Super Speedy Samsung SSD – once again…

I currently own the Samsung 830 256GB SSD, and after coming to the upper limits of its storage, it was time to expand (only had 4GB remaining!). First choice was the 850 Pro, with its higher IOPS range, reflected by Samsung’s 10 year warranty guarantee.

Physically, the 850 Pro is not as good looking as the 830, which had a brushed aluminium finish. The chrome trim remains however, so at least it will look unified once installed into the system.

I was disappointed with the package given the price; the 850 Pro comes with no SATA cable, or SATA to USB cable, unlike the 830 – only the Samsung Magician CD (which would probably be more up-to-date on the Samsung website), and installation instructions. It would be nice to see at least one SATA cable packaged with Samsung SSDs, for newcomers etc – and just to save the expense of buying an extra cable.

Coming onto installation, it was very simple; but my installation of Windows is strategically split into two – one partition for Windows, and another for Programs, which is a habit from my XP days, but also makes modifications to storage very easy. Using this method, it ensures that I do not modify or damage anything to do with Windows.

Subsequently, I cloned the Programs (E:) partition to the 850 Pro, using Macrium Reflect, and then expanded the partition to the full storage capacity using AOEMI Partition Assistant. The drive letters were then re-ordered for Windows, with the 850 Pro taking up the Programs (E:) position from the 830.

A reboot was all that was needed, Windows did not flinch at all, and I re-consolidated the extra space on the 830 to the Windows partition. So now I have one SSD for Windows, and another for Programs.

The performance of the drive is very good; using Samsung Magician to run a performance test, the read speed clocked in at 564MB/s, while the write speed clocked in at 518MB/s. Obviously this a brand new drive, but even with constant use, the 850 Pro should hold up really well, giv