Used SSD

[jsagaga02]

Hey guys

I was wondering what are your thoughts on purchasing a used ssd? I found one through craigslist (I have purchased multiple items through craigslist like a xfx 5770 for a $100 and a brand new i5-3570k for $180 as well as a brand new Asrock z77 extreme4 for $100), which is a Crucial m4 256gb for $100 (Regular Price = $189.99 on amazon w/o taxes). The seller has emailed me the receipt when he purchased it online through amazon for $254.99 (Purchased back in April, 30, 2012). He has also offered to let me use the data cable from the 512gb crucial m4 ssd (Which he recently upgraded to), to test it out before buying it. I was thinking about installing one of intel's software that checks the lifespan left for an ssd, unless there's a better program that you guys know of, I'm all ears. So what do you guys think? If you were in my position, would you purchase this used ssd?

Thanks!

 

[JohnnyLucky]

A Cruial m4 SATA 3 6Gb/s 256GB ssd for $100.00 seems to be a bargain. However, since it is a private sale there is no manufacturer's warranty.

 

[jsagaga02]

A Cruial m4 SATA 3 6Gb/s 256GB ssd for $100.00 seems to be a bargain. However, since it is a private sale there is no manufacturer's warranty.

I see. I didn't know the warranty wasn't transferrable. Any other software besides intel's toolbox?

 

[larrym]

I have bought 2 used ssd's so far and I got lucky and both worked just fine. One was very cheep and the numbers on the intel test were not so good, but when I installed it in an old laptop, it worked great. So it appeared super slow compared to other ssd's performance numbers, but in real life performance it was still super fast. The boot time went from about 5 minutes to about 30 seconds. When buying something used, you always take a chance, but that is why the price is so much better than new.

 

[jsagaga02]

I have bought 2 used ssd's so far and I got lucky and both worked just fine. One was very cheep and the numbers on the intel test were not so good, but when I installed it in an old laptop, it worked great. So it appeared super slow compared to other ssd's performance numbers, but in real life performance it was still super fast. The boot time went from about 5 minutes to about 30 seconds. When buying something used, you always take a chance, but that is why the price is so much better than new.

Whar were the brands, model, and capacity for the used ssds that you bought? And how long have you had them now?

 

[larrym]

120 gig Samsung 830 - Had for about 2 months with no issues..scores a 7.9 in windows (not that it means much) paid $60

32 gig adata (this was the one showing not so good read/write times) have had 2 months in a laptop and running it great...it was only $16 dollars.

 

[RetiredChief]

Samsung 830 is an excellent drive (it's a 128 gig, not 120 gig drive).
For checking Samsung drives use their Magician tool box.

Curcial M4 is also an excellent SS
.. Latest firmware is 040 http://www.crucial.com/support/firmware.aspx
.. Toolbox, not sure they have one: http://forum.crucial.com/t5/Solid-State-Drives-SSD/Crucial-s-SSD-Toolbox/td-p/110598

I have:
3 M4's two128 gig SSDs and one 256 gig model
4 Samsung SSDs, 2 128 gigs 830 SSD, one 8830 256 gig and 1 256 gig 840 Pro
I haighly recommend both drives (DO NOT recommend the Curcial M5).

To test either rive use AS SSD:
When you run as ssd, first verify thay:
.. Firmware is up to date
.. Driver is NOT pcide = BAD
.. Partition alginment show "OK"
Then run benchmark. either drive should show for overall score a 650->750. If installed on Intel sata III port, for AMD somewhat lower. If you put on a sata II port probably upper 400s to low 500s.

All the Best.

Added: If the SSD comes formated, I'd probably first delete partition(s) and do a secure erease.
SEE: http://forum.crucial.com/t5/Solid-State-Drives-SSD/0x00000f4-error-on-M4-64GB/m-p/76416#M23367