OK, so major slow down with computer being shut off for a few days after power outage. Turn it back on run very fast in safe mode, then boot normally, works OK for a few minutes then runs really slow and then locks again up.

I ran diagnostic from boot up screen.

Seems, hard drive Error Code 2000-0142; Self Test unsuccessful Status 79. After searching this, replacement is needed.

So I'm looking at adding a SSD drive (at least 128gb) for boot up and a Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive.

Which SSD drive should a be looking at? And is the Caviar Black ok to go with as second drive with a SSD drive?

System is Dell Studio XPS 8100, need to fix this machine so I can buy rMBP.

Thanks

 

When I chose to buy a SSD a few months back, I went with the samsung 830 series 256gb SSD. This was when the 830 series just came out and people were still talking about how unreliable SSDs are. Samsung manufactures all their SSD components themselves whereas other companies dont and take parts from other companies (I think OCZ does this).

Im sure reliability isnt an issue anymore with SSDs but Im very happy with my 830 series, boots up fast everytime and overall windows experience is much more snappier.

The western digital black is a great hard drive.

 

I researched SSD drives....otherworldcomputing.com

best drives imo. Worth the price.

Just make sure if you need the 6gb or 3gb speed drives. I ended up with a 3gb for my MBP and its awesome. VERY quick. was like a whole new computer.

 

Thanks just order 830 256gb for a dollar per gb, and a Black Cav 1tb. Was tempted to get the 512gb 830, but don't have $700 to spend right now.

 

Are you installing this HDDs in RAID?

 

No