Plextor PX-M2 or Crucial M4

[Neutralman]

I'm looking to buy a 256 GB SSD and narrowed it down between Plextor PX-M2 or Crucial M4. The price of the plextor is $350 and m4 is $388.

Speed does not matter as much to me as Reliability. I know the plextor is made in Japan, not sure where M4 is made. Both seem to have good reviews. Anyone know which SSD is more reliable?

 

[razel]

They were a long time high-ish end optical drive manufacturer, so I seriously doubt they created their own controller and NAND unlike Crucial. That doesn't mean they aren't reliable, it's just there aren't that many vocal Plextor owners that reliability is a mystery. However, in my opinion un-reliability of SSDs is beyond overblown. They have other issues, but they are being solved quickly or are quickly a non-issue with every generation.

Between your choices, I'd go for the M4. However, personally, I'd judicially sort my data so that I can comfortably fit into a 128GB SSD instead. External storage is cheap and fast these days.

 

[=Wendy=]

They both use the same Marvell controller, but the Plextor uses "toggle mode" NAND.
http://www.myce.com/review/plextor-px-256m2s-ssd-preview-41288/

 

[Neutralman]

They both use the same Marvell controller, but the Plextor uses "toggle mode" NAND.
http://www.myce.com/review/plextor-px-256m2s-ssd-preview-41288/

Is toggle mode a good or bad thing in terms of reliability? Looked on google but didn't really find any answers.

 

[=Wendy=]

Toggle mode NAND is like DDR memory, it's basically double data rate.

I also forgot to mention that Toggle mode NAND in the Plextor is made by Toshiba, and it's 32nm, rather than the 25 nm NAND used in the M4.

However, the M4 has just had a nice firmware update which speeds the transfer rate.

They are both good drives, IMO.

 

[Neutralman]

Toggle mode NAND is like DDR memory, it's basically double data rate.

I also forgot to mention that Toggle mode NAND in the Plextor is made by Toshiba, and it's 32nm, rather than the 25 nm NAND used in the M4.

However, the M4 has just had a nice firmware update which speeds the transfer rate.

They are both good drives, IMO.

Alright thanks Wendy! I think I'm going with the Plextor because I read somewhere that 32nm has more longevity than 25nm and is more expensive to produce. Speed differences weren't that important to me since either one will be major improvement over mechanical. Also I get to save $38. Once again thank you!

 

[nanaki333]

read that review posted. looks like the plextor drive is the drive to get for systems that do not support TRIM, or for raid. very aggressive GC keeps the drive in a like-new state at all times.