Need some help and What SSD Should I Get? (First Build)

[Techguy1]

Hello, I just ordered all my parts for my first build and I forgot about getting an SSD.... Should I order one right now while everything is shipping? I would also like to know what SSD would be better the Intel 520 series 120gb or the Samsung 830 120gb. I will be using it for my OS and games that load slow. The Intel is $129.99 with free ship on newegg.ca right now should i grab that one?

Intel - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167093

Samsung - Cant seem to find a 120gb one.

I have a question, When I install windows 7 on the SSD do I install all the updates, Java, and main things that you need to download onto the SSD? or just the OS and everything else on the HDD?

Build

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/p/uNOk
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/p/uNOk/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/p/uNOk/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ NCIX)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($27.99 @ NCIX)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Canada Computers)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($41.74 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ NCIX)
Storage: Intel 520 Series Cherryville 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($119.99 @ Canada Computers) (OR SAMSUNG)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($339.99 @ NCIX)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ Canada Computers)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 750W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $1149.66
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-29 09:21 EST-0500)

Thanks!

 

[Techguy1]

Is it worth it to get an SSD for a $1200+ gaming pc? I have been reading and the Intel 520 seems to be really good and its on sale so I think I might jump on it. Need some advice!

 

[cball1311]

Yes. An SSD is worth it for any machine IMO. The performance increase will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Techguy1]

Yes. An SSD is worth it for any machine IMO. The performance increase will be greatly appreciated.

Ok, Did I pick a good SSD? The Intel 520 ?

 

[RetiredChief]

I would go for the samsung 830 - PS, it's a 128 gig not a 120 gig SSD.

Reason: The Intel uses the SF22xx controller vs the samsung which uses a samsung controller. Both appear to be on the same order of reliability.

My have a hard time finding as Samsung has resently come out with the 840 and the 840 pro. Myself I'd prefer the 830 over the 840. 840 Pro would be great, but price wise just a tad to high yet. An alternative is the Crucial M4 wich perfromance wise in real life Not much difference. DO NOT get crucial M5.

Have 3 M4's, 3 830's, and two Intel SSDs ( plus a few others).

PS: A SSD is a great addition as a HDD is the single biggest bottleneck. Just remember, it ONLY speeds up reading and writing to what is on the drive - Does NOT increase performance of a running program; No increase in FPS, email and internet is not faster ect.

 

[cball1311]

Yep. That will suffice nicely.

 

[DarkSable]

The 830s are still pretty easy to find, for the simple fact that the 840 non-pro is a POS.

But yes, a 128GB SSD is pretty much a must for any computer that can budget it.

 

[Techguy1]

Best answer selected by Techguy1.