Need recommendations for SSD

[loneranger55]

As title states, I'm looking for recommendations for an SSD to install OS and program files. At the moment, using Intel SSD 520 120GB (only 111GB free for use), ran out of space. Other than Windows 7, big culprits of space use are games like World of Warcraft, Starcraft, Diablo, League of Legends, and productivity software like Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.

Right now, only left like 3GB of space, and WoW keep having new updates which add to the cache in the game folder. And Diablo 3 expansion coming out soon, so probably need more space as well.

Looking for a brand which is reliable, and a suitable capacity, hope some expert can advise accordingly, thanks!!

 

[Maverick_83]

I would recommend a Plextor M5 Pro for reliability. IMHO SSD benchmarks rarely (if ever) translates into real-world speed difference.

Modern games are disk space hogs. Have you ever considered re-installing your games into a separate HDD? eg. a WD Black 1/2/3/4 TB. If SSD is an absolute must then maybe get the SSD as a secondary drive for games only as I feel that your 120GB Intel 520 is already adequate enough for OS/programs.

 

[Hailgod]

buy the cheapest one u can find. now convergent got discount for kingston v300.

 

[wtfh4x]

You shouldn't really need to install your games on SSD. The only thing it speeds up are loading times. But if you insist, then yes get a 250GB SSD. Crucial M500, Samsung 840, maybe another Intel? Can get from amazon if you're feeling lucky.

 

[loneranger55]

Maverick_83: Thanks for the recommendation on the Plextor, I'll look into that. Any comments on the reliability of the batch of Intel SSDs? Btw, I'm using a normal HDD for all my other stuff/data (documents, movies, music, etc). I understand some games (in particular Blizzard games) cannot be installed anywhere other than the same drive that the OS is installed on, otherwise it doesn't work properly?

Hailgod: Thanks for the tipoff!!

wtfh4x: Well, as mentioned above, I heard about problematic games. Although, I don't mind paying for a slightly faster loading time though. Thinking of getting the new one from one of the shops in SLS. I guess 250GB is the next larger size after 120GB?

 

[Maverick_83]

Any comments on the reliability of the batch of Intel SSDs?

Were you referring to the 520 series or the current 530 series? The 520 series is rock-solid on desktops despite the reputation of SandForce controllers. The 530 is built similarly to the 520, with a updated (slightly) controller, fixed AES-256 encryption and built on the 20nm process. It should be equally reliable, but it's still too new in the market for most of us to judge.

Btw, I'm using a normal HDD for all my other stuff/data (documents, movies, music, etc). I understand some games (in particular Blizzard games) cannot be installed anywhere other than the same drive that the OS is installed on, otherwise it doesn't work properly?

That's news to me! I've never had any problems installing games on separate drives from the OS, and this applies to games made as far back in the early 2000s (games from the Win 95 era is another story though). My StarCraft II was installed on D: whilst in XP, and Windows 8 is able to share the same installation without issues even though it sees the same drive as E:.

 

[loneranger55]

Maverick_83: Oops, my bad, I meant to ask "Any comments on the reliability of the current batch of Intel SSDs?" Must be brain shutting down at night. Yeah, I agree, the Intel 520 I am currently using has not given me any trouble yet, quite pleased with it, but I vaguely remember seeing in this forum that some users complain/comment that it has some inherent problems, so was wondering if it was serious enough to make me consider going back to Intel.

As for the installation in a different drive, maybe you're right. Hmm...

danielluo: Agreed, the 520 series seems reliable. Is the Samsung 840 the latest? I'll probably check out the price and consider if the price difference is worth it.