So if you're thinking about a boost to an old PC which still works fine for you, here's my experience. First some notes;
-Check if the motherboard has Sata ports. If yes then great, current SSD's are sold as Sata 3 compatible while old PC's may have Sata 2. Don't worry, just like USB Sata 3 can work on Sata 2 input and still is faster than a HDD.
-I wanted a really cheap option so bought a crucial bx500 240gb. There are 120gb models too but their lifespan is 50% shorter as SSD's have a limit of writing data to the same space. This model isn't considered durable but the math says it should work for 5 years if I move 48gb a day, so considering my computer is old it should be plenty.
-The 240gb SSD for me is windows and programs only, the 1TB HDD is now used for other data (for storage or use)
-While installing I did bump into 1-2 problems, not with the SSD but when installing a new windows. My cousin is a computer wiz. and helped me on the phone, but if you don't know anyone like that get the job done by a tech. as they ideally shouldn't charge too much. My problems were related to the machine being older than 5-6 years (old bios), if yours is not as old likely there won't be problems, give it a shot if you're confident. It's a really good idea not formatting the windows on the HDD before you finish installation on the SSD.
After when I setup everything and started installing stuff the first thing I noticed was the lack of HDD noise
its something minor but when its not there you definitely notice it.
Windows opening speed wasn't as drastically improved as I read about, but you really notice the launch the speed after you install things like webbrowser, DAW, virus program etc. . They're pretty much launch instantly but also work way faster too.
Naturally internet speed doesn't get affected but when you enter a site where there are lots of pictures it will open-up much faster.
One interesting thing I noticed was the HDD got much faster when it isn't running windows anymore, I'd say about 30%. I've done a lot of moving data and never remember getting such speeds from it before. I haven't installed Kontakt yet but pretty sure instruments will open a touch faster.
So since small size SSD's are really cheap now, I definitely recommend the upgrade for whatever reason you're still using an old PC.
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This post has been edited by Mertay: Jul 28 2020, 11:42 AM