02HD firmware update impossible because of pre-production firmware?! (version 0953)

[idata]

I just tried to update my 160G Postville SSD firmware to version 02HD (latest), and I get the message that my SSD has pre-production firmware installed (version 0953)!

This is a brand-new SSD, just a couple of weeks old.

What worries me is that the label on the SSD itself says that it has FW 02G9, where the updater tool indicates that it has FW 0953.

I found a few links on the net of people having the same problem: http://www.amazon.com/review/R9244YDVV2HAM/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm http://www.amazon.com/review/R9244YDVV2HAM/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

Some info about my SSD:

Model: SSDSA2MH160G2C1

SN: CVPO940001HQ160AGN

Pack date: 29 SEP 09

The drive was bought at a Dutch online shop: http://www.informatique.nl/131585/intel-x25-m-postville-160gb.html http://www.informatique.nl/131585/intel-x25-m-postville-160gb.html

Not only is Intel having a hard time getting good firmware released, even their manufacturing process isn't quite up to spec if you ask me.

Are there any other people having the same problem, especially Dutch/Belgian users who bought this drive at the same shop?

I already contacted Intel Customer Support just some minute ago...

/Charles

[idata]

That is an issue only Intel can resolve. Perhaps they will exchange your drive or have you exchange it from where it was purchased.

I must say that is very weird. Let us know what Intel tells you about it.

[idata]

Charlie,

What motherboard do you have? I originally bought two gen1 intel x18 drive, I tried to update the firmware and it gave the pre-production firmware error on both drives. My Read/write speeds were terrible too, so I returned the drives. Now I just received two gen2 intel x25 drives today (from new egg), and tried updating the firmware with the recently released one. Again, it says Pre-Production firmware (0956 version). Same exact version firmware as my other x18's. This seems highly unlikely to me. I then switched the drives to a different SATA port on my motherboard and this time the drives did get updated successfully.

I have an ASUS Formula III maximus board with an embedded GMicron controller. I think the update tool is seeing my motherboard's firmware on the controller and thinking this version is that of the SSD and triggering the preproduction drive error. I spoke to Intel today and they said they aren't aware of any issues like this and that i should send the drive back. I'm pretty sure the drive doesn't really have pre-production firmware though, I think the tool is misreporting it. Intel should really look into this, they are getting a ton of drives returned for this very reason.

Anyways, my problem now is that with my Asus Formula III Maximus board, I can't get my system to RAID 0 them. Everytime I try, it goes back to normal mode. My x18's went into RAID 0 just fine, my raptors also accepted RAID 0 just fine. Intel told me this is likely an ASUS problem, so I currently have an open ticket with them. still waiting for resolution.

[idata]

WHen you go into Device Manager and rigt click on the Intel SSD to go into Properties what firmware string do you see in the details tab? I'm going to guess 0953 is not listed.

[idata]

When he goes into Details he has to use the drop-down menu to select Hardware IDs