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Help! 80GB mSATA + mech HDD or single 160GB SSD?
Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 3:48 pm
by cynan
I have the choice to config a new laptop with either a single 160gb Intel 320 SSD (advertised read/write: 270/165mb/s) or an 80gb msata Intel 310 (advertised read/write: 200/70mb/s) + 320GB 5400 RPM Mech HDD.
The 160GB will be enough space for the next while anyway. I can currently fit Windows 7 install (~25 GB) + programs (20-30GB) comfortably on an 80 GB SSD.
Obviously the extra storage space of the mSATA + HDD config is appealing, but so is the somewhat faster performance of the Intel 320 SSD.
Any price differences aside, what would you choose?
Thanks in advance for any opinions. I've been wasting a few hours so far, unable to decide.
Edit: Poll Anyone?
Re: Help! 80GB mSATA + mech HDD or single 160GB SSD?
Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 4:15 pm
by StuG
If you really don't need anymore storage than 320GB than get the 160GB SSD and be done with it. If you ever need more mass storage, wait for prices to rebound and get yourself an ~$80 1TB HDD.
Edit: I obviously was referencing the 1TB HDD being external for that price.
Re: Help! 80GB mSATA + mech HDD or single 160GB SSD?
Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 4:16 pm
by Ryu Connor
A 320GB 5400 RPM won't be terrible, but it isn't exactly ideal either. The only 5400 RPM drive I'd consider in a laptop right now is the 1TB size models. As at least then you're getting a density performance advantage.
Normally I'd suggest the mechanical be your Windows drive and your Steam folder and/or Apps go onto the smaller SSD.
Given your options, I think I'd might try and make the single 160GB work.
Re: Help! 80GB mSATA + mech HDD or single 160GB SSD?
Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 4:25 pm
by cynan
Perhaps I should clarify. This will not be used for gaming (or at least very rarely).
Mostly work + a bit of multimedia (few gigs of music and a couple of movies/TV episodes for when I travel). Hence I don't anticipate having to find room for the Steam directory or other large games that would hog program directory space. (I have a desktop for that). This thing will only have Intel HD 3000 graphics anyway, so I won't even really have the option to game with it.
Re: Help! 80GB mSATA + mech HDD or single 160GB SSD?
Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 4:36 pm
by Ryu Connor
The 160GB SSD and use thumb drive(s) for the multimedia if you need more space.
Re: Help! 80GB mSATA + mech HDD or single 160GB SSD?
Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 6:14 pm
by mikehodges2
Ryu Connor wrote:The 160GB SSD and use thumb drive(s) for the multimedia if you need more space.
+1
Re: Help! 80GB mSATA + mech HDD or single 160GB SSD?
Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 7:02 pm
by cynan
Ordered with the 160 gb. Was sort of leaning that way anyway. Thanks again for the help!
In case anyone is wondering, the system is a Lenovo T420s, expensed and bought during Lenovo Canada's Black Friday sale. FYI, the T420s is a thinner, 4 lbs version of the T420.
T420s Specs:
Core i5-2520 (2.5-3.2Ghz, 3M cache)
14" 1600x900 TN, matte display
4GB ddr 3
Windows 7 pro
160 GB Intel 320
Integrated HD 3000 grapahics
6 cell battery (supposedly terrible battery life, but that's the trade off for the T420s vs T420)
DVD-R drive
720p Webcam/Mic
Fingerprint reader (Mostly useless, but came with config)
Bluetooth
Express Card slot & card reader
Intel 6205 wireless
Price: ~$1350 before tx
Re: Help! 80GB mSATA + mech HDD or single 160GB SSD?
Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2011 2:47 am
by ludi
cynan wrote:Ordered with the 160 gb. Was sort of leaning that way anyway. Thanks again for the help!
Sounds like the right choice. On a desktop, it usually makes more sense to split between an SSD boot drive and a large mechanical drive for general storage. On a laptop, the SSD-only option has the advantage of a lighter power footprint.