How valuable is an SSD?

[Mitchyboy44]

Hi guys,

 

Let me preface my question by saying, I understand this question may draw hate or general negativity towards my mindset on this matter as it may sound ignorant or dumb, but I am honestly curious about this and really want to know why I'm wrong so I can learn. Thanks. 

 

I am about to start a new PC build and I am trying to budget out where to direct money for parts. It will be my third build and I have been slowly building up my knowledge about parts and what to expect from a system.

 

I have noticed that on these forums from people posting build guides, or people general recommending parts on the web, or even from the man himself Linus in his videos, people seem to love putting an SSD in their machines to supplement their usual HDD they have installed. They seem to be in systems ranging from as low as $600 to $2500 machines and everything in between.

 

I'm currently trying to get my head around the value of them, and I don't seem to be able to. In Australia where i'm from, a solid 250gb Intel SSD would set you back about $200, and im not sure i really understand how that $200 is justified. Wouldn't the money spent on an SSD be better spent on a better CPU or GPU? I'll give an example below of my mindset and let me know if i seem to be missing the point, lets say someone is going to do a build with an FX 8320 and an R9 270x:

 

Build 1 (Adding an SSD):

CPU: AMD FX 8320 ($189AU)

GPU: Gigabyte OC Edition AMD R9 270X 2GB ($279AU)

SSD: Intel 530S 240G ($195AU)

TOTAL: $663

 

Build 2 (Upgrade):

CPU: Upgrade to an FX 8350 ($239AU)

GPU: Upgrade to an Gigabyte OC Edition AMD R9 280X 3GB($379AU) 

TOTAL: $618

 

I'm just not sure I understand why Build 1 is a better option than Build 2. Does faster load times outweigh that gain in performance? Im honestly wondering why Build 1 is a better option. Maybe the money doesn't have to go to the GPU and CPU, but wouldn't it still be better spread out upgrading individual parts of a system?

 

Please people, help me understand so i may share the knowledge with the world

[gramzon]

Lets put it this way, lets say after 6 months of using your pc and you have programs etc installed on your computer, boot time in the region of a 1 minute. With ssd that boot time is like 10 seconds.,... also watch this video:

 

[Scionyde]

There should be quite a few SSDs available to you that are much more budget friendly than the Intel 530 series.

 

Anyway, people really like SSDs because it'll load programs really fast and the computer will boot up/turn off noticeably quicker than with a HDD. If you want something a lot more affordable for your build, maybe something like this? http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/plextor-internal-hard-drive-px128m5s

[gramzon]

Also, once you go SSD you can't go back Maybe you should go and try out a computer with an SSD to make a decision for yourself?

[Mitchyboy44]

Also, once you go SSD you can't go back Maybe you should go and try out a computer with an SSD to make a decision for yourself?

I am considering one for the build I'm going to do because I feel I need to find out what the fuss is about, just on purely face value, from someone who hasn't used one before it just seems like alot of money for faster load times if you get me?

[Manny Calavera]

hybrid. big n fasz

[PokémonTrainerFour]

Go Samsung or Kingston or something for SSDs. A 120/250GB boot/main programs drive should do you well.

http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz7te120bw

 

SSDs just feel snappier and more pleasant. And you don't have to worry about fragmentation.

[Vendetta]

I recently upgraded from an old ass 7 year old 7200 500gb hdd to a samsung 250gb 840 evo and in my opinion they are not worth getting if you are in a budget. You usually end up putting 70 percent of your games on the hdd anyways so my advice to you is to just stick with a hdd and then upgrade to a ssd down the road when you have some extra cash. That way nothing in your system goes to waste, where if you get a lower end gpu now to afford a ssd you will end up with a $200+ paperweight and be another 400$ into a gpu that you could have afforded in the first place.

[Mitchyboy44]

I recently upgraded from an old ass 7 year old 7200 500gb hdd to a samsung 250gb 840 evo and in my opinion they are not worth getting if you are in a budget. You usually end up putting 70 percent of your games on the hdd anyways so my advice to you is to just stick with a hdd and then upgrade to a ssd down the road when you have some extra cash. That way nothing in your system goes to waste, where if you get a lower end gpu now to afford a ssd you will end up with a $200+ paperweight and be another 400$ into a gpu that you could have afforded in the first place.

I think this is what I felt the answer would be but i needed clarification. So its more of a part to add to a pc down the line instead of a part to include in a lets say, $700 build from the get go? 

[Yoinkerman]

I will deal with no storage space before I go back to spindle drives for an OS.

An ssd makes the windows experience so, so, so, so, so much better in everyday life. I would sacrifice a regular drive to get a 240gb ssd. There should be options that are less than $200.

You don't get an ssd for games like vendetta seems to be implying, you get one to make Windows fast. If you can't afford a ssd with a build, save a bit more money.

An 8320 and a ssd and a 280x should be doable.

[SparkySamZa]

There should be quite a few SSDs available to you that are much more budget friendly than the Intel 530 series.

 

Anyway, people really like SSDs because it'll load programs really fast and the computer will boot up/turn off noticeably quicker than with a HDD. If you want something a lot more affordable for your build, maybe something like this? http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/plextor-internal-hard-drive-px128m5s

exactly like the Samsung 840 Evo

[MEC-777]

An 8320 and a ssd and a 280x should be doable.

This.

[Vendetta]

I think this is what I felt the answer would be but i needed clarification. So its more of a part to add to a pc down the line instead of a part to include in a lets say, $700 build from the get go? 

Yes, atleast this is my opinion on the matter because some people will do everything in their power to argue differently. Maybe I just use too much logic and don't like to waste money

[NannerBeans]

Get the new pentium instead just for the lols

[D3MON]

-snip-

my build

8320-$154

(future)msi r9-270-$252au

970a ud3p-$117au

240gb m500 ssd-$151au

total-$520

prices on 1.8aud/GBP

going to an 8350 would have made no difference in gaming and (with an overclock) cpu dependant work.

when you have a powerful cpu and gpu and game and work really well and you've got a quality case....your limiting performance factor IS your I/O, is my ssd the fastest? i hope not, its not instant and i dont think ANYTHING a pc will do will likely be "instant" any time soon but can i tell the difference in booting and shutting down and loading games? definately and in a big way.

startup-with a hard drive while you press the power button, check your phone/tv put a cup of coffee on and then boot, with an ssd you know you'll be in windows a few seconds after you POST so chances are its not worth getting out your seat for plus when you in windows the time spent waiting for desktop icons and stuff to appear is again 3 seconds? and BOOM you're good to go.

shutdown-doesnt sound like a reason but the take it takes to click shut down to when your fans actually turn off......probably about 30 seconds to a minute, with an ssd it can shut down faster than it boots, a good thing when your trying to overclcok and need to get back into bios or you simply just want it off so you can go out/go to bed.

games-as in linus's video tabbing in and out of games is faster, levels load faster, in world of tanks i always see the map way ahead of my friend despite being both on lan and have more time to think of what im(we're) going to do and where im going to go. bad example but im sure you can think of other benefits, also quitting is better, I alt+f4 so much now just because there's no such thing as "closing" an app down now, it just disappears (saved obviously).

plus it was £84 (what $151?) I dont save 40GB a day to it so theoretically it should last me 10+ years by which time 3tb ssd's shoudl be mainstream and consoles will MAYBE have 1tb drives?

yeah its worth it so long as your not your dad or sister...

[Mitchyboy44]

I will deal with no storage space before I go back to spindle drives for an OS.

An ssd makes the windows experience so, so, so, so, so much better in everyday life. I would sacrifice a regular drive to get a 240gb ssd. There should be options that are less than $200.

You don't get an ssd for games like vendetta seems to be implying, you get one to make Windows fast. If you can't afford a ssd with a build, save a bit more money.

An 8320 and a ssd and a 280x should be doable.

 

So would it be fair to say that:

- An SSD is essential for someone trying to build a high quality, all round machine, and trying to get the most out of the whole experience,

- An SSD isn't essential for someone wanting to build a gaming PC on a budget to maximize their performance:cost ratio?

[Yoinkerman]

The first one I would agree with.  The second one I would not.  An SSD makes the whole computer more responsive, making it seem like it's better than the specs say.  I would posit that in your case, downgrading to something like a 6 core 6300 or 4 core 5600k(seriously it's not that bad peanut gallery, I have one) or a intel 4150(it has HT) to get a 240gb SSD is worth it.

 

People really put too much emphasis on the processor nowadays when they don't necessarily need to.

 

The only cases where I would agree with the second part is when the budget isn't so much a budget as is scraping the bottom of the barrel(like $450), or if the person isn't spending their money and doesn't have much clout.

 

They're really that good.

 

So would it be fair to say that:

- An SSD is essential for someone trying to build a high quality, all round machine, and trying to get the most out of the whole experience,

- An SSD isn't essential for someone wanting to build a gaming PC on a budget to maximize their performance:cost ratio?

[hojnikb]

Just get a smaller 120GB ssd and it should fit your budget. And stay away from intel (expensive) or Kingston (garbage).

 

Crucial mx100, m500, adata  sp910, 840evo are all great drives and don't cost nearly as much as intel.

[MEC-777]

Don't get a 240+GB SSD if you're on a budget. Just get a 120GB SSD instead. Makes much more sense and it's plenty big enough for your OS and other main programs. Also you won't have to compromise so much on the CPU, GPU and other important components.

[dalekphalm]

The first one I would agree with.  The second one I would not.  An SSD makes the whole computer more responsive, making it seem like it's better than the specs say.  I would posit that in your case, downgrading to something like a 6 core 6300 or 4 core 5600k(seriously it's not that bad peanut gallery, I have one) or a intel 4150(it has HT) to get a 240gb SSD is worth it.

 

People really put too much emphasis on the processor nowadays when they don't necessarily need to.

 

The only cases where I would agree with the second part is when the budget isn't so much a budget as is scraping the bottom of the barrel(like $450), or if the person isn't spending their money and doesn't have much clout.

 

They're really that good.

I very much strongly agree with this.

 

Upgrading the GPU will only make games faster, upgrading the CPU will only make SOME programs faster (and after a certain point, upgrading further will show no real world benefits), whereas upgrading from HDD to SSD will make EVERYTHING faster. It's a whole-system upgrade. The HDD is literally the single slowest point in a modern computer. It's the ultimate bottleneck. Especially since newer generation games actually have more tangible performance benefits to being run off an SSD.

 

Upgrading the CPU from 8320 to 8350 for gaming is a complete waste of money. Your FPS will be much more highly dependant on your GPU. As @Yoinkerman suggested, downgrading the CPU to something like a FX-6300, or heck, even the new Intel Pentium G3258 unlocked, overlockable BEAST CPU would be a fantastic CPU choice for a gaming rig. Save the cost difference from the FX-8350 to a lower CPU such as an FX-6300, and put that money into two things:

 

1)

Getting an SSD. You even have a couple options:

A - Small boot SSD - 120GB, enough for OS and main programs - store games on a mechanical HDD, or just keep several of your favourite games installed on SSD and buy a HDD later when you have the money

B - Big SSD - 256GB or larger, enough to store OS, main programs, and most of your favourite games - having a secondary mechanical HDD is still often preferable but becomes less necessary the larger your SSD is

C - Hybrid SSHD - These hybrid drives have storage capacities of 1TB (Possibly larger now), with a small SSD cache drive built into it. Works the same way as Intel Response Cache. It caches all the commonly used files on the SSD portion, such as boot files, and commonly accessed programs. The larger the SSD cache portion, the more commonly used files will be cached.

 

Option A is the best for a budget gaming rig. Get the 120GB SSD now, only install your favourite games (You should be able to install 1 to 3 of your favourites at minimum). Buy a mechanical HDD later down the line to fit more games as needed.

 

2)

Getting a well rounded (and balanced) GPU. A 270X is still a pretty kickass GPU, but you could potentially bump that up to a 280X also and get better FPS. Here, the GPU is far far far more important than the CPU. I wouldn't go above the 280X though unless you're spending $1200+ for a "beast build" so to speak.

 

An SSD will help with more than just "load times". It will affect every aspect of your PC performance. Operations will happen faster, when you open a folder, or click a button, or alt+tab, or open several pictures at once into Photoshop, or any other number of things. All these things will feel much snappier and will feel almost "instant". Whereas with a HDD, it's very common to have that "double click, slight pause... yep now it's loaded". This is gone with SSD's. All these little quick loading time boosts may seem trivial, but the experience is so much more than what it looks like on paper.

 

I could never go back to a HDD for my OS drive now. And it kills me every time I have to use a HDD as the boot drive at work.

 

Honestly, if you *HAVE* to choose between an SSD and a good GPU and/or CPU, then your budget is insufficient. Take that budget, save for another month or two, and squeeze in that SSD.

 

People are always trying to make budget builds that compromise in some place or another. And sure, if you don't have an income or someone else is paying for it, or you're on a tight time-frame because you need it for a set date for work or school, then yes work within that strict budget. But for everyone else, that has a job or other source of income (allowance, chores, etc), and is just being impatient? SAVE THAT MONEY! Get a proper budget so that you don't have to compromise.