Kingston vs Intel vs OCZ SSDs

[Bluedragon9r]

I currently run two velociraptors in RAID0, and I've been looking at an upgrade to an SSD setup. Right now it seems like everyone is out of stock or price-gouging on almost every drive out there though..

I was considering either 2 80GB X25-M G2's in RAID 0 = a little higher cost, but fast

or

1 160GB X25-G2 = still fast, expensive

or

1 120GB OCZ Vertex drive = fast, lower cost (normally)..

OR

Kingston has their rebranded Intel G2 drives out for a reasonable price ($470 for the 160GB) (SNM225 series, if you look closely at the pictures on Newegg, they have the exact same model number as the Intel 160GB G2 drive)

Is RAID 0 worth it on SSD? Should I just hold off on this upgrade for a few weeks until the price comes back down to reality? I don't want to pay $600 for an Intel drive that was $450 a few weeks ago. Or go with the Kingston? I can't seem to find anything to compare the Kingston and the Intel...is it really just re-branded? Or are there firmware differences?

 

[JohnleMVP]

At prices you mentioned I would personally go with the Kingston if it is indeed a rebadged 160GB Intel G2. I know Kingston has rebadged them in the past, but they have some many different SSD's now that I haven't been following them.

You can always get another in the future for RAID 0.

When the 80GB Intel G2's were at $220-250 they were good buys for RAID 0 considering the 160GB were very hard to find and much more expensive.

 

[Bluedragon9r]

I was leaning that way myself. I'll get one before they run out...

I can't find any confirmation anywhere that they really are the new versions, except that model number picture on Newegg. They have a picture of the label on the back of the drive, and it's clear as day "SSDSA2M160G2GC" Same model as the Intel version..

I think I got lucky on my timing..My order was placed and now Newegg is out of stock again.

 

[Old Hippie]

IIRC the Kingston drives will not accept the Intel firmware updates.

 

[skriefal]

Not sure about the G2 Kingstons, but the G1 Kingston SSDNow drives definitely work with Intel's firmware upgrader (FW 8820, of course, not the G2-only 'trim'-capable firmware). And that's as it should be, as they're simply an X-25M G1 with a different label.