SSD recommendations?

[technix]

Originally Posted by MarkOne

you have to clean the SSD with a tool or the trim fuction of Windows, or they will loose speed with usage

I don't know if they make an utility for Linux, if not you better to use regular HD with Linux .

With a tool? What kind of tool?

I think I will follow AkG's idea of getting the Intel one for Windows and then wait a bit.

I'd like to know about whether there's a tool that would work in Linux.

Originally Posted by rjbarker

I already answered your Price question on the Intel 80Gb ....didn't I..?

Yeah, indeed, you did. Thanks!

[MarkOne]

Originally Posted by technix

I think I will follow AkG's idea of getting the Intel one for Windows and then wait a bit.

Always falow AkG idea after a quick search , Linux specialist blame the SSD manufacturer to make firmware only compatible to Windows , OCZ say they will work on the Linux solution only after they will be satisfy with the Windows one, can't blame anyone , they go where the market is. Do't forget that Linux use othe files system than ntfs, all true you can use them with Linux too

[technix]

Yep, yep. I guess I'll use the current drive for the Linux side until SSD and TRIM support matures.

This link might offer some insight:
TRIM - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

TRIM coming in Linux kernel 2.6.33

[mcyuke]

Well since my Intel X25 80gb didn't get here today, I know it will be definitely be here tomorrow so I can finally get off the RC build I am still using of 7 Ultimate.
Gives me a bit extra time to do some reading... :D

[technix]

Honestly, guys, this article has made me concerned. Anyone want to comment on it?

PC Perspective - Long-term performance analysis of Intel Mainstream SSDs

It's a year ago so I don't know if the problem is still as serious. I don't know how much TRIM helps...

Would like to know if the current 'solutions' can defrag the SSD and 'fix' the deterioration of the speed/performance.... or does stuff like TRIM just slow the deterioration down???

I'd like more info before I pull the trigger...

[AkG]

Short answer: Don't worry. That is an old article. (IIRC) Its On the older Gen 1 X25m SSD. It was before TRIM was released for the Gen2s.

Long Answer:
They are talking about a drive getting into a degraded state. TRIM and/or ITGC keep this from happening by erasing cells which are used but contain invalid data and bringing them back to a virgin state.

You have to remember that A) TRIM is relatively new on Intel SSDs so that article is way outdated B) Intel's Idle Time Garbage Collection was purposely made weak to be easier on the cells. ITGC when running full throttle is bloody hard on the cells (and why no mfg'er does it at FULL capacity unless they are trying to keep a degraded state from happening at all costs). This is why later Indilinx firmware softened and toned it down. Intel knew this and purposely made their's underwhelming (this is one of the reasons I was so PO'ed that Intel screwed over their gen 1 customers by NOT releasing TRIM firmware for it...or even a manual TRIM option as what that article describes can happen).

It is a difference in philosophies. Intel expects you to keep the SSD for many, many years (5+) and planned for TRIM with that in mind. Indilinx believes that you are more than likely going to upgrade long before it becomes a serious issue (under 5yrs). By using either automatic TRIM via the OS and AHCI and /or manual trim via the Intel toolbox you can not get into a degraded state. BUT this is why you NEED to either use win 7 + MSAHCI driver + AHCI in BIOS OR use the ToolBox.

This is also why I recommend holding off on the Linux SSD idea for awhile to see what happens in that end of the market. I am not a Linux expert, but right now it is even more messed up then it is in the Windows end of the market. ;)

[rjbarker]

Just a "heads-up"...Intel G2 80GB SSD still shipping with the old FW (NCIX)...still requires to be Flashed to FW02HD.

[mcyuke]

Yeah, I can verify that.
Flashed and installed my new 80gb today!
--------------------------------------------------
CrystalDiskMark 2.2 (C) 2007-2008 hiyohiyo
Crystal Dew World : Crystal Dew World
--------------------------------------------------

Sequential Read : 265.429 MB/s
Sequential Write : 83.499 MB/s
Random Read 512KB : 213.747 MB/s
Random Write 512KB : 87.323 MB/s
Random Read 4KB : 23.079 MB/s
Random Write 4KB : 61.017 MB/s

Test Size : 1000 MB
Date : 2010/02/25 19:42:27


EDIT: added my raid-0 7200.12 500gb Seagates for comparison.

Sequential Read : 261.882 MB/s
Sequential Write : 260.322 MB/s
Random Read 512KB : 51.739 MB/s
Random Write 512KB : 96.520 MB/s
Random Read 4KB : 0.644 MB/s
Random Write 4KB : 3.174 MB/s
Test Size : 1000 MB
Date : 2010/02/25 19:46:53

[gingerbee]

very nice numbers there makes me want one but must wait.

[mcyuke]

Well Newegg.ca has the X25-M G2 80gb on for $234.99 with free shipping!
Newegg.ca - Intel X25-M Mainstream SSDSA2M080G2XXX 2.5" 80GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - SSD
It makes me wish I waited a week to order, too bad NCIX wouldn't give me a price match or any store credit when I just emailed them and begged. :D