Computer Tech Question - hard drives

[talsheyar]

The last time I put new hardware in this comp I set up a RAID-0 config (striping) for faster access time, but now one of my hard drives is failing. Has some volume error message, but for now will still boot up. Before i order a replacement drive and have to reinstall windows and eq and all, should i just go with a solid state drive or is RAID 0 or 0+1 still a good way to go ? Mostly just looking for speed.

[Calebe]

Go with an SSD drive, it is way faster and you will not want to go back to a regular hard drive for the operating system after you have one. I use a 120 gig SSD (Corsair) drive, and have Windows 7 (64 bit), Star Craft2 and EQ on the drive and the rest of my programs are on a 750 gig drive. SSD Drives are coming down in price. I spotted this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820211588

A 120 gig SSD Drive for $104.95 from ADATA. Reviews seem good on it.

A few things to know about SSD drives is TRIM and optimizing them. Here is some advice:

How to check if TRIM is active

To check if the TRIM command is active on your PC, start a Command Prompt window (type “CMD” in the Search bar from the Windows Start Menu) and enter the following command:

fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify

If the result is “0” then the TRIM command is enabled, and if the result is “1” then the TRIM command is disabled.

Use the following command to enable TRIM:

fsutil behavior query|set DisableDeleteNotify = 0



How to enable AHCI in Windows 7 after Instalation:

You will want to make sure the controller driver and MB BIOS support this option before you enable it

You need to have knowledge of registry editing. The detailed steps from Microsoft are as follows:

1.Exit all Windows-based programs.
2.Click Start, type regedit in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
3.If you receive the User Account Control dialog box, click Continue.
4.Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetServicesMsahci
5.In the right pane, right-click Start in the Name column, and then click Modify.
6.In the Value data box, type 0, and then click OK.
7.On the File menu, click Exit to close Registry Editor.

After this you’ll have to restart your computer, go to BIOS and enable AHCI. When you log in to Windows again, you’ll notice the installation of drivers for AHCI. Another restart will be required to finish the driver installation.

[talsheyar]

sounds good, thx for the info Cal.

[Koutarou]

I won't buy anything else in SSDs other than Intel 500 series. Every other maker's product has been mega-flaky in comparison.

[Calebe]

I have had my Corsair drive for about a year now and it hasn't given me one issue at all, and Corsair has one of the best support divisions to help if an issue does arise. So far so good knock on wood. Like all things we tend to stay with what works for us. Intel makes a great drive, but don't discount Corsair and others, just do the research and read reviews. An SSD drive is one of the best things to get if you want a 'fast' system. Once you have one you won't want to go back to a normal hard drive to boot your system.

Calebe

[Hughjeee]

Kinda late reply, but I would go with SSD and agree corsair is a good option. I have bought many of their parts and have always had an easy time with RMA's if needed. The customer service is very good and the quality of parts has held up for a couple years for me now as well.