Intel SSD bootup problem

[themusgrat]

So I've had an Intell ssd, I think it's the x25-m series, 80gigs, for almost 5 years now. Worked well till yesterday, when I rebooted to install windows updates and all that annoying stuff. The bios now hangs when trying to recognize the ssd.

I've tried difference hard drives in different slots, different controllers too, and whenever the bios runs its checks to see what's connected, it hangs on the intel ssd until I reboot or remove the ssd. I've been googling around, but this doesn't seem to be a common problem.

Is it pretty much dead? It does make an effort to turn on, as in I can feel it doing something when it's powered on. Anyways I thought I'd see if anyone has seen this issue before. The intel support want me to run a firmware update, but I can't boot this or any other drive while it's connected, so I'd need to go get an external usb thingy, which would be a pain. I also doubt this is a firmware issue. Maybe there's a way to power cycle it and reset something?

 

[razel]

You can try to update the firmware. Even if the firmware is the same version, try it anyways. If that don't work secure erase it.

Since it hangs on bootup you'll have to use another machine. On that machine have Intel SSD Toolbox installed. Then plug the SSD in while the computer is running and already in the SSD Toolbox. Don't worry, hot swapping SATA drives, though hardly mentioned or recommended is supported. The Toolbox may need to rescan for the drive. Best of luck.

 

[Turab]

Have you tried Intel SSD Toolbox or some storage utility like Easeus ?

If the drive can't be detected, it may be dead already.

 

[themusgrat]

Can't be detected with a usb enclosure either. I guess it's dead Time to rebuild I guess.

 

[razel]

In order to do firmware update or secure erase you must install it natively via SATA. However if you plan on giving up then just buy a new one. I'm sure it's given you 5 very happy years of service. I'm still happy with my Intel's from that era.

 

[themusgrat]

Yeah, it can't boot up if the drive is installed. No computer can. Before you get to the boot sequence, bios needs to know what's connected, and as it checks, it hangs trying to figure out what the ssd is. It's obviously powered up, but something is wrong. I doubt taking it apart would be all that enlightening, so for all intents and purposes, it's dead.

I definitely got 5 years of use out of it. I did run it pretty hard, so maybe 5 years from a second generation ssd is acceptable. I definitely wish it had lasted another 6 months, I was going to clone it over to a bigger newer ssd, but oh well.

On the subject of a new ssd, probably going with a 250gb samsung evo ssd for os/games drive, just because you get 250GB for 120 bucks. Seems pretty awesome honestly. Anything against that? Apparently lots of firmware problems with the intels.

 

[Turab]

As you mentioned too, it is okay 5 years for a second generation SSD. Some drives can't reach even to it's end of warranty period.

840 EVO's current price makes it strong in it's class. But got to ask first, which software and apps do you use most ?

 

[themusgrat]

I'm really just playing games, and browsing internet. Never had load time problems with the old one, so I doubt I'll have problems with the evo. No video editing to speak of, though that may change. Still, price is a factor. 250gb means I can essentially load all programs to it, and use it for video transcoding (I do run serviio), but the more money I save on an OS drive, the more I have for rebuilding with a new motherboard/processor.

After this, the main thing I need is reliability. I will change ssds in 5-7 years, no doubt, so it does need to last that long. From what I've read, the evos look to be strong on the reliability front.

 

[Turab]

At is point, EVO is right choice for you then.

It's reliability looks like well to date. But no one can guarantee a SSD to last 5 - 7 years. Espcially for EVOs, because it is not even 1 year old.

 

[razel]

Have you tried yet on another computer by hotswapping it?

 

[themusgrat]

No, I don't have access to another computer with a sata port, only a super old lappy that I'm on right now. Honestly, if a usb controller can't see it, and 2 different mobo controllers, I think it might be done. I'm going to go ahead and rebuild, and try hotswapping then. If I can recover the stuff from it, great, but I never kept anything important on it anyways, it was just OS and programs. I'll be fine.