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Replacing Gaming Laptop's HD With SSD, Questions On Configuration And SSD Specs

Tags:
  • Gaming
  • Storage
  • Laptops
  • Memory
  • SSD
  • Configuration
Last response: in Storage
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September 4, 2014 11:21:04 AM

Hello All!

I just got a new ASUS G550JK gaming laptop. I updated the RAM to 16 GB and now I am looking into updating the hard drive.

I currently have a Samsung 830 Pro 256 GB SSD that I am not using but I am not sure if, after I research the best option, if I will end up using it.

The hard drive that came with the laptop is a 750 GB Hitachi 7200. The capacity is nice but I want to install an SSD to improve the performance (I hardly ever store large amounts of data on my computers, I use my NAS drive for that).

So basically my options are as follows:

1. Replace the Hitachi internal hard drive with a new SSD. (This is the expensive option because I would want at least 500 GB meaning I won't be using the 256 GB drive that I currently have.)

2. Purchase a CD drive bay adapter, install the Samsung 830 Pro 256 SSD that I currently have in the primary drive bay and move the existing Hitachi HD to the CD drive bay.

Even though Option 1 is the most expensive it's the one I am leaning towards. I like the idea of having just one internal HD and keeping the CD drive.

Option 2 is appealing because it's not only cheaper but it allows me to use the Samsung 256 GB SSD that I already have and therefore the only cost would be the price of the drive bay adapter.

My first question is, does anyone have a recommendation as to which option I should choose and/or if there are any disadvantages to removing the CD bay to install another HD?

My second question assumes that I have decided to go with Option 1 and just buy a 500 GB SSD and replace the internal Hitachi HD.

I have narrowed down my choice of replacement SSDs to three Samsung models:

1. Samsung 840 EVO MZ-7TE500BW ($269 @ Newegg.com)
2. Samsung 840 Pro Series MZ-7PD512BW ($359 @ Newegg.com)
3. Samsung 850 Pro Series MZ-7KE512BW ($399 @ Newegg.com)

They all have enough capacity but I am not sure what the differences are and whether these differences are worth it.

I used Newegg.com's compare feature and the differences between the three drives boiled down to basically 2 parameters: memory type and read/write speed.

840 EVO: Memory Type = TLC, Read/Write = 98k/90k IOPS
840 Pro: Memory Type = VLC, Read/Write = 100k/90k IOPS
850 Pro: Memory Type = 3-D Vertical, Read/Write = 100k/90k IOPS

I don't know much about SSD specs but the read/write data seems pretty close on all three so I am assuming it boils down to the memory type.

(Note - I did read one forum page where someone mentioned that TLC memory doesn't last very long but I don't know if this means it will fail in 1 year, 5 years, etc.)

Can anyone explain to me the difference between TLC, VLC, and 3-D Vertical memory and whether or not the higher prices are justified?

Thank you,

Jan

P.S. As I was researching hard drives today I found a few that are called "hybrid" SSD drives meaning they are part SSD and part "normal" drive all in one unit. (I was specifically looking at the Western Digital Black2.)

This could also be an option for me. Instead of buying a 500 GB SSD to replace my current HD I was thinking that there might be a decent hybrid drive out there that would give me the best of both worlds: high storage capacity and speed.

Does anyone have any experience or recommendations with respect to hybrid SSD drives and do you think this is a viable third option?

Thanks again.

More about : replacing gaming laptop ssd questions configuration ssd specs

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September 4, 2014 11:33:51 AM

I would avoid hybrid SSD/HDD drives, they will not give you the performance you are looking for.

If you go with a 500GB drive I would take a look at the crucial MX100 512GB for only $215 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Between the samsung drives you have chosen and the MX100 you will not notice a speed difference in the real world. If you are super into benchmarking then you may want to invest the extra money into getting the fastest but otherwise just having an SSD is leaps better than a traditional HDD.

If it was me I would get the optical drive adapter and throw your current SSD into the machine. It's a small amount of money and if you want to get the larger drive in the future you can and you won't be out very much money, but that's just me trying to pinch pennies.
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September 4, 2014 11:37:27 AM

@burdenbound Wow that is cheap! For that price I might just get the Crucial and give my other SSD to my brother. :)  Thank you for the info and recommendation about getting rid of the optical drive. The more I think about it the more I realize that the CD drive is something I will never use so why not take advantage of the space for something more useful? :) 
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September 4, 2014 11:40:37 AM

tackyjan said:
@burdenbound Wow that is cheap! For that price I might just get the Crucial and give my other SSD to my brother. :)  Thank you for the info and recommendation about getting rid of the optical drive. The more I think about it the more I realize that the CD drive is something I will never use so why not take advantage of the space for something more useful? :) 


No problem, I have been eyeing the mx100 since it came out and been saving up to drop one in my laptop. I too am spoiled by having a large SSD in my main desktop.
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September 4, 2014 11:44:35 AM

Curious question about SSD drives in general... do they make SSD drives specifically designed for use in laptops? I don't necessarily mean the size but other factors such as durability, shock absorption, etc. since laptops generally experience more forces due to their portability.
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a b 4 Gaming
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September 4, 2014 12:05:27 PM

tackyjan said:
Curious question about SSD drives in general... do they make SSD drives specifically designed for use in laptops? I don't necessarily mean the size but other factors such as durability, shock absorption, etc. since laptops generally experience more forces due to their portability.


Not that I know of but I wouldn't be surprised if they did, an SSD is naturally more durable than the HDD that it comes with though so it's nothing I would worry about. They do make small form factor SSDs if that is what your laptop takes but most use a standard sized SSD.
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