Most reliable older 60-80 GB SSD?

[brinstar117]

I'm fixing up a Lenovo X200 notebook and want to install a 2.5" SSD. I'll be limited by the SATA 2 interface and I'm not really concerned about speed. I want to use an SSD so I don't need to worry about mechanical failure of moving parts in a spindle drive when I have the notebook bouncing around in my bag.

I am out of the loop with regards to SSDs. I have never bought or used one so everything I know about them is tangential to what I've read about other hardware. I am aware that certain models with certain controllers had reliability issues so I want to avoid those with known problems.

Once installed I do not plan on ever changing it out unless it develops problems. I am hoping to buy a reliable used SSD with some remaining warranty on it. I'm leaning towards an Intel since I believe those have 5 year warranties so a used one should still have at least 2 - 3 years on it, but I'm open to all suggestions.

 

[WiseUp216]

Intel x25-M would be your best choice for an older, used SATA2 SSD. I see them in the FS/T forum once in a while at very good prices.

 

[It's Not Lupus]

tigerdirect has x25-m SSDs. I got one at a good price (with rebate) a while back

 

[blastingcap]

Intel X25M G2, do not get the G1 version.

 

[VirtualLarry]

tigerdirect has x25-m SSDs. I got one at a good price (with rebate) a while back

I don't think they have any more left. I picked up three 80GB X25-M G2 drives, wished I had the money to pick up some 160GB models while they still had them with rebate.

For a SATA2 drive, they are surprisingly quick!

Edit: They had some back in stock. A little more pricy than last time, but I still ordered two more 80GB units.

(These are my favorite SSDs. Only SATA2, but then again, so are many of my rigs, and they are quite speedy for SATA2. Also supposed to be very durable.)

 

[brinstar117]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Seems like the X25-m is the favorite. Does anyone have any thoughts on the Intel 320 Series?

 

[nanaki333]

Intel X25M G2, do not get the G1 version.

agreed. G1's lack TRIM. i actually found an 80GB G2 in a laptop i did not even know i still had (found it during my move!). SCORE!

 

[philipma1957]

I don't think they have any more left. I picked up three 80GB X25-M G2 drives, wished I had the money to pick up some 160GB models while they still had them with rebate.

For a SATA2 drive, they are surprisingly quick!

Edit: They had some back in stock. A little more pricy than last time, but I still ordered two more 80GB units.

(These are my favorite SSDs. Only SATA2, but then again, so are many of my rigs, and they are quite speedy for SATA2. Also supposed to be very durable.)

yeah those were very durable and if you run all ops with very little long read/writes they were quick

 

[tweakboy]

When you say reliable I would tell you. 3 companies, Intel, Sammy and Crucial. Also WD hard drives are very reliable.

Also remember to update firmware. gl

 

[VirtualLarry]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Seems like the X25-m is the favorite. Does anyone have any thoughts on the Intel 320 Series?

320 is supposed to be better, same controller, different firmware, and SuperCaps to keep power to the drive in case of power failure. Yet, even with the improvements, there seemed to be more reports of "bricking" of 320 drives, compared to the good old X25-M G2 drives.

Both are very reliable. I think that the 320 series uses 25nm Intel NAND, and the X25-M G2 uses 34nm NAND.

34nm NAND has more P/E cycles compared to 25nm NAND.

Edit: I received my X25-M G2 80GB SSDs today. They came in retail packages, desktop upgrade kit. Very nice. (No wonder they were a bit more expensive than the OEM drives that TD was selling before cheaply with rebate.)