I'm looking for the best software or methods to securely wipe an SSD before selling it. Traditional HDD wipe tools like DBAN aren't suitable for SSDs due to their unique way of handling data blocks and wear leveling. I want something that won't harm the drive's lifespan unnecessarily and can effectively erase the entire drive (not just delete files). Ideally, I'm looking for free or reasonably priced options with TRIM or Secure Erase features. I'd appreciate any current opinions or reliable workflows you trust. Thanks!
5 Answers
For SSDs, the best approach is often the 'Secure Erase' option in your BIOS or a Linux live environment. It only takes a few seconds and ensures that all the blocks are completely non-recoverable. My experiences with various hardware suggest that this is the most straightforward method to securely wipe an SSD without damaging it.
Can you elaborate on how that works?
You definitely want to check if your SSD manufacturer offers a tool for secure wiping. Most brands have their designated software optimized for their drives. Using that utility ensures you’re effectively wiping without the risks of traditional methods.
I have a Samsung Evo, and I got Samsung Magician, but it didn’t work for my situation. Any tips?
I’ve read that using the manufacturer’s tool is the safest bet!
If you’re familiar with Linux, booting from a live USB and using 'hdparm' or 'nvme-cli' can be a powerful way to securely erase an SSD without unnecessarily wearing it down. Make sure to check your drive model for the right command options.
This sounds promising! Need to try it out for my M.2 SSD.
Can you suggest a good command for NVMe?
I recommend using a Linux distro like PartedMagic. It has a nice Secure Erase feature built-in that makes the process pretty seamless.
I’m a fan of using gparted with nwipe. It’s free and gets the job done!
+1 for PartedMagic, it's user-friendly and effective.
If you want to ensure a thorough wipe, tools like KillDisk are great for non-SSD drives, but they don't fully erase SSDs due to the wear leveling technology. It’s better to use the manufacturer’s utility or commands like hdparm that tell the SSD to reset itself.
I agree! I’ve used the NIST 800-88 method in KillDisk; it seems to work well for some SSDs.
I had a bunch of old business computers, and I was able to do a secure erase on several SSDs at once through the BIOS. It worked like a charm!