SSD Drives

Hi everyone!
I’ve been thinking about purchasing a SSD to be my main HD. I don’t really know much about them other then they are faster then regular harddrives.
I am looking to spend about $100 (maybe a bit more) on one. The size of the drive doesn’t really matter to me because I will really only have the OS and the main games that I play on it. I would be willing to buy one from amazon.ca, newegg or even from a local store (futureshop/bestbuy).
Can anybody recommend a good drive in my price range? I’ve searched on those sites and have read mixed reviews and wasn’t really sure.
Thanks!
Answer #1
Check the SATA port speed supported by your motherboard because it could restrict the speed if it isn’t SATA 3.
Crucial M4 64GB is $100
http://www.crucial.com/store/partspecs.aspx?imodule=CT064M4SSD2
Answer #2
I have an Asus M4A89GTD Pro/USB3 .. Appears to have SATA3, correct me if im wrong?
Answer #3
The 64GB drives are slower than the larger 128/120GB models for all manufacturer’s and 64GB might not provide a lot of space for large games. It could get quite cramped. However, the crucial 128GB M4 ssd’s are a lot more expensive@$180.
It does look like all your SATA are 6Gb/s apart from the eSATA.
Answer #4
I really would only play 2 games on it. So 64gb would be enough. The brand you recommend is crucial?
Answer #5
They are pretty good drives and without any problems when using the latest firmware. Anything with a Sandforce 2200 series controller is best avoided IMO. Even with supposed firmware fixes, some people are still experiencing problems with them, including BSOD’s.
The crucial drives are free of such problems because they don’t use the sandforce controller.
Don’t be fooled by the high transfer rates that sandforce 2281 SSD drives claim. The controller compresses data which is why the numbers can be high but in real world situations the real transfer rates are much lower because most data cannot be compressed.
By the way, you will need a 2.5″ to 3.5″ mounting bracket if you wish to use a SSD drive in a desktop PC because they are smaller. Crucial do sell the drive with a bracket although you might be able to find one for less.
There are a great deal of different SSD drives available. Quite a few use sandforce controllers of one variety or another and it’s only the one which caused some problems.
Answer #6
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD_AM3/M4A89GTD_PROUSB3/#specifications
Answer #7
AND after you make your choice and install the drive , make sure you set the SATA mode in your BIOS to AHCI. SSDs really benefit from that change!
And after you get the drive up and running and install Windows to it (I suppose windows 7) there are a few “things” that you will have to make sure you check and/or change in Windows 7 that will make your drive last longer and add a little bit more speed.
I recently did it myself and got my information from this site.
This a testing site and I recommend you read the whole article from the beginning, they give a whole lot of information about the ssd technology in general!!
http://www.guru3d.com/article/intel-series-520-240gb-ssd-review/6
Answer #8
The M4’s Mighty_marvel have recommended are about the best bang for buck at the moment.
Here’s some info about setting up SSD’s
http://thessdreview.com/ssd-guides/optimization-guides/the-ssd-optimization-guide-2/
Answer #9
thanks for all the suggestions and help guys.. I’m going to keep researching..