Firmware updates on an SSD [question]

[d3fu5i0n]

Hey guys,

So eventually, I'll have an SSD that I've ordered.

I'm planning to do the firmware update on it (it's a 3.5" Vertex 2 240GB) to the latest version [v1.33 as of being written] if it's not on the latest version when I receive the drive (which they rarely are). I've heard you can lose your data on SSDs when updating the firmware (the way it was written sounded as if it was quite possible/likely compared to HDDs). Is that really as 'likely' as it sounded (when I read it)? Also, could I keep my HDD in and update the SSD's firmware whilst the HDD is in? I'm hoping it wouldn't cause any damage or flash the wrong drive; although it should search for the right storage device and they'd have different firmware sizes anyway (for the drives). That way I wouldn't have to install Windows on it just to update the firmware and re-install Windows. I'm not sure if the "losing data" is unlikely or if I've misinterpreted or misunderstood the way the information was written.

 

[boochi]

You need to be in the OCZ forums for the best support with OCZ drives. If the firmware is not listed as a destructive flash, the data should be safe. You should still image the drive before you try a firmware flash. When you attempt to flash the drive you should be able to pick the drive you want to flash. Make sure you are not overclocked and the bios is set to ide mode and not raid or ahci. After flashing you can change your bios settings back.

 

[amanoai]

I don't have experience with the Vertex one but on my Intel G2, I updated my firmware with no data lost. There is a disclaimer that flashing the firmware "may" result in data loss, non-operating drive, etc. I believe it is there to cover the company. In any case, do an image of your drive to be safe. Also, I left my SSD and 4 HDDs in and flashed my Intel. There was no problem. Again, this was my experience and yours may vary.

 

[Zap]

Disclaimers are to CYA. However, for the one time a firmware update loses data or bricks the drive, I can almost hear the howls of anguish from here.

 

[Puffnstuff]

I have an ocz agility 2 and the flash utility update is non volatile however I'd flash before installing anything other than the os just in case it does go bad.

 

[d3fu5i0n]

You need to be in the OCZ forums for the best support with OCZ drives. If the firmware is not listed as a destructive flash, the data should be safe. You should still image the drive before you try a firmware flash. When you attempt to flash the drive you should be able to pick the drive you want to flash. Make sure you are not overclocked and the bios is set to ide mode and not raid or ahci. After flashing you can change your bios settings back.

Meh, I've updated my HDD FW in both IDE and AHCI [as well as being overclocked] mode before, and no issues.
I suppose it's a "just in case" thing, if the system were to have an instability issue and halt the update process.

There will be nothing on it anyway, so it's not a problem if it's a destructive flash.
I looked at the firmware update guide that OCZ provided, and it seems that it finds the devices supported by the tool, and lets you select them.

Haha, and I know how to use my BIOS

[Off-topic: Thinking of updating the specs. Q6700 & a P5Q Premium. It'd be £300 to upgrade to an 1100T and a Crosshair IV Formula, or a Sabertooth P67 and a 2600K for around £385. (Of course, new RAM would be needed as well). What would you go for? From the AnandTech benches, the 1100T still seems to thrash the Q6700. It's at 3.6GHz currently, paired with a 6950 2GB; the minimum framerates in games and the averages are quite a lot higher. I don't I don't see a reason to upgrade though. I'm happy with my current performance.]