Samsung 990 Pro and 980 SSDs failing fast **Firmware fix available**

[SpyderTracks]

Worth a look, I've recommended these to a few top end build, check your write count in Samsung magician or crystaldiskinfo

Samsung 990 Pro SSD firmware update should halt—but not reverse—rapid wear-out

Samsung's SSD reliability has been a selling point up until recently.

arstechnica.com

 

[SpyderTracks]

UPDATE!

Samsung have issued a fix via firmware update for the drives

Samsung Issues Fix for Dying 980 Pro SSDs

Download the firmware fix ASAP if your 980 Pro is affected

www.tomshardware.com

 

[Scott]

UPDATE!

Samsung have issued a fix via firmware update for the drives

Samsung Issues Fix for Dying 980 Pro SSDs

Download the firmware fix ASAP if your 980 Pro is affected

www.tomshardware.com

Does that apply to the 990 too or is that just the 980?

 

[Scott]

Just had a read around and found this:

Samsung 990 Pro Firmware Update Addresses Failing SSD Health

The update fixes the underlying cause of the rapid health declines, but it's not all good news.

www.tomshardware.com

Seems there's an update through the Magician software. Personally, if I had one of those drives, I'd be checking the SMART data to see what my health was like. If it wasn't where I expected, I would RMA it as according to that article the life is lost.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Does that apply to the 990 too or is that just the 980?

Good spot! Updated with correct link, not sure if techradar has mistaken the model or there's a separate issue on 980 Pros but everyone else is reporting on the 990 pros

 

[SpyderTracks]

Just had a read around and found this:

Samsung 990 Pro Firmware Update Addresses Failing SSD Health

The update fixes the underlying cause of the rapid health declines, but it's not all good news.

www.tomshardware.com

Seems there's an update through the Magician software. Personally, if I had one of those drives, I'd be checking the SMART data to see what my health was like. If it wasn't where I expected, I would RMA it as according to that article the life is lost.

From what I'm seeing, the firmware update only halts rapid deterioration, doesn't reset the clocks as such, so if your drive is affected I'd still be looking for a warranty replacement.

 

[Scott]

From what I'm seeing, the firmware update only halts rapid deterioration, doesn't reset the clocks as such, so if your drive is affected I'd still be looking for a warranty replacement.

Yeah that's my understanding too.

Good spot! Updated with correct link, not sure if techradar has mistaken the model or there's a separate issue on 980 Pros but everyone else is reporting on the 990 pros

980s & 990s had similar issues apparently. The 980 release was issued a couple of weeks back. I would definitely be checking my drive if I had them.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Yeah that's my understanding too.



980s & 990s had similar issues apparently. The 980 release was issued a couple of weeks back. I would definitely be checking my drive if I had them.

Have updated the title to include the 980s, wasn't aware they were affected also.

There's a new video from Jayz2Cents on the subject, although particular to the 980s, but I believe the issue is the same on both models.

TLDR: If you install Samsung Magician, if it's showing a firmware version starting with a 3 (any numbers after that) and was manufactured in 2021, then you're affected and you need to update the firmware. If you're at all unsure of the manufacturing date, then I'd just update the firmware anyway if you're on the 3 version

Samsung Magician Software Download | Samsung Semiconductor Global

Samsung Magician software is designed to help you manage your Samsung SSD with a simple, intuitive user interface. Download files & find supported models.

semiconductor.samsung.com

If it starts with a 4 or 5, then you should be fine.

But from what Jay is saying, the new firmware DOES in fact correct and reset any failed sectors, and they should again show healthy.

 

[Martinr36]

Updated the firmware on my 980 only a few days ago