Intel releases firmware update for Series 320 SSDs

CHIPMAKER Intel has released a firmware update for its Larson Creek Series 320 solid state disk (SSD) drives.

Intel's low-end Larson Creek SSDs have been a popular low-cost upgrade for many, with the 30GB SSD being well suited for use as an 'operating system drive'. However for the past month users have been reporting faults with their Intel SSDs, saying that following reboots the SSD was being recognised as a 8MB unit, a capacity that might have been useful if the year was 1974.

Last week Intel finally announced that it had worked out what was causing the problem, though it did not go into any real detail. All it said was that a fix was making its way through validation testing, which now seems to have continued for four days.

Intel is recommending that all Series 320 SSD users install the new firmware, however those that have already fallen for the "Bad Context 13x Error" will need to get in touch with the retailer to arrange for a replacement.

For Intel the problems with its Series 320 SSDs are doubly embarrassing. Not only did the company pride itself on its reputation for SSDs that it built through the superb X25 models but Series 320 SSDs are the only drives in its current range that have an Intel controller.

The past few months have been tough in the SSD market, with firms having to deal with dodgy controllers. The popular Sandforce 2200 series of controllers have garnered particular attention and even Intel got caught out with its controller. Nevertheless, Intel's fairly quick turnaround for the firmware update should help users retain faith in the chipmaker's SSDs. µ