Samsung SSD

[#1]

http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/memory-cards-hdd-odd/ssd/830?cid=ppc_GoogleUK_SamsungSSD_Phr_2011...
I've seen a 256GB solid state drive for less than £150 (new retail). Seems a bargin.
Anyone have any opinions on SSD drives. I would consider using it for OS and 'program files' directory. I've several applications that are 'slow' to load.

[#2]

If you're going from a hard disk, pretty much any SSD should give you a very noticeable performance increase. Between various SSDs you will likely only notice improvements in benchmarks, not particularly noticeable in actual usage.
Amazon tend to have good prices on the Samsung 830 and 840 SSDs.

[#3]

Just as a note of caution, check that your motherboard / BIOS will supports SSD drives, i have seen a couple that doesn't always recognise them properly.

[#4]

I've had particularly good results with SSD drives on motherboards with an Intel chipset and using the Intel AHCI Controller driver and Rapid Storage Technology.  I had re-installed Windows from scratch and installing the AHCI controller driver gave a notable speed boost.  This is not a driver that is identifiably missing if you don't install it.  This was running Windows 7.  

[#5]

loads of information for SSD here 
http://thessdreview.com/ssd-guides/optimization-guides/the-ssd-optimization-guide-2/

[#6]

But my experience with Intel Raid Storage Technology is opposite to that stated in the article, it brings about a very noticeable improvement in boot time.  Also, System Restore can get you out of trouble in a few minutes when it might take hours of work otherwise, I would never recommend disabling it.  Nor can I work out why disabling the Recycle Bin brings about any benefits.  Shift + Delete will bypass the recycle bin if that is what you want.  So take the recommendations in the article rongtw linked with a big pinch of salt.

[#7]

I can't comment on Intel RST drivers (although I hear they work well), but for AMD SATA controllers on Windows it's better to just use the standard Microsoft AHCI driver - the AMD one is useless (high CPU usage, poor performance, poor stability). Just make sure you're on Vista SP1 or later because the original Vista AHCI driver had some serious issues with performance.
SSDs with Sandforce controllers appear to be the most problematic when it comes to compatibility. I initially bought a Sandisk Extreme which is a nice SSD, but didn't work correctly on the system it was intended for. The Samsung 830 and Intel X25-m have worked in anything I tried them in.

[#8]

Just put the OS and semi-permanent files on the SSD.
I would imagine a 64GB SSD would be ample.
Even a 256GB device is much too small for storing audio-video on, anyway.
You can still have a rotating disk for temporary or low priority stuff.

[#9]

I agree, ReedRichards a lot of the page may not be helpfull but there is a lot of good info there if you havent had a SSD before .
As you say  i havent Disabled recyle bin   but have disabled System restore and in the past 12 months it never has been needed  

[#10]

See (for Linux) http://apcmag.com/how-to-maximise-ssd-performance-with-linux.htm

[#11]

Don't buy OCZ, I'm on my second Agility 3 which is is also going back to the manufacturer and they've agreed to replace with an Agility 4. If I had the cash I'd go to Corsair / Samsung / etc.

[#12]

@ ben i have had my Agility 3 120 gig for close to 12 months & never had any problems 

[#13]

there was a bad batch of agility ssd's from what i can remember some dying within couple weeks etc reading on some forums but my main c drive 90gb agility 3 has never missed a beat in just under a year could never go back to normal hard drives again tbh

[#14]

A little out of date but I've heard that these figures are still fairly accurate. SSDs also tend to be more reliable that HDDs. Details about half way down the page...
http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=717026

[#15]

I've just upgraded my 128gig Samsung SSD for a new 250gig Samsung 840 SSD. Got it from Amazon for less than £140 delivered!
I keep all the 'permanent' stuff on the SSD and all the dynamic stuff on a 500gig Samsung spinner.