Advice on SSD storage

[Luke714]

Hi guys, so basically i want to buy an SSD to load my OS on.

Now I've looked on Amazon UK and found a Kingston 60GB SSD for around £35 but i also came across this SSD which is £25 just a different company.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00NJIHSO6/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1426639090&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX110_SY165&keywords=60GB+SSD

My main question is, does the company of the SSD really matter. Also please note I'll be solely be using this for one purpose which is to load my OS on there.

Lastly, would a 60GB SSD be enough to load Windows 8.1 on?

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Too small.... A 60Gb drive has only 55.8 GB of storage....now ya wanna keep that 15% free leaving you only 47 GB.... despite what yiu tell Windows to do.... over time programs will install 'common files' on the OS partition / drive. Unless you ae a very astute Windows user, i would get at least a 120 GB

As for performance, look here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/ssd-charts-2014/benchmarks,129.html

 

[Darkbreeze]

60GB would be enough for windows, but if you plan to install applications or games, you're going to run out of space fast. The SSD brand matters GREATLY in regard to reliability, speed and longevity. Samsung, Intel, Crucial and Sandisk are the better brands.

I've never even HEARD of Kingfast, and I would highly recommend avoiding them. Kingston would be a much better choice, but wouldn't be my first one.

 

[Darkbreeze]

This would probably be your best "budget" option:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£41.99 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £41.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-18 06:21 GMT+0000


But this would be much better, not the best, but a very good mid level unit:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Storage: Crucial MX100 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£51.09 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £51.09
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-18 06:22 GMT+0000

 

[SessouXFX]

Reputation of any company matters, with any item they put out. Kingston is a good company, not the very best, but good. Also look at Samsung and Sandisk. Those are considered to be at the top of everyone else right now.

60GB SSD's are too small in general for an OS. The bare minimum would be 128GB, but it's ideal to have a 250GB SSD. Headroom and reliability matters a lot with storage devices.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

60GB would be enough for windows, but if you plan to install applications or games, you're going to run out of space fast. The SSD brand matters GREATLY in regard to reliability, speed and longevity. Samsung, Intel, Crucial and Sandisk are the better brands.

I've never even HEARD of Kingfast, and I would highly recommend avoiding them. Kingston would be a much better choice, but wouldn't be my first one.

I won't do a build for someone with a 60GB SSD .... very quickly got tired of peeps bringing them back asking me to "clean out the junk" on their C:\ drive. Certainly manageable by astute users.... at least for a time and assuming don't have many Adobe / AutoDesk or other app suites that install common files on C:\.

But for the average or novice user, they will usually need help accomplishing the necessary tasks req'd to keep the footprint down.

 

[Darkbreeze]

No doubt, I agree. I just said it's possible, because that's what he asked. I certainly don't recommend using one.

 

[Luke714]

Too small.... A 60Gb drive has only 55.8 GB of storage....now ya wanna keep that 15% free leaving you only 47 GB.... despite what yiu tell Windows to do.... over time programs will install 'common files' on the OS partition / drive. Unless you ae a very astute Windows user, i would get at least a 120 GB

As for performance, look here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/ssd-charts-2014/benchmarks,129.html

Aha, so I should potentially be looking a 120GB SSD.
Also, if I wanted to dual boot Mac OS X and Windows 8.1 on one SSD, what GB size would I go for?

 

[Luke714]

This would probably be your best "budget" option:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£41.99 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £41.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-18 06:21 GMT+0000


But this would be much better, not the best, but a very good mid level unit:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Storage: Crucial MX100 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£51.09 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £51.09
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-18 06:22 GMT+0000

Reputation of any company matters, with any item they put out. Kingston is a good company, not the very best, but good. Also look at Samsung and Sandisk. Those are considered to be at the top of everyone else right now.

60GB SSD's are too small in general for an OS. The bare minimum would be 128GB, but it's ideal to have a 250GB SSD. Headroom and reliability matters a lot with storage devices.

Considering I'm on a strict budget, what would your advice be if invested in a greater GB SSHD over an SSD solely for my OS

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Aha, so I should potentially be looking a 120GB SSD.
Also, if I wanted to dual boot Mac OS X and Windows 8.1 on one SSD, what GB size would I go for?

In that case I think I'd go with twin 120 GB SSDs, put one OS on each and boot from the BIOS

Another option is an SSHD ..... on budget builds we use an SSHD over a SSD.... on medium builds we use a 120 GB SSD and 2 RB SSHD .... on higher end builds, well you get the idea .... more of the same

 

[Luke714]

Aha, so I should potentially be looking a 120GB SSD.
Also, if I wanted to dual boot Mac OS X and Windows 8.1 on one SSD, what GB size would I go for?

In that case I think I'd go with twin 120 GB SSDs, put one OS on each and boot from the BIOS

Another option is an SSHD ..... on budget builds we use an SSHD over a SSD.... on medium builds we use a 120 GB SSD and 2 RB SSHD .... on higher end builds, well you get the idea .... more of the same

I'm already investing in a 1TB HDD for my other programs and other files. For the two OS's I plan on downloading what size SSHD would you advise?

 

[JackNaylorPE]

A SSHD is a HD with a small SSD "bolted on" ..... I put one in every build we do. A 2 TB SSHD is $100. There's may options but you could for example....

SSD - Windows OS, drivers, Utilities, Common Files

SSHD:

- partition for Mac OS
- partition for games
- partition for programs

 

[Luke714]

A SSHD is a HD with a small SSD "bolted on" ..... I put one in every build we do. A 2 TB SSHD is $100. There's may options but you could for example....

SSD - Windows OS, drivers, Utilities, Common Files

SSHD:

- partition for Mac OS
- partition for games
- partition for programs

I was thinking 1tb HDD
-Programs
-Files
-Games etc.

500GB SSHD -
-Partition for Windows
- Partition for Mac OS

^ Would that work?

 

[Darkbreeze]

Yes, it would work. Depending on your tendencies towards keeping the OS clean, like Jack mentioned, and installing only the applications you need to have installed on the OS drive, which is generally recommended otherwise you negate some of the benefit of having a faster drive, it would be fine. Honestly, it won't be nearly as fast as a true SSD, but it will be much faster than a standard 7200RPM HDD.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Testing I gave done in house on a 4770k box with twin 780s, all watercooled w/ 2 SSDs, 2 SSHds and 1 7200 rpm HD

SSD Boot = 15.6 seconds
SSHD Boot = 16.5 seconds
HD = 21.2 seconds

In gaming... and SSHD is about 50% faster than a WD Black as per THG charts

 

[Luke714]

Yes, it would work. Depending on your tendencies towards keeping the OS clean, like Jack mentioned, and installing only the applications you need to have installed on the OS drive, which is generally recommended otherwise you negate some of the benefit of having a faster drive, it would be fine. Honestly, it won't be nearly as fast as a true SSD, but it will be much faster than a standard 7200RPM HDD.

Thanks guys!
Appreciate your help. I'll keep what you said in mind about keeping the OS clean.

Considering I'm on a budget I'm going to opt for the 1TB HDD for programs and other files etc
and the 500GB SSHD for the two OS's.

Thanks again

 

[Luke714]

Testing I gave done in house on a 4770k box with twin 780s, all watercooled w/ 2 SSDs, 2 SSHds and 1 7200 rpm HD

SSD Boot = 15.6 seconds
SSHD Boot = 16.5 seconds
HD = 21.2 seconds

In gaming... and SSHD is about 50% faster than a WD Black as per THG charts

Hi, quick question, what do you think of this build?

CPU - http://www.scan.co.uk/products/intel-intel-core-i5-4440-s-1150-haswell-quad-core-31ghz-33ghz-turbo-1100mhz-gpu-31x-ratio-84w-retail
Mobo - http://www.scan.co.uk/products/msi-h81m-p33-intel-h81-s-1150-ddr3-sata-iii-6gb-s-pcie-20-(x16)-d-sub-dvi-d-micro-atx
Case - http://www.scan.co.uk/products/zalman-t3-black-mini-tower-computer-chassis-with-black-interior-and-usb-30
RAM - http://www.amazon.co.uk/G-Skill-8GBXL-Main-Memory-PC1600/dp/B004I763AW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1426601660&sr=8-2&keywords=g+skill+ripjaws+8gb
PSU - http://www.amazon.co.uk/EVGA-600W-Bronze-Power-Supply/dp/B00EN3FD20/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426637348&sr=8-1&keywords=600w+bronze+psu
SSHD - http://www.scan.co.uk/products/500gb-seagate-25-solid-state-hybrid-drive-sshd-slim-7mm-sata-6gbs-8gb-ssd-64mb-cache-ncq-pc-mac
OR - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Toshiba-500GB-5400rpm-Hybrid-buffer/dp/B00GK6XMVW/ref=sr_1_11?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1426701067&sr=1-11&keywords=solid+state+hybrid+drive
GPU -http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00IRTXPBM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
HDD - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0088PUEPK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
Optical Drive - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00CC6YN6M/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
Wireless Adapter - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006BSPTAQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

 

[sora]

OP, your build looks pretty good for the money! I would personally go for it.

 

[Luke714]

OP, your build looks pretty good for the money! I would personally go for it.

Which SSHD should I go for from the two I've stated?

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Considering I'm on a budget I'm going to opt for the 1TB HDD for programs and other files etc
and the 500GB SSHD for the two OS's.

Thanks again

With that scheme ..... if SSD tanks, no access to any of your files..... warranty exchange could take 2 -3 weeks. I never do an SSD build w/o a spare OS to boot from on a different drive.

 

[Luke714]

Considering I'm on a budget I'm going to opt for the 1TB HDD for programs and other files etc
and the 500GB SSHD for the two OS's.

Thanks again

With that scheme ..... if SSD tanks, no access to any of your files..... warranty exchange could take 2 -3 weeks. I never do an SSD build w/o a spare OS to boot from on a different drive.

I've got a spare 80GB drive just sat at home. Would that be okay?

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Hi, quick question, what do you think of this build?

CPU - http://www.scan.co.uk/products/intel-intel-core-i5-4440-s-1150-haswell-quad-core-31ghz-33ghz-turbo-1100mhz-gpu-31x-ratio-84w-retail
Mobo - http://www.scan.co.uk/products/msi-h81m-p33-intel-h81-s-1150-ddr3-sata-iii-6gb-s-pcie-20-(x16)-d-sub-dvi-d-micro-atx
Case - http://www.scan.co.uk/products/zalman-t3-black-mini-tower-computer-chassis-with-black-interior-and-usb-30
RAM - http://www.amazon.co.uk/G-Skill-8GBXL-Main-Memory-PC1600/dp/B004I763AW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1426601660&sr=8-2&keywords=g+skill+ripjaws+8gb
PSU - http://www.amazon.co.uk/EVGA-600W-Bronze-Power-Supply/dp/B00EN3FD20/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426637348&sr=8-1&keywords=600w+bronze+psu
SSHD - http://www.scan.co.uk/products/500gb-seagate-25-solid-state-hybrid-drive-sshd-slim-7mm-sata-6gbs-8gb-ssd-64mb-cache-ncq-pc-mac
OR - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Toshiba-500GB-5400rpm-Hybrid-buffer/dp/B00GK6XMVW/ref=sr_1_11?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1426701067&sr=1-11&keywords=solid+state+hybrid+drive
GPU -http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00IRTXPBM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
HDD - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0088PUEPK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
Optical Drive - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00CC6YN6M/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
Wireless Adapter - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006BSPTAQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

1. I think you should name the components so I don't get RSI clicking all the links

2. Of all the parts of a system, the SSD will have the least impact on daily productivity. I don't put SSDs in H series MoBo Builds.

3. That SSHD is designed for laptops (5400 rpm) .... that means everything that comes off the hard drive portion will be 1/3 slower than the comparable 7200 rpm job.

 

[Luke714]

Hi, quick question, what do you think of this build?

CPU - http://www.scan.co.uk/products/intel-intel-core-i5-4440-s-1150-haswell-quad-core-31ghz-33ghz-turbo-1100mhz-gpu-31x-ratio-84w-retail
Mobo - http://www.scan.co.uk/products/msi-h81m-p33-intel-h81-s-1150-ddr3-sata-iii-6gb-s-pcie-20-(x16)-d-sub-dvi-d-micro-atx
Case - http://www.scan.co.uk/products/zalman-t3-black-mini-tower-computer-chassis-with-black-interior-and-usb-30
RAM - http://www.amazon.co.uk/G-Skill-8GBXL-Main-Memory-PC1600/dp/B004I763AW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1426601660&sr=8-2&keywords=g+skill+ripjaws+8gb
PSU - http://www.amazon.co.uk/EVGA-600W-Bronze-Power-Supply/dp/B00EN3FD20/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426637348&sr=8-1&keywords=600w+bronze+psu
SSHD - http://www.scan.co.uk/products/500gb-seagate-25-solid-state-hybrid-drive-sshd-slim-7mm-sata-6gbs-8gb-ssd-64mb-cache-ncq-pc-mac
OR - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Toshiba-500GB-5400rpm-Hybrid-buffer/dp/B00GK6XMVW/ref=sr_1_11?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1426701067&sr=1-11&keywords=solid+state+hybrid+drive
GPU -http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00IRTXPBM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
HDD - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0088PUEPK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
Optical Drive - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00CC6YN6M/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
Wireless Adapter - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006BSPTAQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

1. I think you should name the components so I don't get RSI clicking all the links

2. Of all the parts of a system, the SSD will have the least impact on daily productivity. I don't put SSDs in H series MoBo Builds.

3. That SSHD is designed for laptops (5400 rpm) .... that means everything that comes off the hard drive portion will be 1/3 slower than the comparable 7200 rpm job.

Okay so,

CPU - Intel Core i5 4440, S 1150, Haswell, Quad Core, 3.1GHz, 3.3GHz Turbo, 1100MHz GPU, 31x Ratio, 84W, Retail

MOBO - Gigabyte GA-H81M-H, Intel H81, S 1150, DDR3, SATA III 6Gb/s, PCIe 2.0 (x16), D-Sub (VGA) HDMI, Micro ATX

CASE -
Cooler Master K-Series K380 USB3.0 Side Window Case for ATX PC

RAM -
G.Skill 8GBXL Main Memory DDR3 8 GB PC1600 CL9 Ram Kit 2x 4 GB

PSU - EVGA 600W Bronze PC Power Supply

SSHD - 500GB Toshiba MQ01ABF050H Hybrid SSHD SATA III 2.5", 5400RPM, 7mm 32MB Cache 8GB SSD

GPU - SAPPHIRE AMD R9 280 Graphics Card (3GB, DDR5)

HDD - WD 1TB 3.5 inch Internal Hard Drive - Caviar Blue

Optical Drive -
Samsung 24x Retail SATA DVD Writer

Wireless Adapter -
TP-LINK TL-WN881ND 300Mbps Wireless N PCI Express Adapter

I do realise that the SSHD i have chosen is 5400RPM but considering i'm on a budget i think i'll have to just make do with this one. It'll be slightly faster than a HDD so i feel it''ll do the job

 

[Darkbreeze]

Actually a 5400RPM SSHD is probably slower than a standard 7200RPM HDD depending on the density of the platters on the particular models in question.