120GB-128GB mSATA SSD drive on T520
Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 12:29 pm
I recently discovered that my T520 can utilize the mSATA SSD drive on the internal mSATA port. Since I don't have a WWAN card taking that port, I thought I'd try upgrading my laptop with an mSATA drive. I dual-boot into Windows 7 and Linux, and plan on partitioning it in two. I am keeping my Western Digital platter drive since it's reasonably fast (for a laptop platter drive) and has 3 years of warranty left on it.
From reading various accounts on the web, it seems that folks have had success with the Intel 320 series 80GB mSATA SSD. However, first, I can't find that model anywhere, and, second, I think 80GB would be too small for two OSes. I would like to install an mSATA SSD in the 120GB-128GB range. I am not interested in installing the fastest SSD possible (I know that any SSD would be an improvement over the platter drive, and also that the mSATA slot is limited to 3GB/s SATAII, unlike the other SATA interfaces in that machine which are 6GB/s SATAIII), I would like compatibility, stability and reliability (since I'll have my OS partitions on the SSD).
Reading this thread, it seems like what matters is the controller. From this post it seems that I should go for either Intel or Marvell controller. From this post it seems that 128GB size of the SSD doesn't seem to be an issue (however, the poster doesn't mention what controller Renice drive uses).
I looked on Newegg, and, while their selection of mSATA SSD drives is limited, this Plextor seems to be the best fit and value, theoretically (the alternative from Intel is 37% more expensive). Has anyone here used Marvell-based (or other non-Intel) mSATA 120GB-128GB SSDs here and has any experiences to report?
From reading various accounts on the web, it seems that folks have had success with the Intel 320 series 80GB mSATA SSD. However, first, I can't find that model anywhere, and, second, I think 80GB would be too small for two OSes. I would like to install an mSATA SSD in the 120GB-128GB range. I am not interested in installing the fastest SSD possible (I know that any SSD would be an improvement over the platter drive, and also that the mSATA slot is limited to 3GB/s SATAII, unlike the other SATA interfaces in that machine which are 6GB/s SATAIII), I would like compatibility, stability and reliability (since I'll have my OS partitions on the SSD).
Reading this thread, it seems like what matters is the controller. From this post it seems that I should go for either Intel or Marvell controller. From this post it seems that 128GB size of the SSD doesn't seem to be an issue (however, the poster doesn't mention what controller Renice drive uses).
I looked on Newegg, and, while their selection of mSATA SSD drives is limited, this Plextor seems to be the best fit and value, theoretically (the alternative from Intel is 37% more expensive). Has anyone here used Marvell-based (or other non-Intel) mSATA 120GB-128GB SSDs here and has any experiences to report?