- has anyone else experienced the same - can anyone help me try to fix it to be as fast as before - alternatively, how can I revert to the old firmware {I know that on samsungs homepage it says it is impossible, but it has to be possible}
Yea, Samsung Firmware Update process is a flakey mess.
In my case, I'm using an older m/board and I use the Intel SATA2 instead of SATA3 ports so I won't see any wonderful speeds anyway but just for fun I used Magician and the speeds did improve but it was so insignificant I won't even bother mentioning.
Firmware reversion
I hate to say it but Samsung clearly states that you can't go back - I would tend to believe that.
And IF it were possible, you would need a copy of the old Firmware and I haven't seen where its available on the Samsung site.
Unless Samsung really screwed this up, (not out of the realm) the new Firmware shouldn't slow down your SSD ... So a re-flash using the Samsung DOS Firmware Update Tool may be the answer (assuming it will allow a re-flash)
Bootable Flash Drive ... Can you use a CD instead? ...
You probably know all this but ... Assuming Windows 7:
§ If you have a built-in or portable Optical Drive, then make a bootable CD from the .ISO file.
§ Unzip the downloaded files to get the .ISO and FW image. Then right-click the .ISO and select 'Burn Disc Image'
§ If your PC has UEFI enabled you will need to disable it in BIOS and enable the CSM (Compatibility Support Module) to get it to boot and you may need to set it to boot to your Optical Drive or select it from the Boot Selection Menu (Some key like <F8> or <DEL> or whatever)
§ BTW The last item above probably applies to your flash drive as well just in case thats the issue with it not booting.
Hope this helps.