Intel mSATA SSD 525 120gb crash

[idata]

Hello,

I purchased a new Intel mSATA SSD 525 series (120gb) to use with Intel NUC DC3217IYE.

At a first glance, it seems working without problems. I installed Win7 64-bit.

Then, on the second day, the system started to freeze (for 5 minutes), and end up with BSOD.

This problem usually arises when intense disk operations occur (such as windows update, benchmark tools).

I tried many possible controller drivers such as (Windows' default driver (iastorv.sys), Intel RST (iastor.sys), Intel RST for NUC (iastorA.sys, iastorF.sys)) and BIOS updates. The result is the same. I also couldn't manage to install Ubuntu (linux) - SSD crashed while installing.

After an SSD crash, BIOS cannot recognize it until I disconnect the power cord and replug.

I tried full diagnostic scan by SSD Toolbox, the system crashes at ~18%. (It crashes earlier if windows write cache buffer is disabled)

The firmware version of the SSD is LLKi. The software indicates that this is the latest firmware.

Any idea to solve this problem?

Thanks in advance.

[idata · Accepted solution]

Thank you for your post.

The situation you describe can be related to a failing hard drive or overheating of the system. To check the system temperature you may see this in the BIOS. The SSDs are tested to operate between 0 degrees Celsius and 70 degrees Celsius.

If the issue persists the next step would be to replace the SSD, if you got it less than 30 days ago you also have the option to return it to the place of purchase in most countries. Otherwise please contact us (select the appropriate country) http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/contact/phone http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/contact/phone

Have the SSD handy since we will require some number of the sticker on the SSD

[idata]

You're right!

That's overheating problem. I set fan speed fixed at 100% for testing purpose and tried benchmarking tools and full diagnostic scan by SSD Toolbox. And voila! No more crashes. And also no problem was reported by SSD Toolbox.

Fixing the system fan speed of Intel NUC at 100% keeps CPU temp about 45 Celsius. And I think it was quite sufficient to keep the whole system cool.

I suppose that I better choose "cool" option from BIOS in order to keep this system stable.

Thank you SO MUCH!

[DSund1]

Do the 525 240GB series run hot usually? I have put my fans to max, but am still getting crashes from time to time. I am running the full diagnostic scan from the Toolbox, and when it gets to the Data Integrity part, the temp always spikes up to near 70c before I cancel it.

I am not sure what else to do. The rest of the temps in the computer are fine, nothing else is even near the danger zone. So is it possible that I have a defective SSD, or is there another issue that could be causing the heat?

[UHans]

Yes, it seems the 525 series run hotter than average mSATA drives:

If you are experiencing the problem in an Intel NUC, you can contact Intel Support and request a specially designed thermal pad that mounts between the drive and the NUC chassis to help the drive dissipate heat. More info here: and here: http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/CS-034326.htm Next Unit of Computing Boards — High temperature causes SSD to stop working