XBits Labs performed an extensive comparison of the most popular SSDs including our favorite models: Intel X25-M and OCZ models (including Vertex units). It is never easy to draw conclusion as it is not as simple as 0 and 1, or black and white. Each manufacturer is trying to demonstrate that its models are the best ones, it is often true depending on the selected/defined parameter(s) and/or optimized functions. Vertex are known for offering a very high performance level in sequential reading and writing mode both reaching or even being higher than 200 MB/s. Intel X25-M is primarily aiming to deliver the highest number of operation per second, offering excellent results in random writing/reading of small files, however, sequential performance are limited to 85 MB/s
On a everyday normal usage, Intel SSD models are probably the best solution, and usually deliver performance about twice higher than those recorded for Vertex units. It is also true when booting your computer. However, if you want to use SSD to benefit from fast sequential writing/reading performance for large size files (PS, image, etc.), then the solution would be the OCZ Vertex. The most polyvalent SSD is another mode from OCZ: the Summit, a clone of the Samsung SSD.
Another point to consider when selecting a SSD, especially if you plan to use it in a notebook, is its power consumption. Here again, nothing is black and white. The Summit is the best in idle mode, with only 0.29 W, however it drains 1.46 W in writing mode while the Vertex scores respectively 0.57 W and 1.17 W in idle and writing modes. The Intel X25-M second generation is the most power consuming SSD in writing mode (as it offers the higher number of operation per second).
In summary, the best SSD is the one offering the best performance for your usage. One can also consider the price/MB, as it can also be a decision-making factor, the Vertex is currently better than the Intel units. Last but not least, those are benchmarking and results obtained in a test procedure, and in practice the difference between each SSD models will be minimal, negligible and maybe even not noticeable. The Intel X25-M would be our favorite is it will be the best to handle the huge random small files written by modern OS, however, you will have to be happy with 160 GB storage space at most... So, as we say before, it depends on your needs
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