First SSD

[Phaetos]

As I was getting suggestions for my new build, see this thread: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2373189

I got a suggestion for a Mushkin Chronos 60GB SSD. Since it was $50, I decided to give SSD's a try. Investigating for drivers or updates needed, I found that there is a firmware update. The Mushkin website says to only update if necessary and at your own risk(obviously). I was planning on getting Win7 installed then attempt the update without anything else being installed yet.

Do I need to update the firmware at all? How do I know when I need to update the firmware? If the update fails for some reason, does that brick the SSD?

 

[yvesj]

you do not do any thing .just plug it in .install your window on it that is it then use your motherboard cd to download all the driver.
now if want a really fast ssd buy a crucial m500 128 gbs [99.99] or the m550 .
the 550 is faster for the same money ..
they are really good sdd drive

 

[birthdaymonkey]

I would update. Sandforce gen 2 drives had a lot of bugs in earlier fw revisions, most of which were corrected relatively recently.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Do I need to update the firmware at all? How do I know when I need to update the firmware? If the update fails for some reason, does that brick the SSD?

My understanding is that updating firmware is similar to flashing a BIOS--it can brick the hardware if it fails.

No reason you can't run without the upgrade and upgrade later on if have problems that it might fix.

Having said that, I'd probably update--partially because I'm a bit obsessive/compulsive and partially because I don't mind taking a low risk when all it can cost me is the cost of an SSD. The risk is low if done right and you don't have a power failure in mid-stream.

 

[johny12]

Yeah i agree. a firmware update fixes the bugs.

 

[Moe Zart]

Just remember, an update is equally likely to mess something up as fixing something.
If you don't see anything wrong with your SSD, there is no need to update.