Which 256gb SSD? + easy to replace my boot drive?

[dsc106]

I currently have a 128gb Samsung 830 SSD. I want to upgrade to a 256gb SSD for boot, and move the 128gb SSD to a different computer.

1.) Which 256gb SSD should I snag? Is the 840 the successor to my current Samsung SSD?

2.) How easy/hard is it to clone my 128gb boot drive to a new SSD? What steps will I need to take/software need to use? Is it a pretty painless process? I can't afford much down time.

Thanks!

 

[Elixer]

The clone process from SSD to SSD is a cakewalk.
As for which SSD, that depends on a few things, like what kind of data, how much your write to the SSD, and so on.
The 840 has TLC NAND, which doesn't last as long as the 830's MLC NAND, but, for most people, this is fine, since they don't do that many writes per day anyway.
The 840 PRO has MLC NAND as well.

 

[dsc106]

OK cool. I don't really do THAT many writes but I'd feel better going with the pro. So the Samsung 840 PRO is the 256gb SSD to get?

Why is it discontinued @ newegg?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16820147193R

Also - what software should I use to do the bootdrive clone?

 

[MoInSTL]

OK cool. I don't really do THAT many writes but I'd feel better going with the pro. So the Samsung 840 PRO is the 256gb SSD to get?

Why is it discontinued @ newegg?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16820147193R

Also - what software should I use to do the bootdrive clone?

In stock @NE.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820147193

Edit: It comes with a Data Migration Tool under Downloads. Have never tried it so YMMV.
http://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/product/MZ-7PD256BW

 

[dsc106]

Oh OK, must have been an old newegg link.

So there's the Samsung Data Migration tool for cloning... any other suggestions?

Shadow Copy Cloner, for instance?

 

[Charlie98]

I used Acronis to clone my old OCZ SSD over to my new 840Pro, it worked very well for that (and other drives I have cloned.) NE had it on sale this weekend for something like $20... I use it to backup image my drives, too, so it was worth the money to me.

 

[jkauff]

Acronis cloning works great, and I think the Samsung software is just re-badged Acronis so should work fine for you. That said, I think a copy of Acronis True Image is a must for any computer, and the clone functionality is included.

 

[gammaray]

to help you pick a 240/256GBs SSD, i'd look at a couple of performance charts, make a list of 3-4 ssd you like, and grab one on sale.

So far i tried, ocz vertex 3, sandisk extreme and kingston hyperX. Been satisfied with all 3.

The best performing ssd is the samsung 840 PRO. It's also among the most expensive.

 

[sequoia464]

Check out Macrium reflect also - they have a free version that works great for cloning. I used to use Acronis but prefer Macrium these days.

Link .. http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

 

[Elixer]

Yep, as was mentioned, Clonezilla, Macrium reflect, acronis... all are either free, or have free versions, that is really all you need.