mSata or SSD for a desktop computer?

[tom2u]

Since my last motherboard acquisition had a mSata slot I thought it natural to use a mSata drive for the OS and a few smaller more demanding programs instead of a SSD. But they don't seem to be cheaper. And their performance seems to be similar to SSD's. I'm not running a high performance machine, just a dual core CPU about 2.6ghz, 4gb DDR-3 @ 1600mhz, with a standard fare 7200 rpm Sata drive for data. Also, if the mSata is used it seems one of the Sata jacks is disabled so there's no advantage there, not that I'm ever going to be hooking up 6 Sata drives to this thing. SSD's are light and cool so one can just duct tape them anywhere in the case so space isn't an issue with a desktop like it is with a notebook computer.

So is there any advantage of using mSata over SSD in a desktop computer?
A disadvantage is you need a mSata adapter to read the thing in other computers whereas a SSD drive you can just plug in. mSata adapters are not expensive of course.

 

[ksham]

mSATA SSD is slower than a regular SATA SSD.

 

[popatim]

just go with a regular ssd. You will be able to upgrade to any motherbd and still be able to use it. That alone is enough reason not to get an msata.

 

[jaguarskx]

I believe as of now mSATA is limited to the SATA II specs. The only real difference between mSATA and a regular SSD is the interface.

 

[tom2u]

When you use a MSata drive in most motherboards, do you also lose one of your Sata connections? Like if you have 6 Sata plugs, will you only have 5 if you use a MSata drive? I think I read that somewhere but maybe its only for some motherboards?

 

[popatim]

It depends on the motherbd. Some motherbds dedicate a port for the mSata and some leave it 'switchable'.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Samsung EVO.

 

[manners8]

full sized SSD is always better in terms of performance, but it can depend on your budget, I managed to pick mine up for £20 for a 24gb msata drive so just installed it, currently only using it as a page file drive, boosts my load time from hibernate alot, seems to made some things nippier.

 

[tom2u]

full sized SSD is always better in terms of performance, but it can depend on your budget, I managed to pick mine up for £20 for a 24gb msata drive so just installed it, currently only using it as a page file drive, boosts my load time from hibernate alot, seems to made some things nippier.

Why not put the entire OS on it? Just the OS, with a minimum of programs. Most software does not mind not being in the traditional C:\Program Files location. Then when Windows dies and needs to be reinstalled there is less hassle with all the programs. Especially if they're installed as a stand alone program with none of their settings scattered in Documents and Settings.

 

[orlbuckeye]

MSATA were basically designed for laptops since they don't take up space. That is the advantage of MSATA and space is less valuable on a desktop.