Question 1

can I use this SSD as a replacement of an HDD of an Hp G56 laptop?

Accepted Answer

Should be compatible, though the Crucial web site will list all compatible SSD's when you choose the manufacturer and model of your machine.  Choosing an HP G56 sub-model # at random - this drive was listed as compatible.

I installed this drive in an HP EliteBook 8540p and it fit and worked great.  NewEgg has a great price on these, they are high quality SSD's, and you won't believe how much faster your laptop is with an SSD.

Question 2

One review said that it was a bit of a challenge to install Windows 10 on this drive. Any advice on this issue? Thanks

Accepted Answer

it worked just fine for me (512gb version, windows 10 64, skylake b150 sata chipset). the reviewer says he was using crucial's driver, but usually storage devices don't really need drivers, so im not sure what hes talking about. Just looked on crucial's website and there are no driver downloads at all, just firmware updates.

the reviewer *may* have been using a skylake motherboard with a windows 10 install image from before skylake was released. If that were the case, the installer might not have had the drivers for the controller, but if you've used microsoft's download tool any time in the last year this shouldnt be a problem. with your installation media.

Question 3

Does Crucial have downloadable (read:free) cloning software like Corsair?

Accepted Answer

My unit came with a slip of paper that had a serial number for Acronis True Image HD, which I used. So, yes, Crucial has a free deal set up with Acronis.

Question 4

Does this drive include a 9mm spacer?

Accepted Answer

It includes a spacer that works for  to 9.5mm.

Question 5

In the description it says "3D Vertical."  I don't understand the meaning of this phrase ; I am unaware that SSDs required a certain orientation.  What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

This doesn't refer to the way you mount the drive, This is about the memory inside the drive.  In essence, like the name suggests, 3D V-NAND means an SSD made up of flash cells stacked vertically and 3 dimensionally. This is significant because before now, most SSDs have been built on 2D Planar NAND technology.

Now 2D architecture can be limited if you want to offer higher capacity – basically make your memory bigger. Think of it like building a housing estate. In 2D NAND, if you wanted to increase the number of houses on your SSD housing estate, you'd need to expand over acres and acres of land across the landscape building houses all on one level. In 3D you can build lots of housing going upwards in skyscraper apartment blocks. Suddenly you have much higher capacity that's much more efficient.

Question 6

How much unformatted space should this have?  Mine lists 256.2 unallocated before initialized. Feels like I'm being gipped.

Accepted Answer

every drive is that way, raw capacity is not equal to formatted capacity.

Question 7

do you have to use the encription?

Accepted Answer

No, I didn't use encription for windows 10.

Question 8

Does this come with mounting screws?

Accepted Answer

No screws with drive. Use original existing screws or purchase hardware for desktop system.

Question 9

compatibility with HP Probook 650 g1?

Accepted Answer

If the notebook has a 2.5 inch drive bay it should be ok. Most SSD's are compatible with any home PC. Keep in mind you will have to add your own operating system load on the SSD if you plan on using this as your main drive.

Question 10

what is the cache size?

Accepted Answer

cache size is irrelevant

Questions & Answers