SSD and gaming

[Dorkenstein]

Does anyone here run games off an SSD drive? I am curious if it would be better to get the more expensive but smaller X-25 or to get a slower but bigger and cheaper OCZ drive. Any thoughts?

 

[aka1nas]

I am running one of the new GSkill Titans, and games seem to be fine on it. You should wait for the Vertex series, or one of the other drives that does not use a Jmicron controller, though(even the dual controller models like the OCZ Apex and my Titan can still stutter).

 

[Dorkenstein]

Thanks for the reply. Would a 120gb Vertex be enough space (hopefully) for Vista 64 and my most demanding games? Still in the planning stages of this upgrade.

 

[aka1nas]

I am able to fit a well-used Vista install + apps + games on my 128GB drive. Might still want another drive for bulk data storage, though.

 

[taltamir]

the intel drives just dropped in price from 600$ to 400$... most likely in response to the titan... they might drop again when the vertex series hit... its really up to you, are you willing to spend this sort of money for something that will lose its value so fast...

 

[n7]

I have put selected games on my SSD.

Load times are glorious.

I always load into maps well before anyone else in L4D.
Heck, i did before on my Raptor, but it's even faster now.

I haven't really tested single player games, since well, i don't really play single player games.

 

[Dorkenstein]

Originally posted by: taltamir
the intel drives just dropped in price from 600$ to 400$... most likely in response to the titan... they might drop again when the vertex series hit... its really up to you, are you willing to spend this sort of money for something that will lose its value so fast...

That's a good point, but then again, how long should I wait before the drive I want is no longer worth buying? Hmm.

 

[taltamir]

well, the intel X25M took 4 months before it had its prices slashed by 33%... and the next one is coming really fast, presumably when the vertex arrives. (if the vertex delivers)

 

[cm123]

Originally posted by: n7
I have put selected games on my SSD.

Load times are glorious.

I always load into maps well before anyone else in L4D.
Heck, i did before on my Raptor, but it's even faster now.

I haven't really tested single player games, since well, i don't really play single player games.

What SSD drive you have?

Intel X25-M drives I've seen reviews putting them slightly slower than VelociRaptor - however see posts from time to time where saying SSD much faster or smooth...

I've been on the fence of getting one since would rather not go backwards in performace over VRaptor if its slower - the X25-E is just too small for me, need at least the 80GB...

 

[IntelUser2000]

What SSD drive you have? Intel X25-M drives I've seen reviews putting them slightly slower than VelociRaptor - however see posts from time to time where saying SSD much faster or smooth... I've been on the fence of getting one since would rather not go backwards in performace over VRaptor if its slower - the X25-E is just too small for me, need at least the 80GB...

Think of why you are getting an SSD drive though. What Intel drives have an advantage is in actual transfers and IOPS in servers. But regular PC users really don't take advantage of the transfer rates and such. Once you get a drive that goes around the so-called "stuttering" they probably wouldn't spend single cent over the ones they have. All they need is the response times.

well, the intel X25M took 4 months before it had its prices slashed by 33%... and the next one is coming really fast, presumably when the vertex arrives. (if the vertex delivers)

Next Intel drive is probably end of the year with the 34nm devices. I doubt we'll see a new one soon.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: n7
I always load into maps well before anyone else in L4D.
Heck, i did before on my Raptor, but it's even faster now.

So, how useful is that to actual game play? In COD4 I'm usually the first one in, but there's a timer before match starts. Only really really slow setups get in after the timer expires.

 

[taltamir]

Originally posted by: IntelUser2000

well, the intel X25M took 4 months before it had its prices slashed by 33%... and the next one is coming really fast, presumably when the vertex arrives. (if the vertex delivers)

Next Intel drive is probably end of the year with the 34nm devices. I doubt we'll see a new one soon.

Intel does not cut prices in response to intel releasing a new and better product, they just price the new and better product in the sky...

Intel cuts prices in response to COMPETITORS Releasing a new and better product.

 

[cm123]

Interesting how some people find SSD so fast, and others no - like the reviews, seems you can find them that support whatever cause it is you take, V-rapotor is faster here and there, another has it beat, others yet have Raid 0 v-raptor (2 drives) getting beat by 1 X25-M, yet other reviews say why not go SAS over SSD, less cost, as fast...

Nice if was a test that covered real world (benchmark) - I myself curious which way to go, its nice to load the round 1st and get in good sniper spot as others just coming in when gaming - on my i7 965ee system, raid 0 v-raptors and it did indeed make different loading rounds, so be cool if SSD matched that performance.

Hardware raid add-in card is bit like the SSD vs SAS vs V-raptor, some say sure is faster, more stable, others say no...