mSATA options for X220. A review

TheSSDReview has just done a review of the NVELO Dataplex SSD Caching Software Review - Seven mSATA SSDs Prove An Amazing Concept - The SSD Review but what I found particularly interesting was the hardware used to do that test.

The review was done with a ThinkPad X220 and 7 different mSATA SSDs. As you can see, they were all compatible with the mSATA slot in the X220 and the best performers were the Runcore T50 (which is actually 6Gbps so not fully utilized) and the Renice X3.

This is a useful read for anyone considering an mSATA purchase and trying to determine which are the better performers for the price.

 

Thanks. I read through the article (slow work day thus far), which made me interested in already upgrading my current mSata solution. I really like it, but I didn't realize how fast I would go through 80GB in OS and applications. Otherwise, if you can afford it, mSata is really the way to go for the x220 in my opinion.

 

Just installed a mSATA SSD into the X220 and was amazed at the speed. IMO, I think 128GB is the sweet spot as there is enough space without worrying too much about maxing out the SSD.

 

Yeah, I think I should of went with 128GB. I was originally concerned about reliability and had decided that Intel was the best bet. Regardless, I am overall very happy with the mSata thus far.

 

The performance boost from a mSATA SSD definitely puts a smile on your face!

 

It's the performance boost of any SSD that puts a smile on one's face. The mSata just makes the smile a bit sly.

I want an mSata SSD, but I already own an 80GB SSD and external HDDs. I'll probably just put the 320GB HDD I took out of my X220T into my dock instead, by using an ultrabay adapter.

 

I find it amazing that a review on SSDs for a Thinkpad does not include power consumption. If there is a superfast one drinking juice, and another slightly slower one sipping it, guess which one I'd rather use.

 

The reviewer was reviewing the NVELO Dataplex Data Caching software for SSDs. He was not reviewing mSATA SSDs for a ThinkPad. I'm pretty sure that the reviews of SSDs, on that web site, do include power consumption.

I just posted the link because I thought ThinkPad users may be interested in the mSATA results.

 

hey man, don't get me wrong, I appreciate the link

mine was a rant, b/c that site, in their prev. reviews, also did not include power consumption measurements

 

FYI

The Renice 120GB X3 is expensive and not commonly available.

After doing research, I actually bought one, not tested in that review, which is the "RunCore 120GB Pro V SATA II 50MM mSATA SSD - RCP-V-I501B-MC".

 

Thanks for the review link! Interesting article, especially since I'm also planning to buy a msata SSD for my X220.

I've found an important conclusion at page 5:

@Azrielsc: which 120GB msata SSD did you install? The 120GB X3 or the RUNCORE T50?

For the reliability I would buy an Intel 310 80GB (apparently the slower speed is not noticeable in day to day use), but hesitating to buy a Renice 120GB X3 for the extra space. My biggest concern is the reliability, hearing too much issues with the SandForce controllers...
Anybody has different experiences or views?

 

Well, I bought this: MyDigitalSSD 128GB mSATA SSD

Seems like a good deal for 128GB. It uses a Phison controller and my scores are, which is on par with the scores being advertised:

 

I finally plunked down $105 for the 64gb MyDigitalSSD..I'll miss my 128gb Crucial M4, but I wanted the flexibility of having XP on the standard drive for work (without going through all the XP SSD tweaks). More storage is always a plus, too

 

Sorry stupid question: Is this to replace the main hard drive or an additional storage drive? Thanks!

 

The msata ssd is added in addition to the normal hdd

 

Thanks! So there is empty space inside the X220 to add this 2nd SDD? (assuming there is already factory installed SDD as primary drive)

 

Yes, it's a small space where the optional WWAN card would be installed.

 

Thanks much!

 

Here's some snapshots I took whilst installing the mSATA SSD. After removing the keyboard & palmrest, you will see this:



The space that the mSATA SSD goes into is highlighted in RED. There should be just 1 screw there too. It is for fastening your mSATA SSD once installed. If you have opted for a WWAN card, it is also located in the same place. So you can only choose to use the slot for either a mSATA SSD OR a WWAN, you can't have both.

This is a close up of the space, with the screw:



You can see 3 wires, Red, Blue and Grey. They are not attached to anything. You have to remove the black wire to install the mSATA SSD but remember to fix it back once done!

This is after the mSATA SSD is installed:



I just reused the black tape and stuck the red & blue wires on top, so that they don't move about in the laptop, once the palmrest is fixed.

Cheers!

 

Thanks for the pictures. I'm planning to buy msata drive, hopefully my laptop will really gain speed

 

No worries. Glad to help out since the guys/gals over here have been more than helpful with advice when I was getting my X220 and my subsequent questions!

 

I got mine from MyDigitalSSD but I got the Runcore 120GB Pro V which I thought would be at least as fast; if not faster than the MyDigitalSSD.

Mine appears to be MUCH slower though as your Seq Reads=247MB/s, Seq Writes=192MB/s etc. while I'm only seeing numbers like Seq Reads=105MB/s, Seq Writes=58MB/s etc.

I have checked my Intel 160GB SSD, that the X220 came with, and it's still getting 256MB/s and 167MB/s on those same two test scores.

Both my SSDs are bootable so I have run the same tests under both boots. It's definitely the SSD.

I have contacted MyDigitalDiscount because, in their specs, they claim that the Runcore is faster than the MyDigitalSSD.

EDIT: I did get the speed issues resolved with this Runcore mSATA. It was related to an "alignment" problem which I've covered elsewhere.

 

Ouch, the cost is prohibitively high at US$300+ and even though it supports SATA 3, the X220 only mSATA slot only supports SATA 2 so, IMO, it is not worth the extra dollars.

Hope you can solve the issue with MyDigitalDiscount! Good luck!

 

Thanks. I got the Runcore Pro V SATA II; not the Runcore Pro V SATA 6GB (the names are pretty close!). Maybe I'll look at the SSD that you got.

 

Cool! Seems like the MyDigitalSSD are getting popular! And I think I saw that the price is now US$199.99!

 

Quick question: How is the battery life when running both the mSATA and the original hdd? I'm on the fence between purchasing an mSATA in addition to the original HDD, or just customizing it to come with the SSD from the factory.

 

Well, it seems like I am getting better battery life with both mSATA SSD + HDD, as I changed the settings for my HDD to spin down and not be on standby as my important files are on my mSATA SSD.

Or it could be a placebo effect?

 

Hey guys,

I'm definitely purchasing a x220 in the next day or two (my m860tu died ). One of the decisions that I'm currently mulling over is whether to get the 160gb ssd upgrade for $200 AUD or to grab a mSATA to pair up with the HDD as part of the factory configuration.

A big factor in the moment is choosing a suitable mSATA and I came across this bad boy:
Renice 120GB K3VLAR-3 50MM mSATA SATA III Mini PCIe SSD | My Digital DIscount

Now this seems too me a viable option mainly due to the cheap cost. The only thing holding me back is the fact that its SATA III and there has soo far been absolutely none impressions of it on the x220! I've figured it would be capped to the speed of SATA II's but I'm worried that it could decrease in performance even further. Does anyone have any opinions that could possibly help me out.

EDIT: Sorry, I forgot to mention that the SATA III is $70 cheaper than its SATA II equivalent....fishy?

 

@Smarikoe

I can recommend MyDigitalDiscount store. I found them great to work with so wouldn't worry about the "fishy" part.

1. If you can get that SSD for that price, buy it. Renice is one of the best on the market. SATA III SSD's have been run in that mSATA slot (I only of one "no name" brand that had a problem but that could have been a problem with just one SSD)

2. The mSATA slot in the X220 does not support SATA III so you will have no advantage over SATA II but you will have no loss of performance. (I have confirmed it for myself that there was no improvement or performance reduction)

As you tell from my specs, I went with the 160GB SSD and the 120GB mSATA SATA II...

 

Ohhh thanks for this! How r u finding the battery life? I'm just wondering now since the configuration you have seems close to the one I might be getting then!

 

@ Smarikoe

Battery life is great but I can't really quantify it. It came with 6 cell and then I bought a 9 cell (for a really good price on eBay). Then I bought a 4 cell as I that's all I need around the house. So battery life is not an issue for me...

If there was a choice, I would have got my X220 with 3 or 4 cell (as it makes it really light and small) and then bought a 9 cell afterwards.