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Samsung 830 - Series MZ-7PC128D/AM 128 GB 2.5 Inch SATA III MLC Internal SSD Desktop Kit with Norton Ghost 15

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#1 ·
Samsung 830 - Series MZ-7PC128D/AM 128 GB 2.5 Inch SATA III MLC Internal SSD Desktop Kit with Norton Ghost 15

Description:
The Samsung SSD 830 Series boasts superior random read speeds and faster sequential read and write speeds (up to 520 MB/s & 400 MB/s respectively). It's the ideal solution for your everyday computing needs, such as web browsing, document creation, viewing or editing multimedia files, playing PC games, etc. As the world's #1 DRAM, NAND Flash, and SSD supplier, Samsung has unique, industry-leading engineering resources, technologies, and manufacturing processes as well as more stringent quality and testing standards. All Samsung SSDs are designed and built completely in-house. Optimized for exceptional, sustained performance, the 830 Series features unrivaled reliability through its specially-engineered wear-leveling and garbage collection algorithms. The Samsung SSD 830 Series features stunning design and precision engineering - inside and out. It measures only 7mm thick, so it can even accommodate the latest ultra-slim laptop PCs. Magician Software Samsung's SSD Magician software eliminates the confusion and uncertainties of SSD management, making it simple for users to maximize the performance and lifetime of their Samsung SSD. The Samsung SSD 830 series is available with both desktop and laptop installation kits. The desktop kit comes with SATA data and power cables, screws, and a 2.5" to 3.5" adapter bracket. The laptop kit includes a SATA to USB adapter cable to facilitate easy data migration and a mounting spacer so that laptops with traditional 9.5mm drive bays can accommodate the Samsung SSD 830 Series' new slim profile. All Samsung SSD 830 Series models include a full version of Norton Ghost 15.0, rather than the limited data migration utilities included with most SSDs today. In addition to its robust data migration features, Norton Ghost 15.0 offers users advanced data backup and recovery functionality to ensure data integrity throughout the useful lifetime of the drive.

Details:
DetailValue
BindingPersonal Computers
BrandSamsung
EAN0036725604728
FeatureBacked by a three-year limited warranty
Height2.75 inches
Length3.94 inches
Weight0.14 pounds
Width0.28 inches
LabelSamsung
List Price$299.99
ManufacturerSamsung
ModelMZ-7PC128D/AM
MPNMZ-7PC128D/AM
Package Quantity1
Product GroupPersonal Computer
Product Type NameCOMPUTER_DRIVE_OR_STORAGE
PublisherSamsung
SKUSY-MZ-7PC128D/AM
StudioSamsung
TitleSamsung 830 - Series MZ-7PC128D/AM 128 GB 2.5 Inch SATA III MLC Internal SSD Desktop Kit with Norton Ghost 15
UPC036725604728
Warranty3 year parts
ColorBlack metal
 

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#2 ·
Great Revision SSD

review by esocid

This was my first SSD, and I've not been disappointed by it. The first thing that caught my attention was that Samsung makes all of the components included in this SSD. From the DRAM, to the NAND, and the controller.

It's a revision of their 470 series. With the 830 you get a single 250MB DDR2-800 DRAM chip (K4T2G314QF-MCF7) for caching, compared to the two 125MB chips in the 470. The 830 also has a 6GB/s throughput for SATA.

Samsung's 2x-nm Toggle-mode DDR NAND is similar to that of Intel and Crucial (ONFi 2.x NAND) and the benchmarks back that up.

The memory controller is Samsung's 3-core ARM chip (S4LJ204X01-Y040).

With this series Samsung claims a MTBF of 1.5 million hours, and comes with a 3 year warranty. Nothing special there. What is special is their claimed usage of 0.078 watts in idle and 0.127 watts active, while most other SSDs use around 2 to 4 watts. I don't have the ability to verify this though.

Specific to the 128GB model, you get 320MB/s, while the 512/256GB models will give you 400MB/s. Writing speeds decrease with capacity, which is normal.
In AS SSD, my numbers were close to spec:
501

Same with ATTO:
620

One thing that I really liked was how the drive looked. Not that anyone would really see it, but Samsung took the time to give it a dark brushed metal exterior Even the packaging was nice. It won't be permanent, but mine came with a code for Batman Arkham City ($50 game) in addition to the most likely permanent additions such as Norton Ghost, Samsung's SSD Magician software (which you can use to update firmware) a 2.5" to 3.5" mounting bracket with screws, a molex to SATA power adapter, and a locking SATA cable.
700
450

From a cold boot it takes about 9-10 seconds to boot to my OS screen, and everything loads immediately, which I love, not that it's specific to this SSD. If it hadn't been for the game coupon, I may have gone with the Crucial M4, but with Samsung making every component, the low power usage, and Samsung's track record, I went with the Samsung 830 and don't regret it. The price seems a bit high though, if you aren't interested in the game. If the price drops to being even with the Vertex 3/Crucial M4 I can't see a reason to not go with the Samsung 830 drive. I took off half a flame for the price.

ProsCons
Very fast. Samsung makes all components. Looks nice. Comes with mount, software, and free game.A bit expensive considering it only nudges out the Vertex 3 by a little.

Ratings
Overall4
 
#3 ·
Great Revision SSD

review by esocid
Well done. I would add that boot times do vary some between different SSD's. Samsung's have very good boot times compared to others, maybe as much as 10 secs. As for the price, remember you get a full upgrade kit and a free $50 game for basically the same cost as the Sandforce SSD's. That's a win in my book.
 
#4 ·
Cant beat the deal

review by tweek43110

***This is for the Laptop review; same thing, different bracket***

Great speeds, it comes with a $50 game, a $20 copy of Norton Ghost and a $10 cable that turns the old drive into a portable external
thumb.gif
; so price comes down to $120 for a great 128GB SSD.

ProsCons
Really fast boot, Great speeds, Free Game, free Norton GhostN/A

Ratings
Overall5
 
#5 ·
Great product

review by n1helix

As my first SSD, I was pleasantly surprised by it's performance.

Even though it was a little more expensive than the Crucial M4, I decided to give it a try.

The SSD offers great speeds, both in read and write.

I use it as an OS drive and everything loads instantly.

I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a solid SSD that offers speed and reliability.

ProsCons
Speed, reliability.Price

Ratings
Overall4
 
#11 ·
Samsung 830 128GB SSD

review by snipekill2445

This is the first and so far only SSD I've bought and used. I was quite simply stunned by just how fast it is. It comes in at a competitive price for the features and reliability it offers.
This SSD ships with a three year warranty, though it's very unlikely it will be needed.

The SSD is a 2.5" 7mm slim form factor, maximizing mounting options, whether it be a desktop PC or laptop.
It comes with a 128GB capacity with 119GB usable. With read/write speeds at 520MB/s / 320MB/s respectively, this is one fast drive. We have random read/write speeds of 75K/30K IOPS.
This SSD has a power consumption of 0.15w~
It used a standard high speed Sata 6gbps connection.

The SSD casing is plastic, with the exception of the top plate, which is an extravagant brushed aluminium, this is certainly a drive worthy of showing off in your case.
It has a standard Sata power and Sata 6gbps connector along the rear or top of the drive depending on how you mount it.

First thoughts of using this SSD is of course how quick it is. With blistering access times and read/write speeds, I'd go as far as to say it's the single best upgrade for improving overall system performance and usability. Being a 128GB SSD I installed Windows 8, all of my applications and had space left for a couple games.

As a fairly frequent Photoshop user, I went from 20~ second launches to around 2~ seconds, a 1000% improvement in application boot times. As for system boot times I saw an improvement of 40-60 seconds to around 12~ seconds. As a user who often shuts down and restarts his computer, this made for more enjoyable PC use.
Having not installed and played any games from the SSD, I can't comment on game performance.

To recap, it's very quick, well priced, reliable and looks the part. If you're in the market for an SSD, to improve system speed, I'd definitely take a look at a Samsung 830 or newer Samsung equivalent.

ProsCons
Very fast, Reliable, Looks greatNone at all.

Ratings
Overall5
 
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