Crucial M4 256GB or Samsung 840 250GB
- Thread starter erik8thw
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DarkSable
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- Sep 27, 2012
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It's making a lot of huff over nothing - the flash NAND in the samsung non-pro isn't AS good, but it only makes a difference if it's getting continousous read-writes 20/7 for a number of years. You're just fine.
That being said, it's more than likely you only need a 128GB SSD - that's plenty for Windows, applications, and what few games benefit from being on an SSD. (Because remember, data and most games see no benefit from it - if you load first in a shooter, you still have to wait for everyone else to load. The only games I consider putting on an SSD are mmorpgs, which have annoying loading screens, and single-player games which have loading screens long enough to break immersion.)
That being said, it's more than likely you only need a 128GB SSD - that's plenty for Windows, applications, and what few games benefit from being on an SSD. (Because remember, data and most games see no benefit from it - if you load first in a shooter, you still have to wait for everyone else to load. The only games I consider putting on an SSD are mmorpgs, which have annoying loading screens, and single-player games which have loading screens long enough to break immersion.)
whiteodian
Distinguished
- Apr 8, 2010
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They are both great. Look for either drive on sale, but I would stick with the 250GBish range vs the 120ish. I bought a 120GB one a few years ago and it's annoying having to remove games and find ways to free up space. You should be able to find either drive in the $160ish range which is cheaper than I paid for my 120GB drive 2.5 years ago. I do keep videos, music, and some games installed on a disc based drive, but still run low on space from time to time on my SSD. Save yourself the headache and go big.
RetiredChief
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- Feb 22, 2007
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.. Performance wize - never tell the difference.
.. Reliability/least user problems. M4 has been around a LOT longer and scores very well in this catagory. 840 (NON-pro not really out long enough, probable AOK
..... However for longevity, I'd go with the M4. There has been some discussion on the longevity issue with TLC. Johnny had a good link (post I saw the other day) on a test being down on the 840 to see just how long it will hold up. There is a flaw in the testing methodology (identified in a comment). The test is a conitued write/deleet/write untill a failure occurs. The problem is the retention of data, as the cell is repeatly written to the duration (when the SSD is switched off) the cell is able to retain the data decreases - This is not practical to test. Example when the SSD is new it is able to retain the data for an extended period of time. As time goes on this retention period decrease. The decrease can be down to a day. The cell is fine when in use, so is not marked "bad"; however when the system is switched off say at night then switched on in the morning that data is lost.
HOWEVER must agree that for the majority of Users this is probably NOT going to be an issue. The difference between MLC and TLC is probably going to be at the point that most users would be replacing the SSD with the Latest/Greatest storage device - which may no longer even be an SSD.
ADDED:
See: http://uk.hardware.info/reviews/4178/hardwareinfo-tests-lifespan-of-samsung-ssd-840-250gb-tlc-ssd-update
Then look at first comment by Linh1978
End Added
.. Cost. Too close to call, Only about 10 bucks diff (factor in the 8 gigs more space on the M4 and NO diff in cost). However, unless you needed yesterday, and can hold off you may chace a real deal. I bought both of my Crucial M4 and Samsung 256 gig drives for under $180.
Bottom Line, my vote goes to the M4.
I have 3 M4's, 3 Samsung 830s, and two Samsung 840 Pro's So Not a fanboy of either - Love ALL 8. I have not bought, nor plan on buying the 840 NonPro.
.. Reliability/least user problems. M4 has been around a LOT longer and scores very well in this catagory. 840 (NON-pro not really out long enough, probable AOK
..... However for longevity, I'd go with the M4. There has been some discussion on the longevity issue with TLC. Johnny had a good link (post I saw the other day) on a test being down on the 840 to see just how long it will hold up. There is a flaw in the testing methodology (identified in a comment). The test is a conitued write/deleet/write untill a failure occurs. The problem is the retention of data, as the cell is repeatly written to the duration (when the SSD is switched off) the cell is able to retain the data decreases - This is not practical to test. Example when the SSD is new it is able to retain the data for an extended period of time. As time goes on this retention period decrease. The decrease can be down to a day. The cell is fine when in use, so is not marked "bad"; however when the system is switched off say at night then switched on in the morning that data is lost.
HOWEVER must agree that for the majority of Users this is probably NOT going to be an issue. The difference between MLC and TLC is probably going to be at the point that most users would be replacing the SSD with the Latest/Greatest storage device - which may no longer even be an SSD.
ADDED:
See: http://uk.hardware.info/reviews/4178/hardwareinfo-tests-lifespan-of-samsung-ssd-840-250gb-tlc-ssd-update
Then look at first comment by Linh1978
End Added
.. Cost. Too close to call, Only about 10 bucks diff (factor in the 8 gigs more space on the M4 and NO diff in cost). However, unless you needed yesterday, and can hold off you may chace a real deal. I bought both of my Crucial M4 and Samsung 256 gig drives for under $180.
Bottom Line, my vote goes to the M4.
I have 3 M4's, 3 Samsung 830s, and two Samsung 840 Pro's So Not a fanboy of either - Love ALL 8. I have not bought, nor plan on buying the 840 NonPro.
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