SSD recommendation

[Billman]

I haven't built a new PC in a few years and it will be another year before I build another one for at least another year, so being lazy about doing my homework.

I'd like to try out my first SSD drive. I've got a Gigabyte GA-965P-S3 Mobo which "Features SATA 3Gb/s interface with RAID function". 6 SATA 3Gb/s connectors
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=2457#sp

Seems the new drives are all SATA III but I haven't kept up enough to know what that means. Does my mobo have the interface to run a SSD? If so will it run it at full speed?

If I can do it, is there any quick go-to recommendation for a SSD? I was thinking about 50gb in size, but if the price/gb ratio is good, I'd be open to a larger drive in anticipation of new PC new year or so.

Thanks in advance!

 

[bbhaag]

SATAIII is 6Gb/s so your system won't be able to utilize a SATAIII SSD to its greatest potential but you will still notice a huge improvement in system performance even with SATA2. SATA3 is backward compatible with SATA2 so it will work on your setup and if you upgrade your MB in the future you can run it at the faster speed.

You might want to consider going bigger than 50gig though. I put a 64gig PLextor in mine so that means I have 60gig usable and I wish I would have gone bigger. Maybe 120 or even larger.

 

[Bonesdad]

what bb sez is true. And definitely go for a larger drive, 120GB would be great for OS and major programs. There are many good drives out there, and a few not so good. Crucial M4 dependable, as are the Samsung drives (if you can still find a Samsung 830, snap it up if the price is right). I picked up a 128GB 830 for $70 a few months ago.

 

[x2ezx]

like my Intel, have a 120gb and 180gb serie 330.

 

[Charlie98]

You might want to consider going bigger than 50gig though. I put a 64gig PLextor in mine so that means I have 60gig usable and I wish I would have gone bigger. Maybe 120 or even larger.

That ^^^

I put a 64GB OCZ in my build and outgrew it in less than a year. I feel the 128GB is minimum unless it is for a specific OS-only system or something (like in my HTPC.)

There are still some SATA2 SSD's around, I wouldn't bother with them... stick with SATA3. Also, IMHO, stick with an established brand with a good reputation... Crucial M4, Samsung (830/840/840Pro,) Plextor (M3/M5P,) Intel; there are others out there, but for the money, you can't beat one of those listed.

 

[Billman]

Thanks everyone. This is EXACTLY what I wanted to know. I think I'll pick up one now and I'm sure I won't wear it out by the time I build another PC.

128GB or there abouts it fine. Is there a specific favorite brand/model that the forum likes and can just recommend straight out? I checked the guides but they're too old. I know I'm being lazy, but I don't have a lot of time to research them now... Maybe just narrow it down to THE current most reliable brand with the best SSD reputation?

 

[Charlie98]

Maybe just narrow it down to THE current most reliable brand with the best SSD reputation?

Samsung 840Pro or Plextor M5P

 

[mfenn]

Thanks everyone. This is EXACTLY what I wanted to know. I think I'll pick up one now and I'm sure I won't wear it out by the time I build another PC.

128GB or there abouts it fine. Is there a specific favorite brand/model that the forum likes and can just recommend straight out? I checked the guides but they're too old. I know I'm being lazy, but I don't have a lot of time to research them now... Maybe just narrow it down to THE current most reliable brand with the best SSD reputation?

Both of these drives are from companies with excellent reputations for reliability:

Samsung 840 120GB $95
Crucial M4 128GB $120

I'd get the Samsung because it's less expensive.

 

[DominionSeraph]

$92 here
http://www.adorama.com/SSG7TD120BW.html

 

[BeauCharles]

SATA II on your motherboard is plenty fast. If you've never had an SSD you have nothing to compare it to other than your old HD (which will be like night and day). Go for as large as you can afford too - I put my OS and my most played games on a 256 GB ADATA XPG SX900 six months ago and its awesome. So nice to have zero stuttering and fast loading in LotRO and Skyrim.

 

[TapWater]

Hey OP, I bought 2 Sandisk Extreme 240GBs and they friggin howl (one in a laptop and one in a PC (both Sata II as well), and also bought a Samsung Pro 840 for my sisters computer..

Doesnt matter where I put them (laptop, PC etc) and what SATA they were.. they all made a night and day difference and hands down I believe the best value upgrade anyone can do, even more so if they have access to SATA 2 speeds or greater

 

[bbhaag]

Thanks everyone. This is EXACTLY what I wanted to know. I think I'll pick up one now and I'm sure I won't wear it out by the time I build another PC.

128GB or there abouts it fine. Is there a specific favorite brand/model that the forum likes and can just recommend straight out? I checked the guides but they're too old. I know I'm being lazy, but I don't have a lot of time to research them now... Maybe just narrow it down to THE current most reliable brand with the best SSD reputation?

9 times outta 10 the members here are going to recommend Samsung, Crucial, or Intel. They are all great choices for speed and reliability at a good price.
There are other alternatives though that can be had at the same price or better with the same speed and reliability. Plextor and Kingston come to mind also the new OCZ drive might be worth looking at. In the end do your own homework even if you're feeling lazy and find a good drive that meets your needs.