Chosen Solution
Would like to use the Samsung 850 EVO as an external hard drive. Is it possible and what cables would I need if it would work. Update (11/27/2015) Thank you. The information and the site are a great help!
All you need is a external hard drive enclosure . This video guides you through the process its for a 3.5 hd but a 2.5 ssd is the same procedure . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20Hpa-sh… enclosures can be purchased on ebay or amazon . If you dont want an enclosure you can by sata to usb cables Hope this helps
You may want to look at a dual interfaced enclosure like this one: OWC Mercury On-The-Go. Here you get the faster FireWire 800 which your system uses as well as USB 2.0/3.0 for use in a newer system.
Be aware that the SSD may consume more current than most USB ports are capable of providing and that would explain why the disk is not seen by the computer, or in my case, why the disk disconnects when in heavy usage. My 850 SSD states 1.4A peak current. My USB ports can only provide 900mA. It seems now I need to find out an external closure with two USB 3.0 connections, or maybe get a 3.1/USB-C enclusure and upgrade my Mac. Sorry, not a solution, just more details on the possible issue.
