HDD to SSD

[SIW2]

Thanks - I don't need it - I have all the Paragon apps.

Might be useful for others that the giveaway is still going on.

 

[Music Guy123]

Ok, just a quick check before I get it, do you recommend that I buy an SSD??? Here is a link to the one that I am thinking of getting: Mushkin Callisto deluxe 60GB 2.5" SATA-II Solid State Hard Drive - Aria Technology

 

[ignatzatsonic]

SSDs generally help boot times and overall responsiveness. Why did you choose that particular SSD? I would look at Crucial, Intel, or maybe OCZ before Mushkin.

 

[whs]

Ok, just a quick check before I get it, do you recommend that I buy an SSD??? Here is a link to the one that I am thinking of getting: Mushkin Callisto deluxe 60GB 2.5" SATA-II Solid State Hard Drive - Aria Technology

That looks OK if you like it - although I am an OCZ fan.

 

[Music Guy123]

I was just recommended that one by a friend. I have read plenty of reviews about it and checked test results from the web. It seems to have the highest average read and write speeds. Mushkin are also very good ram makers so I am guessing that they are generally quite good with solid state memory!!! Which drives would you recommend??? Don't forget that I am not a millionaire so need a relatively cheap one (don't want to go much above £90 and definately not above £100). I think a 40gb model may be ok, but I would much prefer a 60gb one. Also, why don't you guys like this one???

 

[Cr00zng]

I have both, Crucial and OCZ, and for some reason I like Crucial better...

 

[whs]

I would highly recommend the 60GB - 40GB is pushing it. I think this Mushkin is going to be OK. But do not fall into the Read/Write speed trap. This speed is relatively unimportant for the OS. It is the access time that counts. On the ones I know it is 0.1ms or even less.

BTW: Crucial makes fine SSDs. I might buy one next time. But right now I have 5 others - that must do for the moment.

 

[Music Guy123]

That still leaves me a bit indecisive!!! What is the SSD that you would recommend, taking cost as well. What exactly does access time do??? Does it vary that much between drives???

 

[whs]

I have no idea regarding prices in the UK. The last OCZ 90GB I bought here from Newegg was $145. 60GB models are offered for $105. They have sales all the time. But the situation in Europe is different - already because of the VAT which you do not pay here (most of the time) when you order per mail.

The access times I have seen can vary between 0.07ms to 0.4ms. I am not certain how much difference that makes in real life because that compares to an average of 15ms for spinning disks. I think you will be OK with the Mushkin. Maybe you can find some data regarding the access time.

PS: Just found it on Newegg. The access time is 0.1ms which is perfect. Look under "Details". Also have a look at "Feedback". http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226151&Tpk=Mushkin%20Callisto%20deluxe%2060GB

 

[ignatzatsonic]

The Mushkin will probably be fine. The reason people mention other brands is because Mushkin is not a major seller in the US and few people own one. The most commonly purchased brands in the US are probably Intel, Crucial, and OCZ. As WHS says, don't get overly concerned with speed tests as they don't have a direct correlation to your satisfaction with the drive. Intel may have a reliability edge.

You might try to get a recent model. The manufacturers are refreshing their releases right about now. I think the most recent Crucial is the M4 (?) series and the most recent Intels are the 320 and 510 series.

Your price point probably restricts you to 40, 60, and 64 GB sizes. Try to avoid 40 if you can.