New SSD for my AW M17x4

Hey guys

I bought an M17x4 recently, and could only afford a 256gb SSD. However, now I'm looking at adding a second SSD, I'd like a bit of advice.

I found
Newegg.com - Crucial M4 CT512M4SSD1 2.5" 512GB SATA III MLC 7mm Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
a Crucial M4 with 512gb of storage. Leaving sales aside, will I be able to do better than this for reliability and value?

Also, would I need to buy any additional items or connectors to get it up and running?

Thanks

 

On this forum, the Crucial m4 and the Samsung 830 are favored by users for their reliability. I have the 128GB m4 and have not had any problems with it. It is recommended that you update to the latest firmware version (ver 000f). Most likely the drive will come with the latest firmware, but if it doesn't then you can find it here: SSD Support

the one you are linking to is a 7mm drive thick, 2.5 inch drive. if your machine takes a 9.5mm/2.5 inch drive, then you probably want to look at this one here for $5 more: CT512M4SSD2 - 512GB, 2.5-inch Solid State Drive , from Crucial.com or find out if newegg has it for less.

 

Here's the link to the 9.5mm version of the same drive at Newegg: Newegg.com - Crucial M4 CT512M4SSD2 2.5" 512GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

 

i've only been using this M4 512 GB for like 3 or 4 weeks. It's fine so far.
(But that normal/everyday price on that website is not too hot though... not on sale.)

 

You're spot on. Marvell based SSDs like the Crucial M4, Plextor M3, etc are some of the most reliable drives out there. The Samsung 830 is right up there as well, just based on a Samsung controller.

In terms of value, only SandForce based drives will get you better GB/$$, but at the cost of questionable reliability.

I've seen some wicked deals on M4's and 830's recently. $400 for 512GB M4 is a pretty good deal, although I think it's been lower recently.

You shouldn't need any additional connectors. Take out your old HDD, insert SSD, use screws and bracket from old HDD and you're good to go. Unless your notebook didn't come with a caddy and screws.

 

OP, since you have an Alienware M17x4, you also have a mSATA slot that you could also fill with a SSD up to 256GB in size.

There's a Crucial m4 256GB mSATA that was just released for $225 + tax on Crucial's website as well, if you wanted to add another SSD to your system.

From the config you listed, it looks like one 2.5" bay will be filled with a 240GB SSD and the other one is empty. The mSATA slot should also be empty, as it only comes populated with a 32GB mSATA drive for caching with a mechanical HDD.