Question 1

What's the difference between this one, and the less expensive one for $144?  This one says "with desktop bundle kit"  - what is that?

Accepted Answer

Hi,

Desktop Bundle Kit means it comes with a 3.5" to 2.5" bay mounting bracket adapter so it can mount in a larger desktop drive bay.

It also comes with a cool USB/SATA dongle so you can clone your current internal hard drive to the SSD with Samsung's Data Migration tool (free download from Samsung).

Even if you aren't buying this for a desktop, the dongle provided will work with a laptop (you would also not use the 3.5" bay adapter) to migrate your existing drive to the SSD.

If you buy the dongle now, then you can use it later with other Samsung SSDs you buy later, or get friends to buy one, to do the data migration. I bought this EVO with dongle and then used it to data migrate 5 other computers to Samsung SSDs when they didn't buy the kit with the dongle.

About the only reason why you wouldn't buy this is if you were building a brand new computer and you weren't migrating from an existing hard drive and just wanted the SSD for the rig.

Hope this helps.

Question 2

Can I use this as an external hard drive ?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can. I haven't installed my in my PC yet and so I just tried and it works.

I formatted it as a simple drive in the disc manager and then was able to use it with both mine and my dad's computer with the usb cable provided as if it were an external drive.

I hope I answered this fast enough to of any help.

Question 3

My Drive is gone and I have no back-up. 
Can I install windows 7 on this drive as the main drive?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can install windows 7 on this as the main drive. If your are having trouble with your previous drive you can still retrieve data (unless there is a mechanical failure like clicking). Use a Linux Live CD (boot from CD and use the "Try" option). You can download the desktop version from Ubuntu. Reply back if you need more info on how to retrieve data from previous drive.

Question 4

The documentation attached to the product listing shows an MLC-based SSD, but the title shows as a TLC-based SDD. Which is it?

Accepted Answer

Both are accurate. As Samsung states on their site, "Samsung’s new 3-bit MLC NAND flash memory stores data more efficiently, increasing both speed and reliability." It is multi-level cell because it is more than 1-bit per cell as in single-level cell. In practical use, this is a very good SSD. I've used dozens of both the 840 EVOs and 840 Pros (SLC). For desktop/laptop use, I have not noticed any significant difference in performance.

Question 5

Will this product would be compatible with a Dell Inspiron 530 desktop?

Accepted Answer

I put mine into a custom built machine.

Drives and parts rarely care what its put into.  As long as it can get the right connectors. 
If you have a SATA connector and Sata power connector, No problem!

Question 6

is this drive compatible with dell inspiron laptops?

Accepted Answer

It is a little more tricky for laptops.  There are a few things you need to find out first.
1. Slot size.  7mm vs 9mm vs 11mm drive size.  Unless the drive slot takes the identical thickness, you will need an adapter.
2. BIOS locked.  Many laptop vendors BIOS locked their laptop so you can only use their branded SSD.  You will need to find that information from the vendor if they allow third party drives in their system.

PS: I have read that Dell Inspiron does not like Samsungs or the other way around.  Seems to be some alignment problem and very tricky to install.  Google samsung ssd dell inspiron

Question 7

says 2.5".. desktop bundle kit.  will this fit any laptop ?

Accepted Answer

Yes it should fit it fine. Some thin laptops/netbooks require a smaller profile ssd though. But as long as it is a regular laptop it will be fine.

Question 8

Has anyone else been able to update the firmware with AMD Chipsets? I cannot even using a bootable ISO. Several forums reporting the same issues with AMD.

Accepted Answer

IDK, mine worked fine with the Crosshair Formula IV and a 6core. Switched to a 4930 and it still works with no issues.
Good luck.

Question 9

If I buy 2 of these can I use in Raid Mirror Array????????...very important that I do for obvious reasons

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can put pretty much any 2+ sata drives in most any array.  I wouldn't recommend doing a raid 1 however, because if you get a virus or something gets corrupted or deleted then you just mirror it to the other drive and the problem isn't fixed. It's doubled. Other backup options are better and way cheaper. Duplicating data on an ssd's is a very high cost per GB

Question 10

Will this hard drive fit in a laptop or is it for desktop only?

Accepted Answer

Other replies may be correct that it will fit. It is so thin and 2.5" wide.

But I just wanted to note that there is a model specifically with a laptop kit (same price I believe): SAMSUNG 840 EVO MZ-7TE250LW 2.5" TLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) With Notebook Bundle Kit.

Note the last letters are LW instead of KW suggesting laptop kit instead of desktop kit. Not sure if that kit is for external or internal, but I am guessing that the drive without any kit is so thin that the kit may be containing a frame that makes it exactly as thick as regular laptop drive. If you don't intend to use it with a desktop, why not get the one with the laptop kit.

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