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    Intel 510, Crucial M4 or Vertex 3?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Chuzzz, Aug 1, 2011.

  1. Chuzzz

    Chuzzz Notebook Consultant

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    Apologies, I know this subforum is probably littered with questions like this.
    I'm sure you can understand though that I'd like to get some input from the people who know best, before I take the plunge!

    I just received my Alienware M17xR3, for which I still need to get a SSD (ordered with stock HDD). I've been reading a LOT about them and frankly it's all a bit overwhelming. Just as I think I've settled on one, I seem to stumble across a reputable site warning me to avoid it. These are the 3 that seem most appealing to me, and since they cost a small fortune I would greatly appreciate any advice as to which one I should be choosing (I'll be buying the respective ~250gb model, if that's significant, and plan on using it as the sole drive for the foreseeable future).

    tl;dr- Which would you choose and why?
     
    Chuzzz, Aug 1, 2011
    #1
  2. Bill Nye

    Bill Nye Know Nothing

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    Speed: Vertex 3.
    Reliability: Intel 510.
    In-between: Crucial M4.

    I'd choose the latter.
     
    Bill Nye, Aug 1, 2011
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  3. Honzik1

    Honzik1 Notebook Consultant

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    I decided for Crucial M4.
    1) Intel 510 was expensive for me
    2) Vertex 3 is not reliable
     
    Honzik1, Aug 1, 2011
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  4. Chuzzz

    Chuzzz Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks lads. I was already leaning towards the Crucial M4 so it looks like this may be the way to go.
    I should add: Given the circumstances, all 3 are virtually the same price for me (<$20 difference) so assume price to also be no factor here.
     
    Chuzzz, Aug 1, 2011
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  5. Cloudfire

    Cloudfire (Really odd person)

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    Speed: Doesn`t matter
    Reliability: Intel or Crucial.
    Just look at these ratings of Vertex 3:
    Vertex 3 240GB
    It`s pathetic!
    Price: Crucial M4
     
    Cloudfire, Aug 1, 2011
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  6. Honzik1

    Honzik1 Notebook Consultant

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    In my country (Czech republic) there is diffrerent price between Crucial and Intel 256GB for about 100 Euros
     
    Honzik1, Aug 1, 2011
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  7. madmattd

    madmattd Notebook Deity

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    Crucial M4 is cheaper than the others in most places, though that certainly isn't the rule. That said, the M4 would be my choice. It is practically the same speed-wise as the Vertex 3 (in real-life usage which is what matters) while being vastly more reliable. The Intel 510 is a good drive too, I would have gotten it if it wasn't $100 more than the M4 here...
     
    madmattd, Aug 1, 2011
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  8. THS

    THS Notebook Consultant

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    I vote Crucial M4.

    I just picked up a 128GB for $200.....IN CANADA !!
     
    THS, Aug 4, 2011
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  9. BMWBig6

    BMWBig6 Notebook Guru

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    What's wrong with the Vertex 3? Is it related to the sandforce controllers used on the Corsair units?
     
    BMWBig6, Aug 7, 2011
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  10. lazard

    lazard Notebook Deity

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    yes .
     
    lazard, Aug 8, 2011
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  11. gull_s_777

    gull_s_777 Notebook Consultant

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    Vertex 3-------- Looks good on benchmarks(+?), BSOD nightmares(-), Stalls(-)
    Intel 510-------Reliable(+), Low Random performance compared to competitiors(-?), Expensive(-)
    Crucial M4------Reliable(+), Good Sequential as well as random performance(+), Well priced(+)
     
    gull_s_777, Aug 8, 2011
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  12. madmattd

    madmattd Notebook Deity

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    Vertex 3's major issues can be traced to Sandforce's lack of proper QC testing coupled with OCZ's poor track record for testing anything themselves. Instead they like to blame the consumer when nothing works (believe me, they did it to me...and numerous others. "Well, the Vertex 2 doesn't work on many SATA 2 boards, you need to buy a NEW supported one" was basically the line I got told by them...needless to say I got it working but they were very rude and inconsiderate about it.
     
    madmattd, Aug 8, 2011
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  13. Xerloq

    Xerloq Notebook Evangelist

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    I opted for the M4
     
    Xerloq, Aug 8, 2011
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  14. Chuzzz

    Chuzzz Notebook Consultant

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    Thought I better post back in here to say thanks! Ordered my M4 as per the great advice in this thread. Should be here soon :)
     
    Chuzzz, Aug 10, 2011
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  15. NinthWave

    NinthWave Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've used both the M4 and the 510 and didn't have any issues with either. I also didn't see the reason for the price premium on the 510. I would feel good about your purchase :)
     
    NinthWave, Aug 10, 2011
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  16. psygn

    psygn Notebook Evangelist

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    Was just about to ask. Thanks!
     
    psygn, Aug 11, 2011
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  17. Chuzzz

    Chuzzz Notebook Consultant

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    Oh yeah I was wrong about the price earlier. Seems I just wasn't looking hard enough! I eventually found an M4 for roughly $100 less than the Intel 510, so that sealed my decision. It arrived today so I'll be putting it in soon :)
     
    Chuzzz, Aug 11, 2011
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  18. NYC Drifter

    NYC Drifter Notebook Evangelist

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    Well how did it go Chuzzz?
     
    NYC Drifter, Aug 25, 2011
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