Firmware update for my Intel 670p SSD (Asus Vivobook laptop)

[sunyata52]

Greetings,

Sometimes I experience really slow speeds, especially when writing on the SSD. The speed can go down to a few MB/s, and after some time it goes up to normal, and then it goes down again...

I have come to find out that for my Asus laptop's internal SSD Intel SSDPEKNU512GZ (670p) a newer firmware is available than what I have. The firmware I have is 002C, and the latest version is 003C (it was released years ago). I found out about this new firmware from google and from your (Solidigm) website.

My laptop model is X1502ZA, and, unfortunately, neither on the Asus Download Center nor in MyAsus is there any mention of this newer firmware and that it has to be installed.  This SSD came pre-installed by Asus when I bought this laptop.

It is very important for me to know what the risks are that come with this update. What could go wrong? Could I lose all my data, or lose access to the SSD, through this update process? If something wrong happens, I don't know if my warranty will help, since they don't mention this firmware on their official channels of communication (Asus website and MyAsus).

Is it a problem if more than 3 years of usage have already gone, and I update the firmware only now?

Also, very importantly, my Windows that I use is installed on this SSD. Can I update the firmware from Windows? Or do I have to do it before Windows boots, from a bootable USB stick? I mention that I have Secure Boot enabled.

Thank you for any help!

Respectfully,

Adrian C.

[SolidigmGleb]

Hello Adrian,

Thank you for the update.

If the issue continues after the firmware update, you can also check the Solidigm™ Storage Tool user guide for additional guidance on drive health, diagnostics, and performance monitoring: SSD Exhibits Slower Than Expected Read/Write Performance

If the problem persists, please create a support case so we can investigate further:
https://support.solidigm.com/en-US/anonymous-createcase/

For your Intel 670p SSD, please include as many details as possible (symptoms, usage scenario, etc.).

Let us know how the update goes.

Best regards,
Gleb
Solidigm Support

[sunyata52]

Hello Gleb,

Wanted to let you know that the Firmware Update has been successful. It was much easier and faster than I expected.

Unfortunately, the speed issues didn't disappear with the update.

I did the Performance Boost from the Storage Tools, and that somewhat improved the situation, but the severe speed fluctuation is still there.

I also did a Full Diagnostic Test using Storage Tools, and it was successful.

Should I open a support case? Or can I start a new thread here in the forums?

I have screenshots of the file transfers, which show the speed fluctuations. While copying files (at least a few GBs) from one location of the SSD to another, on the same SSD, the speed stays at over 600 MB/s, then drops to 50-100 MB/s. Then it may go up again, or not. Before the Performance Boost, the speed used to drop even to 710 KB/s or to 3.12 MB/s. I have screenshots.

The SMART values are okay. I have enough free space on the drive: 17-18% free space.

I have Write Caching enabled in the Policies for this drive.

I have 8 GB of DDR4 RAM.

Thank you,

Adrian C.

[SolidigmGleb]

Hello Adrian,

Thank you for the update.

At this point, if the performance issue continues after the firmware update and there are no additional troubleshooting results available, we would recommend opening a support case so the issue can be investigated further.

You can create a case here:
Solidigm Support Case Portal

Please include as much detail as possible, such as:

• Current firmware version
• System model/configuration
• When the slowdown occurs
• Any screenshots/logs from the Solidigm™ Storage Tool (if available)

Best regards,
Gleb
Solidigm Support