T420S SSD Dilemma: Samsung 830 or Intel 520

[sadsfae]

Hello Folks,

I'm new to these forums, but I've been a thinkpad owner for quite some time.
I am in the market for an SSD (320g+) to replace the 7mm (320g sata) HDD drive in my Thinkpad T420s.

I am using information from the 7mm compatibility thread here http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=96529

I cannot decide between the Samsung 830 or Intel 520. I want something that I don't have to mod and will fit without voiding warranty.
I've ready conflicting reports that the 520's may need spacers removed, or different screws. What I've read for 830's is that they just fit in.

Samsung 830 (512G)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005T3GPXO/
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820147139

Intel 520 Series (480G)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006VCPA1A/
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820167089

Do any T420s owners out there have any input about either of these drive types? I'd prefer something 320G or larger.

Thanks.

[wolfman]

Hello, welcome to the forum.

I don't own a T420s. I own a T420. I also own the Intel 520 120gb SSD drive. It's a 9.5mm drive. You would need to remove the spacers to make it fit. However, if you want to put screws back in those holes, you need to order screws that are shorter online.

Also, I've just installed a Samsung 830 series in a friends X220 tablet - which also has a 7mm drive requirement. The Samsung works without modification.

So I think if your selection criteria is you just want one that works without modification, Samsung 830 series is your choice. Also for the size you're looking for (Samsung 512gb and Intel 480gb) the Samsung will be almost $100 cheaper. Good luck.

[sadsfae]

Thanks for the reply, I ended up getting the samsung 830. I also found a good anandtech review on it which further validated this purchase.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4863/the- ... 830-review

[wolfman]

Good deal, it's a very nice drive.