SSD Firmware update questions

[WAR Corporation]

Hello,

 

I have a few questions regarding SSD firmware updates.

1 - Is an SSD Firmware update really important?

2 - I'm buying an SSD for my files but more importantly it'll be my boot drive. I do not have a secundary hard drive, so updating the SSD firmware will erase everything? And if it does, how am I supposed to update its firmware if I'm running Windows 10 on that SSD? Also, how do I know if it'll delete everything or not? Does it say when you're updating the firmware?

3 - Does an SSD Firmware update make my ssd last longer/have better performance?

4 - What if I end up with a dead SSD once I update its firmware? You know... bugs...

5 - How much time does it normally take?

 

In this case, I'll be using the Samsung 850 EVO (most probably).

I wouldn't mind if I don't have the latest firmware update, as long as it doesn't die on me because of it.

 

Thanks!

[iRileyx]

There's really no reason to update the firmware unless you're having issues with it that can only be solved with a firmware update.

[Mira Yurizaki]

1 minute ago, WAR Corporation said:

Hello,

 

I have a few questions regarding SSD firmware updates.

1 - Is an SSD Firmware update really important?

It could potentially fix issues found in firmware, but confirm with the manufacturer's release notes. If it's a generic "performance improvements" or something that doesn't specifically address a problem, like "fixed a bug that causes data corruption in some cases", I wouldn't really bother with it.

1 minute ago, WAR Corporation said:

2 - I'm buying an SSD for my files but more importantly it'll be my boot drive. I do not have a secundary hard drive, so updating the SSD firmware will erase everything? And if it does, how am I supposed to update its firmware if I'm running Windows 10 on that SSD? Also, how do I know if it'll delete everything or not? Does it say when you're updating the firmware?

Updating firmware normally won't erase the SSD, but there still a chance of data loss. For updating the firmware itself, check with the manufacturer if they have a tool. Samsung's SSDs are updated through their Magician software.

1 minute ago, WAR Corporation said:

3 - Does an SSD Firmware update make my ssd last longer/have better performance?

Not really.

1 minute ago, WAR Corporation said:

4 - What if I end up with a dead SSD once I update its firmware? You know... bugs...

Speak with the manufacturer to see if you can recover it or if they'll send you a replacement.

1 minute ago, WAR Corporation said:

5 - How much time does it normally take?

I don't know, but I imagine it shouldn't take more than 5-10 minutes.

 

Bottom line: Unless you know you have a problem with your SSD, don't update the firmware.

 

[WAR Corporation]

@RKRiley @M.Yurizaki Thanks guys! I recently had an SSD which died, that's why I'm so paranoid with updating the firmware, ssd types (tlc, mlc... etc)... I think I was just unlucky