Alienware and Intel 330 SSD

Are there still issues regarding SSDs with Sandforce controllers in Alienware laptops? I just placed an order for a new 180GB Intel 330 (got it on discount for $140) which has a Sandforce controller, will I run into BSOD issues? Should I cancel my order for a Samsung 830 or Crucial M4, or is the whole Sandforce issue blown way out of proportion? Either way Intel is supposed to be the "reliable" brand right?
(Laptop: AW M17x R4)

 

SandForce still has wake up on hibernation/sleep BSOD issues, aka don't buy SandForce. Stick with the 830 series from Samsung.

 

How about this: 256GB Crucial m4 2.5-inch SATA 6GB/s? I am thinking to get one for m17x r4.

 

M4 isn't bad, but it has well documented stuttering issues, though it's less common now vs C300 series.

 

Tsunade is right with getting the 830 from Samsung. Probably your best option unless the M4 is a good bit cheaper.

 

Ok, I went ahead and cancelled my order; a shame since it was such a good deal...

 

No doubt Intel has some of the best reliability rates, but that was with Intel controllers (G1/G2/G3 use the same controller, just different firmware). But the 510 had known stuttering issues (Marvell controller), and the 520/330 will have the SandForce BSOD issues. But it's just not worth rolling the dice with SandForce, granted I had 2 SandForce drives, SF-1200 controller and never had issues.

 

Thanks for the advice.
Do I need to get a bracket or something to fit it in the m17x r4?

 

@517a - no need to buy any brackets. The SSD should install directly in place of an existing HDD.

@TsunadeWhat is the M4 stuttering thing? I've never experienced that with my Crucial M4 SSDs, or at least I don't think that I have. What are the symptoms? This is the first I have heard of it.

Other than lackluster performance, the Agility 3's are OK in my system. I agree it is a good idea to avoid Sandforce controllers and wish I had not purchased them now. I purchased them because they were inexpensive, and they perform commensurately. Much better than a HDD still, but not especially wonderful as far as SSD is concerned.

 

I'm interested to hear about the Crucial M4 stuttering as well? never read or heard of it either, and I've been using M4's at work for about a year now, and just got one a few weeks back for my R3. Am loving it, and no problems (that I know of). Time for a google search, I guess.

But, if anyone did have an issue, Crucial's global world-class support, lifetime warranty and quick shipping would have it replaced in no time flat, no questions asked. Never had issues with them the very few times I've had problems with a product - twice over ~8 yrs - unlike other companies.

Does anyone have data on how Crucial's customer support stacks up against competitors? My own experience with this is entirely based on my dealings with them, so is completely anecdotal.

Edit after search:
Linky to useful discussion on the stuttering issue about a year ago.

Seems it was a problem caused by Intel's RST, specifically the LPM settings. It mainly affects specific chipsets when using the RST controller. If you use a different controller or don't have the specific chipsets it affects, then apparently there's no problem. Also, this has apparently been fixed by Crucial in the firmware of the drives since June of last year.

Having said all this, it's also worth noting that this problem was not at all limited to only Crucial M4 drives. Many Brands were affected, since the issue was caused by Intel's RST power settings.

 

Running two SSDs with Marvell controllers in a single laptop. Both sport the latest firmware and both work okay under latest RST drivers.

Just recently bought a new Intel 520 for m14x and the drive has been working just fine (that's SF controller running Intel firmware). Intel drives can be easily monitored using Intel's SSD Toolbox. I always appreciated that.