SanDisk External SSDs Face Hardware Failure Issues, Firmware Fix Only Provides Temporary Solution

In the year 2023, SanDisk external solid-state drives (SSDs) have been plagued by an onslaught of negative press due to sudden failures. Users experienced data loss and unreliable performance, raising concerns about the durability and quality of these popular storage devices. In response to the outcry, SanDisk promised a firmware fix to rectify the issue. However, an in-depth analysis conducted by data recovery firm Attingo reveals that the root cause of these failures lies in a hardware failure stemming from poor design and manufacturing practices. This raises questions about whether the firmware fix is merely a temporary band-aid covering a more significant problem.

Promise of Firmware Fix

SanDisk swiftly responded to the mounting complaints and delivered on their promise of a firmware fix. Users were hopeful that this software update would resolve the issues and restore their trust in SanDisk SSDs. While the firmware fix offered immediate relief to some users, its effectiveness is now being called into question.

Analysis by Attingo

In an interview with the Austrian website FutureZone, Attingo disclosed its findings after analyzing numerous dead SanDisk SSDs. According to Attingo’s research, premature drive failure can be attributed to hardware failures caused by inherent design and manufacturing flaws. This revelation raises doubts about the effectiveness of relying solely on a firmware fix to permanently solve the problem.

Hardware Design and Manufacturing Issues

Attingo unequivocally claims that the main culprits behind the persistent failures are inadequate hardware design and substandard manufacturing practices. One significant issue is the size of Western Digital’s components used in SanDisk SSDs, which are physically too large for the board. This results in a subpar connection to the thermal pads, leading to higher temperatures than expected during operation.

Substandard Soldering

Additionally, Attingo highlights a crucial aspect of the manufacturing process: the soldering. The solder used to connect components to the board is substandard and prone to creating bubbles instead of forming a solid connection. Over time, these bubbles can undermine the reliability and performance of the drive, eventually causing it to disconnect from the system.

Drive Disappearance and Unreliable Connection

When substandard components and soldering come into play, SSDs face critical issues such as drive disappearance. The unreliable connection, caused by these inherent flaws, can lead to the drive vanishing from the system unexpectedly. Users are left frustrated by the sudden data loss and impaired functionality of their SanDisk SSDs.

Western Digital’s Response

Taking note of the gravity of the situation, Western Digital, the parent company of SanDisk, has responded swiftly. They have released a new firmware update for their SanDisk external drives, aiming to mitigate the ongoing issues. Furthermore, Western Digital has also implemented a proactive measure by applying epoxy resin to the components of newer versions of the drives. This solution ensures a more secure and reliable connection between the components and the board.

The series of failures experienced by SanDisk external SSDs in 2023 has shed light on the critical hardware flaws present in the devices. The firmware fix promised by SanDisk, while providing temporary relief, cannot entirely resolve the underlying hardware issues. Attingo’s analysis has exposed the poor design and manufacturing practices, particularly with the inappropriate size of components and substandard soldering. As Western Digital takes steps towards rectification, only time will tell if these measures are enough to restore consumer faith in SanDisk SSDs and prevent future hardware failures.

Explore more

How Is AI Transforming Logistics with 7 Key Use Cases?

What if a single delayed shipment could cost a company millions in lost revenue and customer trust? In today’s fast-paced logistics landscape, where global supply chains stretch across continents and customer expectations soar, such risks are all too real. Artificial intelligence (AI) is stepping in as a game-changer, turning chaos into precision with data-driven solutions. From optimizing delivery routes to

Trend Analysis: Agentic SOC in Cybersecurity

In an era where cyber threats evolve at a staggering pace, imagine a digital fortress powered by artificial intelligence, tirelessly guarding against unseen dangers with precision and speed far beyond human capability. This is no longer a distant vision but a reality unfolding through the rise of agentic Security Operations Centers (SOCs). These AI-driven systems are transforming the cybersecurity landscape,

Starlink and EchoStar Team Up for Global 5G Connectivity

Pioneering a Connected World: Why This Matters Imagine a world where a farmer in a remote valley can stream real-time agricultural data, or a disaster-stricken community can coordinate rescue efforts without the hindrance of downed cell towers. This scenario is no longer a distant dream but a tangible reality taking shape through the strategic partnership between SpaceX’s Starlink and EchoStar.

What Could Windows 12 Be? A Brilliant Vision Unveiled

In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, dissatisfaction with current operating systems has reached a boiling point for many users, leaving millions grappling with hardware limitations and clunky interfaces in Windows 11. This void begs for innovation, and the question arises: What if the next iteration of Windows could not only address these frustrations but also redefine how

How Can Netcall and Ecliptic Revolutionize Insurance Services?

I’m thrilled to sit down with an expert who has been at the forefront of transforming the insurance industry through innovative technology and strategic partnerships. With over a decade of experience in building award-winning systems for insurers, our guest today brings a wealth of insight into how the sector can balance customer expectations with operational challenges. In this conversation, we’ll