you are installing Windows 7 on it, you can just delete it while doing a clean install, then allow Windows 7 to finish installing on it. It will automatically format it while installing.