SSD Overview and Hunt

[Pic0o]

I'm looking around at SSDs, since I'd like to run one shortly after I get the new build going. I do know that TRIM support is a requirement, so the drive doesn't go to poor speeds over a fairly rapid time.

Starting out, don't forget to install the Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) drivers.

Checking out this Intel 520 SSD review, I see some comparable performance drives for about half the price. It also appears that the SandForce controllers are mad nice and fast.

So far, I like the 'Corsair Force Series GT CSSD-F90GBGT-BK 90GB SATA III SSD', as it can be had for about $140. It performs pretty close to the Intel that goes for nearly double, so that is quite my speed.

For testing, the following seem to be fairly commonplace.

[*]AIDA64 [*]ATTO [*]CrystalDiskMark [*]HDTune [*]SiSoft Sandra

Hit me up with some infos on your controller and advisement on a drive.

Here is a SSD settings tweak guide. Handy for eliminating the fluff.
An extra guide can be found here

 

I originally got 2x Corsair Force 3 90GB SSDs for my current rig. Within the last week, one of the drives is kicking up SMART error 0. The only actual error indications I have seen so far, are a cursor lockup on windows login for a second. Preparing to split the array anyway, since I considered it for some time.

Edited September 19, 2013 by Pic0o
Update on SSDs

[Pic0o]

For anyone thinking about a SSD, NewEgg has a 20% off promo running. (Code: SA20MAR) I grabbed a SAMSUNG 840 Pro Series MZ-7PD256BW to complement my Corsair Force GT 90GB xRAID0 drives. Scored this 840 Pro drive for just over $200 shipped, saved $50 from the promo.

Looking forward to not being in such need to clean up the 167GB array so often.