SSD for current comp?

[Briliu]

Hi guys, I'd like your opinion on whether or not I should buy an SSD to breathe new life into the computer in my sig. I was planning on buying a new computer right before the whole SB chipset issue, now I'm seeing if I can't wait for the next big thing by doing this upgrade.

I primarily game on it, Rift specifically. I can hear my current harddrive "thinking" when I zone or alt tab to check the internet. After a little bit the computer becomes unusable behind Rift (may be a RAM issue though, as I'm poking 85% memory usage).

If I were to get an SSD would you suggest I also upgrade to windows 7 to gain the TRIM functionality it offers the drives? I currently have Vista Home premium 64. I DO have a copy of 7 I was planning on using for the new computer that I am willing to use if you all think it's worth it vs buying a brand new SB computer within the next 2-4 weeks.

Let me know what you all think! Thanks.

 

[tiraides]

What resolution are you using?

I believe that with your combination of "factors" -- the RAM usage, the HDD "thinking," and the post-Rift instability -- you'd be better served with a new system altogether than by purchasing an SSD as a stopgap. Additionally, new SSDs have recently arrived, with more (reportedly) on the way, and we need a bit of time to research them to compare the new models to the ones that we normally recommend.

Sandy Bridge is starting to stabilize itself now with the B3 revision boards, so what's stopping you from building a new computer?

 

[BurntToast]

You could always get an SDD now and carry it over to the new build. The seek rate for SDDs rock and will make the system snappy. If you get a SSD with garbage collection that would hold you over until you make the move to Windows 7 and TRIM. 4GB of memory, gaming + Windows 7 is meh anyways.

Get a moderately priced 2nd gen SSD and call it a day. A SSD with huge transfer speeds wont make windows load that much faster.

Hold back all other upgrade plans until you are ready to buy a new system. Ivy Bridge socket 2011 might be a good thing to jump onto.

 

[Briliu]

What resolution are you using?

I believe that with your combination of "factors" -- the RAM usage, the HDD "thinking," and the post-Rift instability -- you'd be better served with a new system altogether than by purchasing an SSD as a stopgap. Additionally, new SSDs have recently arrived, with more (reportedly) on the way, and we need a bit of time to research them to compare the new models to the ones that we normally recommend.

Sandy Bridge is starting to stabilize itself now with the B3 revision boards, so what's stopping you from building a new computer?

I'm currently running at 1920x1200 (new computer will be built with the ability to expand that to 2x or 3x eyefinity/nvsurround).

I was thinking the same thing about the system, that a full upgrade was really the only path forward. But I find myself trapped in the "but this is right around the corner" cycle. Originally I waited for the 6970s, then SB, now the new SSDs. When those come out we'll probably be within waiting distance of Bulldozer and Intel 2011 stuff.

Nothings really stopping me from building a new computer at this time. I'm just wondering if spending ~$300 on an SSD (+~$150 for Win7 if needed) for this system would extend it to the point where I could get into the next generation of SSDs and CPUs (maybe GPUs but I haven't heard anything about them).

You could always get an SDD now and carry it over to the new build. The seek rate for SDDs rock and will make the system snappy. If you get a SSD with garbage collection that would hold you over until you make the move to Windows 7 and TRIM. 4GB of memory, gaming + Windows 7 is meh anyways.

Get a moderately priced 2nd gen SSD and call it a day. A SSD with huge transfer speeds wont make windows load that much faster.

Hold back all other upgrade plans until you are ready to buy a new system. Ivy Bridge socket 2011 might be a good thing to jump onto.

I hadn't thought of getting one with garbage collect. That's a passive function of the drive right? I typically end up handing down my older hardware to my parents/other family members. I'd rather not have to explain to them how to use the manual trim software or drive there and do it myself once a month lol.

 

[AQ_OC]

Who builds completely new systems these days? Get an SSD, Win7, 8 GB DDR3, new SB mobo, i5 or i7 2X00k now while prices are still low. Who knows what things will cost a year from now with all the "flux" the world seems to be in. Also get a cheap case and HD to move your old stuff into.

 

[Briliu]

Who builds completely new systems these days? Get an SSD, Win7, 8 GB DDR3, new SB mobo, i5 or i7 2X00k now while prices are still low. Who knows what things will cost a year from now with all the "flux" the world seems to be in. Also get a cheap case and HD to move your old stuff into.

Aide from the power supply (now 3 years old) and videocard (now also 3 years old) and case that IS a new system...

However, that is a good point about buying stuff now while it's cheap and available. The supply chain thing in Japan could cause some weirdness in in the future. (Not sure how much weight to put behind that as the news loves to exaggerate stuff).