Help me pick a HDD solution.

MrH · 12 Mar 2010 at 03:29

Hi,

I'm currently using a Western Digital Caviar 400GB and I want to upgrade but I'm a little confused which would be the best option for me. PC is used mainly for gaming but I'd like to start doing some video capture, it lags me too much right now.

Option1:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-082-SA x2 in raid 0

Option2:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-236-WD&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=167 x2 in raid 0

Option3:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-007-KS&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=910

Option4:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-005-PA Operating System only

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-082-SA x2 in raid 0

The space on the SSD worries me. I hear the spinpoint drives are really fast?

MrH · 12 Mar 2010 at 03:53

I was also looking: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-004-IN, the extra 16GB would be nice, but looking at the speed is it much slower then other SSDs? I read a review on it and it was praised so it seems strange to me.

deus3x · 12 Mar 2010 at 04:09

Its the nuts of a driver, i was told with a firmware update it runs much faster. Uses a intel controller so no lag.

get it

Ziggy4 · 12 Mar 2010 at 11:57

but looking at the speed is it much slower then other SSDs?

If you look at just one number I can see why you might think that but these drives are very fast in real world use.

I was told with a firmware update it runs much faster.

Only for the 160 GB which has the seq. write improved to over 100 MB/s with the 02HD firmware. There is a small improvement with the 80 GB model and seq. write now around 80-ish MB/s. I have both the 80 and 160 GB drives and couldn't be happier with them.

get it

+1

MrH · 12 Mar 2010 at 18:35

I'm thinking about buying the Intel X25-M Mainstream but I have a stupid question, will it fit in my machine or do you need a special adapter to make it fit in a regular bay? Does it come with it if so?

Ziggy4 · 13 Mar 2010 at 03:58

SSDs are 2.5" drives so won't fit in a regular 3.5" bay but an adapter is inexpensive. Too easy to simply order one along with the drive e.g.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-059-AK&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=72

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-000-SR&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=72

A small number of cases now come with SSD mounts so worth checking before you order. There is also a retail kit version of the Intel SSD which includes an adapter. Slightly more expensive usually and stock scarce. When you order the SSD the product code will tell you what you are getting. Ending in ...C1 (barebones) or ...R5 (retail).

MrH · 13 Mar 2010 at 16:37

Good info, seems the Intel one ocUK sells doesn't come with an adapter.

jbloggs · 13 Mar 2010 at 16:48

...R5 (retail)

This is the version I got, comes with the 2.5"->3.5" fitting kit, saves having to buy one...

Ziggy4 · 13 Mar 2010 at 17:13

seems the Intel one ocUK sells doesn't come with an adapter.

Most places stock the barebones drive. Both of mine were this version. Fortunately my case (800D) now has a 2.5" mounts, although I had to buy an adapter for my first SSD and my previous case. I went for the OCUK value adapter. To be fair the retail kit, if you can find them in stock, typically cost a little extra so doubt you'd save anything vs buying an adapter sparately. I think you'll be very happy with this drive, and if you need help with the firmware update give us a shout.