Should I stick with the factory SSD or get a cheap HDD and replace it with a better SSD?

The factory 256GB (I think Samsung) SSD costs $570 on Dell's website while a 160GB Intel X-25M is generally available for around $400. Should I stick with the higher capacity Samsung or get the cheapest factory HDD and spring for the 160 gig Intel SSD?

Or should I replace the factory HDD with a ~$200 80GB Intel SSD and use an external hard drive to make up for the lack of space? Choices, choices...

 

Cheap HD and and Intel or other higher quality SSD would be your best option if you want the best performance and don't mind less storage space.

The SSD Dell is 256GB but quite slow. Then again it is still faster than any HD out there.

 

I bought mine with cheapest Hard Drive then took it out the day I got my M11X and installed an Intel SSD. Use the HDD in an external USB hard drive exclosure (but I didn't need a large drive in mine)

 

You can probably find a cheaper option yourself if you just go with the 160GB HDD and replace the SSD.

I opted for the OEM 256GB SSD for a couple of reasons. One, I got a huge discount on my order so it made the SSD pretty damn cheap. Two, Dell is able to cover the SSD which kind of makes it easier for me. I've had my system replaced already and got a new SSD with it. So having got the most expensive option there, in the future if I have problems and need a replacement unit, I have a lot of money to work with.. meaning I could say hey my unit originally cost $1500 (not what I paid) what can you get me configured at that price? Finally, I liked the 256GB size. 160GB I would have to remove and put on things more often than the larger samsung.

 

Agreed...the Samsung has very low random 4kb performance scores which are devastating in the visible performance of that drive...

The Intel is a nice choice but depending on your finances....there are a few that I might check out as well.

 

I ended up ordering it with the stock 160GB HD because even though I could have gotten the Dell SSD for $513 plus tax, I decided I wanted the performance of Intel's drive. I actually have a intel 160GB G2 in my desktop and haven't decided if I am going to just use that or order another one or use the cheap 160GB it comes with until the next generation ones come out this year (rumor is they will have a few larger options like maybe 200GB or 256GB plus be a little faster and possibly the same price as the current 160GB plus draw a tiny less power because of the smaller die). anyway, I would not buy the Dell, replace it on your own.

Also remember if you use an external HD it uses even more power, it will be powering 2 hard drives, so you might see a slight decrease in usage time, so if you have all your movies on that external and use it while traveling you might run out of juice quicker than expected...