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SSD Total Freeze and then Not Found at Boot Up

Tags:
  • SSD
  • Storage
  • Boot
Last response: in Storage
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October 15, 2014 10:51:38 AM

Hey Guys,

I have an Crucial M4 128GB SSD that I purchased back in 2011 for my computer. It was for a fresh install and everything was new. I have a ASRock Z68 PROFESSIONAL GEN3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

Recently, the hard drive has been working fine, only to do a complete freeze and force a manual shut down of the computer. Upon reboot, the SSD won't be recognized. A cold restart often cures the problem for start up, but even then, after some use, the SSD freezes again and becomes unrecognizable.

Using the symptoms of this SSD issue, I was able to find that SSD's have a Garbage Collection function that runs when the computer is idle. I have tried leaving the computer (logged out of Windows) over night, only to return and find that the SSD is not recognizable.

I have switched cables and ports. Although I did read that different ports have different controllers and that I should use the color to differentiate. Additionally, an older, transplanted HD is recognized every time.

My questions are . . .
1. This is fully 3 years old SSD doing this. . . is it just failing?
2. If it isn't failing and the issue is GC, is there another way to try and guarantee that GC runs?
3. I use Steam for games and have undoubtedly filled, erased, then completely filled again the SSD numerous times. Would clearing up space on the SSD allow for GC to work better or alleviate some of my issues?
4. Any other thoughts would be appreciated. After work I will be heading home to make sure the motherboard BIOS and SSD firmware are up to date.
5. I have also researched "Secure Erase". What is the prevailing opinion on Secure Erase and does it fully restore the SSD?

Thanks. I will try to provide updates as I test things out.

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