Is it worth upgrading to an SSD or SSHD with this PC?

[cosrocket]

My sisters HP desktop PC's (Pavillion p7-1254) hard drive died and I would like to replace it with a faster drive (either an inexpensive SSD or a SSHD) but I don't know with it's motherboard if it will provide an improvement. Does it have to be SATA III to get the benefits? The spec sheet only says SATA so I don't know if it's worth it. I would appreciate your input. Here are the PC's specs:

 

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c03135882&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en

[The Evil Overlord]

It's not a bad rig all in all.

Is the SSD going to become the OS drive? Because I would say yes, as my dino pc (dual core Athlon 3.2 with 8gb RAM) boots up in half the time it used to take when using a regular hdd (5400 rpm Maxtor I think) and I got a further 12-18 months of use from that rig before building this one.

[Pam14160]

To put it simply. . ."Hell Yes.". . .just do it, you will be very happy you did. . . :D

[cosrocket]

Thanks! It will be the only drive. She doesn't need a lot of storage space. I figure since I have to change it I might as well get something that will improve its performance. So now the question is if I should get a SSD or SSHD. It's not an expensive PC to begin with so I don't want to go overboard.

 

Any suggestions for a drive? 128GB would be large enough as an SSD. How are the Seagate Momentus XT drives?

[The Evil Overlord]

I have little knowledge of ssd drives, but I would like to throw in a consideration

The Kingston 128gb drives are decently priced, I'm using one, but as an only drive, it would depend on the amount of use the pc is going to get,

(personally I'd recommend getting a second hdd drive and only having your operating system on the ssd due to the finite read/write nature of ssd's)

[zhangm Supervisor]

Thanks! It will be the only drive. She doesn't need a lot of storage space. I figure since I have to change it I might as well get something that will improve its performance. So now the question is if I should get a SSD or SSHD. It's not an expensive PC to begin with so I don't want to go overboard.

 

Any suggestions for a drive? 128GB would be large enough as an SSD. How are the Seagate Momentus XT drives?

 

Pretty sure that a program like Speccy will tell you the type of SATA interface.

 

If you're going to throw money at an upgrade, and total capacity is not a big issue, then go for SSD rather than a hybrid.

[Max Veteran]

Just throw in a Samsung Evo or MX100 and it'll be worth your while :)

[compl3x]

I would suggest a Samsung EVO. You can get a 120GB pretty cheap (84 bucks on newegg) and I think they come with a 3 year warranty.

 

Make sure you install the Magician software available from the samsung site. This will allow the firmware to be updated and offers other options you can tweak to your liking.

 

Edit: just because some people ask: when you install it, it won't fit in any bay. This doesn't matter, you can just tape it down or use something like blutack/velcro to hold it in place. If the case never gets moved, you mightn't even need to do this. I thought I would add this point in case you bought it and freaked out because it doesn't fit any of the bay sizes. :)

[+BudMan MVC]

"freaked out because it doesn't fit any of the bay sizes."

 

Just buy an adapter to fit the bay

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817997013

 

$7, they have dual bays for like $10, etc. etc.  Why would you not do this vs tape??

 

edit:  Here is one for $5

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817984021

[compl3x]

^Because tape is cheap and readily available. Unless you move the rig around a lot you mightn't even need to bother taping it.

[Aergan]

Tape or any adhesive is a bad idea seeing as the system and SSD operating temps are going to be up to 35C.

 

Just use a single screw in any part of the case to mount the drive? - it's not like the damn thing is bothered about shock issues.

 

Our Hyper-v workstation server at work has 4 SSD's mounted like an oriental fan within the 5.25" enclosure. We're using the area where they would store extra screws within the case, not even the optical mounting points.

[+BudMan MVC]

So your going to spend say 80$ plus for a SSD, maybe even 200+ depending on size, etc.  And you going to put in your machine with some tape or 1 screw? ;)  WTF people -- 5$ for a proper mount on even 80$ is less then the tax rate in most places ;)  And since your ordering online your saving the tax I would think..

 

Talk about CHEAP!!

[compl3x]

They have no moving parts. Nothing is going to happen to them even if they do move around.

 

I've seen some builds where the SSD is literally just hanging inside the case. 

[Krome]

lol using tape to fasten hard drive... which dimension you coming from buddy :)

[adrynalyne]

lol using tape to fasten hard drive... which dimension you coming from buddy :)

If the machine isn't portable and has decent airflow, it should be fine.  Its not my preferred way of doing it, but it won't hurt anything.

[compl3x]

lol using tape to fasten hard drive... which dimension you coming from buddy :)

 

 

A small square of double-sided tape would work fine. I'm not suggesting anyone duct tape it inside their case  :laugh:

[adrynalyne]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148821&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL102414A&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL102414A-_-EMC-102414-Index-_-SSD-_-20148821-L0E

 

Promo code: 

 

EMCWPHF98

 

194.99 

[compl3x]

That's a good price, but I'm not sure the OP's sister needs that much space.

[adrynalyne]

That's a good price, but I'm not sure the OP's sister needs that much space.

Maybe not, but at that price its kinda worth going for the extra space.

[The Evil Overlord]

So your going to spend say 80$ plus for a SSD, maybe even 200+ depending on size, etc.  And you going to put in your machine with some tape or 1 screw? ;)  WTF people -- 5$ for a proper mount on even 80$ is less then the tax rate in most places ;)  And since your ordering online your saving the tax I would think..

 

Talk about CHEAP!!

'Wait until you get a load of me'

:shifty:

[cosrocket]

I just want to say thanks. I went with the 120GB Samsung drive and an adapter. Amazon had the drive for a few dollars less than Newegg and I'll have it on Tues. I also ordered an adapter, Considering an HHD would cost around $50 to 60, and she doesn't need the higher capacity, for the extra $ I think this is a much better choice.