Yeah you don't need cables or anything. Especially since your old hdd burned so there's nothing to backup or anything. 😞

I have no personal experience with that Kingston V300. But looking at the specs it's a bit slower than the Samsung one. But it should do fine honestly. And Kingston is a good brand. So feel free to get that if it's cheaper than the Samsung.

1. there are no differences in SSD for desktops and notebooks
2. Yes SSD in the 2.5 x 9.5 or 9 or 7 will all fit in your notebook no cables are needed. Look in your manual and you find direction on how to change out a hard drive Asus Support Downloads digital copy will be found there.
3.Samsung is the best either EVO or PRO 256GB is a good size for you OS and important software. If you don't have a 2nd drive it would be good to put one in like a 1 TB 7200 rpm spinner for your less used software and data files.
4. Check Amazon and Newegg Tiger direct Fry's for the best prices One of them usually has a sale going on.
Here is another link that will be helpful for you installing window 8.1 or 7 or 10, I don't recommend ten to start with as is can be difficult to find working driver for 10. 7 8 and 8.1 have drivers on the download site I linkd you too. http://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?76993-Guide-How-to-install-windows-8-8-1-10-The-proper-way-..., That link is on the G752 sub forum but should show you the way to clean install UEFI. I recommend that you install 8.1 you may need these Generic Keys to get the install started Windows 8.1 Single Language Y9NXP-XT8MV-PT9TG-97CT3-9D6TC
Windows 8.1 Core 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT
Windows 8.1 Pro XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB
If you want to install window 7 this link will show you how to install 7 UEFI
here is a Thread in the G75 VW and G75 VX on upgrading and downgrading lots of specific information on the G75

Download 8.1 install media or ISO from Microsoft

Download window 7 install media or ISO
Download window 10 install media or ISO here

Hope all this helps