Buying an SSD for an XPS15

I've just purchased an XPS 15 and am very happy with it if I do say so myself. My original intention was to order one with an SSD, but I figured I could probably do better with one of my own selection. And by my own selection, I mean your advice. So, good friends, what's my best bet? Figuring 120 gb - 260 gb, $500 price ceiling, but would naturally prefer to save money.

Thanks in advance, and apologies if a similar question has been asked already, but the search feature here isn't too helpful.

 

What are you planning on doing with your laptop?

For that budget, I would look at the G3 Intel, or SandForce SSDs (but not OCZ).

 

Productivity software and multiplayer gaming. Lots of media playing and general internet stuff too. Think computer enthusiast college student with some money.

EDIT: Oh yeah, and I want the thing to boot fast as hell.

 

Vertex 3 or Crucial M4/Micron C400 will be your best two bets. Intel has nothing to offer compared to the above mentioned, especially considering their price.

 

Yeah, I'm pretty much with you, leaning towards the Vertex III. However, I've been reading that only a select few motherboards are actually able to get the full 500/550 that it offers. Can anyone confirm that the current XPS 15 board can?

 

Aren't Intel drives made by Micron? Or do they just use cheaper versions?

 

I don't see why it wouldn't. My C400 is rated at 415MB/s read and it averages 450MB/s+ sometimes seeing 460MB/s. You shouldn't be worried about sequential read and write speeds, as you will only use them less than 1% of normal use (very large file transfers, not downloading). What you should be looking for is decent sequential speeds with high random 4K write/read speeds, and the vertex 3 or Crucial M4/Micron C400 are the two fastest drives out. This is where your fast boot/program load times come into play, and where you will benefit the most from normal use.

 

It's a collaboration. I believe they share the same fabrication plant(s).

 

I was all set for a ocz vertex 3 and pre-ordered one but cancelled after I read some issues with them , so i opted for a 128gb crucial c300 which was quite a bit cheaper.
To give you an idea of speeds (and this isnt the fastest ssd in the world).

windows 7 to fully load - 20 secs
Photoshop cs5 - 5 secs
Lightroom 3 - 3 secs
IE9 - 1 sec

I just wish i`d got an ssd years ago, it improves productivity no end and I actually save power because I use to keep my pc on or in sleep as it took so long to boot up. With an ssd it opens and closes windows so fast its easy just to power it off when your finished.

 

x25-M G2 80GB
Windows 7 load (from pressing power button to desktop 18 sec)

Edit:LOL... just sold it to my friend.
Vertex 3 120GB on order