SSD Performance optimization

sampahnetgua

Junior Member
May 14, 2011
14
0
61
Hi, this is my first post. I hope everyone will be patient enough with me :D

I have Asus N61JQ notebook, and I'm very interested to buy 64-90GB SSD.
My only concerns are :

1. Performance degradation.
It seems when this happens, the only solution for any brands (except Intel) is to erase the whole drive & restore from backup. Is it really that cumbersome to use SSD ? Is Intel the only SSD manufacturer that currently provides a utility to optimize SSD performance without taking such a destructive approach?

2. Durability
I keep reading reports of premature death of SSD almost everywhere in the net. Frankly it sounds too horrifying for me. What is the likelihood to have a bad drive ?

3. SSD & notebook compatibility.
I keep hearing that notebook & SSD often have compatibility problem, like BSOD, detection problem, reliability problem, performance problem, etc.
How often does this happen ? Even in Corsair forum, the support guy does not recommend their famous Force SSD series on any OEM laptop unless compatibility is assured by the laptop OEM. How bad is the situation really ?

4. SSD controller.
Taking performance aside, is it true that Sandforce controller is more problematic than Indilinx, esp in compatibility ?

5. Corsair vs. Mushkin
Which one has better record in SSD products ?

Thanks
 

Mark R

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
8,513
16
81
1. Windows 7 will automatically detect SSDs and perform all necessary optimisation.

2. The expected lifetime of any SSD will be far longer than you need bother caring about (except badly designed SSDs). Even a low-end SSD should give you 20 years of heavy home usage (but not necessary scientific or heavy business use).

3. There are no significant compatibility problems. However, some people have reported that, rarely, some sandforce drives may not be detected after sleep mode, and may need a power-off before they start working again.

4. Early indilinx controllers are of very low grade. They have low performance, and severely shorten the life of the flash. Avoid these early indilinx controllers at all costs.
 

razel

Platinum Member
May 14, 2002
2,337
90
101
Welcome! Laptop owners tend to be the happiest SSD owners mainly because notebook HDD performance is often about 4-5 years behind desktop HDDs.

1. Don't worry about performance degradation. SSD manufacturers have learned their lessons and any 2010 or 2011 SSD will serve you >95% max performance throughout your ownership. Do not write zeros (FF) or secure erase on a whim. There's alot of old information out there. I see several people referring to an OCZ Tony-TRIM and think it's a must when it's very author states that it's applicable to very old OCZ drives. The rest of the information is from condescending elitists who have forgotten how to benefit from tweaks they've done.

2. Don't worry about durability. Most of horror stories you hear are from those who abuse their SSD.

3. Dont' worry about compatibility as well. It isn't as if once you buy an SSD and it doesn't work that your at a total loss. As with any computer part, you can return or sell on ebay.

4. No experience, but manufacturers do release firmware updates.

5. About the same. However it seems like Corsair's SSD division has someone active around the SSD forums and news. Meaning they are carefully watching and seem to cater to enthusiasts. Mushkin seems to run their SSDs like any business. There was a time with Muskin had a bargain bin on Tuesdays where they blew out 128GB SSDs for about ~$50.

In the end, buy any current or 2010 model SSD based on price/GB from the brands you trust.
 

sampahnetgua

Junior Member
May 14, 2011
14
0
61
Yes, apparently there is a lot of old info on the net. I got completely mixed up. I certainly do not like the idea of secure erasing my SSD every month just for the sake of maintaining performance. That is no fun at all :biggrin:

I definitely feel so much better now.
I think I'm going to settle on Corsair F90. It's the right size for me , and the price suits my pocket. :awe: The benchmark looks awesome too.
Thanks for answering.