New SSDs crippled?

[occational_gamer]

With SSD prices decreasing, I’m looking to buy a 60GB model. (At the moment, the Intel 25-M 80GB is too expensive for me.)

I was considering the OCZ Vertex 2, but recent models suffer from lower program-erase (P/E) cycles, lower usable capacity, and write speeds limited to 37MB/s. These problems apparently steam from OCZ’s quiet transition to 25nm memory. I don’t know if these problems are correctable via a firmware fix or not. There is no known way to determine (prior to purchase) which units suffer from these issues. (Source: http://www.ocztechnologyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?84498-60GB-Vertex-2-(Extended)-Poor-Write-Performance )

I then considered the Corsair Force Series F60. However, a recent review shows slower writes speeds than review benchmarks conducted shortly after launch. (Source: http://www.digitalversus.com/corsair-force-series-f60-p498_9395_104.html )

Are manufacturers degrading performance and coasting on previous reviews? I don’t want to roll the dice with a Vertex 2, but I’m not 100% confident with the F60 either. If anyone recently bought a Corsair Force Series SSD, I’d appreciate seeing benchmarks that contradict this review.

 

[sminlal]

There are a lot of challenges getting smaller flash memory cells to have the same write endurance as larger ones. One of the potential trade-offs is lower write speeds.

Intel seems to have been able to buck the trends on this given the claimed specs on their third-generation X-25M drives. I haven't seen any technical info on how they've managed to achieve this yet, but I'd be quite interesting in knowing how they've done it.

 

[occational_gamer]

Thanks. I think I've decided on a F60 SSD.

 

[willmalcom]

If it is a price drop you are waiting for, then maybe stick it out until late February/Early March when some new models should hit the shelves.

 

[occational_gamer]

Best answer selected by occational_gamer.