Intel’s 320 Series is its third generation of solid state drives that promise unparalleled speed and unmatched reliability. They are available in six different capacities namely 40GB, 80GB, 120GB, 160GB, 300GB and 600GB. In terms of sequential speeds, it can reach up to 220MB/s for writing and 270MB/s for reading.
When it comes to IOPS or input/output operations per second, it can reach 23,000 in random writes and 39 500 in random reads. They use the Serial ATA-300 interface as well as the 25nm NAND flash memory.
The Notorious Glitch
With its vastly improved capabilities compared to its generation two predecessors, there was much hype for the Intel 320 series. However, no one expected that the series would become the talk of the internet for the wrong reason.
The 25nm NAND flash memory allows the SSDs to perform at significantly greater speeds; however, it has also made them more prone to errors. One of these errors can be triggered after the drive is subjected to a sudden power outage.
Instead of initiating a proper shutdown like it is supposed to, the 25nm NAND flash memory may instead keep on trying to reconnect via the SATA port. This will eventually result in a glitch in the SSD. The drive’s serial number will be changed to BAD_CTX 00000130 and it will report only a total storage capacity of 8MB and all its data will become inaccessible.
Firmware Yes, Data No
Less than a month before the first reports of the 8MB bug surfaced, Intel released a firmware update to try and remedy the problem. Users are given access to several tools that can restore a 320 series to its factory settings and make it usable again.
The users can also choose to send their bugged SSDs back and the company will send them a brand new one in exchange. Though owners were pleased with the Intel SSD Firmware Recovery tools Intel presented, many where still frustrated that the company was not able to provide a means of how they can get their lost files back.
Third Party Service Providers
Intel acknowledged that it is not capable of recovering lost files from bugged SSDs and it has advised that users seek the help of data recovery companies along with a warning that the said companies may charge $1000 to $10000. Fortunately for 320 series owners, Brian Cometa and the other data recovery technicians of 300 Dollar Data Recovery can provide Intel SSD Firmware Recovery with file retrieval services for the bargain price of only $300.