Well, this is my second SSD since an older OCZ drive. I had to return the OCZ because it used a JMicron controller and stuttering became an issue. A week or so ago I picked up a new Intel X25-M G1 SSD from a friend for $150. While it's not the latest drive from Intel, I couldn't justify paying $100 more ($70 if you look at the MSRP) to the price gouging companies such as Newegg, Tiger Direct, OWC, etc. The newer drive uses a cheaper 34nm MLC flash which translates into decreased latency and faster random write times. That being the only hardware difference I am aware of, the only other difference lies in software. Intel is either stubborn about releasing TRIM support for the G1 drives or the old drive's controller physically isn't capable of receiving the commands. Either way, TRIM is only supported on Windows 7 (Linux?) and isn't supported on OS X. If you don't know what TRIM is, it is a command given by the OS to the SSD that deletes a file immediately after the file has been flagged for deletion. Without TRIM, the files are flagged for deletion but aren't erased until all of the available space is used up. This means that, should one run out of space, the fast write times are going to slow because the drive has to erase the flagged files prior to instilling new information.

 

HDD or SSD without TRIM: User "deletes" file -> the HDD/SSD flags the file for deletion -> user attempts to write new data -> flagged deletion file is erased -> new data is written

TRIM: User "deletes" files -> file is erased -> user attempts to write new data -> new data is written

 

Either way, the same process is being done, but TRIM moves the deletion to the period right after the file is flagged and thus there is no interruption during a crucial write. However, if an SSD ever becomes full, the flash can be emptied in BIOS or EFI, reducing the need for TRIM. But I shall digress from the intricacies of flash based media and move on to results.

 

An application known as XBench was used to benchmark both Apple's stock 5400RPM drive, a Fujitsu MHZ2250BH and Intel's X25-M. While XBench does not judge latency or IOPS, I don't really care to hunt down a program for those specifics; I believe this to be enough.

Intel:

Sequential Access - Read: up to 250MB/s

Sequential Access - Write: up to 70MB/s

I would say that it came darn close to what it promised.

 

Fujitsu:

5400RPM; couldn't find data on read/write

 

I also used this as an excuse to try out Numbers as I had yet to use it. I think I like Excel better, but that is besides the point.

 

I have yet to experience any stuttering which strengthens my faith in the Intel controller. So far I am content with my purchase but only time will tell. Just thought I'd share my results with you guys.

Very nice. Hope you're enjoying it. Where are you most seeing the difference between the HDD and the SSD though? At start-up or while starting applications or what ever else? Benchmarks are cool, but real world situations are better. :P

 

The price/performance ratio is starting to become a reality to people like me who would want to buy an SSD. So I'm still waiting for that sweet spot to open up. It's a good thing there's like a new line of SSD's almost every two weeks, lawl.

Well, my laptop boots up in 19 seconds now, so definitely in start up. Applications such as Safari, iTunes, iPhoto and Keynote (my most used applications) all load up on click after a cold boot. The speed is great, but after experiencing it for myself, I would have definitely waited until they dropped below $1.00/GB.

I thought the speed increase would be much bigger from an SSD. Windows 7 boots in 25 seconds on a 7200rpm drive. Programs run quite fast too after a cold boot!

Well, remember that this isn't the fastest SSD on the market, simply the one with the most proven controller. The OCZ Vertex and OCZ Agility both have better read and write times but they also happen to use an Indilinx controller which does not preform well when equipped with smaller capacities of flash. I wasn't thrilled with their customer support either.

 

I too have Windows 7 and trust me when I say there is no comparison when loading applications or programs. It's not fast, it's instantaneous. I was a little disappointed with the startup time but I don't think I could go back to a platter drive now.

Nice that you took your time to write that.

 

I haven't been interested in SSD's yet, simply because of the price. When i buy one, it has to be atleast 256gb. And atm, the price for that is insane. 550 for the cheapest one, i could get a used 1980's car for that!

Yes yes, i know you're supposed to have the old school hd aswell when you've got an SSD.. But... uh.