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    retrospect on purchase: ssd

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by 1201NFTW, Jun 19, 2010.

  1. 1201NFTW

    1201NFTW Notebook Evangelist

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    i haven't received my m11x yet, but in retrospect i wish i would have shelled out the extra $ for the ssd. i hear nothing but raves from the people, sure it is expensive but from what i've heard it is worth the price.

    just a thought to those who are looking to purchase the m11x and are deciding which components to purchase
     
    1201NFTW, Jun 19, 2010
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  2. Luminair

    Luminair Notebook Consultant

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    Personally, it is hard to justify the cost per gigabyte for a ssd at this point in time. The speed is great, but for myself it would be too difficult to fit everything I frequently use into a sub 120 gig space (anything more is asinine in price).
     
    Luminair, Jun 19, 2010
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  3. 1201NFTW

    1201NFTW Notebook Evangelist

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    the only thing i have been wondering about with ssd is their life span. aren't they limited in the number of read and write cycles? do standard hdd have similar limitations?
     
    1201NFTW, Jun 19, 2010
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  4. Spoonface

    Spoonface Notebook Enthusiast

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    The earlier models have been questionable in terms of write cycles but as we move forward its not so much of an issue. For big businesses and mass storage solutions, yes, there are still doubts but for a home consumer, not so much. We on average replace our gear every 12-24 months so its not a big issue. Lifespans are currently looking at an average of 3 years (I have my doubts) as its dependant on how heavily it is used.

    For us gamers though? I cant see it being an Issue at all. Hope that helps.
     
    Spoonface, Jun 19, 2010
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  5. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Actually as we move forward life span for an SSD is more and more of an issue. The smaller the flash cells (which is what is needed to make higher capacities cheap) the quicker they wear out.

    Some of the earlier MLC SSDs came with flash cells that can withstand about 10000 to 20000 writes per cell. Now those same vendors (looking at the latest OCZ SSDs specifically) ship with flash that can only take 5000 to 10000.

    Hard drives do not have such limitations. Sure there is the problem that all mechanics fail over time, but honestly I do not buy into the argument (anymore) that SSDs have higher reliability.

    It is entirely reasonable to assume a hard drive can survive a good five years of use. Or more. HDDs do not have this built in time bomb called a write limit. SSDs...there is not enough evidence yet to illustrate they can survive for even three years...

    SSDs do have their advantages but reliability is not one you should count on.
     
    Greg, Jun 19, 2010
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