Crucial m4 SSD FW update 000F

[Hopalong X]

April 11,2012

New FW update for m4 "000F".> Crucial.com Product Downloads - Firmware Updates

Some people have been having problems even after the FW0309.
This may help.
Mike

Release Date: 04/11/2012

Firmware for the m4 SSD is being updated from version 0309 to 000F. The m4 is updatable to this new firmware starting from versions 0001, 0002, 0009, or 0309 in a single step. If updating from an early version directly to 000F, all interim improvements will also be included (please see Release Notes for version 0002, 0009 and 0309 for details).


Changes between version 0309 and 000F include the following changes:

• Improved compatibility with certain SAS expanders and peripheral RAID cards.
• Improved throughput stability under extremely heavy workloads.
• Improved data protection in the event of unexpected, asynchronous power loss.

This firmware update is recommended for all drives currently in the field if the end user is experiencing any of these symptoms

 

[whs]

Thanks for finding that.

 

[Hopalong X]

WHS

You are welcome.

It may help the write speed slow downs some are experiencing with this "Improved throughput stability under extremely heavy workloads"

 

[mjf]

Yes thanks Hopalong X I wasn't aware of the 000F firmware release. Has anyone tried it?

 

[profdlp]

Thanks for the notice, Hopalong. Since I'm not using my laptop as much this semester I think I'll let the 64GB M4 in it be the guinea pig. (Otherwise known as A Guy's dog.)

 

[mjf]

You may want to look at my post here before you do
http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware...-your-ssd-performance-2-a-15.html#post1878696

 

[Hopalong X]

mjf

IMO AS SSD results vary 1-5% even in consecutive runs of the app.
ATTO seems to be more consistent.

Though I agree the FW update obviously did not help on its own.

Just a suggestion but 30-60 minutes of idle might help with the new FW.
This would not help on an Intel but may on the Crucial.

Wish I knew of a solution for you. If I find anything further you will be at the top of my list.
Mike

 

[windude99]

I just updated my drive. I havn't experienced any performance lag or any crashes. All systems are go here

 

[windude99]

Here is the download page for the M4 2.5 inch: Crucial.com Product Downloads - Firmware Updates

 

[whs]

You may want to look at my post here before you do
http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware...-your-ssd-performance-2-a-15.html#post1878696

Hi Michael, Your measurements look more or less the same. I have not upgraded yet, but I would not expect any performance improvement.

The only figure that really went down on your nums is the Write access time - and that is not good.

 

[windude99]

You may want to look at my post here before you do
http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware...-your-ssd-performance-2-a-15.html#post1878696

Hi Michael, Your measurements look more or less the same. I have not upgraded yet, but I would not expect any performance improvement.

The only figure that really went down on your nums is the Write access time - and that is not good.

I ran WEI and nothing changed. I guess it's that program. I have been deleting and rebooting and my ssd is fast as usual.

 

[whs]

WEI is not detailed enough. But you are right. The measurement programs can vary from run to run.

 

[windude99]

Unless i actually feel a difference, then it is fine. I don't like to benchmark a bunch. I mainly run WEI and sometimes, other stuff to benchmark my graphics. That's about it.

 

[Britton30]

Thanks for keeping a lookout Mike.

 

[whs]

After the experience that Michael (mjf) made, I think one should be careful upgrading to 000F. It seems to degrade performmance.

 

[Britton30]

After the experience that Michael (mjf) made, I think one should be careful upgrading to 000F. It seems to degrade performmance.

Agreed. Unless one has the issue it fixes, stay with 0309.

 

[Nitro58]

I just updated my m4 from 0309 to 000f. Even through I can't see any noticeable performance increase (not that I was having any problems). I'm not having any problems (lag, crashes...ect.) with the new FW.

 

[mjf]

I definitely have not experienced any operational problems. Also, I don't detect a real world performance change aside from the benchmark acc write figure. With AS-SSD this benchmark was consistently worse (10+ runs) going from fw 0309 to 000F.
So I would say upgrade if it addresses the specific issues it is claimed to address otherwise I don't see the point.

 

[profdlp]

...Unless one has the issue it fixes, stay with 0309.

...I would say upgrade if it addresses the specific issues it is claimed to address otherwise I don't see the point.

Makes good sense.

However:

Changes between version 0309 and 0000F include the following changes:

• Improved compatibility with certain SAS expanders and peripheral RAID cards.
• Improved throughput stability under extremely heavy workloads.
• Improved data protection in the event of unexpected, asynchronous power loss.

#1 - a definite "no" for me
#2 - I wish they would define "extremely heavy workloads"
#3 - Not an issue as long as my UPS doesn't fall down on the job

Anyone care to share an opinion on #2?

 

[Hopalong X]

profdlp

#2) No one testing the Crucial m4 on xtremesystems forum has had a problem that I know of. They are running the test app 24/7 full tilt.
SSD Write Endurance 25nm Vs 34nm
You may find more info on the Crucial forum.

I know 1 or 2 forum members here were expressing concern about lower than expected read/write speeds.
A long shot fix but worth posting for those with a possible problem on our forum.
Whether it helps or not???
MJF didn't have a problem with the new FW it just didn't help.

I don't have an m4. I posted what I found as a courtesy to all of you.

So updating is your call. I just provided the link in Post#1 for you if you wish to update or investigate further.
Mike