What happened to my drive?!

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Trackr

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I have a 64GB G.Skill SSD. I was using it to back up some important files.

It has a Mini-USB connection, so you can connect it like an external drive.

I had some problem with the computer.. see my other thread. The CPU went to 100C.

So, I change the cooler, and I find that SOMETHING has caused the drive to..

Well, I don't even know..

It shows up as "JM Loader 001 ATA Device"; a 4GB drive that can't be formatted.

WHAT THE FUCK :eek:

I tried it on my netbook, as well. Same thing, except it shows up as a 1.92GB drive.

Please help me get my files back!!
 
drescherjm said:
This is a typical symptom that SSDs experience when they die.
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WHAT?! :eek:

No.. no, it couldn't have just died like that. It was working 100%. I had just run multiple tests on it..

Searching Google, I found that changing the firmware might fix it.. but I can't find G.Skill's download page. Their website leaves a lot to be desired.
 
Read this forum. There have been quite a few reports of this type of failure. This is not GSkill specific but many different SSDs mostly Sandforce based but even the Intel 320 did also have a similar failure. However you may be on to something with the firmware fix because this type of failure in my opinion is not caused by bad NAND but some type of controller failure or firmware bug.
 
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drescherjm said:
Read this forum. There have been quite a few reports of this type of failure. This is not GSkill specific but many different SSDs mostly Sandforce based but even the Intel 320 did also have a similar failure. However you may be on to something with the firmware fix because this type of failure in my opinion is not caused by bad NAND but some type of controller failure or firmware bug.
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Yeah, but it looks like G.Skill have completely forsaken their first SSD drives.

Everything now is just Falcon and Phoenix.

I have the original non-bird name 64GB SSD.

Oh man! This can't be happening! I was going to use this drive as my OS drive in HTPC..

Now what? I'll have to spent 100$ on a new one when this was working almost right up until I finished the HTPC.

Man, talk about bad luck..

If anyone knows where I can get the drives, please reply. Thank you.
 
I might be mistaken but isn't the USB connection for maintenance and service only? (Diagnostics, Firmware, etc.)

Not to access the actual SSD?


EDIT: Looks like that's a fairly common thing for it to display if it has failed from a quick Google.
 
msitpro said:
I might be mistaken but isn't the USB connection for maintenance and service only? (Diagnostics, Firmware, etc.)

Not to access the actual SSD?
Click to expand...

No, it's for everything. I've been running the drive on USB the whole time and it was fine.

Right now I'm running it on SATA, and nothing has changed.

In the mean time, I e-mailed G.Skill USA support but I still don't have access to their forums, because they require a moderator review my membership..

What's up with that?

I'm beginning to be really disappointed with G.Skill here. I've been a die-hard G.Skill fan since 4 years ago. I basically only buy G.Skill RAM. But their support is shawty at best.
 
If it's still under warranty get a replacement.

Then sell it on eBay and get a better drive.
 
aphasia said:
i'd suggest you hit up the g.skill forums...
http://www.gskill.us/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=9

the g.skill techs/mods might be able to help you out.

EDIT:
looks like the download links for firmware are in the 'stickies' in the SSD forum.
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The firmware is just for the Falcon and Phoenix drives.

They're completely letting us original SSD owners sit out in the cold..

jwcalla said:
If it's still under warranty get a replacement.

Then sell it on eBay and get a better drive.
Click to expand...

I bought from Newegg.. 3 years ago.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231220

It doesn't look like it has a 5-year warranty to me..
 
that's a bit of a bugger. you may have to bite the bullet and get a new SSD.
the updside is you get a much faster drive compared to the old one.
regarding the dodgy drive, as soon as i discover a HD as being suspect, i'd toss it. not worth the stress & wondering if the thing is going to fail again, even if you do find a fix.
 
They're completely letting us original SSD owners sit out in the cold..
Click to expand...

I had a G.Skill Titan and it was crap from the get-go.

There's no sense in supporting something from the stone age.

I'm sorry you didn't have a back-up but maybe now is the time to think about it? :)
 
i hope u get ur files. I think we've all learned the hard way about backing our shit up.
 
SSDs really don't offer much in the way of recovery options when this happens from what I've seen. I advise people to keep multiple copies of important data, and also not to count their SSD as one of those copies. A failed hard drive can usually have the data retrieved from it, sometimes at a big cost but still possible in most cases. SSDs seem to almost always die in a non-recoverable fashion.
 
aphasia said:
that's a bit of a bugger. you may have to bite the bullet and get a new SSD.
the updside is you get a much faster drive compared to the old one.
regarding the dodgy drive, as soon as i discover a HD as being suspect, i'd toss it. not worth the stress & wondering if the thing is going to fail again, even if you do find a fix.
Click to expand...

But it wasn't dodgy at all. It worked to 100% and then suddenly.. it was dead.

Old Hippie said:
I had a G.Skill Titan and it was crap from the get-go.

There's no sense in supporting something from the stone age.

I'm sorry you didn't have a back-up but maybe now is the time to think about it? :)
Click to expand...

Pkirk618 said:
i hope u get ur files. I think we've all learned the hard way about backing our shit up.
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You don't understand.

This WAS my back-up.

So, what, I should back-up my back-up?

I know what you guys are trying to say.. but it doesn't make me feel better.

dustNbone said:
SSDs really don't offer much in the way of recovery options when this happens from what I've seen. I advise people to keep multiple copies of important data, and also not to count their SSD as one of those copies. A failed hard drive can usually have the data retrieved from it, sometimes at a big cost but still possible in most cases. SSDs seem to almost always die in a non-recoverable fashion.
Click to expand...

I am still thinking the firmware corrupted when the CPU hit 102C.

Could it just be a coincidence?

G.Skill are saying that their older drives are unsupported..

If they don't at least give me a copy of the original firmware (which obviously they must still have), I am not going to buy anything G.Skill anymore. Lord knows, I've bought G.Skill RAM for thousands of dollars.
 
Since it was a backup, you still have the original files ?

As for backuping to an SSD, well, that's not recommended.

And for important files, yes, a backup of a backup is a safe strategy. With one in a different location in case of robbery/disaster.
 
But it wasn't dodgy at all. It worked to 100% and then suddenly.. it was dead.
Click to expand...

Sadly that is the norm for SSD failures I have seen here and on other forums. They die suddenly without any warning at all. I believe this is because the death is on the controller side and not at all flash related.
 
When my Crucial M225 64GB died, it started as corrupted files. Each boot I would get a scandisk, like in the Win95 days. Then, windows became unstable. At that point I had bought another SSD and was troubleshooting the crucial as a secondary drive, and after a few format/secure erase, it disappeared forever.
 
You don't understand.

This WAS my back-up.
Click to expand...
Sorry for misunderstanding but my tin-foil wasn't working that day. :D

If they don't at least give me a copy of the original firmware (which obviously they must still have), I am not going to buy anything G.Skill anymore.
Click to expand...
I'm sure that got their attention. :rolleyes:

Seriously, your drive had died, no firmware is gonna help, and even if they still supported your drive the data is lost.

It happens to the best of us but this is why I have more than one back-up. ;)
 
Okay, guys.. here's the G.Skill "US" response:

Dear Customer

Sounds like the drive is becoming bad.
There are no new firmware updates available.
Unfortunately you can not RMA since the drive is no longer under warranty.

Sorry for any inconvenience

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT
 
Old Hippie said:
Sorry for misunderstanding but my tin-foil wasn't working that day. :D
Click to expand...

Good comeback. Really got me on that one.

:rolleyes:

Old Hippie said:
I'm sure that got their attention. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Yeah, you're right. I'm not being nice enough. Gee, I'm so sorry about that.

Old Hippie said:
Seriously, your drive had died, no firmware is gonna help, and even if they still supported your drive the data is lost.

It happens to the best of us but this is why I have more than one back-up. ;)
Click to expand...

I couldn't give two shits about the data right now.

That SSD was supposed to be in my HTPC. Now I'm going to have to spend 75-150$ to replace it.

But at least you're here to poke fun at me. Thanks for that.
 
Trackr said:
Okay, guys.. here's the G.Skill "US" response:

Dear Customer

Our drives are complete shit.
Too bad you wasted your money on it.
Our warranty expires the day before the drive shits the bed.

Sucks to be you!

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT
Click to expand...

FIXT!
 
Trackr said:
Okay, guys.. here's the G.Skill "US" response:

Dear Customer

Sounds like the drive is becoming bad.
There are no new firmware updates available.
Unfortunately you can not RMA since the drive is no longer under warranty.

Sorry for any inconvenience

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT
Click to expand...

Star Trek Translation: "She's Dead Jim." ~BONES

Star Wars Translation: "The grave itself is but a covered bridge,
Leading from light to light, through a brief darkness!" ~YODA


Henry IV Translation: "As soon as one(ssd) is born, one starts dying." ~LUIGI PIRANDELLO, Henry IV



I can't think of any others right now.
 
Trackr said:
But at least you're here to poke fun at me. Thanks for that.
Click to expand...

He has a point unfortunately.

From all I've seen with SSD's, when they die, it's pretty much instant and thats it. All data is gone forever and unless you're running a double backup, you're SOL no matter what.

If you want better reliability, don't buy cheap SSD's, stick to the big names like Intel and you'll likely have better luck in the long run. Yes you're going to pay for it, but you tend to get what you pay for in SSD's from my experience.

A lot of people are still learning the facts about how SSD's work, and the old idea that you can salvage data before the drive is completely dead is no longer something to rely on.
 
Limahl said:
He has a point unfortunately.

From all I've seen with SSD's, when they die, it's pretty much instant and thats it. All data is gone forever and unless you're running a double backup, you're SOL no matter what.

If you want better reliability, don't buy cheap SSD's, stick to the big names like Intel and you'll likely have better luck in the long run. Yes you're going to pay for it, but you tend to get what you pay for in SSD's from my experience.

A lot of people are still learning the facts about how SSD's work, and the old idea that you can salvage data before the drive is completely dead is no longer something to rely on.
Click to expand...

You people are treating this like I'm stupid.

I bought that SSD when it was considered the best. It certainly was not cheap.

I just bought a 256GB C300. So, I am, and always have been sticking to the big names.

And I wasn't backing up family photos on that drive. I am building 10 rigs and I was using it to document that process, which included housing the testing software.

I think there's something more to this SSD dying. And I intend to prove it by flashing new firmware. If I can't get my hands on said firmware, I will blame G.Skill.
 
Trackr said:
Good comeback. Really got me on that one.

:rolleyes:



Yeah, you're right. I'm not being nice enough. Gee, I'm so sorry about that.



I couldn't give two shits about the data right now.

That SSD was supposed to be in my HTPC. Now I'm going to have to spend 75-150$ to replace it.

But at least you're here to poke fun at me. Thanks for that.
Click to expand...

I know you are frustrated about your data being lost, but acting this way towards people who are trying to be helpful and understanding isn't the best choice of actions.

You're data is gone and your drive is out of warranty, time to move on with your life.

This wasn't a total loss to you however, you learned some valuable lessons:
- Keep more than one backup.
- SSDs are not the best or most stable drive to act as a backup.
- Do not buy from G.Skill any more.
- Forum members don't like to take your shit.

Another thing, don't mess with Old Hippie, he'll get you with his cane! :eek:
 
Red Falcon said:
I know you are frustrated about your data being lost, but acting this way towards people who are trying to be helpful and understanding isn't the best choice of actions.

You're data is gone and your drive is out of warranty, time to move on with your life.

This wasn't a total loss to you however, you learned some valuable lessons:
- Keep more than one backup.
- SSDs are not the best or most stable drive to act as a backup.
- Do not buy from G.Skill any more.
- Forum members don't like to take your shit.

Another thing, don't mess with Old Hippie, he'll get you with his cane! :eek:
Click to expand...

With all due respect, telling me things I already know is not helping me, it's patronizing me.

I don't have anything to say about Old Hippie. He just pissed me off with his out of place tin-foil remark. The man needs to know some boundaries when it comes to other people's emotions.
 
He just pissed me off with his out of place tin-foil remark.
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You never mentioned it was a back-up drive but yet got flustered when I mentioned back-ups.

The man needs to know some boundaries when it comes to other people's emotions.
Click to expand...
You want me to say 'Oh, you poor baby"?

I've lost all my data before and have had 3 Intel SSDs die on me but yet I didn't come here and cry about it.

Sorry about your loss but get a grip. :)
 
Old Hippie said:
You never mentioned it was a back-up drive but yet got flustered when I mentioned back-ups.


You want me to say 'Oh, you poor baby"?

I've lost all my data before and have had 3 Intel SSDs die on me but yet I didn't come here and cry about it.

Sorry about your loss but get a grip. :)
Click to expand...

So, it's either insult me or patronize me?

I want you to say TO YOURSELF "Oh, poor him", and out of that try to be a bit sensitive while giving advice when you know I can't fix my current situation.

You're 3 times age. Who's going to set an example for me if not you?
 
Who's going to set an example for me if not you?
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That should be your parents job not some unknown person on the internet.

I feel bad for ya but it's not because of the data loss.
 
To be fair, the OP has been given some attitude and snideness that wasn't really warranted.
 
danswartz said:
To be fair, the OP has been given some attitude and snideness that wasn't really warranted.
Click to expand...
What has happened to the OP has probably happened to ALL of us....and some slow learners (like me) have had it happen more than once.

If you moan, threaten to do this and that, and then act indignant when someone points out the obvious maybe you shouldn't have posted on the internet expecting sympathy.

I'm not here to hurt anyone's feelings but if the truth hurts..........
 
I get that, really. The problem isn't when someone points out the 'truth', it's when they won't let it drop. Remember the old adage about not arguing with an idiot since onlookers can't tell the difference? I'm not trying to pick a fight with you, but I don't get why people (not just you) seem to feel the need to be right in forums like this and won't let it go until the other poster waves the white flag. Is there a reason you couldn't just have ignored him after the 3rd or 4th unproductive exchange?
 
Is there a reason you couldn't just have ignored him after the 3rd or 4th unproductive exchange?
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I was attempting to explain that I wasn't trying to hurt his feelings and had already decided to not respond anymore.....but since you asked I responded one last time. :)
 
That was my point. At least one exchange prior to that, it seemed pretty clear it was going nowhere, but you seemed to feel compelled to keep going back at him. Now I am in danger of getting stuck in the same pointless exchange. I give.
 
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Old Hippie said:
Sorry about your loss but get a grip. :)
Click to expand...
^ This. :cool:

danswartz said:
To be fair, the OP has been given some attitude and snideness that wasn't really warranted.
Click to expand...
Um, he's acting like a five year old who just lost his favorite toy and is blaming others for his problems.
Yeah, he totally had it coming. :rolleyes:

Trackr said:
With all due respect, telling me things I already know is not helping me, it's patronizing me.

I don't have anything to say about Old Hippie. He just pissed me off with his out of place tin-foil remark. The man needs to know some boundaries when it comes to other people's emotions.
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We've helped you as much as we can.
I don't know what you want from us, other than to tell you the obvious. :confused:

Seriously, grow up and deal with it.
It was your problem in the first place. :rolleyes:
 
Rectal Prolapse said:
I agree with danswartz.


(please don't hurt me)
Click to expand...

I don't.
The OP came here asking for help, and we helped him as much as we possibly could.

Once he realized that his data was lost forever and that G.Skill's customer support would not help him further, which was just bad timing, he threw a fit at everyone for "pointing out the obvious."

We tried being nice and light-hearted about the situation, but apparently he didn't like it.

Old Hippie is one of the nicest members I've known on this forum, and even that wasn't enough.

Yeah, I'm laughing my ass off right now knowing that his data is gone, serves him right. ;)
Karma's a bitch. :D
 
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