Question 1

Is SAMSUNG 840 Series MZ-7TD500BW 2.5" 500GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) compatible with HP Pavilion laptop dv2945se. Is additional hardware required for installation?

Accepted Answer

The HP Pavilion dv2945se Entertainment Notebook, is listed as using a 320GB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive.  This is a 9.5mm height 2.5" disk.  The Samsung 840 is a 7mm height 2.5" disk so it can be installed in place of the original disk.  The SSD disk is made with a standard SATA interface so this is also compatible with your laptop.  The OS is listed as Vista for your laptop and these are the only drivers offered by HP, this OS doesn't "well" support SSD drives, many custom settings must be made to assure long life for the SSD and not undermine the performance benefits of the SSD.  If there were Windows 7 drivers for this laptop I would recommend getting the SSD.  Instead consider a more modern laptop.  If you have already upgraded to Windows 7 and resolved all the driver issues, you will benefit from installing this SSD.  No additional hardware should be needed.

Question 2

Would this drive fit into an Envy 14 Laptop? I'm concerned with the placement of the screws, and whether or not they'll fit.

Accepted Answer

I installed the drive in a desktop PC and had no problem since the screw pattern is standard for the 2.5 HD size. I screwed the SSD to the furnished adapter that easy slides and locks into the case mount. The SSD should easy adapt to a laptop; however, most laptops have their own unique adapters that fits the 2.5 inch form fit.

Question 3

500GB Samsung 840 EVO Solid State Drive MZ-7TD500BW $279.99
500GB Samsung 840 EVO Solid State Drive MZ-7TE500BW $309.99

What is the difference between the "D" model and the "E" model?

Accepted Answer

The E or EVO model has some enhancements over the original 840 and a slightly smaller process size resulting in a little performance boost.

Google anandtech and "Samsung 840 EVO review" for a great review article that details the differences.

I would opt for the EVO over the earlier 840, and have bought a number of the EVO models.

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