Nowadays you need not be scared of Sandforce powered SSD especially tier1 Sandforce controlled SSD’s like Sandisk Extreme, Corsair Force GT, Force GS, Vertex 3 Max IOPS, Patriot Wildfire, Intel 520. You just have to have the latest firmware installed. Now if you are on a really tight budget go for Intel 330 or take your chance with an OCZ Agility 3. Just make sure you buy from a reputable store.
Intel 330 is a binned Intel 520 and to me it only wins on long-term support. Intel will standby their product so if you are worried about your investment go for that. By the way, Intel 330 will not run properly on 1.5Gbps link speed using Intel Rapid Storage, but you can use the Microsoft AHCI driver this combo will work.
Now there are some of us who are risk takers who wants to get the benefit of a speedy SSD right away because we think we could get our investment back sooner using a much quicker SSD.
Best SSDs For The Money: August 2012
