256 GB SSD recommendations for X301

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domi · #1 Post by **domi** » Sat Nov 27, 2010 12:40 pm

After much pondering, I have decided to order a new X301 (2776-3JG) as a replacement for my ageing X60s. It comes with a 128 GB SSD, which I'm thinking of replacing with a 256 GB model. The only 1.8" 256 GB SSD I've been able to find locally (Finland) is the (awfully expensive) Kingston SSDNow V+ 180 SVP180S2/256G. Would it work in a X301? What model is the 128 GB SSD pre-installed in the X301?

siya-u · #2 Post by **siya-u** » Sat Nov 27, 2010 2:44 pm

Hi,

It will probably come with a Samsung SSD; but beware that earlier versions of Samsung 1.8" SSDs are low performers compared to the current generation SSDs. And also these drives do not support TRIM command (garbage collection) under Windows 7.

128 GB local storage capacity is quite enough I think; so you should consider external 2.5" drives for your further storage needs. It will be a better option than paying hundreds of dollars to a 256 GB SSD.

Regards

domi · #3 Post by **domi** » Sat Nov 27, 2010 2:53 pm

siya-u wrote:It will probably come with a Samsung SSD; but beware that earlier versions of Samsung 1.8" SSDs are low performers compared to the current generation SSDs. And also these drives do not support TRIM command (garbage collection) under Windows 7.

Thanks! Does it mean some X301's have been supplied with older versions of Samsung SSD's and some with newer versions? How can I tell (once I receive my X301) whether the included SSD is an earlier or later version?

siya-u wrote:128 GB local storage capacity is quite enough I think; so you should consider external 2.5" drives for your further storage needs. It will be a better option than paying hundreds of dollars to a 256 GB SSD.

Well, I currently have a 500 GB drive in my X60s, and although it's not full, I would definitely have a hard time fitting all the software and data I need in 128 GB. The idea in having an ultraportable notebook like the X301 is that I don't have to carry any extra item with me. Sure, a 1.8" 256 GB SSD is expensive, but so was the X301 in the first place. Since it's going to be my main workhorse and I'm using it for business purposes, I can justify the high price of an SSD twice as big as the included drive. My main concern is whether it would work, and if so, in an optimal manner (eg. TRIM support, which you mentioned).

siya-u · #4 Post by **siya-u** » Sat Nov 27, 2010 9:02 pm

domi wrote:Thanks! Does it mean some X301's have been supplied with older versions of Samsung SSD's and some with newer versions? How can I tell (once I receive my X301) whether the included SSD is an earlier or later version?

I bought my X301 from Sweden about 6 months ago and it was equipped with an older version Samsung 128 GB SSD. As far as I know Lenovo uses both old and new versions of 1.8" Samsung SSDs and also Toshiba SSDs on X301, T400s and T410s models so it is hard to spot which version is equipped with the machine you'll purchase unless you check the model number of the SSD; mine (the older-slower version; without TRIM support) carries this model number: MMCQE28G8MUP-0VA

Regards

domi · #5 Post by **domi** » Sun Nov 28, 2010 4:26 am

siya-u wrote:I bought my X301 from Sweden about 6 months ago and it was equipped with an older version Samsung 128 GB SSD. As far as I know Lenovo uses both old and new versions of 1.8" Samsung SSDs and also Toshiba SSDs on X301, T400s and T410s models so it is hard to spot which version is equipped with the machine you'll purchase unless you check the model number of the SSD; mine (the older-slower version; without TRIM support) carries this model number: MMCQE28G8MUP-0VA

Thanks for the info! Although I ordered my X301 from a Finnish reseller, I heard it will come from Sweden. Let's see what model of SSD I end up with. I assume you have kept yours? What version of Windows did you get? Mine comes with 32-bit Win 7 Pro, which I intend to replace with the 64-bit version. I'll have to figure out if I can get the media from Lenovo.

siya-u · #6 Post by **siya-u** » Sun Nov 28, 2010 7:27 am

Hi,

Yes I kept the drive. Although it is slower than current gen. SSDs, it is a lot faster than a 7200 rpm traditional HDD plus no moving mechanism and it brings absolute silence. Since I am not using disk intensive applications, the performance is enough for me.

My X301 came with Windows Vista Business 32-bit but I installed Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit. I know Windows 7 Ultimate comes with both 32-bit and 64-bit installation media in the box but I'm not sure Lenovo is offering an option to upgrade from a pre-installed 32-bit version to 64-bit version of Windows 7; you need to consult your local Lenovo office.

Regards

domi · #7 Post by **domi** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 12:50 pm

siya-u wrote:I bought my X301 from Sweden about 6 months ago and it was equipped with an older version Samsung 128 GB SSD. As far as I know Lenovo uses both old and new versions of 1.8" Samsung SSDs and also Toshiba SSDs on X301, T400s and T410s models so it is hard to spot which version is equipped with the machine you'll purchase unless you check the model number of the SSD; mine (the older-slower version; without TRIM support) carries this model number: MMCQE28G8MUP-0VA

I just received my X301 and extracted the 128 SSD. It's a Samsung with the following P/N: MMCRE28G8MXP-0VBL1. Looks like it's more recent than yours, right? Would it support TRIM?

miscthree · #8 Post by **miscthree** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 1:30 am

I just received my X301 and extracted the 128 SSD. It's a Samsung with the following P/N: MMCRE28G8MXP-0VBL1. Looks like it's more recent than yours, right? Would it support TRIM?

Want to sell that drive? I need a bigger drive for my x300

domi · #9 Post by **domi** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 5:51 pm

miscthree wrote:Want to sell that drive? I need a bigger drive for my x300

Possibly, but I haven't purchased a 256 GB replacement yet.