Questions about SSD's and Hard Drives

[Ngrungebb91]

Could I put my OS on a higher performance SSD and then all of my data on a 1TB hard drive that I'm using right now for both as a main hard drive. Will i see a faster boot..faster loading of programs..etc????

 

[richc46]

I suggest that you follow the ideas in this tut
for best performance.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11728-optimize-windows-7-a.html

 

[Ngrungebb91]

I have used some of those ideas in that link. Its just high capacity SSD's are SO expensive. I just wanna ask if i will see high performance with the SSD used as an OS Drive only.

 

[tw33k]

I have only the OS and apps on mine. All my data goes on a regular HDD. The performance increase is HUGE!

 

[richc46]

All posts that I have seen regarding SSD, agree that there is an increase in performance.

 

[whs]

You will have a substancial increase in performance in anything that relates to the system (boot time, calling programs, etc.). Moving the user data off the SSD and to a HDD is the standard procedure. That way you can get away with a 60GB SSD or even a 30 to 40GB SSD. The Win7 should not take more than 20GBs including a good selection of programs - Games though may take more space. Suggest you check the size of your current OS installation ( e.g. with WinDirStat ) so that you have an idea what your specific requirements are.

 

[masplin]

Could I chip in as have a similar question. My OS HD drives imploded and there is no sign of life (doesn't show in BIOS) so I assume it's a gonner. It's a Dell XPS 430 that has 2 x 320GB ATA2 drives that used to be in a RAID config when shipped, but split up now. The OS was installed on a 3rd drive that I got from Dell.

My question is I don't see any SSD drives listed on the Dell website for this model so

1. Do SSD work with any pc or do you need certain specs on the motherboard etc?
2. I'm always a bit concerned, being a newbie, that I buy something that isn't compatible with my system so have played safe and bought from Dell. I supect I am paying through the nose for the priveledge. How can I tell if a 3rd party SSD will work with my Dell?
3. Do I understand correctly that I can put the user data onto one of the ATA2 drives and this will make limited performance drag comapred to a big increase form the SSD?

Thanks Mike

 

[whs]

1. Yes. SSDs are simple Sata drives compatible with all sata ports.
2. Don't worry. It will work. I suggest you look for an OCZ or Intel drive.
3. Yes, one usually puts the user data on a spinning drive (matter of cost). That will not impact "system" performance but if you manipulate that data, the performance will be HDD like.

 

[masplin]

So a SSD drive will use the same data and power connections as a HHD?

Just reading around on SSD and sounds like there used to be issues with drives slowing down over time and that "ATA-TRIM" was something that might reduce this issue. I wasn't clear what ATA-TRIM is and if it is already out? Are there any drives you would recommend for Win7 64-bit assuming it only needs ot be 60GB for OS and programs? I read Intel were way ahead last year, but you paid for the priveledge.

cheers Mike

 

[whs]

This would be my choice ( Newegg.com - OCZ Agility 2 OCZSSD2-2AGTE60G 2.5" 60GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) ) and it supports Trim which is important for the write speed. I have have both Intel and OCZ and prefer the OCZ.

Another option is this one ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227550&cm_re=ocz_ssd-_-20-227-550-_-Product ).

 

[linnemeyerhere]

masplin,
This would be my suggestion two items which will future proof your system and greatly increase your performance.
Asus Serial ATA Controllers at TigerDirect
and then:
Crucial CTFDDAC064MAG-1G1 RealSSD C300 2.5 Solid State Drive - 64GB, 2.5, SATA III, 6.0GBs at TigerDirect
64gb should handle you needs very well as it has mine. Cheers and which ever advice you select good luck with it's installation and keep us in the loop which ever way you go.

 

[whs]

masplin,
This would be my suggestion two items which will future proof your system and greatly increase your performance.
Asus Serial ATA Controllers at TigerDirect
and then:
Crucial CTFDDAC064MAG-1G1 RealSSD C300 2.5 Solid State Drive - 64GB, 2.5, SATA III, 6.0GBs at TigerDirect
64gb should handle you needs very well as it has mine. Cheers and which ever advice you select good luck with it's installation and keep us in the loop which ever way you go.

The Crucial is a nice option (fast reads) but the write speed is very slow.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Maybe I'm missing something wouldn't the read speeds be more important for a OS and app. drive? If it took me 30 minutes more to load everything to enjoy much faster read speeds I'd gladly give that up. But all in all there are lots of great drives out there and more coming down the pike everyday.

 

[whs]

Maybe I'm missing something wouldn't the read speeds be more important for a OS and app. drive? If it took me 30 minutes more to load everything to enjoy much faster read speeds I'd gladly give that up. But all in all there are lots of great drives out there and more coming down the pike everyday.

In principle you are right. But there are options that have fast read and write speeds. And if you check in Resource Monitor > Disc tab, you will find that the system does quite a few writes.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

whs,
You may be right. But man I'm so happy with this drive and it has actually learned it's way to a 7.7 WEI score. I've heard great things about Intel's and many other quality drives but I can't wait for what's coming soon. In a perfect world I'd have bought a Sata III, SLC, 256gb drive but that isn't going to happen anytime soon.
Cheers !

 

[karlsnooks]

Could I put my OS on a higher performance SSD and then all of my data on a 1TB hard drive that I'm using right now for both as a main hard drive. YES

Will i see a faster boot..faster loading of programs..etc???? YES

You will notice the improvement.

 

[masplin]

Hi whs. On the spec the only difference I can see on the OCZ drives is the Vertex has 50,000 IOPS vs 10,000 for Agility. Since I assume more is good why is the Aglity more expensive or that just a coincidence? Tks Mike

 

[dajogejr]

I just did exactly what you're talking about.
The week before I got an Imation 60GB M series drive and it had decent specs, but it was terrible.
I either had a bad drive or the specs were just that poor.

I got a Vertex 2 from OCZ Thursday night, couldn't be happier.

It's only a 60GB drive...encoding video to it is very fast, but...you can start running out of room real quick.

I use mine for only OS, Apps, and to write video to (I later move it to a 1TB NAS for storage...)

If you need it now, either the Agility, Vertex or Crucial are fine drives. Intel is a nice drive too.

I was told end of this year to beginning of next the Generation 2 drives are coming out, more space, less $ and better performance. All depends on your hurry..

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

 

[whs]

Hi whs. On the spec the only difference I can see on the OCZ drives is the Vertex has 50,000 IOPS vs 10,000 for Agility. Since I assume more is good why is the Aglity more expensive or that just a coincidence? Tks Mike

Mike, I am afraid I cannot answer your question on how they arrive at those prices. I suspect that it has to do with production cost and forecast.
I have worked for many years with product pricers. They have their own ways. E.g. if they are not convinced that your product forecast will hold, they throw in a hefty financial contingency which can be more than the actual product cost. Then you get a high number for cost+profit margin+contingency - and that divided by the forecast number determines the price. It really has nothing to do with the technical capabilities of the product.

 

[masplin]

So is the Vertex 2 "better" with 50,000 IOPS?