I need your opinion. (SSD)

I'm considering getting this SSD for my Envy 14 (1200CTO)

Newegg.com - OCZ Agility 3 AGT3-25SAT3-120G 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

Seems like a good deal, esp. after the mail-in rebate, and it seems that whatever issues with BSOD there has been have been fixed with a recent firmware update.

So here are my questions:
1.From my research in the NBR forums it appears the Envy 14 does not have SATA III support. Is this correct?

2. I plan on doing a clean install. Can I burn an install CD with this link and use the OEM key on the bottom of my Envy 14 to activate it? (link below
http://forum.notebookreview.com/win...-digitalriver-windows-7-sp1-13-languages.html

3. Anyone used this particular SSD? Opinions? Reliability concerns?

Thank you for your help!

(On a side-note: the new Envy 15/17 look pretty )

 

Thanks guys!

You've all been so helpful.
The insight about read/write speeds was especially useful.

/s

 

I know you already had a bunch of invisible posts with helpful information but I thought I would chime in anyways...

1. Can't help you there... I'm guessing it is just SATA II but have no way to confirm and haven't read anybody say that it is SATA III. HP might be able to help, but it would probably be easier just to try it. The SATA III drive will work on a SATA II interface and IMO they are about the same $$$ anymore so just buy SATA III and be done with it.

2. Should be able to do a clean install with those ISO's. Use the USB method and it will go much faster. MS has a tool you can DL that is probably linked in that thread that will make a bootable flash drive from the win7 ISO. If for whatever reason it wont activate after you install you can call MS and they should be able to help. Since you have a legit key from the purchase of the laptop MS should be able to assist with activation if for whatever odd reason it doesn't automatically activate for you.

3. Never used that SSD. Read reviews on newegg and take them with a grain of salt. If the drive has issues, but the MFR is replying to people on newegg that is a good sign because they take their customers seriously. I always take this in to account because if they pay attention to reviews on newegg then at least they're looking to see what customers are saying.

 

The review for that OCZ drive weren't too hot. I settled on a 120g Intel 320 SSD. Its SATA II but I'm 99% positive the first gen Envy 14 only supports SATA II anyway.

Thanks for your help!

 

Good choice on the intel drive. They make some of the best SSD's IMO.

If you're never going to pull the SSD out of this laptop and possibly use it in another laptop or even a desktop then getting SATA III doesn't matter. Only would say go for SATA III if the price was right about the same but I know they aren't always close.

Have fun with your super-fast boot times