Best SSD for T450s

Hi All,

I apologize if this belongs in another section, but I figured it may be best to get opinions of those familiar with Lenovos specifically.

I am ordering a T450s, as I need a portable yet modestly powerful Windows machine for when I start my evening MBA. I am coming from a 1st generation retina MBP which is developing GPU issues (the endless repair cycle will stop the minute AppleCare runs out).

So far, I've decided to go with the below configuration, which will split time between carried and used, as well as "docked" to a monitor with a mouse and KB:
Intel Core i5-5200U Processor (3MB Cache, up to 2.70GHz)
Windows 8.1 64
14.0" FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS with WWAN
Intel HD Graphics 5500
4 GB DDR3L - SDRAM 1600MHz Base
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) without Fingerprint Reader
500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm, 2.5"
ThinkPad Battery 3 cell Li-Ion (23.2Whr) Front
ThinkPad Battery 3 cell Li-Ion (23.2Whr) Rear
Intel 7265 AC/B/G/N Dual Band Wireless + Bluetooth Version 4.0

What I will immediately do is add an 8GB stick of Crucial RAM to bring the machine to 12GB, which should be more than enough. I also have a copy of 8.1 Pro that I will do a fresh install with.

My only additional change to this machine will be the addition of either a 250 or 500 GB SSD in place of the HDD, which will go in an external enclosure. I am considering the below models:

1. Samsung 850 Evo
2. Crucial MX200
3. Intel 535

I've heard mixed things on all of them, noted below:
Evo Pros: Fast, cheap per GB, some people call them reliable, well rounded performer
Evo Cons: Others question the reliability of TLC NAND, Samsung's reliability/honesty with the "half-fix" for the 840 evo

Crucial Pro: Reliable, Decent Performer
Crucial Con: Not the best performance per dollar, slightly more expensive, mixed but mostly negative things on Direct Write Acceleration on the 250 model

Intel Pros: Intel reliability, good firmware, good software tools
Intel Cons: Sandforce controller, some batches don't use Intel NAND, lower MTBF (1.2) than Evo or Crucial (1.5)

Any opinions are greatly appreciated!

 

In practical terms, I don't think it matter a whole lot as all SSDs are fast and failure rates for all SSDs are fairly low. Personally, I'd get a M.2 SSD and put the OS on it, then keep the platter in the main bay for storage, where speed is not as important.

 

Thanks ZaZ, I hadn't thought of that. If I want to save the $40 and not get the 16GB M.2 that Lenovo adds, I still get two M.2 slots in the machine, correct?

 

That's why I get the big bucks. I believe that is true, but you might want to double check.

 

I got the 850evo and two ZTC 128GB m.2 drives for mine.

 

Hi DanielNTX,

I was wondering if you could tell me where the two m.2 slots are located? From what I have heard there is one next to the WWAN slot (easily accessible) but the other one not so much. Some have reported that they were unable to find it; it's supposedly not underneath the internal battery? What I'm hoping to do is upgrade the 16GB m.2 cache that came with 500GB spinner.


Thanks in advance,

hau5junkie87