x58 Sata3 options?

Kotu

Kotu

Kotu

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18 Oct 2002
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I have ordered a shiny new 256GB samsung SSD to replace my old 80GB intel X-25m, but i am wondering what my options are to run the drive at full speed. As far as I can tell, all the cheaper SATA3 controllers are just PCI-e x1 which means they can't reach full sata3 speeds, there is also an asus x4 card around, but apparently this just runs at x1 speed as well :(

Are there any other suggestions for a controller which doesn't cost too much, or is it maybe worth looking for a replacement x58 motherboard with sata3 built in?
 
From what I remember none of the X58 series boards are true sata3 ready although some (like my X58 sabertooth) pretended to be when sold.
I believe that the JMicron controller was a bit naff and they never really got it right until quite recent boards.
Things may have changed with driver updates but I dont think so.

I have never used a dedicated drive controller board so cant comment on any speed gains that can be made there, I have just got used to the sata2 speeds on my SSD which are still impressive compared to my old HD
 
What do you use it for? Chances are you wouldn't notice the difference anyway if its just general use/gaming. Since what makes an SSD 'feel' fast is the quick seek times, which aren't really limited by SATA2.

Generally its not worth the investment just for SATA3, just enjoy the new SSD and you'll get its full speed when you do upgrade.
 
I use it for some vm stuff, a couple of those running and they make good use of the ssd. I'm not planning to upgrade for a long time though, the i7 doesn't seem to get fully used by anything at the moment and my previous upgrade was from an x2 3800 (first dual core i think).

its looking like my best option is a second hand motherboard, something like a GA-x58A-UD* (i like gigabyte), they don't have proper intel sata 3, but the chips they do use are hopefully still faster than sata 2 is.
 
I honestly can't see the point in spending all that money on a new X58 motherboard just to get a better SATA controller.

If you were spending that sort of money you might as well sell your existing processor, motherboard and (possibly) RAM, add that to the cost of the Gigabyte X58A-OC, and buy a new Intel setup with native SATA 3.
 
depends how cheap you can pick an x58 oc board up for,plus the price of selling your own board,otherwise its cpu/mb/memory upgrade

in all honesty youd be better off sticking to intel sata2 speeds,you wouldnt notice much if any difference

or upgrade to ib/sb if you fancied a new setup
 
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