OCZ firmware update keeps SSDs speedy

Darius Chang | Aug 11, 2009

Though SSDs do not suffer from defragmentation issues like magnetic platters, solid-state drive performance drops over time. This is due to the fact that a memory cell has to be empty to have data written on it, even if it's only partially filled. The information has to be extracted to the cache, have data added to it, erase the old information and then rewritten to the memory cell. As time passes and all the cells are partially filled with old data,the SSD slows down as new information has to be added in the abovementioned four-step cycle.

SSD maker OCZ and memory controller manufacturer Indilinx are working on a solution that clears used memory cells of unneeded or unwanted data on a regular basis so they are instantly available for future use. Hot Hardware has a pre-release version of the firmware and tests look very promising. The site also mentions that other vendors are coming out with their own cleaning algorithms, so if you have an SSD, keep an eye out for firmware updates.

Via Hot Hardware

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