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This isn't exactly mining-specific, but I'm going to be putting together a server that will do lots of transactions and need a recommendation on an SSD.

I want to start small with a single 120GB 6Gb/s SSD that's not too expensive, and then later go to a RAID 5 with 3 oif those SSD's and a hardware controller.  Further down the road I could think about SLC enterprise SSD's, but I need something to get me going that will be fast with transactions and not too expensive

Drives I'm considering:
* Patriot Pyro
* OCZ Vertex 3
* Crucial M4
* Intel 510

Suggestions?

After doing some research, I ended up getting an Intel 320 80GB SSD for my main system, mainly based on Intel's reputation for reliability.  So far so good.

I had an Intel SSD for a long while. Not the fastest, but very solid.

In this case I'm looking for something that would work well in a server.

I have Intel 510 120Gb for 6 months, no issue, low power consumption on idle, highly recommended.
Vertex 3 and other SF2xxx based SSD coming with BSOD bug and seems all firmware updates can't cure it.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5508/intel-ssd-520-review-cherryville-brings-reliability-to-sandforce
But Intel 520 (510 based on Marvell chipset) based on same SF chipset will be reliable as Intel 510 (with custom Intel firmware), so if you want max iops, I think you can stick with Intel 520 series.
http://www.computeruniverse.net/products/e90450004/intel-520-series-120gb-resell-edition.asp

I'm definitely looking for max iops.  You make a good point about reliability.  I'll be running linux on this, but still, Intel has a strong track record of solid silicon

While Intel has the best reputation for reliability, I can highly recommend the Mushkin Chronos drives, and get the more expensive Deluxe version since they have unlocked max IOPS firmware. If you need a good price point, decent reliability, and great speed, go for the Crucial M4. For the ultimate in balls-to-the-wall performance in a standard 2.5" drive, get the Vertex 3 Max IOPS Edition.

If you really need more than the usual speed, you should also give consideration to a PCIe based SSD, or even a ramdisk if you don't need too much space.

Tom's Hardware maintains a Hierarchy list that gets updated once a month:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ssd-review-benchmark,3139-6.html

So if you were going for 120GB then in order of best to worst (although worst is relative here, compared to a HDD anyway ;) ):

1. Intel SSD 510 120GB (Tier 5 )
2. Crucial M4 128GB (Tier 5 )
3. OCZ Vertex 3 120GB (Tier 6 )
4. Patriot Pyro 120GB (Tier 8 )

If you see a OCZ Vertex 3 MAX IOPS EDITION 120GB that is a Tier 3 drive!!

I've been eyeing the Mushkin Chronos drive, so it's good to hear a recommendation for that.  Many people seem to like the Crucial drive, and the OCZ Max IOPS version seems impressive too.

I had totally forgotten about the PCIe-based SSDs. They are some screamers.  Even though they can be pricey, it might be cheaper to get one of those instead of a RAID of several SATA SSDs (though you would give up some reliability).

I'm not sure Tom's storage bench is the best gauge of measurement if I'm looking strictly at server IO, but it is definitely interesting.  Seems that you really need a 240GB drive to get into the top tier for Tom's - particularly one with the more expensive Toggle NAND.

Interesting to see that the Mushkin Chronos Deluxe is also in tier 3.  Might be closing in on a decision here....

Check out Crucial M4's, one of the fastest drives right now with the latest firmware. There's currently a sale on them too:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=365475&srkey=CT128M4SSD2

Fusion IO. http://www.fusionio.com/

Great for virtualization and transaction based IO. This does not exactly align with your Start Cheap option but I know someone that works there and it truly is an amazing product. Its almost like having all RAM.

I've enjoyed the Crucial C300

4x256GB on Areca 1880ix-12  :o

http://i43.tinypic.com/fc4nio.jpg

So you have four of those drives but then have it dangling like that??   ;D

Yeah, I would love to get one.

Check it out, they have one that can do 1 BILLION IOPS!
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/fusion-io-one-billion-iops-iodrive-duo-flash-storage-record/

Looking on ebay it looks like an 80GB version will set you back at least $1500.  So not realistic to start with, but could be a good option down the road

Got 2 of the 120GB Vertex 3 MaxIops.  Run well, no reliability issues. 
Also has a bunch of the intel SSDs. Probably 6 or 7, G1, G2, 320, 510s.  Rock solid.  Not the fastest, but rock solid.  I was eyeing the OCZ PCIE based drives a while back.  The specs seem pretty good too.  Anandtech usually have good reviews.

I've been trying to get the mushkin chronos deluxe 240gb for about 2 weeks now. Whenever I get an email that they are in stock, they are already out of stock.

That's cause they are full of awesome. I just switched 7 of our managers' computers over to them and they are loving it.

I am running a couple of the baby ones in windows rigs, working good so far

And for ~$50 can't really go wrong.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=547799&CatId=5300

32gb torqx patriot ssd

Drool... I am looking to replace my organizations primary virtualization drive as well as integrating ERP and CRM solutions into one box. Its hard getting support from the higher ups when in the end you have to describe it as a harddrive.