What is an M.2 SSD?
An M.2 SSD (solid state drive) is a type of solid state drive that uses the M.2 form factor and interface. M.2 SSDs are small, thin, and lightweight drives that are designed to be used in laptops, tablets, and other devices where space and power consumption are important factors.
M.2 SSDs come in different physical lengths, such as 22mm, 42mm, 60mm, 80mm, etc. The most common lengths for consumer SSDs are 22mm and 42mm. M.2 SSDs also support different interfaces including SATA, PCIe NVMe, and more. NVMe M.2 SSDs offer much faster performance compared to SATA M.2 SSDs.
Some key advantages of M.2 SSDs:
– Compact and lightweight
– High performance, especially NVMe M.2 SSDs
– Low power consumption
– Allow for thinner and lighter device designs
– Support SATA, PCIe NVMe, and other interfaces
Why Do M.2 SSDs Fail or Run Into Problems?
Like all storage devices, M.2 SSDs can sometimes fail or develop issues that cause problems. Some common reasons an M.2 SSD may stop working properly include:
– Physical damage – Drops, impacts, bending, etc. can damage the small M.2 device.
– Overheating – Excessive heat can damage the NAND flash memory and controller chips.
– Faulty firmware – Bugs in the SSD’s firmware can cause malfunctions.
– Write amplification – Excessive writes to the drive wears it out prematurely.
– Electrical issues – Power surges, static electricity, etc. can fry components.
– Old age – The drive’s memory cells simply wear out after extended use.
– File system errors – Errors in the file system can make the data inaccessible.
– Corrupted driver – Outdated, buggy, or corrupted NVMe driver can cause problems.
– Incorrect installation – Improper handling and installation can damage the drive.
Proper handling, cooling, updated drivers/firmware, and avoiding excessive writes can help minimize the chances of an M.2 SSD failing. But like any electronic hardware, they have a limited lifespan.
Signs Your M.2 SSD Is Failing or Damaged
If you suspect your M.2 SSD may be having issues, here are some common signs to look out for:
– Slow performance – Applications and the OS take much longer to load.
– Freezing/stuttering – The system randomly freezes or stutters during use.
– BSODs – You get the dreaded Blue Screen of Death critical error messages.
– Failure to boot – The system gets stuck endlessly loading or can’t boot at all.
– Detection issues – The BIOS/UEFI or OS fails to detect the SSD.
– Unusual noises – You hear odd noises like clicking or buzzing from the SSD.
– Bad sectors – The disk checking utility reports an abnormal number of bad sectors.
– Data corruption – Important files become corrupted or are just missing data.
– Overheating – Monitoring software shows high temperatures for the SSD.
If you notice any of these issues, it’s quite likely the M.2 SSD is damaged or failing. But don’t panic yet, as there are still potential solutions for data recovery and fixing the drive.
First Steps When Your M.2 SSD Is Not Detected or Has Issues
Here are some basic first steps to try if your M.2 SSD is failing or having problems:
– Check connections – Reseat the M.2 SSD and make sure it is properly inserted into the slot. Check that the retaining screw is tightened down.
– Try a different M.2 slot – If you have multiple M.2 slots, try moving the SSD to a different slot.
– Update BIOS – Check for motherboard BIOS updates that may improve device detection.
– Boot into safe mode – Try booting into Windows Safe Mode to see if the SSD is detected.
– Reset BIOS – Reset BIOS settings to default in case settings like AHCI/RAID got changed.
– Try SATA instead of NVMe – If using NVMe, switch to a SATA M.2 slot and mode.
– Replace cable – Try a new M.2 data cable in case the cable is faulty.
– Check for overheating – Feel the SSD after use to check if it’s overheating. Improve cooling if needed.
– Run disk utility – Run CHKDSK in Windows or fsck in Linux to check for file system errors.
– Update SSD firmware – Check the manufacturer’s website for any SSD firmware updates.
How To Try and Revive an M.2 SSD
If your M.2 SSD still isn’t working right after basic troubleshooting, here are some tips on how you may be able to revive it:
1. Use Data Recovery Software
If important files are still on the SSD, use data recovery software to try and extract the data before any other fixes. Software like Disk Drill and Recuva may be able to recover data even from a failing drive.
2. Low-Level Format the SSD
Completely reformatting the drive erases any corruption and gives you a clean slate. This will wipe all data however. In Windows use diskpart utility, or HDD Low Level Format Tool.
3. Update SSD Firmware
As mentioned previously, check the manufacturer’s website for any available firmware updates for the SSD. Newer firmware versions can fix bugs and improve reliability. Use their update tools.
4. Replace Mounting Screw/Stud
If an M.2 SSD is not properly secured in the slot, it can cause detection issues. Replacing stripped/missing mounting screws or studs may help get it working again.
5. Use Secure Erase SSD Tool
Tools like Parted Magic have SSD “secure erase” options that restore the drive to factory state. This can revive SSDs with corrupted firmware. Note that this erases all data.
6. Reflash Stock Firmware
If the SSD has a custom firmware that is buggy, re-flashing the stock OEM firmware using update tools may fix functionality. Again, this wipes all user data.
7. Replace Controller Board
If the SSD’s controller chip is damaged, you may be able to transplant the storage chips onto a replacement controller board. But this is difficult.
8. Use externals SSD enclosure
An M.2 SSD external enclosure like from Sabrent allows you to access the SSD via USB. This can help recover data if the SSD partially works.
9. Send for professional data recovery
For valuable data, professional data recovery services may be able to repair even severely damaged drives. But this can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.
When To Replace a Failing or Dead M.2 SSD
If all else fails, a dead or unstable M.2 SSD will need replacement. Here are signs it’s time to replace a failed SSD:
– Unable to detect drive or read data
– Experiencing too many bad sectors
– SSD runs excessively hot even with adequate cooling
– You’ve re-flashed stock firmware but issues persist
– Strange noises come from the SSD indicating hardware failure
– Data recovery found uncorrectable read errors on disk surface
– Too many unstable sectors or other SMART drive errors
– Replacing mounting stud/screw did not resolve intermittent detection
– SSD is very old and has exceeded lifespan write limits
At some point it becomes unrealistic to keep trying to revive an M.2 SSD exhibiting one or more of the above signs of failure. Replacement SSDs can be affordable, so it may be best just to swap in a new SSD to get your system running smoothly again.
Choosing a Replacement M.2 SSD
When replacing a dead or failing M.2 SSD, make sure to choose the right replacement:
– Match the physical size – 22mm, 42mm, 60mm, 80mm, etc.
– Ensure it supports the right interface – SATA, PCIe NVMe, etc.
– Check socket compatibility – M.2 sockets come in multiple key layouts.
– Meet minimum performance needs – Speeds, IOPs, etc.
– Research reliability – Check reviews and warranties.
– Decide optimal capacity – 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, etc.
– Budget – Prices can range from $50 to $500+.
Searching for your laptop or motherboard model alongside “M.2 SSD” will help determine the right replacement. Stick with known brands like Samsung, WD, and Crucial for reliable performance.
Conclusion
While M.2 SSDs are generally reliable, they can still fail or have problems like any other PC component. Following the troubleshooting tips and methods outlined in this article can potentially help revive an M.2 SSD exhibiting issues or that is not detected. But if too far gone, replacement becomes the most practical solution for restoring full solid state storage performance. With the right replacement M.2 SSD, you can be back up and running fast without having to pay costly professional data recovery fees. Just be sure to backup your data regularly to minimize risk should problems occur with an M.2 SSD or any storage drive.
| Method | Use When | Data Safe? |
|---|---|---|
| Data Recovery Software | Files need to be recovered | Yes |
| Low-Level Format | SSD is corrupted | No |
| Firmware Update | May improve reliability | Yes |
| Secure Erase | SSD needs factory reset | No |
| Reflash Stock Firmware | Custom firmware is problematic | No |