OCZ Vertex 3 120GB SSD intermittently not detecting on boot

[shalan]

Hi there. I have an OCZ Vertex 3 120GB SSD installed in a Dell T1600 workstation. The Dell's BIOS has been updated to the latest revision (A16), and the SSD's firmware has been updated to the latest version (2.25). I also have SATA operation set to AHCI, with the SSD connected on SATA-0 port (6Gbps).

About a month ago I secure-erased the SSD and went on the usual way of installing Windows 7 Pro 64-bit onto it. Worked extremely well for a week and then when I switched the machine on one day, it gave me a boot error - "No boot device detected". Went into the BIOS and the drive didn't show up there either. I continued working on my laptop for a few days, and then decided to switch the Dell back on, and voila! SSD detected and booted into Windows fine. However, I think after 4 or 5 power cycles the SSD once again failed to be detected on boot. I've tried different SATA ports, unplugging the power cable from the PSU and then plugging it back after an hour ... all attempts have been met with mixed results - the mixed results being that the Dell intermittently boots up okay or it fails to detect the SSD. Dell Tech Support deduced that the fault lay with SSD.

I thought to engage the e-retailer whom I bought it from, but decided to ask here first if anyone has experienced similar issues with this SSD, and if so - what solutions you settled on.

I have searched and found somewhat similar issues related to this SSD, but most if not all, related to the SSD not being detected at all ... my issue is that it is being detected intermittently. Would greatly appreciate any advice. Thanks!

 

[Dr-Kiev]

Thats normal for ocz vertex drives. When they died, after awhile can resurect for a little again. Problems with nands chips ans crc correcting

 

[shalan]

Thats normal for ocz vertex drives

been hearing or reading rather a lot about that! I want to exhaust all possibilities before I engage the place I bought it from and request an exchange. It's still within its 3-year warranty

 

[ronbo613]

The same thing happened with my two Vertex 2 120G SSDs. It would work intermittently, then it died.
I would recommend you return it to the vendor and try another brand SSD.

 

[Charlie98]

My Plextor does it sometimes... in fact, it did it this morning when I rebooted it after an update. I just restart it and eventually it finds it and starts the OS.

It's almost like the boot cycle is too fast and blows past the SSD before it has time to power up and be found.

 

[shalan]

It's almost like the boot cycle is too fast

FWIW, I have "Quick Boot" disabled. It goes through full post every cycle. Don't know if that makes any difference though

 

[shalan]

The same thing happened with my two Vertex 2 120G SSDs. It would work intermittently, then it died.
I would recommend you return it to the vendor and try another brand SSD.

and you updated your SSD's with its latest firmware, yes? I ask as every other forum post I've seen in this regard mentions bugs that latest firmware updates resolve.

 

[Charlie98]

FWIW, I have "Quick Boot" disabled. It goes through full post every cycle. Don't know if that makes any difference though

As do I. There may be some setting on the BIOS that will slow down the boot cycle, I've never fiddled with mine, though.