Question:

I have recently installed a Kingston SA400S37 960GB SSD in my laptop to use as a secondary storage for large games. Initially, the installation and partitioning went smoothly, and I began downloading a large game. However, after a quick start, the write speeds dropped dramatically, affecting the transfer of large files and causing my laptop to freeze, requiring a hard restart. Despite reseating and reformatting the drive multiple times, the issue persists, and I’m unable to run CrystalDiskMark for even a 1GB test. Could you provide expert advice on how to resolve these performance issues with my new SSD? Here are the results from CrystalDiskInfo and CrystalDiskMark for your reference.

Answer:

When you install a new SSD, like the Kingston SA400S37 960GB, you expect a significant boost in performance, especially when it comes to gaming. However, it seems you’ve encountered a rather frustrating issue where the initial high write speeds have plummeted, leading to system freezes and failed performance tests. Let’s address this step by step.

Firstly, ensure that your SSD’s firmware is up to date. Manufacturers often release firmware updates that can improve compatibility, performance, and reliability. Visit Kingston’s official website, locate your specific SSD model, and follow the instructions provided for firmware updates.

2. SSD Health Check:

Using tools like CrystalDiskInfo is a good start to check the health of your SSD. Since you’ve mentioned having the results from CrystalDiskInfo and CrystalDiskMark, review them for any warning signs or failing health indicators. If the drive is in good health, we can rule out physical defects.

3. SATA Port and Cable Check:

A common oversight is the condition and specification of the SATA port and cable. Ensure that you’re using a SATA III port and cable, which supports speeds up to 6 Gb/s. Using a lower-specification cable or port can bottleneck your SSD’s performance.

4. AHCI Mode:

Check your BIOS settings to confirm that the SATA mode is set to AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). This mode enables the full potential of your SSD, including NCQ (Native Command Queuing) and TRIM support, which are crucial for optimal performance.

5. System Optimization:

Windows has built-in tools for SSD optimization. Run the ‘Optimize Drives’ utility to trim your SSD, which helps maintain its performance over time. Additionally, ensure that your system is not overloaded with background processes that could be hogging resources and affecting transfer speeds.

6. Driver Updates:

Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues. Make sure all relevant drivers, especially chipset and storage controller drivers, are up to date. You can find these on your laptop manufacturer’s website or through Windows Update.

7. Testing Software Conflicts:

If CrystalDiskMark fails to start, there might be a software conflict. Try booting into Safe Mode and running the test again. If it works in Safe Mode, a background application could be interfering with the SSD’s operation.

8. Consider a Replacement:

If all else fails and your SSD is still under warranty, consider contacting Kingston for a replacement. A persistent problem despite troubleshooting could indicate a faulty unit.

In conclusion, SSDs are complex devices, and their performance can be affected by a myriad of factors. By systematically checking each potential issue, you can usually identify the root cause and resolve it. If you continue to experience problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to Kingston’s customer support for further assistance. Remember, maintaining regular backups is crucial, especially when dealing with potential drive failures. Good luck!