Intel Releasing Firmware Fix For 8MB SSD Bug In Two Weeks
Subject: Storage | August 16, 2011 - 04:07 AM | Tim Verry
Tagged: ssd, Intel, firmware bug, 320
We reported a few weeks ago that Intel was able to reproduce the 8MB firmware bug in it's lab and was working on a fix. Officially called the Bad Context 13x Error, the 8MB bug is a rather serious firmware issue that a small percentage of users ran into when their drives unexpectedly lost power due to improper shutdown procedures or power outage at an especially wrong time. Once the drives were powered on again, they reported a capacity of 8MB to its users, who were able to restore the drive using secure erase but not the data.
Fortunately, a fix is on its way very soon, as Computer World quoted Intel in stating "the new firmware update is in final validation testing and is targeted for release on Intel Communities within the next two weeks."
Further, users will be able to apply the firmware fix without needing to secure erase the drive; however, none of the lost data can be recovered. As with any drive, SSD or otherwise, be sure to perform regular backups to mitigate the amount of data one can lose in drive failure. Intel is also recommending that users ensure they shut down their computers properly and to avoid unplugging the SSD from a powered on machine.
Stay tuned to PC Perspective for more information on the Bad Context 13x Error as it develops. Until then, rest assured that a fix is on the way soon.
Intel reproduces '8MB bug', fix coming soon.
Subject: Storage | July 24, 2011 - 09:22 PM | Allyn Malventano
Tagged: ssd, Intel, firmware, 320
We've seen some recent mumblings about a corner case where inadvertent or improper power loss to an Intel 320 Series SSD would result in the drive getting stuch in an inaccessible mode where it appears as an 8MB drive. From what I've gathered, the issue seems rare and may be tied to some specific hardware configurations.
The SSD 320 we tested back in March (we couldn't get it to 'stick' in 8MB mode).
Intel Extends 320 SSD Series' Warranty To 5 Years
Subject: Storage | May 20, 2011 - 07:00 PM | Tim Verry
Tagged: ssd, Intel, 320
Intel is so confident in their new Intel 320 series solid state drives that they are extending the warranty from three to five years. The 320 series use 25 nm NAND flash memory, and have a claimed MTBF (mean time before failure) of 1.2 million hours.
According to the new warranty, Intel states that: "if the Product is properly used and installed, it will be free from defects in material and workmanship, and will substantially conform to Intel’s publicly available specifications for a period of five (5) years beginning on the date the Product was purchased." Naturally, it does not cover physical or other accidental damage. As SSDs are still relatively new technology, it is hard to gauge reliability in consumer systems over the long term, so it is nice to see that Intel is confident enough in it's 25nm flash technology to extend the warranty. Hopefully, this will influence other manufacturers to adopt longer warranties. You can read the full warranty details here.
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