I've had my computer set up for years with a 1TB Samsung 980 SSD, but I recently upgraded to a 4TB Samsung 990 Pro with a heatsink. After installing the SSD and moving about 3TB of files from my backups, I left my computer idle overnight. The next day, when I tried to use it, I noticed instability and had to reboot. Upon restarting, I was prompted to enter my LUKS password, but ended up in emergency mode. After another reboot, the UEFI couldn't detect the boot device at all, and the SSD hasn't shown up since.
I've tried several things to troubleshoot: running a live distro (the SSD didn't appear), a cold power cycle, testing my old 980 SSD to rule out slot issues, updating the UEFI, clearing the CMOS, adjusting the PCIe settings, and checking the drive's connection. While adjusting the drive, I found it was extremely hot, almost dangerously so, and noticed some black debris near the pins that I cleaned off. Now, although the SSD is cooler, it still doesn't appear in UEFI. I'm concerned it might be dead after such a short time.
I didn't try testing it in another machine or slot due to the hassle. I suspect the debris may have caused a short, but I'm confused about why the drive failed after a short period of use. Does anyone have any thoughts on what might've happened, and any last efforts to revive the SSD, or ways to prevent this in the future? Thanks!
3 Answers
It's a bummer to hear about your 990 Pro. Based on what you've described, it sounds like you've done a thorough job troubleshooting. RMAing the drive might be your best bet now. SSDs can sometimes fail unexpectedly, and if it got too hot, that could definitely be a factor. I’ve had drives overheat before, and it can lead to all types of issues. If you can return it, definitely do!
It’s possible the combination of your motherboard and CPU isn't playing nicely with the new SSD, especially if other M.2 devices work fine. If you can get access to another AM5 CPU, it might be worth trying just to rule that out. Otherwise, yeah, I'd lean toward RMAing everything before something else fries, like your CPU. Good luck!
Man, that's rough! I had a similar ordeal when I ordered a different SSD recently. I ended up with a bunch of headaches, and like you, no drive! I feel your pain. It sounds like the new drive was just unlucky. Maybe look into Sabrent as a backup option? I hear their drives are pretty reliable. Hope you can get a working one soon!
I agree with checking if friends have a compatible CPU. If it’s not that, RMA the SSD and maybe the motherboard to be safe!