Topic: SSD vs HDD - OS vs Storage

[runonce]

Looking at some of the 30GB models of SDD. It sounds like some of the early troubles with this tech have been resolved.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227393

But - Big capacity HDD are still wildly cheap...

I like the idea of a smallish SSD, with big capacity HDD storage. You could easily have a multiboot OS with all the requisite programs. And room to spare.

What I notice is, lots of 2.5 models and very few 3.5s. I wonder if the trend will be toward the smaller form?
Can you use a 2.5 in desktop build? I see no need for a bigger form factor when 30GB can give you all the room you need for OSes.

I also see some PCI based SSD. That is also intriguing. Even 16GB would hold 2 OSes.

Want to examine low power solutions also - If I can get away from 400 watt power supplies, that would be great.

I need to consolidate my collection. So I will be buying some big drives. But in a new build with SSD for OS looks great.

Any thoughts?

[runonce]

Slashdot discussion

http://hardware.slashdot.org/story/10/03/23/1647239/SSD-Price-Drops-Signaling-End-of-Spinning-Media

[Shadow_7]

SSD has a few pros, but I wouldn't use it for an OS outside of some embedded system.  A lot of OS's have logging and virtual ram type abilities that would simply chew up the read/write life of an SSD.  If you need something with low power usage and low noise, it's a good choice.  Just know that it's not going to last if you use it for anything more than archival media, or read only boot drive (can't be done with some OS's).  And with HDD's being so cheap now.  Why spend $100 on 30GB, when you can get 1TB+ for the same cash?  For a laptop hardmounted to an offroad vehicle, perhaps a good choice.  For that editing machine for HD video and audio, not a good choice.

[kindms]

I picked up a ocz 60GB HDD 2 days ago at newegg for $160.00 + a $40.00 mail in rebate. I installed windows vista ultimate on it 32bit.

It is replacing the 1TB SATAII drive that was my main system drive.

This is now in my HTPC if you can really call it that. I have building and rebuilding the same conceptual computer for a few years now. It started out as a p4 in a few different flavors and then i finally dropped a dual core in it a few years ago. I just added the new SSD HDD and replaced a few fans with much quieter ones. I added some dampening materials as well.

I will say this about the SSD. it is CRAZY fast. I haven't seen something like this kind of performance boost in a really long time. I did all the case work, reinstalled windows (while watching the hockey game / between beers) bios updates, chipsets, drivers etc etc and it was done before the hockey game was over.

I did it to basically remove another point of noise under the hood (the pc sits in my audio / tv stand) and to play with some new toys. All of my audio etc is currently being off loaded to the NAS I am building from an old p4. I picked u 2 1TB drives and will throw the 1TB system drive in it for added storage etc.

Windows vista and windows 7 can properly format the SSD without the need to pre-format etc. Windows 7 has the built in tools to manage the disk cleanup. Windows vista requires a program which can be downloaded from ocz.

[Red Boink]

They're fast at first, but with a an os that has lots of calls, it will clog up and slow down.  you can't defrag ssd.  At least that's my understanding, I'm not using any for that reason... much rather put in a raptor.

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

They're fast at first, but with a an os that has lots of calls, it will clog up and slow down.  you can't defrag ssd.  At least that's my understanding, I'm not using any for that reason... much rather put in a raptor.

You are correct. You can not defrag a SSD drive, but you can use TRIM. TRIM is available on Windows 7 and some versions of Linux. Here is a good explanation of how it works:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRIM_%28SSD_command%29

I'm still looking into adding a SSD drive to my system. It's looking much more promising at this time...but sometimes I like to wait a little longer to make sure they have all the bugs worked out, and the price comes down a bit. Prices seem to vary widely. I'm not sure what the difference is between a $150 drive and a $700 drive.

[runonce]

Note todays Shell Shocker at newegg - 40GB intel for $98

http://www.newegg.com/Special/ShellShocker.aspx?cm_sp=ShellShocker-_-20-167-025-_-04012010

[dactylus]

I'm considering adding a SSD to my system - have things changed dramatically in the past 6 months with the SSD's?

I'm considering this drive:

Kingston SSDNow V Series 128 GB SATA 3 GB/s 2.5- Inch Solid State Drive with Desktop Upgrade Kit Bundle SNV425-S2BD/128GB

http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-Desktop-Upgrade-SNV425-S2BD-128GB/dp/B00378KHVE/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1A6BYBTRTBSE3&colid=3G4T29XAI8RGS

[OFOTD]

What OS are you running?

[dactylus]

^
I will be running Win 7 on the system where I'm considering adding the SSD.

[OFOTD]

It's good deal $$$/size for a SSD but the Kingston's are all noticeably slower than comparable priced drives.   Actually they are almost 1/3rd slower than most of the newer drives at that price/performance range.     

Take a look at this A-DATA drive: http://www.amazon.com/ADATA-Sandforce-2-5-Inch-Internal-AS599S-128GM-C/dp/B003UEQW6E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1286908938&sr=8-3

Much better specs as well as this drive getting several high reviews from online pubs/review sites.

[Chilly Brioschi]

On Diskeeper's HyperFast SSD Defrag:

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/diskeeper-ssd-defrag,6848.html

[tim in jersey]

Or you could get 24 SSDs...

http://www.wimp.com/samsungssds/

[rastasean]

^ wicked

[fleish]

^ wicked

'Cept for the windows part

[George]

^ wicked

'Cept for the windows part

Hater.

I have a SSD 64GB Kingston...it BSOD on me after a month and I received a replacement.  I'll admit I'm hesitant to reinstall it, but I'll give it another go this weekend probably.  The biggest change I saw using it was Windows 7 64 bit loading up in 20 seconds versus 45 seconds for my SATA 3 6gb HDD. 

[mmedley.]

I have been running the 40GB Intel "value" drive linked above since April or so in both my desktop and laptop. They have been rock solid drives and fast as all get out. I love them and will NEVER go back to a non-SSD drive for my OS drive. I have had no problems whatsoever with either drive. Both are running Windows 7 Ultimate. These drives have estimated MTBF lives lasting WAY longer than most other drives.

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

I have been running my SSD for several months now and love it. I got this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227394

I am running my OS (Win 7 x64 Ultimate) w/ programs installed on the SSD.

I have the Swapfile on a second standard drive (partitioned so the Swapfile is at the BEGINNING of the drive). Also the USER folder (documents and settings) are also on the standard drive.

This keeps the writes to the SSD low. By placing the Swapfile at the beginning of the standard drive, increases speed. Keeping files on the standard drive allows me to reinstall Windows without backing up the files (although they are backed up on another drive as well).

The SSD is EASILY the best thing I've ever done to increase performance of my computer. Startup times have been cut in half (or better). Programs open WAY faster.

The cost has really come down. If you've got the bug to upgrade something it's the best bang for your buck (IMO).

If you're not running Windows 7, I would suggest upgrading as well since it supports TRIM.

[Shadow_7]

I have the Swapfile on a second standard drive (partitioned so the Swapfile is at the BEGINNING of the drive). Also the USER folder (documents and settings) are also on the standard drive.

This keeps the writes to the SSD low. By placing the Swapfile at the beginning of the standard drive, increases speed. Keeping files on the standard drive allows me to reinstall Windows without backing up the files (although they are backed up on another drive as well).

Different strokes for different folks.  Not that it matters with solid state, but with spinning platters, you should have the swap file in the middle.  So the read head is at worst 1/2 the total swing arm length away.  There's also merit to putting it at the end in case the drive partially fails, you might still be able to use the front of the drive.  Not that you'd want to.  At least not for anything important.  If you mess up the front of it, the drive is pretty much toast for any purpose.

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

I have the Swapfile on a second standard drive (partitioned so the Swapfile is at the BEGINNING of the drive). Also the USER folder (documents and settings) are also on the standard drive.

This keeps the writes to the SSD low. By placing the Swapfile at the beginning of the standard drive, increases speed. Keeping files on the standard drive allows me to reinstall Windows without backing up the files (although they are backed up on another drive as well).

Different strokes for different folks.  Not that it matters with solid state, but with spinning platters, you should have the swap file in the middle.  So the read head is at worst 1/2 the total swing arm length away.  There's also merit to putting it at the end in case the drive partially fails, you might still be able to use the front of the drive.  Not that you'd want to.  At least not for anything important.  If you mess up the front of it, the drive is pretty much toast for any purpose.

I was under the impression that if the heads were parked it would be faster to get to the beginning of the drive. I guess if the drive is working all the time the middle would be better.

Makes sense though. Thanks.