Samsung 250GB SSD on Amazon Lightening deal - Ends 15:45 - £109 / €137

Tea_Bag · 02-01-2013 9:58pm

got mine today.

The only thing I do on my SSD installs out of the normal is disable hiberfil.sys. its used if you want to use hibernate. with an SSD, i dont see why you would considering the boot times. more importantly though, it takes up large amounts of space (roughly the amount of RAM you have). space is tight and for me thats 16gb!

dont forget drivers from their respective vendors websites.

Tar.Aldarion · 02-01-2013 10:54pm

good tip to disable hibernate...I did that on current hdd but it so didn't work. Will try again with ssd.

Tea_Bag · 03-01-2013 3:31am

Just an FYI, there is a newer firmware than it ships with.

Ive updated it, and it isnt dead yet

will be installing windows now. according to the Samsung Magician software's simple benchmarking tool, its outperforming my 256gb 830 considerably

Tar.Aldarion · 03-01-2013 10:00am

That's weird because it uses TLC NAND and that's slower for writing, and even reviews saying Samsung did a good job with the TLC say that the 840 should just be for relatives that aren't concerned about performance. Wonder how the pros is with the 21nm MLC

Ronan H · 03-01-2013 11:54am

Still haven't gotten round to installing mine yet. Fresh install of W7 Ultimate x64 FTmofoW!

I was supposed to be building flat pack Ikea stuff tonight, but I think I, em, hurt my back last night so I'll have to take it easy, at the laptop... :cool:

Ronan H · 03-01-2013 10:50pm

Yep. Sore back is official.

As for the SSD...

...one word, beginning with "f", ending with "t", with ass in the middle!

Thank you OP.

ablelocks · 04-01-2013 1:43pm

Xzen wrote: »

There are a few options here.....

xzen, thanks for taking the time to write that up, i appreciate it. When I purchased windows 8, i put it on a usb so i should be able to install os from that, yeah?

vibe666 · 04-01-2013 3:02pm

just as an FYI for anyone doing a fresh install of windows onto an SSD (or any other type of drive tbh) do yourself a favour and download the Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool and use it to make a bootable USB disk with the windows install files on, instead of using a DVD.

how long it takes is going to depend on how fast the USB drive is, but i clocked it at a couple of seconds over 11 minutes between starting the install to my SSD and sitting in front of a fully booted windows 7 desktop.

the first time did it, I'd actually walked away and left it for 15 minutes and when i walked past the door where the PC was and it was sitting at the desktop, i figured something had gone wrong and actually re-did it again from scratch just to watch it and make sure (and time it).

all you need is a Windows ISO (you could make one from your windows DVD if you don't already have one) and a USB drive of 4gb or more.

Xzen · 04-01-2013 3:07pm

ablelocks wrote: »

xzen, thanks for taking the time to write that up, i appreciate it. When I purchased windows 8, i put it on a usb so i should be able to install os from that, yeah?

Indeed it should, as Vibe666 said, you can use the very handy ISO to USB tool from Microsoft.

Pop the USB key in, reboot, you may need to press Del , F2, F6 or other Key to gain access to your BIOS and change the USB at the 1st drive to boot from. You could also press either F11 or F10 during the Bios boot (POST) to select the USB drive.

******

After you've installed Windows 8 and gotten annoyed/bored with the new "Start" menu, you can revert to the Windows 7 like Start menu using this really handy Classic Shell mod.

Tar.Aldarion · 04-01-2013 3:09pm

Is the image freely available legitimately and we can put in our cd key?

i never had a dvd, as I had free access to microsoft software in uni, so i just have my key etc. Would like a download of it.

Zimmerframe · 04-01-2013 3:16pm

Tar.Aldarion wrote: »

Is the image freely available legitimately and we can put in our cd key?

i never had a dvd, as I had free access to microsoft software in uni, so i just have my key etc. Would like a download of it.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IE/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only

Xzen · 04-01-2013 3:21pm

Tar.Aldarion wrote: »

Is the image freely available legitimately and we can put in our cd key?

I got me one of the free keys thanks to a hardware upgrade too.

The Win 8 ISO image is around the place on torrents and what-not. However, if you don't want to risk getting a modified ISO (or ISOs that may have been tampered with: to add things like keyloggers etc) , then you can get the official ISO freely from Microsoft's site here

* Click "Buy Windows 8" (You don't actually have to pay a penny)
* Click "Download Windows 8 Pro for €xyz" - This will download a file "Windows8-UpgradeAssistant.exe"
* Run the Upgrade Assistant (Again you don't need to by windows, nor install or upgrade from it)
* Follow the usual steps and it will download an ISO file.
* After it downloads this file it may ask you if you want to install Windows now, you can cancel the install if you wish then either:

** Write the ISO to a DVD with Software like IMGburn

** Write the ISO to a USB stick with Microsofts tool

Tar.Aldarion · 04-01-2013 3:34pm

My mistake, I have windows 7 key and want windows 7 for now! I'll have a look.
When I get the ISO's off torrents usually they don't work with that usb tool, still if I have to do that myself it's fine.

54kroc · 04-01-2013 3:50pm

You can get Windows 7 iso's from This link.

Ardent · 04-01-2013 5:46pm

Has anyone transferred their existing OS to the new disk? If so, any links to guides on this?

vibe666 · 04-01-2013 7:17pm

ideally you'll need a usb caddy or internal dvd tray caddy or something along those lines as there's no usb connection on the SSD (unfortunately, unlike some SSD's, which is very handy for exactly this purpose), or another USB drive (or NAS) with enough space for an image of your old drive, but tha will require the extra step of creating an image from the old drive and then restoring it to the new SSD and it's a bit more of a pain in the tits and will take twice as long so i'd avoid it if possible.

there's a handy guide to cloning your hard drive to a new disk here: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-clone-your-hard-drive/

personally i'd always install the OS fresh onto a new drive, but that's just me.

the "windows easy transfer" wizard will do a pretty good job of making sure you get everything across that you want onto the new disk after you've installed the OS. You will need somewhere (i.e. a USB or NAS drive) to back up your stuff to though as it might take a while to back up everything to DVD's if you've a lot of stuff.

Ronan H · 04-01-2013 9:32pm

Ardent wrote: »

Has anyone transferred their existing OS to the new disk? If so, any links to guides on this?

I just did a fresh install, but I'm thinking that's not what you were after?

coillcam · 04-01-2013 9:52pm

Ardent wrote: »

Has anyone transferred their existing OS to the new disk? If so, any links to guides on this?

Download acronis true image and learn how to use it if you want to clone your existing OS. However you are better off doing a clean install as mentioned previously.

Ronan H · 06-01-2013 2:47pm

RE the firmware upgrade for the 840 series, here is the page you need to go to.

Hit the "Downloads" tab and grab Samsung SSD Magician. It has some basic benchmarking (note the pop-up disclaimer about running this too often due to the impact on the drive) and optimisation features, and it should pick up the firmware update that is available also.

Enjoy!

Ro

Edited

Tar.Aldarion · 06-01-2013 2:55pm

Any firmware update needed for the 830?

Ronan H · 06-01-2013 4:22pm

Dunno TA, I have the 840. I should update my last post to reflect that...

ablelocks · 15-01-2013 11:23am

ok, so i've swapped the drives no problem, inserted the usb and booted from that but the install stopped as the product key i have is for my desktop.

Fair enough, so I try to buy a new download and product key only to get a message saying that it's not available for download in my country / region (on my windows 8 desktop, which may be the real reason for this message).

I called MS, only to be told that the only way to get windows 8 is to re-swap the drives, download the upgrade assistant and purchase windows 8 direct from the laptop, save the download to usb, get product key and then swap drives and do the install. Fine, bit of hassle, but can be done.

Except the guy (customer service not a techie) couldn't confirm that this would absolutely work on the SSD - he thought it should, but there could be an issue because there's no previous version of windows on the SSD obviously.

Before I start over, should i do it this way and will it work?

elsparko · 15-01-2013 12:26pm

do you have access to your product key? if so, input it and activate windows by phone and just say you are only using it on one system, if not boot up the old drive and run this program http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html to get the key, then install on the ssd and activate by phone as above

ablelocks · 15-01-2013 12:40pm

elsparko wrote: »

do you have access to your product key? if so, input it and activate windows by phone and just say you are only using it on one system, if not boot up the old drive and run this program http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html to get the key, then install on the ssd and activate by phone as above

I have my product key from the desktop install - but once I enter it on the laptop install the message I get is that it is not valid for a new install, only for re-install or repair (or something like that, can't remember exact wording)

I need to buy a new product key - and it seems the only way to do that is to re-install the old hdd and go from there. I would just like to be sure that a new download, with a new product key, will install ok on the ssd

Xzen · 15-01-2013 1:03pm

ablelocks wrote: »

I have my product key from the desktop install - but once I enter it on the laptop install the message I get is that it is not valid for a new install, only for re-install or repair (or something like that, can't remember exact wording)

I need to buy a new product key - and it seems the only way to do that is to re-install the old hdd and go from there. I would just like to be sure that a new download, with a new product key, will install ok on the ssd

That's very strange. I've done the exact same as you with Win8 on 3 PCs and 1 laptop (not all mine

) each owner had one of the new Win 8 Keys as upgrade rather than straight out new. The install worked just fine.

My method was:

* Remove old HDD - put in caddy for backup later.
* Insert new SSD
* Install Win8 from DVD (I eventually usud a USB stick later on)
* Enter the upgrade key for Win 8 - it worked
* Activated Win 8 after adjusting the registry

No problems since

The Windows key you have. Did you buy it online as an upgrade or full edition? Was it given to you by your PC supplier/OEM ? (Dell/HP etc).

If its an OEM Key, it'll only work when you use it with their version of Windows on DVD/USB. It wont work on an official ISO.

ablelocks · 15-01-2013 1:45pm

Xzen wrote: »

The Windows key you have. Did you buy it online as an upgrade or full edition? Was it given to you by your PC supplier/OEM ? (Dell/HP etc).

If its an OEM Key, it'll only work when you use it with their version of Windows on DVD/USB. It wont work on an official ISO.

the product key i have was one of the €15 special offer ones for the upgrade of pcs purchased since june 2012 - bought it direct from Microsoft. But it could be the reason for it not working on the laptop.

I don't mind buying a new product key. From what you've said, if I swap the drives back and purchase the download thru the laptop and save the file to the USB, the install should work on the SSD.

vibe666 · 17-01-2013 1:25am

vibe666 wrote: »

just filled out the form for the assassins creed 3 download and it says it'll take about 7 days for them to check it and confirm the download.

still not bad for a freebie that i wasn't expecting.

not heard anything at all back from samsung about the free AC3 download and when I email them, the mail keeps coming back with a non-delivery report.

feck them anyway.

B0X · 17-01-2013 5:48am

vibe666 wrote: »

not heard anything at all back from samsung about the free AC3 download and when I email them, the mail keeps coming back with a non-delivery report.

feck them anyway.

Same boat here, wonder what the story is.

cgc5483 · 17-01-2013 11:23am

B0X wrote: »

Same boat here, wonder what the story is.

same as well. maybe it's because we're not in UK although they could at lest send an email.

harkin1987 · 17-01-2013 3:48pm

cgc5483 wrote: »

same as well. maybe it's because we're not in UK although they could at lest send an email.

Would help if you read the T&C's and I think someone mentioned it in the first page :P

The promotion period will commence at 00:00 (GMT) on 1st
December 2012 and close at
23:59 (GMT) on 31stDecember 2012 (the “Promotion Period”)

smackyB · 17-01-2013 3:53pm

Great bargain alert, thanks OP. Installed the SSD on my Macbook Pro and it's flying along now!

Xzen · 17-01-2013 3:56pm

harkin1987 wrote: »

Would help if you read the T&C's and I think someone mentioned it in the first page :P
The promotion period will commence at 00:00 (GMT) on 1st (6.35 kg)
December 2012 and close at
23:59 (GMT) on 31stDecember 2012 (the “Promotion Period”)

I applied on the 26th of Dec and not a word from them yet either. Meh, from what I hear, the game was pretty lackluster anyways. Not missing much

smackyB wrote: »

Great bargain alert, thanks OP. Installed the SSD on my Macbook Pro and it's flying along now!

Glad to hear it. I'm an insane tech buyer, can't go a week without a new gadget

. So keep an eye on BA, if I come across any more tech 'n gadgets for cheap, it'll be on here within minutes.

harkin1987 · 17-01-2013 4:02pm

Xzen wrote: »

I applied on the 26th of Dec and not a word from them yet either. Meh, from what I hear, the game was pretty lackluster anyways. Not missing much

Tu-shay sir

Yeah not a fan of Assassins creed, more of a console game tbh. Just ordered the 256gb pro version, should be fun to see the speed diff.

On a side note, if youve got plenty of cash to spend may I recommend this beast haha

http://hothardware.com/Reviews/Micron-RealSSD-P320h-PCI-Express-SSD-Review/?page=3

cgc5483 · 17-01-2013 4:23pm

harkin1987 wrote: »

Would help if you read the T&C's and I think someone mentioned it in the first page :P
The promotion period will commence at 00:00 (GMT) on 1st
December 2012 and close at
23:59 (GMT) on 31stDecember 2012 (the “Promotion Period”)

And your point is?

That applied to when it was purchased (28th Dec) and not when applied for. You could apply until the 31st of January.

harkin1987 · 17-01-2013 4:34pm

cgc5483 wrote: »

And your point is?

That applied to when it was purchased (28th Dec) and not when applied for. You could apply until the 31st of January.

I just admitted that I missed that, see above. Now relax.

vibe666 · 19-01-2013 10:46am

lovely.

they can't even manage to keep their email account working for the assassin's creed promo.

Mail Delivery Subsystem <mailer-daemon@googlemail.com>
01:16 (8 hours ago)

to me

This is an automatically generated Delivery Status Notification

THIS IS A WARNING MESSAGE ONLY.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO RESEND YOUR MESSAGE.

Delivery to the following recipient has been delayed:

assassin@samsungpromotions.com

Message will be retried for 1 more day(s)

Technical details of temporary failure:
The recipient server did not accept our requests to connect. Learn more at http://support.google.com/mail/bin/answer.py?answer=7720
[(10) mail.epromo.com. [64.90.195.166]:25: Connection refused]

RobertFoster · 16-02-2013 2:06am

Just bumping this thread to see if anyone got their codes yet? I got mine today, 19 working days after I submitted the details (I used the address of a dentist in Newry instead of my real address

).

My first time using the Uplay program, and reading the terms of Ubi's shop it seems a bit silly when you compare it to Steam. At the bottom of the order it says:

If your order contains downloadable software and you have not purchased our Extended Download Service (EDS), you have 30 days to download your purchase. After you download we suggest you save a copy of the downloaded file on an external drive, CD, DVD, or some other storage medium in the event you have computer problems or the downloaded file becomes damaged or corrupt.

That can't be right, can it? You've 30 days to download a 15GB game, or 2 years if you purchase their EDS, after that it's gone? No wonder Steam is on top.

B0X · 16-02-2013 2:39pm

Still waiting for my code here but it's good to see someone else getting one.

vibe666 · 16-02-2013 5:56pm

nothing here yet either.

Samsung 250GB SSD on Amazon Lightening deal - Ends 15:45 - £109 / €137

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