Help select 240-256GB SSD from listed Models of Corsair, Crucial, Muskhin?

At the moment I am using a SATA II (Middleton BIOS) X61T (SXGA+). I will eventually move to a better machine in 1/1.5 years when the Windows Tablets/ Convertibles start appearing with Higher Resolution Screens (Thanks to iPads Retina)

Of course, I'll move this SSD to that machine at the time. I am realizing I don't need that much Primary Storage in my machine and can keep an external USB HDD for stuff. It helps keep my primary machine SMALL & LIGHT weight (X61T).

Another thought. Right now its 9.5 mm in X61T, but in future machines might be thinner.. So should I opt for a 7mm drive instead? Future proofing?
I may have to Pad it now but it could be usable (or saleable - if at all I do it) for thinner machine.

I have selected/ short listed the ones I feel might be good and seem to have decent reviews and are close & slightly <1$/GB.

So I've put myself in the following price range:
Value: 229$ (199 AR) [For $$ saving] to
Median: 249$ [If definitely much better/reliable etc & of the Mail in Rebate from Corsair is going to be a bust ] maybe push to
High: 259$ [If its REALLY worth that much extra $$$ only]

I am most tempted with the first one because it ends up being 199 AR. But that's assuming Corsair Rebates do come back? And Corsair drives (this SSD) are Stable/ Reliable?

I do not have a lot of reading of the SSD reliability and market place since I was avoiding them due to high prices and low reliability. Maybe you can guide me on the FOLLOWING models?

 

Are there any people who can guide me here please?

Which are the best one out of these?

 

Generally the Crucial M4, Samsung 830 and Intel 510's are the most reliable SSDs.

The Mushkin Chronos Deluxe uses a Sandforce controller which some will avoid like the plague because of their issues.

You're not going to notice a difference between 500mb/s read time orf the m4 and the advertised 560mb/s of the Chronos Deluxe. Just go with whatever is cheaper.

 

I am debating between the Crucial and Corsair models, assuming I 'eliminate' Muskhin from the Shortlist.

Also, I am not overtly concerned about the few extra mb/s reads as specced or in artificial benchmarks. I know in real life usage small differences would not be noticeable.

Now, I have the following 2 "segments". Are there any "reasons" or "pros" to going to the higher / 2nd segment below? Some "real performance" benefit? or RELIABILITY/ STABILITY?
Battery Power saving?

 

the m4 256gb is priced at 230 at tigerdirect

 

The Corsair Force uses the same troublesome Sandforce controller. Personally I'd avoid anything using Sandforce controllers. Reliability will be far better with the M4 of those you listed. Also look into the Samsung 830 though, that is a great drive as well.

 

Sorry if I'm hijacking the thread but I'm actually also looking for a 240 SSD and I'm torn between the M4 256 and Intel 520 240gb, is the $60 between the intel and m4 really worth it?

 

Just go with the M4. Intel 520 also uses the SandForce controller and is not immune to its problems so i wouldnt consider it even if it were priced the same.

 

+1. The M4 prices are pretty sick right now (for SSDs), finding the whole line under the $1/GB in a lot of places. I suspect a new drive is forthcoming from Crucial, but with that said, the M4 is a terrific drive. It's had a few small issues (since FW0002 I mean), but Crucial has been on the ball on getting them addressed with new firmwares and they've been very reliable while still plenty fast.

 

Just bought it - M4 from Amazon

 

Huge mistake, while you sit there waiting an extra tenth of a second for windows to restart you'll wonder what you were thinking when you passed up the pricier, higher benchmark scoring SSDs

I kid I kid, good choice! Note: I think Tom's hardware actually found Windows to start up the fastest with the M4

 

Lol! comedian