SSD - Worth it? (And a little more questions)

There's been a while since my last post here.

I have an Asus G51VX-RX05 STOCK. As you know, this laptop have one 320GB HDD @7200rpm and ONE EMPTY SLOT.

My HDD is getting full, and I'm wondering if it's worth to buy an SSD for install Win7, games and some others apps.

The HDD would be only for storage.


Is it worth? Is there some issues known about installing SSD? Is there a way to install one SSD in my laptop? And about the heat dissipation?



thx

 

It would only be worth it if you were running your operating system off the SSD. Programs and OS belong on an SSD, files and storage belong on HDD.

SSD should work with your laptop, and the heat dissipation should be fine as well.

 

I'm running a 64 GB SSD and a 320GB HDD in my G51. Boot time and program loads are much faster than from HDD. Installation is simple, and temps are not a problem.

I was just checking the Asus eStore, and can't find the second hard drive bracket listed. You can add an SSD without one in the second drive bay (the one towards the center of the laptop: it is not as deep as the one on the outside, so the drive will be relatively secure with just some padding (I prefer using insulation foam instead of cardboard, which some people use, since it is designed to take a bit of heat).

With Windows 7, Office 2010, and a many smaller programs, my 64 GB drive has about 60% free space. I keep games on my HDD.

 

Thanks! =)


Do you know if I need some specific model of SSD or any one designed for laptops will fit?

@KimoT: Could you please tell the model of your SSD? Where did you buy it?

 

Mine is a SuperTalent Master Drive SX. No longer available, but Newegg has some good deals and useful reviews. That's where I usually get computer parts. You are looking for any 2.5 drive with SATA II interface (my link is already filtered to what will work with your laptop).

 

For every day computing use, an SSD is hands down the single best upgrade. Hands down.

An old core 2 duo with an SSD would eviscerate an I7 with a mechanical drive when it comes to how fast the system "feels".

 

I have a 128gb ssd as my main drive and it's fantastic. Very fast and plenty of room. Got a 500gb hdd for data and games I don't play much.

 

Thanks to you all.

I think I'm gonna buy a 30gb only for Windows and some other apps. This must be more than enough to me.

Wich brands do you recommend?

 

Since the first day i had my G73 ive had a Intel X25-M Mainstream 80GB 2.5" SATA-II Solid State Hard Drive with my operating system on and its worth it.

 

SSD is defenitely wort it. I still have to get one for my g73JH but have a 120 OCZ vertex 2 in my PC... Having said that: it is worth it IF you get a fast one (like the OCZ). There are a lot of SSD's for sale outthere which are mediocre.

 

Consider a 60-64gb drive. I had a ocz vertex 30gb in my G73. It's plenty of space for windows, office, etc but if you add one game (crysis for me) then your right at the max capacity. You only want to use 90% of the drive. I went over 90% and started getting BSoD and memory problems, even with page file, hibernate, etc disabled. 60gb will give you some breathing room. Plus a 60gb is only 50% more $$$ than a 30gb.

 

I dont remember where, but I've read some where that SSDs dont really offer much for games. I would think they would no? Loading different instances? Racing games especially...

Well, lemme know what you think.

 

They are great for games that do a lot of texture loading or swapping. When I played lord of the rings online it greatly increased performance. First - when loading the game initially my load time went from around 1 minute 30 seconds to below 30 seconds. Second - when running through main hubs my old hard drive would cause the game to stutter a lot, since it had to load lots of new textures and models as all the players came into view. With my ssd everything runs silky smooth and even in the most congested of areas I never have any stuttering.