SSDs, gaming, and Random Write Performance?

[andyaycw]

I am considering getting two SSDs for my desktop system, a Kingston 40GB SSD as my boot drive, and a second SSD for games. (I already have a third 250GB HDD for storage of other files.)

For the second drive, I am considering either the 80GB Intel X25-M or the Kingston 64GB V series.

I understand that the Kingston 64 and 128GB V series drives use the JMicron controller, notorious for its stutter problems, high random write latencies, and low random write speeds. However, to my understanding the stutter issue was only a major problem when used as a single drive for the OS.

My question is: since I am dedicating the entire drive to games, is random write performance going to adversely affect my gaming experience? Will the random write speed come into play at any point during my gaming? Should I go with the cheaper 64GB Kingston drive, or pay the premium for the 80GB Intel drive?

 

[Griswold]

My question is: since I am dedicating the entire drive to games, is random write performance going to adversely affect my gaming experience?

No. But I'd just get a 160GB Intel G2, partition it and be done with it. You'd have the overall best product right now and enough space for whatever you want to throw at it that benefits from being on a SSD.

 

[andyaycw]

I am trying to cut down on costs. I can get my hands on an 80GB Intel G2 for $250, a 40GB Kingston for around $125, and a 64GB Kingston for $130.

The total cost comes out around the same, but if I opt for the two Kingston SSDs I get another 20GB or so of storage space. I've weighed the pros and cons of the JMicron controller on the 64GB Kingston. However, I figure that since I will only be using the drive for games (where random write performance will not come into play), there isn't any other con to going with the JMicron-based 64GB Kingston as opposed to the 80GB Intel G2.

Thoughts?

 

[shabby]

Thoughts?

Yes, don't buy it... its that simple. Let those jmicron based ssd's die off, no reason to support them nowadays.

 

[jimhsu]

Can you be absolutely certain that your workload does not generate random writes? No config files ... log files ... save games ... error logs ... If you are not absolutely certain, profile disk activity on your "game drive" for a day and see. Even ONE random write a minute might be unacceptable (250ms latency).

A way to guarantee this is to set permissions on the game folders to admin write only, and launch the game as a non-administrator (I assume you are using Vista/7). Vista/7 should direct any writes to VirtualStore which is on your "fast" drive. Feel free to google on how to do this.

Another possibility is to install something like Steadystate on the JMicron drive (I don't know if a single drive install is possible) so that in the rare case that ANY WRITES AT ALL get to the drive, they don't affect your gaming performance. Other than that, you can probably treat the drive as a read only device and get away with it.

A 160GB intel like a previous poster mentioned would simplify this a lot, though. But I know money is a concern.

 

[garritynet]

I don't think most games would benefit, noticeably, from the extra speed. If you are worried about money I would reconsider whether or not you actually need the extra SSD. That said; just knowing that stuff in my computer is going faster makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside regardless of whether or not I can actually perceive the difference.

You may want to install your games on your 40gig Kingston first and gauge their performance. Just do it one game/program at a time, and then play/use them a little. If you can perceive a difference I suggest you get the Intel G2 80gig and install your OS, programs and games on that. Anything that dose not fit on the Intel or that shows little benefit from additional speed can go on the slower Kingston 40gig.

The Jmicron drives suuuuuuucked.....apparently. I did not own one, but by every account they should be avoided.

 

[Denithor]

Yes, don't buy it... its that simple. Let those jmicron based ssd's die off, no reason to support them nowadays.

This.

Just buy the X25-M 80GB and be happy.

 

[jimhsu]

I already posted too many places on this forum so far, but it really depends on what games you run. The general thing is that the games that you think have load times (i.e. levels) are probably not helped. In contrast, MMORPGs like WoW where there can be literally thousands of elements with different meshes/textures at once will benefit immensely.

 

[capeconsultant]

Stay away from Jmicron. period. End of story.

 

[aka1nas]

I have my games on a dual-controller Jmicron SSD, with a nicer Indilinx-based model for my OS/App volume. It actually does work pretty well, but if you are buying now there's no point on grabbing a Jmicron-based unit. Most modern games stuff all of their saves, logs, and config files into your user profile now, so very little writing takes place on the games volume.

Personally, I wouldn't even look at the 40GB Kingston unit, either. It's performance is pretty cut down. I would grab an 80GB Intel SSD, and then just stuff everything else onto a 1TB+ conventional drive until SSDs get cheaper.