An advice about a SSD setup on two computers

[Yurassik]

Hi everyone,
this is my first post here, I don't know if there was any special "place" where to do presentation.
And, of course, forgive me my bad english.

I have a huge doubt about which setup make on two machines I own, very different in purposes.

First machine is my home one with this configuration at moment

Motherboard: GA-MA790GPT-UD3H
CPU: Phenom II X6 1055
RAM: 12 Gbyte OCZ Golden series
HD x OS: Intel X-25M 2G
HD X Data: Seagate 2 Terabyte
Video: Radeon HD5870 1 Gbyte
BR Writer and DVD Writer

Second Machine is server where I work with following configuration

Motherboard: M4A79T Deluxe
CPU: Phenom II X4
RAM: 4 Gbyte Kingston ECC
HD x OS: OCZ Agility 120 Gbyte
HD x Data: Seagate 1 Terabyte
HD x Backup: Seagate 1 Terabyte
Video: Geforce 9800 pro
DVD Writer

I own a new brand OCZ Vertex 2, gifted by OCZ.

Purpose of my home pc is generally basic, plus games and photoshop.
Purpose of server is to host a program based on a huge SQL database (Circa 1 Gbyte) to which connect 3-4 clients, plus it works as office PC for regular Office/Mail/small Graphic use.

Which is the best setup for both machines? I was tempted by buy another OCZ 80 Gbyte and make a RAID, but where it would be more effective, in my home PC or in my Server?
And there is a huge difference between a Raid of 2 Vertex2 and a Revodrive?

Thanks to everybody.

 

[alaricljs]

Well, first I'd check if you got the 34nm or the 25nm Vertex 2. I have one of each (damnit) and the "older" 34nm is the faster one. I have it in my server and although the DB on it is small it's also got web server and email server in a VM and 2 other VMs for personal use. I have the 25nm in my laptop and while it is noticeably slower it is still quite fast compared to the HDD.

I will never purchase an OCZ product again after their unacceptable choice to change hardware without changing model numbers.

My honest opinion is get rid of the Vertex 2 on ebay. What you're already running is as good or better in comparison. If you really want to replace one of your SSDs sell the Agility and get another Intel.

 

[alaricljs]

On second thought don't check which version of the Vertex 2 you have. Leave it sealed and sell it on ebay, might get more money that way.

 

[PowerYoga]

Since the OCZ is free, sell it and get a better SSD like the intel.

 

[Yurassik]

Well it was actually my first pick, but then I saw comparision between Vertex 2 and Intel X-25M G2 on anandtech I started to consider to keep the Vertex Drive and give away the Agility one.

Other solution would be to give away Agility and Vertex, switch the intel on server and buy a revo

 

[alaricljs]

Poke around the storage forum some more. Then make up your own mind about the craptacular company that OCZ is. That comparison article you read may not be valid for the drive you have since OCZ has changed the internals of the Vertex 2 drives without changing the model number. 25nm Vertex 2s are no where near as fast as the 34nm Vertex 2s.

You want a fast SF based drive look at g.skill.

 

[Yurassik]

Well I don't really like OCZ for other reasons, read 5 sticks of faulty ram over 8 I bought and a SSD Drive dead just one month later end of warranty, and that's is actually the reason why I own this new Vertex 2.
About comparision, I just followed the anandtech benchmarks:

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/126?vs=152

And I was quite astonished, since I thought that Intel is way better than OCZ.

 

[alaricljs]

Well, Intel is way better than OCZ but for other reasons like reliability (as a company).

The Vertex 2's that you are viewing in that benchmark are the 34nm version which as far as "we" have been able to tell is no longer available (reliably) in the retail channel. OCZ says if you want the 34nm drive, buy the current model and if you aren't lucky enough to randomly get the 34n then you can PAY OCZ to trade in for the 34nm.

If you want the same performance as you see in that bench then go with the g.skill Phoenix Pro.

 

[Yurassik]

Well I always have been tempted by a SLC SSD, but prices are still too high, even if I can say that I am an enthusiast user.

I was just tempted by those REVO drive, but I was reading on the forum that are not much worth than a sinlge SSD SLC drive.

Thank You very much for the advice.

 

[PowerYoga]

Well, one good reason is Intel doesn't do a bait and switch. Or hasn't yet.