Another which SSD question

[Spidey1978]

So, I was fairly set on getting a 256gb Vertex 4 SSD but I do notice there are other (possibly equally as good) SSDs for a little bit less Samsung 840 for £30 less Crucial M4 for £20 - am I going to see the difference between any of these in real life or just when benchmarking? In which case should I just go for the cheapest? Or spend a little extra on the 840pro or OCZ vector?

Any personal expereinces with any of these drives I would love to hear

[DennisMenace]

Real-world performance with any Sata3 (6gbps) SSD should be more than adequate, and varies little between decent brands. Price varies more, as does reliability/endurance, which was the first factor for me when I got a 256gb Samsung 830 (these have been endurance-tested for over 6pb of writes - yes that's 6+ petabytes or 6,000+ terabytes! At my current usage that should last me 1,000+ years!!). NAND endurance shouldn't be a problem with new SSDs (although the 840's TLC NAND has much lower endurance - I'd go for the 840 PRO) so reliability and price are the next major factors - I'm not ignoring performance, but it's not an issue for most enthusiasts/gamers, only benchmarkers.

Intel, Samsung and Crucial all have good records for reliability and compatability (OCZ less so, but they're getting better now they've moved away from Sandforce controllers). Ideally get a 5 year warranty, eg Intel 520, Samsung 840 PRO etc, and keep an eye out for bargains.

[Spidey1978]

keep an eye out for bargains.

I think this is going to be the deciding factor. Any bargains over the next couple of weeks will probably see me buying that drive.

Thanks your speedy reply.

[Montala]

Rather than start a new thread, I will append my question here, as it is relevant!

Do members have any preference for Sandforce or Marvell controllers on mSATA SSD's?

I know there have been a few adverse comments about the former recently by I would hope that a BIOS update would help out that sort of thing... and they do appear to have faster access times also.

[HalloweenJack]

personally I choose marvell - as do OCZ for the latest kit they sell (except the vector wich is now using the inhouse controller)

[Montala]

Thanks, but OCZ are now showing their mSATA models as EOL (end of life), and don't seem to have a replacement for them yet.

I believe that Intel are using Sandforce in their latest 525 series, which aren't actually on sale yet, but have been sent out to quite a few reviewers with their NUC kits.

[RhinoUK]

Intel use sandforce in the 520s as well without any issue but they do write the firmware themselves which might be why they dont have an issue when others have.

[insomnia84]

Crucial i would go for.