Dual-drive options in T440p, T540p etc

While Lenovo builds my T440p I'm trying to decide the best configuration for a dual-drive system. I'm planning to have one SSD (120GB) for OS and applications and a 7K1000 HDD for data etc.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of a 128GB MyDigitalSSD M.2 SSD plus HDD versus a regular 2.5" SSD (840Evo or M500) with the 7K1000 HDD in the Ultrabay caddy? How has everyone else been setting up their dual-drive machines?

Obviously I'd lose the built-in optical drive if I opted for two 2.5" drives (I'd buy a SATA to USB kit for those extremely rare times I need it). There's also been a big debate about whether UEFI boot is possible with the M.2 SSD, but frankly I don't really care about having to use legacy boot.

I'm more interested in the pros and cons (if any exist) of a full-size SSD versus the M.2 version. My biggest hang-up is the fact there is currently zero choice for a 120GB M.2 card right now, and the MyDigitalSSD one is new enough that there is really no data on its long-term reliability and whether performance changes over time - important since it'll be running the OS. I know it's not the fastest SSD on the market, but it's plenty fast enough for me. Then again, the $100 M.2 option will work out cheaper and lighter (a 120GB M500 or 840Evo run at about $80 on sale, but then the ultrabay caddy and DVD conversion kit will add a further $70). Decisions decisions.

 

mSATA and M.2 SSDs tend to be more expensive than 2.5" SSDs for the same tech/capacity, and there are simply more 2.5" SSDs than mSATA/M.2 SSDs. Otherwise, they're not much different from a 2.5" SSD; you'd still need to get something with a good controller, good NAND, etc. Last time I checked, MyDigitalSSD used Sandforce and JMircon controllers (unsure of what NAND), and while Sandforce has improved its reliability since the first-generation, I usually recommend Samsung's, Crucial's, and Intel's drives for their controllers' reliability. However, MyDigitalSSD has a few people actively involved in NBR posts and they're pretty friendly and helpful, so if you were to ever have a problem (or have questions), you can talk to them.

 

In this case the M.2 option is cheaper than the 2.5" SSD option (drives are about the same, but need for ultrabay caddy adds $50). The MyDigitalSSD uses Toshiba NAND and a Phison controller, which in the past has had its share of issues like many controllers and in the grand scheme of things is a relatively unknown quantity (through Corsair uses a Phison controller in its new LS SSDs). I've seen very few reviews of the new version of the Phison controller used in the MyDigitalSSD drive and on paper it performs only adequately -- not particularly fast, but fast enough for me. Question is, how will it perform after six months or a year? I've seen no data about garbage collection, wear leveling etc. over time.

The Samsung or Crucial 2.5 SSDs, by contrast are known entities, perform better and have a solid history. In short, ideal for an OS where rock-solid reliability and consistency are essential. I appreciate all the support the MyDigitalSSD folks give on these forums, but really I'm after any feedback actual users might have.

One option I considered is going with the MyDigitalSSD then simply upgrading to an Intel Pro1500 M.2 version when (if) it appears on the market and cloning the drive. I wonder if any other SSD makers will ever come out with high-capacity 42mm M.2 drives. The silence in the market has been deafening in the last few months, which is disappointing.

 

Anyone pick up a cheap SSD last week to try the caddy option?

 

I picked up several... I've got a 240 gb sandisk extreme ii that I'll use as a boot drive and another extreme ii 480 gb for "storage"

the 480 is already sitting in the caddy... just waiting for the notebook to get here...

 

Where on earth did you get the caddy? They're like trying to find a unicorn...

 

The caddies readily available through Lenovo now, at least in the US:

ThinkPad 9.5mm SATA Hard Drive Bay Adapter IV | Lenovo | (US)

Did you consider an M.2 drive instead of second 2.5" drive?

 

I did consider it, but the options don't have enough capacity yet...

Sent from my RM-820_nam_att_100 using Tapatalk

 

Does the main bay of T540p supports 9.5mm high ssd?

 

The t440p does, I can't imagine the main bay of the 540p would be smaller (and I believe the caddy is the same for both)... (in fact I had to use the spacer on both my ssd's - in the caddy and in the main bay)

 

Does anybody know if putting a SSD into the Ultrabay slot will run at full speed? I'm concerned that it will only operate at 1.5Gbps. Anybody tired it out?

 

If the --20 and --30 generation are any indication, the --40 generation Ultrabays should be at SATA III standard.

 

Is 1.5gbps good enough for even the fastest ssd drive?


HTC One Tapatalk

 

Have SSDs in Ultrabay in both W520 and W530, both perform well.

 

For random 4k read/write - almost good enough, but not quite. For sequential read/write - hell no, it's barely good enough for a fast HDD.

 

Ultrabay speeds are the same as the main bay.. I've got ssd's in both

 

For anyone using a HDD in the ultrabay (not an SSD) in Windws 8, can you comment on whether the drive ever spins down when idle? Mine (in T440p) does not and I cannot work out how to ensure it does. The Windows 8 power setting refer only to the main drive, not the ultrabay drive. Any suggestions?

 

Hi all... I've found this thread while I was trying to find a solution of my problem with T540p. I've bought a bay for replacement optical drive by HDD ( SilverStone Technology Co., Ltd.- TS08)... I've used my HDD which was used as USB drive but in this bay it does not work. I've tried to set up Windows and BIOS, I've updated every drivers and also I've updated BIOS and the drive does not exist for system... it's not visible in BIOS too. When I put the drive out of bay and put it into USB case again, the drive is OK... Does anyone can help me to find the way how to make it work? Thanks to all...