Replacing my Agility 2 ... Suggestions?

[ControlD]

I am tired of dealing with the constant need to secure erase my Agility 2 every few months when it decides to stop working and I am looking to replace it with another SSD. I would like a 120gb drive. I can live with something that isn't the fastest drive around but reliability is a must. So far the Intel 320, Crucial M4 and Samsung 830 look like good choices. Any thoughts on the most reliable among those three or perhaps something else I have overlooked?

 

[nanaki333]

intel 520 if you want the fastest. m4 if you want the best bang for the buck.

 

[Coup27]

Firstly there is no logic in not getting a SATA 6Gbps drive. Even if you don't have 6Gbps on your motherboard now, it future proofs you for when you next upgrade.

With that in mind, the Intel 520, Samsung 830 and Crucial m4 will all provide you with a reliable solid performing drive with good support from the vendor and a sensible firmware upgrade method. Unfortunately I rule out OCZ's Octane due to the lack of sensible upgrade method (unless their Linux updater has finally been released).

Due to the rather small price difference, I would get an 830 or 520. The m4 shows its age a little bit now against these two and both of these come with polished toolbox programs.

 

[smakme7757]

I'm considering a 240GB Intel 520 as an upgrade from my 1st gen Corsair Force drive for my desktop.

That will move me from SATA 2(3Gbp/s) to SATA 3 (6Gbp/s) as well as giving me a much more reliable and faster drive.

My Intel 320 in my laptop is just wonderful, no problems at all. From what I've read Intel have stamped out the bugs in the Sandforce controller that's used in the 520 series, so reliability is of an Intel standard despite it not being an Intel controller.

I'd definitely consider a 520 if you have the cash!

 

[birthdaymonkey]

I replaced a Mushkin Callisto 60GB sandforce drive (very similar to your Agility 2) with an M4 128GB and there was a noticeable performance increase. As some have mentioned, the M4 is getting a bit long in the tooth, but it still boasts excellent read speeds, and I got mine for $145. I've seen the Intel 520 120GB going for as little as $160 lately, however... if I hadn't already bought the M4 I probably would have jumped on that.

 

[Charlie98]

There is also the Plextor M3... that's at the top of my wish list...

 

[Puffnstuff]

Newegg has the samsung 830 128gb for 169 with a $30 instant rebate on it right now.

 

[ControlD]

Thanks everyone for the information. All things considered, $139 for the Samsung seems like too good of a deal to pass up. I just got my fourth F4 blue screen in the last 15 minutes so I think the decision has been made!

 

[Coup27]

The Samsung's solid. You can't really fault Intel and Samsung charging a bit more.

Just download the latest firmware from the Samsung website (CXM03B1Q), burn or make a USB stick with the ISO and flash before imaging or installing Windows and you'll be set. It also comes with a free full version of Norton Ghost 15 which is not to be sniffed at.