Please recommend an SSD

SarelSeemonster

SarelSeemonster

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Dear hardware aficionados,

My poor old E8400 Core2Duo doesn't gel very well with Planetside 2 and a few other mostly CPU-bound games, so I've decided to upgrade to:

I'd like to add an SSD drive to this and would appreciate some recommendations as I'm not really up to date on the tech.

I want to install Win7 on the SSD and perhaps some of the more-demanding games if there's enough space. Right now I have my OS and installed programs all fitting (albeit just barely) on a 40GB SATA drive partition so I think a 128GB SSD should be enough for my purposes. I don't want to spend any more than around R1,500.

I've had my eye on this one:

www.wootware.co.za/ocz-agt4-25sat3-128g-agility-4-128gb-sata-iii-2-5-solid-state-drive.html

I'd appreciate any opinions.
 
The OCZ Vertex 4 128GB. Esquire have it for R1367 incl VAT. Register with them for a COD account for mybroadband members.
 
I have four OCZ Vertex 4 ssd drives installed on different systems.
They are superb.
Don't go for the Agility series.
There is a new OCZ Vector series just released too - it is a top end ssd and a 128gb version should cost around R1400/R1500.
 
Do not get a SSD that use async momery chips. IMHO either go with vertex 4 or corsair GT.
 
According to Anandtech the Samsung 840 Pro is the best available at the moment, but I don't think any local shops stock it.
 
Pr⊕phet said:
Do not get a SSD that use async momery chips.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this. Just a note (mostly for myself so I don't forget):

The OCZ Vector apparently uses 25nm ONFI synchronous MLC NAND flash. So that's cool...I think? :p

Heh, I feel like such a n00b when it comes to current hardware trends. Every 3-odd years when I do a major upgrade I first have to learn a zillion new acronyms. Luckily I enjoy reading up on cutting edge hardware :)
 
SarelSeemonster said:
Here's one at ExpanSys (dunno them tho) for R2,234, and it has a 5-years warranty just like the OCZ Vector. Just a bit pricey, unfortunately.
Click to expand...


ocz vector is much better value than the samsung 840. performance wise they are neck and neck with each other.
if u dont go for the ocz vector then the ocz vertex 4 is a very good compromise.
 
NAG - Wesley said:
Also consider Intel's 330 180GB drive. Its right in your price range, offers more storage and good performance and works with Intel's SSD Toolbox.
Click to expand...

I've seen a number of people in reputable forums (AnandTech, Tom's Hardware etc.) complain about unacceptably high failure rates with the OCZ drives (see here, for example). They're apparently still pretty new to the game and they also have some cash flow problems at the moment, so I'm a bit wary of that. It's no use having a 5 year warranty on a product if the company might no longer be around to honor it in that time.

Most people seem to think that Crucial, Intel or Samsung are the better alternatives, at least when it comes to reliability and longevity. I also like the idea of Intel's SSD Toolbox which can potentially provide an early warning about a drive's impending failure. I won't be using the SSD to store any data obviously, so when the unthinkable happens I'll simply reload the OS. However, I work from home and this PC will also function as a workstation, and if there's any chance I can avoid unplanned downtime due to drive failure that'll be a big plus for me.

I'd rather loose a little performance in exchange for the added reliability and peace of mind. Apart from performance, are there any other redeeming qualities that the OCZ drives have over Intel (or Crucial/Samsung)?
 
Decided to go with a Crucial M4 CT128M4SSD2 2.5 128GB SATA 3 SSD - R1,225 incl at Wootware. This is also the one they claim to have had the most positive feedback and the least reported problems/returns.
 
SarelSeemonster said:
Here's one at ExpanSys (dunno them tho) for R2,234, and it has a 5-years warranty just like the OCZ Vector. Just a bit pricey, unfortunately.
Click to expand...

Buy from ExpanSys at your own peril, myself and many others have had bad experiences.

I picked up the OCX Vertex 4 a few months ago. Very happy with it, and a huuuge improvement over a standard HDD. I am a bit concerned about reliability, but no issues as of yet.
 
How would you guys compare the Transcend TS512GSSD720 against the Corsair Force GS Series 360GB? I'm inclined to get the Transcend, cos they're similarly priced and it has slightly better specs.
 
I had a Vertex 2 120GB in my notebook that just died. Discovered later that the Vertex 2 range had some issues. Mates also died.
It was replaced with a Vertex 3 by the supplier and that has been rock solid.

I recently built a new desktop and got a Vertex 4 256GB for the primary drive. Now this thing rocks. Drive works HARD and is a solid performer.
 
Yeah been running a 120gb vertex 3 for the last 12 months or so and touchwood its been solid.
 
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