Crucial M4 / Micron C400 SSD Series Thread

I've not bothered with the pagefile and I do run a large HDD next to the SSD. There's debate on this, the conclusion seems to be you can safely drop it to 1-2GB on the SSD if you have enough RAM (like 8GB). The page file doesn't get used unless it is needed anyway, so I don't worry about it much. And having it on the SSD means it operates much faster than on a HDD.

 

Phil - thanks for this thread, buddy. It was very useful. +1 Rep

Dropped in a new M4 128GB last night with a fresh Windows 7 install and the latest Intel chipset and RST drivers. Disabled LPM on Port0 and Port1. Seems to be running good. This is my first SSD and it feels good. Do these numbers look like everything is in order?

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Compare Alienware M17xR1 with Alienware M18xR1 : Geekbench Result Browser

Will finish swapping parts (additional RAM, BD-burner, N-6300) tonight, after the brake job is done. Also have a 750GB Momentus 7200 RPM arriving Monday to make up for lost drive space with the SSD.

 

If any of you are into Steam gaming like I am, this SteamMover program works well and frees up the precious SSD space. I've got around 200GB of games on the D: drive thanks to this nifty utility.

 

Looks good to me Mr. Fox.

Here are mine:

 

xault - those transfer rates are very close to the same as mine. Thanks for the post.

How do you like your MSI laptop? That particular model has pretty decent specs.

 

I really like the GT780DXR! The GTX570M is a good GPU for what I paid for it, and although it's nothing compared to an alienware SLI or CF...I'm surprised at how good it is with games and OC potential. Then I added a M4 to it, and now it far exceeds my expectations. =) Currently, I'm in the process of revamping my network. I have an Intel Ultimate N 6300 on the way, and hope to upgrade my router next! I'm assuming you're enjoying the alienware?

 

Yes, most definitely enjoying the M18x.

Good luck on your new network. I have 5Ghz Wireless-N and really do like it. It's not really noticeably different or improved for web browsing, but for file transfers between MIMO equipped systems and NAS it is noticeable. If you can afford a router that will max out the MIMO Ultimate-N 6300 throughput, you'll be glad you came up with the extra dough.

 

May I ask what router you use? I was thinking of the Linksys E4200.

 

I have a NetGear WNDR3400 dual-band. I was a Linksys customer for many years and if I had to do it all over again I would buy a Linksys dual-band Wireless-N router. This one is OK, but it has some quirks. I think the E4200 would be an excellent choice if you can afford it. It's expensive.

 

I tried both configurations and honestly, i can't see a difference. If you do need the pagefile though it will definitely be faster on the SSD.

On another note, if the E4200 is anything like the E3000, you'll definitely enjoy that router. I get average 16MB/s file transfer wired-wireless with it (on 5GHz).

 

Well the pagefile is only extra RAM in the case that you run out of physical RAM. It rarely gets touched, so no you wouldn't see a difference between the 2 amounts unless you are maxing out RAM usage.

Just so you know, disabling LPM is not necessary on the M4 anymore if you have firmware 0002 or 0009 (0003-0008 don't exist ). Now as you have an Alienware, the battery life is a moot point anyway, but you can safely turn LPM on now (or rather, not turn it off on future reinstalls). From your scores, it looks like you have FW 0009 (only that one hits 500MB/s sequential reads).

 

There are quite a few programs who still like to use the swap files due to the good old days when memory wasn't so abundant. Granted, they are older programs so shouldn't use much anyways. I suppose i could try to load the RAM completely with CFD simulations and check the difference, if the software we use on the computers allows me to do that (the real intensive simulations are done on the university's HPC server for obvious reasons). In any case, i always reduce the size of the swap file on a SSD or completely remove it to get back some much need space. Especially on 64GB drives.

 

Ohh ok, I was also thinking of the E3000 because the E4200 is like $150ish most places. Mr. Fox is right that it's expensive, lol. So, if I don't really care about file transfers...would it be better to get the E3000? I initially wanted the E4200 because I didn't want the network to bottleneck on the router, but I'm mostly interested in acheiving the highest Internet data rates. Btw, it will be used with an Intel 6300. Also, sorry about being off topic....didn't mean to hijack this thread, but the networking section doesn't have many viewers.

Back on topic...My M4 originally came with the 0002 firmware, and I was having these minute delays at the login screen whenever I clicked on the textbox for my password. It would also sometimes freeze in Windows, but then go back to normal. After upgrading to the 0009 firmware, all those problems went away =).

 

Yeah 0009 is the Firmware you want.

The only difference between the E3000 and E4200 is the latter supports 450mbps while the former stops at 300mbps. Note that due to overhead, the difference between 300mbps and 450mpbs in terms of actual throughput isn't that large. If you're lucky, you could score an E3000 for $70, NCIX got rid of it's E3000 stocks at that price, i did pay the full $150 for mine though and i don't regret it. You don't see many hits in the networking section, because once something has been said there isn't much more to add. Downloads and others are very knowledgeable about networking so it's best to ask there for specific questions.

 

Cool, do you have the problem of losing connection after coming back from sleep mode? I see a lot of people have had that problem with the E3000 and E4200 in particular. They also have stated good performance initially, then a major decrease in performance shortly after using it. I also know that the stated data rates (300/450Mbps) are very theoretical, and a typical 450Mbps N network will get 130-150Mbps.

Looks like ncix has the E3000 for around $160 now, but I guess it doesn't matter as I live in California. Yeah, downloads gave me some good advice about DOCSIS 3.0 modems in the networking section.

 

I've been using my E3000 for at least 6 months now and it's as fast as it's ever been. No reconnecting problems when waking from sleep. Reconnects instantly, the ipod can't seem to connect properly from time to time, but it does that on every network, not just mine. I'm on 5GHz by the way, those routers do run slightly hot, i could see them slowing down in very hot environments, propping the router up half an inch fixes that problem though. Mine didn't have that problem even at 26C indoors temperature.

 

Actually, the M18x gets close to 5 hours battery life running on the Intel HD 3000 IGP and Power saver mode. It drops to about an hour running on the AMD 6990M CFX, or less depending on what it is being used for. I am running firmware 0009, but my M4 ran in 3GB/s mode until I disabled LPM. So, the only reason I disabled LPM was so the SSD would run at 6GB/s. I have not read up on what advantages LPM offers. If the value of LPM is limited to extended battery life and it does not increase performance, then it matters little to me whether it is enabled or disabled. I would prefer that my system deliver maximum performance over battery life.

 

I guess I didn't realize the Alienwares had a switchable graphics option now (I'm guessing it's more of a switch than something like Optimus?). Not that I've really looked tbh. Interesting that you were limited to SATA 2 speeds with LPM on, I'll have to think on that one. LPM is mainly a power saving feature, so yea battery life would be your main benefit. It shouldn't have much of an impact on performance though, but I see your reasoning for doing what you did, I would do the same thing in your shoes!

 

With the M18x it is in the truest sense, meaning a reboot and total disconnect to where the graphics system not in use becomes invisible.

 

Does anyone know where to buy the 7mm Micron C400 256gb? Part no. MTFDDAK256MAM-1K1

MTFDDAK256MAM-1K1

 

I heard it's easy to change the Crucial M4 to 7mm by taking off the external shell.

 

Yes i know its easy to change the M4 to 7mm by simply removing the spacer but i don't want to risk invalidating the warranty so would prefer a ready made 7mm SSD for my thinkpad X220 for peace of mind. The 7mm Samsung 830 is due to be released very soon (similar performance to M4) but wouldn't mind buying the 7mm micron C400 if its available.

 

are you running firmware 0009 and also what size drive is it? The smaller capacity drives run a little slower. The M4 is not the fastest drive out there, but it is high on reliability and has been trouble free for me. If you want the absolute fastest drives, get one with a sandforce controller. I have a Patriot Wildfire that benches way faster than my M4 on my desktop

 

bought 2 M4 SSDs. 1 which was my OS drive I sold. Another one is lying. Thinking what to do with it. I'm little bit dissapointed with SSD so far. Faster boot, no stuttering with multitasking and no fall dangerous. This is it. But not enough faster boot for me and therefore not enough overall. Guess I am the only one who think so.

 

hey Trdlo, here's mine for comparison purposes.



What laptop is this installed in? For example, in the Alienware R3's you have to install the SSD in slot 1 if you want true SATA-3 speeds all the time as slot-0 sometimes reverts to SATA2. It could be something like that. PS...i don't have the Intel Rapid driver installed

Run a crystalmark bench and lets see if you're really that far off

 

ya, i will install it eventually. Its just that everything works well now, i just don't want to mess with it

 

I suggest to download Intel RST for F6 install. Then just go to device manager, find Itel 5 port bla-bla, selst to update driver and choose to manual search of driver folder.

Select downloaded driver folder and that's it.

 

I don't think any of our Vaios support it anymore, but if you can UEFI boot, you can UEFI install the OS, too. It should eek out that last bit of bootup performance for you

 

I took the bait and ordered a 128GB Cruicial M4 today!

Hopefully it will make me feel very happy, lol!

I feel sorry for my wallet.

 

You won't once you enjoy fast boot times, believe me. If you don't notice a difference, switch back to a mechanical drive after a week of use and you'll feel it then.

 

Edit - Trdlo already did update.

 

Will enabling AHCI for M4 cause any issues?

 

no issues, but you'll have to reinstall windows

 

0009 made a noticeable difference, your numbers are right inline with mine

 

I sure wish the moderators would stick a summary somewhere of whether or not there's been an official fix or acknowledgement on behalf of Crucial regarding the registry patches/fixes/BSOD errors reported the first several pages in this 27+ page thread. Particularly when every relevant and new thread gets merged.

 

The latest firmware (0009) seems to have taken care of the issues that were troublesome for some M4 owners. The LPM fix also resolves some issues with the drives not running at the full 6GB/s SATA III speed.

There is no need to start a new thread to ask a new question about old subject matter that already has a well-established thread.

 

Not really sure what that means. So, you pop in an M4, and as soon as you install Windows, you've got the firmware? Or you'll blue screen until installing some file?

 

No, you get the M4, 'pop' it into a system with Windows already installed on it and verify that you have the latest version - before you start installing anything on it.

If the firmware is not 009, then download the iso, reboot the computer and boot from the CD/DVD you just burned. Flash the SSD and shutdown the system (when it tells you to).

Remove the SSD, install it in the intended system it was bought for and install Windows, your programs and your data. Done.

 

Hey friend, here is a thread with more information on the 0009 firmware update: Solid State Drives (SSDs) and Flash Storage > Crucial M4 009 Firmware update and it even includes a link to download it. On the Crucial download page, there are detailed instructions in a downloadable PDF ( LINK). If you decide to take the plunge on an SSD and still have some apprehensions, feel free to PM with any questions if you would like to. I was also apprehensive because of some horror stories I had read about instability. The M4 was my first SSD experience and I highly recommend it because it was pain-free. Another thing I like about the M4 is the consistent performance among multiple systems under a variety of conditions. If you compare this screen shot (see thumbnail) to others posted on the last few pages, you will see very consistent results.

Verifying what firmware is installed before installing Windows is a good idea. A lot of M4 owners have flashed the new firmware without hosing their OS installation, but I like the safe instead of sorry approach also... good advice. If nothing else, it will potentially save time and frustration having to re-install.

I believe the decal on the outside of the SSD housing also indicates what firmware it shipped with. If there is still a doubt, if you run the firmware update the flash program will actually tell you what version is installed and whether the update applies. If it is not the version you want, (0009 in this case,) you can proceed with the flashing operation.

 

Hi please for resume...
In a Alienware m11X R3 notebook with the crucial m4 256Gb SSD installed in Sata III mode updated today to the new 009 firmware, and making a full fresh install of windows 7 ultimate SP1 and the lasted drivers from Dell M11x/R3 support page... and the lasted intel Display, intel WIFI, and WIDI Drivers and the Nvidea 270.61 Drivers...

But then come a question to me???
WHAT IS THE BEST INTEL RST Version for use with the M4 and the 009 Frimware? is OK the one in the Dell support web (10.1.0.1008)? or is better any other from Intel WEB like the 10.6.0.1022? what chipset version dell or intel? Is neccessary and/or recommended to install the intel management engine interface, and the free fall drivers? if so what version Dell or Intel?

 

I would recommend installing the latest 10.6.1022 IRST drivers on your system.

With only the M4 installed (and no other mechanical HDD), there is no need to install the free fall sensor drivers.

The Intel Management Engine interface drivers are required (is there any yellow exclamation marks in Device Manager? If not, then they are already installed through Windows Updates possibly or another 'needed' driver for your Dell).

 

Actually, no need to go through that pain if switching from IDE to AHCI or vice versa. You just need to switch a registry setting, boot into BIOS, switch to the appropriate mode, and away you go! I've done this before with an SSD that refused to install correctly in AHCI (dang Sandforce drives, another reason to kill them, not always plug-and-play with them). Worked great.

Linky: Switch to AHCI in Windows 7 (after install) | Windows 7 Themes

Nope. This was pretty much stated, but you need to use the Crucial firmware ISO image to flash the drive if it shipped with FW 0001. btw, FW 0002 also fixed the initial issues with LPM and such. But FW 0009 is tweaked to be even faster and includes the same fix. It's an awesome drive!

 

wrong thread!

 

can someone comment on my 4k? i just updated to 10.6.1022 IRST. i believe i'm in AHCI, i didn't see a bios option so i checked regedit like that link says above and its set to 0. this is on a clean install. chipset and other drivers are latest i believe. i tried turning off caching, reboot turn back on, reboot, still the same.

 

Intel Rapid Storage 10.6.2.1001 is the newest!

 

ok now i'm confused, I had the version from HP 10.1.2.1004, 2011-09-16. and i just "updated" to 10.​6.​0.​1022, 6/8/2011. lol guise, what am i doing?

i actually did see an improvement "updating" (both benchmarks and loading windows) but i'm still not sure why my 4k is low. please advise!

i dont see it on intel's website.

 

It's available here

intel drivers pour Raid/Sata/Ata/Ahci

and it's WHQL.

 

yeah i saw that, didn't know it was whql though. have you (or anyone else) tried them yet? my drive is working great besides a benchmark number which isn't necessarily a big deal unless that means something i dont know, haha.

 

IMO a benchmark doesn't tell the whole story, just a scale for a certain test. What results do you get from the AS-SSD compression-benchmark?

 

If I am using M4 on an old laptop such as the T60, do i need to update IRST?