MSata vs SATA SSD, Value for cost?

I plan on getting a SSD for the new computer that I get in the next few months, maybe usable for the one I have now. Its 512gb and about $400. Thing is, if I get a new laptop that will come with a large enough HD with an optional msata slot, would that be a better choice for speeding the computer up?

 

I would not use an SSD as a caching drive if that's what you mean. At this point in time you have options. Get a 256GB Crucial M4 mSATA drive. Your mSATA port may "only" be SATA II, but it's still worlds better than a cache drive or any hard drive. That way you can have a 256GB SSD for OS, apps, and anything else you want fast access to, and an HDD to store all your other stuff.

 

One of the benefits of mSATA is it allows you too keep the platter drive in the main bay for storage, thus greatly increasing your storage capacity at a lower cost. That has value too. I doubt you'd notice any difference between SATA II and III unless you copy and past a lot of files.

 

If you can do without an DVD drive, then you can move the HDD into the optical drive with a caddy cage and an SDD into the 2.5" drive slot.

2.5" SSDs are typically cheaper per GB and have higher performance than the mSATA ones.

 

I was considering this for my notebook right now if i wanted "all out" solid state capacity. Its tempting because I've grown to dislike have an HDD onboard and or as an external primarily because SSDs are much more tolerant of shock and vibration. This would remove that little issue leaving my HDDs as long tern redundant backups safe some where else not being shook day in day out.

Anyways this would cost a lot of cash and im not sure i even need THAT much tbh lol still nice to know i can:
*SATAIII mSATA M500 480GB
SATAIII 2.5" M500 960GB in optical bay
SATAIII 2.5" M500 960GB in main bay

*All should run at full SATAIII 6Gb/s for me. So far i tested the optical bay and of course the main bay for SATA modes. I've yet to test the mSATA port but im pretty confident now itll be SATAIII.

As to the OP, go with an mSATA SSD for os and apps and keep the HDD for mass storage. Otherwise, solid state memory is the ONLY way to go for mobile devices.

 

Having over 2 terabytes of solid state storage in your notebook certainly ought to cover just about any storage need one could think of. Still, I wouldn't buy all those expensive SSDs unless I was sure I would really need/use them. For the time being, I'm quite satisfied with having two 256GB SSDs in my system (one mSATA, the other 2.5" SATA), although it's nice to know there are larger capacities available if/when they are needed.