TRIM on external SSD

academica · Jul 15, 2015

I am using a Samsung EVO 128 GB SSD as an external flash drive quite successfully. My OS is Windows 8.1. The only problem is the danger of collecting garbage with time without executing a TRIM command.

Question: Is there a way to clean up an external SSD? What if I format the drive - will it clean the garbage?

Palorim12 · Jul 15, 2015

TRIM is a SATA command, as such it only passes through internal SATA port. I've heard of some external enclosures allow it to pass through, but i've never seen one.

LordConrad · Jul 15, 2015

I've been told that TRIM works over eSATA, FireWire, and Thunderbolt connections. Sorry, no USB.

Palorim12 · Jul 15, 2015

About E-SATA from Wyomingknight:
"eSATA and SATA are not fully compatible, and the difference is not only the plug. Using one of the very common SATA-motherboard to eSATA-case back adapters introduces a risk.

The voltage specifications for SATA and eSATA are different. Technically, there should be a buffer chip in your eSATA dock to translate the signals from the eSATA specification to the SATA specification that your drive needs, and the same applies to the motherboard side.

The specifications overlap, and this odious kluge usually works, but it is a failure just waiting for the right moment to happen."

Firewire: Searched around and everything says TRIM is not supported through firewire

Thunderbolt: Looks like it might be supported through thunderbolt, some ppl say it can send SATA commands through and some say it cannot, but from what i understand, thunderbolt is a Mac only thing.

LordConrad · Jul 15, 2015

Palorim12 :

My bad about FireWire.

I always use (and tell others to use) eSATA from add-on cards, never adapters.

There are some higher end PC boards that do include Thunderbolt (some require add-on cards).

Palorim12 · Jul 15, 2015

To me, its an internal drive, so i would only plug it internally. If an external SSD is needed, i would get one that is intended and optimized to be used externally, like the Samsung T1.

academica · Jul 15, 2015

Thank you all for replying to my posting. My questions are, though, still without an answer.

Question: Is there a way to clean up an external SSD?
From what I've read it seems the only way to clean an external SSD is to connect to a SATA port in a desktop computer, install Samsung Magician and run Secure Erase.

Question: Can I install Magician on Windows XP?

Question: What if I format the drive - will it clean the garbage? It seems it's not a good idea to format an SSD with Windows format. Is it true? Can FORMAT clean the garbage?

Palorim12 · Jul 15, 2015

Magician runs on XP, so yes. Secure Erase is the best way to wipe the drive as it doesn't waste write cycle or take forever.

academica · Jul 15, 2015

Thank you Palorim12 for the prompt reply. Yet another

Question: Will Magician work if I connect the SSD via a USB - SATA cable, not enclosure. If yes, I'll buy one immediately.

Palorim12 · Jul 15, 2015

Nope, the drive is an internal drive, as such, the software will only detect it when its internal.

LordConrad · Jul 15, 2015

Palorim12 :

Magician will detect the drive with an eSATA connection, I've done it with an 840 Pro and an 850 EVO.

@Palorim12 Love your avatar!

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TRIM on external SSD

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