Based on my needs, what SSD should I get?

[Jbandy10]

Now bear with me here, because I'm not an SSD expert...and if I was I wouldn't be asking you guys. But I'll try to explain what my needs are here.

-I only need 30-50gb of space because the only thing I'm putting on the SSD is my OS and a few select programs. (CS5, Vegas, Cubase 5) Everything else like games and files will be going on my HDD. (A Caviar Black).

-I could really care less about write times I suppose. I won't be taking much ON or OFF the drive. Once I have the OS and such installed, the SSD will be left alone.

-Now what I DO need is for it to launch programs and boot quickly. So I guess that means I need an SSD with a fast access time? You tell me.

So to sum up, I'm simply installing Win 7 and a small handful of programs on it. And I'm in search of quick boots and quick program starts/load times.

Thanks all

 

[flamenko]

Intel X-25 is ideal for your needs and the price is right aty the present time. If you have cash to spare, I would find a drive with the Sandforce controller but from what u have described...Intel

 

[Emulex]

x25-v
x25-m

both read just about as fast - i have CS5 as my default jpg handler. it is that fast.

buy the x25-m if you can - larger the faster. they underrate the x25-V every single one i've bought is 90-100% as fast as an 80gb X25-M in read i/o - only 50% slower in write.

 

[Jbandy10]

I definitely can't afford the M series but the V is in my range.

 

[Emulex]

you will be surprised at read speeds on the V. Write not so much but most people do 98% read and 2% write - otherwise MLC drives wouldn't last too long.

as i said i put a x25-v on an old p4-2.8 HT boxen and it outruns a new p5400 with hard disk (seagate 7200.12 250gb) in many applications that are business oriented.

 

[Jbandy10]

Like I said, there will be little to no writing after I install WIN 7 and my apps. This is strictly a read drive.

 

[Emulex]

then purchase it man.

 

[kevinqian]

games would benefit a lot too on an ssd since all the loading come from the drive. So if that's a concern, figure how much space you will need.

 

[flamenko]

Games are only improved in loading the software and scenes and the SSD does not increase your FPS rate. This is entirely the result of the CPU.

There are many great Youtube vids that help out though.

 

[Jbandy10]

I don't play my games often enough to justify that.

Wasting 8gb of space for say, Crysis is pointless when I only play it like once a week or so.

On the other hand, I use Cubase and CS5 about every other day. So they definitely justify an SSD install.

I think I'll buy the X25v. If 40gb runs out too quickly, I'll simply buy another and run them in Raid0.