Sandisk SSDs dying Possible cause now known
The reason for data loss with some Sandisk SSDs is apparently not the software, but a hardware problem. Accordingly, components that are too large are installed on the circuit board. In addition, the general soldering quality apparently leaves a lot to be desired.
Sandisk actually advertises the Extreme Portable and Extreme Pro Portable SSDs as reasonably indestructible. However, reports of data loss emerged as early as May of this year , and a later software update apparently could not solve the problems. In an interview with Futurezone, the Austrian repair service Attingo has now given a reason for this – because it is apparently not the fault of the software.
Sandisk SSDs dying Possible cause now known
The solder joints break
Instead, according to Attingo, there are several problems with the solder joints. Accordingly, some of the soldered SMD components are too large for the corresponding pads. As a result, the meniscus between the solder and the component cannot form as desired, so that the contact can only withstand mechanical loads to a limited extent.
This problem is also made worse by the solder used, which is also said to cause problems. This creates bubbles and is therefore not as stable as it should be. As a result, solder joints break off, which then causes the SSD to stop working. At first these are sometimes noticeable through a sporadically broken connection – then at the latest you should back up the saved data.
According to Attingo, this problem also occurs relatively frequently: Apparently at least one external Sandisk drive is delivered every week, which is currently a large number of cases. A more recent revision, in which Sandisk glued the oversized components with epoxy resin, also seems to be vulnerable.
If defective solder joints are really the cause of the dying SSDs, it is questionable why the manufacturer responded with a software update. Of course, it cannot be ruled out that there was an additional software problem that could be resolved in this way. But that doesn’t help with the poor solder joint quality.
If a large number or even all of the corresponding SSDs are actually affected by this problem, a recall of the Extreme (Pro) Portable would probably be the only solution to get the situation under control. When asked by Futurezone, Sandisk owner Western Digital distanced itself from this: According to this, there was only one software problem with the SSDs, which had already been solved by the update.
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