SSD shopping

Hi chaps, me AGAIN

So, as some might know, after a whole load of documented problems all over the place, ive a new system (more or less) and a dying HDD, of which, i was advised a while back to get an SSD purely for the OS, and for speed - and to keep my data on HDDS. My question is, what is the minimum size require for an OS? Also, what SSD makes or sizes are a good choice?

I really have no experience with SSDs. (other than small media players?)

Any info would be much appreciated, thanks in advance.

I asked that size question myself a few weeks back. Looking it up again the consensus seemed to be you'd need around 50 gig HDD for the O/S.
You might get by with a bit less but that was the figure bandied about.

SSD prices skyrocket with size from what I've seen so probably around a 60 Gig drive might be all you want to pay out for.

From what I've been reading in PC mags buying a SSD is still a bit of a hit and miss deal. Some brands tested well on their previous model and not so good on the current offerings, other brands had a good model in one size but their other sizes not so good.
Th Intel X25-M & Kingston SSDNOW V+ Series tested well in July this year.

SSD use either Single-Level Cell (SLC) or Multi-Level Cell (MLC). SLC technology is supposed to be faster with a longer life but more expensive for a given capacity.
MLC dirves are less costly but slower and with a (relatively) shorter life.

It seems to be a given at the moment that you cannot expect the same life out of a SSD as you would from a quality conventional drive.

You need to find a SSD that supports TRIM which enables the drive to erase leftover data and helps keep the performance up.
The other thing to look for in a SSD drive is the type of controller it uses. Word is that Sandforce and Indilinx are the ones to go for.

The Intel drive I mentioned earlier dropped back to an overall 6/10 in August testing from it's 5 star rating in July. The Kingston is a 7/10 but noted was poor performance for price. Top scoring drive in July was a Patriot Inferno which scored 9/10 in August test but it was noted the previous models showed poor reliability.

My opinion FWIW is to hold off a bit longer on getting a SSD and instead get a SATA 3 conventional drive or something like a WD Velociraptor.

I agree with Mychael. When I finally choose a drive, 40GB or larger will be what I decide on.

Until the prices of SSD's drop down to about 1GB per dollar level, I am happy with the performance of a 15GB per dollar mechanical drive.

If you want to get a really good KICKA** SSD check out this Mushkin Calisto Deluxe 60GB SSD. Newegg has it for $159.00 with Free Shipping! It's specs are superb! The 60 GB is more than adequate for your OS and other programs.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820226151

Performance Max Shock Resistance 1500G
Max Vibration Resistance 20G Peak, 10-20kHz, 3 axis
Sequential Access - Read up to 285MB/s
Sequential Access - Write up to 275MB/s
MTBF 2,000,000 hours
Manufacturer Warranty: Parts 3 years limited, Labor 3 years limited
It uses the Sandforce SF-1200 controller. It also has 50,000 IOPS !!

Just remember to enable the AHCI in your BIOS to activate the NCQ for the SSD. A clean install is a must for an SSD drive too.

@ C_C I think full UFO disclosure will happen before you see that pricing! LOL!

unfortunately, as much as i love newegg for their ridiculous pricing, they dont ship internationally.

On your advice mychael, ive just bought a 300gb velociraptor. will eagerly await its arrival, and then go though the whole process of reinstall everything again. and probably phoning up microsoft to sort out my activation...again.

thanks to you guys for the help

You should be happy with the Velociraptor. I've been using them and intend to get them again. They perform very well. Not the quietest of drives but very fast and reliable.
Make sure you have good case ventilation as they do run a bit warmer then some drives.

No need for that. Use Clonezilla to make a 1:1 copy from the old drive to the new. Set the new drive as the first boot device in bios. Easy, done.

Ah, yeah. I don't particularly agree with the word "must", but I'd say this is actually very solid advice.

I retract my last post. heh heh