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Updated Intel Statement On SSD Firmware Issues

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Just saw this updated statement in the Intel SSD forums:

Intel Solid-State Drive Firmware Update — Nov. 16, 2009

Intel has confirmed an issue with the firmware update process for 34nm (G2) Intel® X25-M SSDs (80GB and 160GB). This predominantly affected Windows* 7 (64bit) users during or immediately after the upgrade process to 02HA firmware using the firmware update tool (version 1.3). Intel plans to release a fix for this issue by the end of November 2009.

Please see below to decide what you should do:
– If you have not upgraded to 02HA but using 02G2 or 02G9 – then use new tool when available to upgrade to new firmware to get Trim support and better sequential write performance (160GB)
– If you have successfully upgraded to 02HA – then continue using the SSD, there are no known issues.
– If you have received a SSD with 02HA pre installed – then continue using the SSD, there are no known issues.
– If you have unsuccessfully upgraded to 02HA – then contact Intel Customer Support for instructions on how to recover the SSD via secure erase or return SSD to Intel for replacement or refund.

http://communities.intel.com/community/tech/solidstate?view=discussions

New Intel SSD Downloads

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*IMPORTANT UPDATE
Intel has pulled the firmware update. It seems it is cause no shortage of problems for people (thankfully it didn’t bite me. yet…).
See this thread at the Intel forums.

Intel SATA SSD Firmware Update Tool v1.4
This firmware update tool provides the latest firmware for the following Intel SSDs in all capacities:
– Intel® X25-M/X18-M SATA SSD on 50nm (black case) – updates to FW version 8820
– Intel® X25-E SATA SSD on 50nm (black case) – updates to FW version 8850
– Intel® X25-M/X18-M SATA SSD on 34nm (silver case) – updates to FW version 02HA

Intel Solid-State Drive Toolbox v1.1
The Intel® SSD Toolbox provides a set of applications to easily manage the health and optimize the performance of your Intel SSD. The Toolbox includes a powerful set of management, information, and diagnostic tools, and is designed to work best with 34nm Intel® High Performance SSDs.
The Intel SSD Optimizer utilizes the new ATA Data Set Management Command (Trim Attribute) to help maintain performance of the 34nm Intel® High Performance SSD at out-of-the-box levels and is specifically designed to run with Microsoft Windows 7*. Intel SSD Optimizer also works with Windows Vista* and XP* through the use of the Intel SSD Toolbox.

*edit – Anandtech has benchmarks and more info: The SSD Improv: Intel & Indilinx get TRIM, Kingston Brings Intel Down to $115

Hot Deal, SSD for $100

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I don’t post deals much but this one is a fantastic deal.
Newegg has the OCZ Vertex Series OCZSSD2-1VTX30G 2.5″ 30GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid state disk (SSD) for $99 after rebate. Free shipping too.
Normal price is $149, 20% off = $119, rebate is $20 = $99.

ATI Catalyst 9.5's, Delayed

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The ATI Catalyst 9.5 drivers were scheduled for release today. These drivers made it to their servers then disappeared. I do not know why they disappeared but the main ATI Driver download page has been extremely slow all day.
An initial forum post on the subject was removed and there is now a forum post stating “Sorry guys and gals the drivers are delayed until monday unfortunately. If you already download the drivers manually then you wont need to re-download them on monday as far as I am aware.”
The only place I can find these drivers at the moment is at techPowerUp so head there if you want them.
Check here Monday when they become officially released.