It appears that the introduction of PCIe 5.0 SSDs brought significant speed improvements but also unexpected consequences, especially for those who own an SSD with Phison E26 controllers.
Reports of high-temperature issues have surfaced with these SSD units, posing potential threats to their performance and longevity.
Could It Lead to SSD Failures?
These temperature-related problems seem to be occurring primarily in SSD units equipped with the Phison E26 controller. If you have one of these components, it’s advisable to exercise caution and look into the following information.
These issues could lead to various inconveniences. It’s not just about experiencing sudden and abrupt shutdowns due to excessive heat, but there’s also the risk that the SSDs may cease to function altogether. Keep in mind that SSDs are not easily replaceable components; losing an SSD could mean permanent data loss.
Corsair has reportedly released a firmware update (version 22.1) for its MP700 SSD to prevent overheating-induced shutdowns. However, other brands and models such as the Crucial T700, Seagate FireCuda 540, Gigabyte Aorus Gen 5 10000, Adata Legend 970, and more seem to still suffer from the same problem and its associated risks.
It’s important to note that this issue typically arises in computers lacking direct cooling for the SSD component. This problem can be mitigated by either utilizing the included cooler or placing the SSD beneath a motherboard cover.
If you’re concerned and want to check if your SSD is affected, there are programs like CPU-Z that can provide comprehensive information about your computer and its components. You can use it to monitor whether your SSD operates within a normal temperature range or if it requires improved cooling.
In any case, manufacturers should follow Corsair’s lead and release updates to address this problem promptly. Preventing overheating-related shutdowns, even if it results in slightly reduced performance and speed, is a preferable outcome compared to the risk of losing the entire SSD.
As of now, there is no further information available, and if you own one of these SSDs, it’s wise to exercise caution and maintain backup copies of your most important data in case of unexpected failures.
TechPowerUp, a reputable technology website, conducted real-world tests that highlighted this issue, particularly with the Corsair MP700 SSD prior to its firmware update. The uncooled unit shut down after 86 seconds of reading and 55 seconds of writing, which is alarmingly short operation time, emphasizing the severity of the problem.
At this point, all we can do is wait for further developments. If more information becomes available, we will certainly provide updates. For now, if you own one of these SSDs, you’re aware of the precautions to take. You might also consider reaching out to the manufacturer; collective pressure could potentially expedite the release of a solution.