After reading quite a bit and perhaps ditching my earlier intent of getting the Sandisk Readycache (was a stop gap/wanting to save money first), I'm down to 2 choices:

Crucial M4 512GB
+ cheap(er)
+ reliable (on firmware 000F)
+ 30GB "more" space than Intel 520
- doesn't come with desktop kit
- assuming drive "dies" after 3rd year, then the cost is roughly RM400/year @ RM1200/pc; will be slightly more with extra desktop kit
- Web reports of random freezing even with 000F

Intel 520 480GB
+ reliable (or rather carries the Intel brand reliability)
+ desktop kit included
+ 5 years warranty
+ assuming drive dies after 5th year, cost is roughly RM340/year @ RM1700/pc
- expensive
- Web reports of random BSOD from SF22xx chips still not 100% eliminated

Main point of purchase: change from 300GB WD Raptor to SSD without worrying about space (don't have to manage programs etc); meant to last as long as possible.

Performance wise i would rate them equal especially considering it'll be put into a C2Q Intel P45 based system, Maximus II Formula. Still plenty fast except for the SATA II ports. "Real world difference" SATA2 vs SATA3 from what i read is there but minimal.

System will be upgraded (maybe ?) in the next 2-3 years; carrying over the SSD and mechanical HDDs.

Suggestions ? (and place to purchase if possible). tq.

One of my main +points to go Intel.


Well, that got me stumped as well.

After playing thorugh a couple of scenarios in my head, if the SSD is just for OS + browser (no i don't use and can't afford Office/Photoshop), then a 60GB would do, and then the programs (Steam/Origin) would remain on the Raptor. But then i won't get the SSD benefits on the loading times. So say I start putting one game, two games, three games, etc, and then i find I run out of space. So i was thinking of biting the bullet and going straight for at least a direct 1:1 SSD replacement in terms of size compared to my Raptor; thus the only 2 options are 512GB or 480GB models.

Saves the hassle of copying in/out the programmes that I use. I have another 2 x 320GB WD drives though, for storage, and 2 x 500GB external drives for backup. Plus with the idea that this SSD purchase last quite a bit, buying the biggest possible drive made for sense (for me).

You mean my PC ? Intel P45 chipset @ Asus Maximus II Formula, so I'm limited to SATA II for now. Would probably get a CPU replacement during Haswell 22nm introduction (late 2013 / 2014 ?)

Gotta be honest, all these M4 errors in this thread alone has got me spooked (although, i suppose Google could turn up the same amount of Intel 520 BSOD stories); so currently I'm slightly leaning towards Intel 520 for brand reliability/recognition and easier RMA plus the 5 year warranty. Still haven't made up my mind though

Edit: reading up on Samsung 830 and Plextor drives (which don't seem to be available here in KL).

Thanks guys for the replies, appreciate it

This post has been edited by Eoma: Nov 5 2012, 11:58 PM

Good point on the price cuts, thus am also reading up if there will be a price drop soon (from Intel).
Also toying with the idea of 2 x 256GB drives or maybe 1 x 60GB + 1 x 256GB combination. Should be cheaper.
Would the lower 4K performance on the SF22xx drives mean much compared to the excellent performance from the Marvel chipsets (i.e. Crucial M4) ?

p/s: My 300GB Raptor is currently 80% utilized, about 240GB. So a 240GB SSD "wouldn't" be enough; i.e. after formatting usable space is around 220+GB ?

This post has been edited by Eoma: Nov 6 2012, 10:32 AM

"Fast" would be subjective.
Fast to me would be 1:1 exchange at the Store actually.

Lost time in RMA and having to go to the post office, ship, wait, get it shipped again = not fun / not fast.

Looks like will go for Intel 520 480GB. Hunting for best prices currently.

hmmm, went to lowyat loooking for the intel 520 480gb, none of the shops have stock. Guess garage sales is the way to go.

Where are you getting those cheap prices ?

http://www.ocztechnologyforum.com/forum/sh...-copy-some-data

There are some guides there for Linux secure erase/firmware updated etc, seems to have solved the issue.

Got myself the Intel 520 480GB drive and a 60GB Intel 330 for another budget htpc.
The 60GB works great (on a Asmedia 106x SATA III port), and Win 8 loads really fast. Haven't installed anything on the 480GB yet (though it's installed and detected fine on an Asus Maximus II board, SATA II Intel ICH10R).

This post has been edited by Eoma: Dec 10 2012, 12:24 PM

C-zone has/had it for RM180. Always out of stock.

Yup agreed 1000000%. Was hunting around for the 335 ever since Anandtech updated their 335 endurance article. Too bad it's all just for show here (all low yat retailers are guilty). Ended up with a 520 unit.

Hmm, since you already changed the registry, try this ?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922976

Maybe this is closer to your issue. AMD too.

http://forum.crucial.com/t5/Solid-State-Dr...blem/td-p/34836

You installed Windows on the SSD while in IDE mode ?

Have you done this ?

Boot to windows first in IDE mode, do the registry change. Then reboot, and change to AHCI in the BIOS.

Intel 520 480GB on SATA 2 (Asus Maximus II Formula @ ICH10R southbridge)



Writes are probably a bit slower since i have C1 power saving state on

Get the correct distribution (Pro/Business/Home) from Digital River and use the legal key (sticker on your laptop) to install. It's 100% legal and effective.

Vista link

Win 7 link

This post has been edited by Eoma: Feb 3 2013, 12:11 AM

If by OEM you mean the printed sticker on your laptop, then yes.
In some cases, Windows might prompt the key as invalid the first time you try to activate, just re-enter the same key and activate again. It will work.

Fresh always better/recommended.

If you really do store nothing except essential programs for day to day use, then a 120GB SSD will suffice.
You get about 112GB of usable space from a 120GB unit. 20GB or so goes to the OS, leaving you with 92GB for programs, photos, music. Do keep in mind that some SSD's do get a little slower the more they are filled up.
Plextor M5 Pro units do not seem to have this issue though.

Do you guys with large (240GB and more) SSD partition the drive ?
Using my 480GB as a single drive now. Was thinking if I change the motherboard in maybe Q4 this year, it will be a hassle to reinstall OS and stuff (especially Steam) if I didn't partition. Any negative points not to partition ?

Old P45 chipset @ Asus Maximus II Formula with C2Q. Thinking of catching up to modern times and getting a Z77 board + i5. It's for my gaming too. (C2Q showing it's age sometimes with my 7950)

Expensive first time come out. Plus no need cutting edge la, old edi.


So long as it's not SATA I, and preferably using an Intel chipset (as a general compatibility rule), you should be fine.
My current motherboard is SATA II only and it's plenty fast.

This post has been edited by Eoma: May 27 2013, 12:41 PM