SSD without HDD build

[xxgunnerxx]

Hello,

I'm building a new system and my budget towards memory is $150. With 1 TB HDDs at $150 vs 128GB SSDs at $150, is there really a need to go the HDD way? Currently I'm only using 120GB on my HDD and there is quite a lot of junk that I can go without...

The new system will have Win7, BF3, MW3, GTAIV (how much will all that be in GBs?) plus 20 GB of music and probably 10 GB of other stuff...

I will also be using the drive to download stuff, leaving the computer on for many days - How will this affect the read/write aspect of SSDs?

Basically my question is will I be able to do everything described with just a 128 GB SSD? Or would it be wiser to just go with a 500 GB HDD (100$ ?), save money and get a big SSD sometime in a year?

 

[noblemo]

I prefer WD Caviar HDD, Samsung SSD, and Intel SSD based on reliability. The Crucial M4 is also recommended. Here are some options:

160GB 2.5" Scorpio Black for $92 shipped
750GB 3.5" Caviar Black for $114 plus shipping
128GB Samsung 470 for $175
128GB Crucial M4 for $197
128GB Samsung 830 for $209 (Sold out at $200)
160GB Intel 320 for $265

The choice really depends on your need for capacity and cost versus speed. The $175 Samsung 470 is a good option if file space can be limited to about 90GB. If your new system has a SATA 6Gbps connection, consider spending a little more for the Crucial M4 or Samsung 830 and don't look back.

 

[paperwastage]

Hello,

I'm building a new system and my budget towards memory is $150. With 1 TB HDDs at $150 vs 128GB SSDs at $150, is there really a need to go the HDD way? Currently I'm only using 120GB on my HDD and there is quite a lot of junk that I can go without...

The new system will have Win7, BF3, MW3, GTAIV (how much will all that be in GBs?) plus 20 GB of music and probably 10 GB of other stuff...
etime in a year?

you might have to juggle (eg uninstall/reinstall) stuff around (until HDD prices go back down), but 120 GB is probably okay... Win7 maybe 20-30gb, GTA IV is 15-20, not usre about the other two...

I say look for a decently priced SSD, and then a HDD in a few months

 

[Dadofamunky]

Meh. We're not QUITE there yet for $150 for a 128 gigger SSD. We are getting close to hitting that magic $1/GB barrier, especially on loss-leader sales at Fry's or Micro Center. Fry's had a Corsair 160GB SSD for $160, and that is a steal no matter how you slice it. Don't know if they still have it. Things are looking more promising on the SSD front.

For laptops I think it's now a slam-dunk no-brainer.

 

[TahoeDust]

I don't think I would own an SSD only machine. The reliability just is not there yet. Having both, and with the relatively small size of SSDs, allows you to run regularly scheduled backups of the SSD to your spindle HDD. Personally this is the only way I feel comfortable running an SSD...and owe how I love the speed of my SSD.

 

[chin311]

I just switched from a 1TB WD Black drive to a 120gb Intel 320 drive, I actually haven't used the black drive at all since reloading win7. I keep all my big files on my external drive and everything else I do fits with room to spare.

I only keep a few games loaded at a time anyway so It's not an issue for me.

Reliability will be seen down the road, Intel supposedly great at that so we shall see! Everything i keep on my SSD I can bare losing if something does happen.

 

[bryanW1995]

Newegg has a 120 gb ssd on sale right now for $130 shipped with no rebate. It's an off brand, but it has excellent reviews.

 

[natto fire]

I don't think I would own an SSD only machine. The reliability just is not there yet. Having both, and with the relatively small size of SSDs, allows you to run regularly scheduled backups of the SSD to your spindle HDD. Personally this is the only way I feel comfortable running an SSD...and owe how I love the speed of my SSD.

Have to disagree. An SSD might have a limited number of writes which has already been debated well past rotting horse and I just am not seeing enough evidence that SSDs are really as fragile as they are hyped up to be. As far as physical construction, there is absolutely no contest. Drop both types of drives from 10 feet and see which one still works...

edit: OP I think that might be cutting it close, you probably will have to end up juggling games. Looks like BF3 comes in around 15 GB. My "trimmed" Windows directory is 18.5 GB. So yeah, paperwastage got it.

 

[deimos3428]

I'd get the SSD now, and if you're feeling tight on space later on get an HDD. Hopefully by then the HDD prices will be a bit more reasonable.

 

[jhansman]

I'd spring for the SSD now, with the aim of adding a storage/secondary app spinner down the road. Not too far down the road, but for the time being you can work off the SSD. I have a 64GB M4 and have no concerns on reliability. But the, I only boot and run Office and Lightroom 3 from it.

 

[Dadofamunky]

I think the reliability issues are well past us now, especially if you stay away from OCZ or older devices... Crucial, Corsair, Kingston, Intel, Samsung... all of them have good reps.